[Ed. Note: Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis and Idaho left guard Mike Iupati were selected as the the 49er draft picks Thursday, April 22.)
The draft this year offers an opportunity to boost the 49er lineup, especially in key positions at the right tackle and, hopefully, improve the secondary. QB Alex Smith has frequently been pressured in the pocket, causing him to rush his throws. Additionally, the 49ers, despite having a strong run defense, didn’t protect as well against the long ball; for example, the dreaded Favre pass that screwed the 49ers against the Vikings. So here are a few suggestions:
Joe Haden, CB Florida: Haden has been regarded as the premier CB in the draft this year and, due to Nate Clements somewhat decline in the past year, would be an incredible pick for the 49ers. He has shown competent tackling skills, while also able to come up and make the big interception. His play declined towards the end of the season, piling up less tackles. Also, during the combine, Haden ran a slow 4.56, a number that has led analysts to question whether he can keep up with the speed of the NFL WR.
Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers: Davis provided strong pass defense while part of the Rutgers offensive line. Not only this, but Anthony Davis is a big boy, weighing in at 325 and standing 6′6″. For Davis, it was never a question if he would be in the NFL but rather when. He could come in and start from the first day in camp. Bryan Bulaga, OT out of Iowa would be another option, however it is unlikely that he will be there when the Niners pick comes around.
Eric Berry, S Tennessee: Berry is largely regarded as the first or second best talent in the draft, meaning it is extremely unlikely that he will slip all the way to the Niners, but if he does, it would be a no-brainer. Berry has consistently haunted the SEC QBs over the past couple years, always landing big hits and causing mayhem to pass protection and he frequently breaks up passes. He would also allow the Niners to mix up the defense a bit, adding more blitz routines. If Berry is not available, Taylor Mays would be a viable option.
Players the Niners SHOULD NOT Draft:
Tim Tebow, QB Florida: For those of you I actually have to explain this to, Tebow is not an NFL QB. His throwing motion is just not natural; I don’t care if he tried to rework it. He sat down with Jon Gruden last week for an ESPN special and Gruden really grilled him on the fact that his running stats are impressive and his throwing motion is not; hence, possibly the next Mike Alscott. Tebow does belong in the NFL as a FB, bottom line. I don’t care if Tebow is a leader or if Tebow rescued 500 puppies from a burning building in El Salvador (okay, I care, but not for football purposes). Tim Tebow should not be next in line for QB of the Niners.
Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State: Bryant has character issues, something I usually don’t care about, but since we drafted a WR and trade for another this year, we should avoid him.
C.J. Spiller, RB Clemson: Spiller had one of the fastest 40 times this year, but Frank Gore is a top five running back who should get all the carries he can. I was really sweating the need to pick a fast player until we traded for Ted Ginn, Jr.
Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame: Clausen played for a bad team and, hopefully, the Niners will recognize that Clausen isn’t what we need at the QB position. Yes, he played in a pro-style offense but there is already enough competition at that position. He will likely not be available at the 13th pick anyways.