Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
The San Francisco 49ers have been rated the #1 team for the NFL Draft '07 by both Draft Insiders' Review '07 and the fans who voted in our web site poll. The 49ers are a dangerous club this season with a young nucleus that features QB Alex Smith, runner and tight Vernon Davis plus an emerging defense that is ready to come together as a unit.
Below is the S.F. 49ers team evaluation for the just completed Draft Review '07
San Francisco 49ers - Head Coach – Mike Nolan – 3rd Year
The 49ers had an exceptional draft class that could eventually rival a few of their great classes of the ‘80s. They added talent at key areas of need that should help them improve further this season and possibly win a playoff berth. On the first round, they jumped on LB Patrick Willis and see him as an impact defender and leader on their young defense. Willis is probably one of the best defensive athletes in this class behind only Okoye, Landry and Adams. He has rare athleticism and can be a difference maker here and should start on the inside immediately. He can be a major boost to the 49ers defense similar to what Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis did for their clubs. They added OT Joe Staley in the first round after a trade up with the Patriots. He is a fine athlete who can play on the outside at left tackle or inside at guard. They see him as their left tackle for a long time and it was a good move to deal up to select him. He would have to win time at guard this season to see playing time. On the 3rd round, they added wideout/returner Jason Hill and DL Ray McDonald. Hill was a fine addition late in the first day. He should compete for the starting time as the slot receiver and eventually start. McDonald is a fine defender who fits best at end in their 3-4 scheme. He can also move inside to tackle in passing situations and is a key flexible lineman that this scheme needs to succeed. On the 4th round, they chose DE/LB Jay Moore, safety Dashon Goldson and DT Joe Cohen. Moore is a sound defender with good AA and a fine motor. He figures to start in time at end in their scheme. He figures in both their line rotation and playing up this fall. Godson is a raw athlete with the ability to compete for a few spots in the secondary. He can play the corner in a cover 2 scheme or move to safety. He is a big athlete who should be a factor on special teams. Cohen is an experienced lineman on the inside who will get a look at nose tackle. He was a major reach this early. On the 5th round, they chose CB Tarell Brown, a talented cover man with several off the field problems. He was a fine addition here and capable of winning the nickel corner role as a rookie. He can be a major steal here if he matures and plays up to his athleticism. He may be the biggest boom or bust prospect in the class, but a fine late gamble that could produce major dividends. With their 6th round selection, they chose RB Thomas Clayton, a powerful tailback with some off the field issues. He was a good late gamble and can win a backup role in this offense with little depth. Grade: A
Rookie Free Agency: The 49ers signed a small rookie FA class with only a few players having a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot. They signed QB Luke Getsy, WR Dominique Ziegler, TE Zac Herold, DE Zach Anderson, DE Darius Sanders, LB Steve Dildine and P Ken Parrish. TE Herold is a big athlete with interesting upside. He can make this roster and has definite upside to move up to the #2 spot. DE Sanders is a late developing prospect with size and speed off the edge to develop into a situational pass rusher in time. Grade: C
Mini-Camp: The 49ers former top pick QB Alex Smith looked sharp in passing drills as he entered his 3rd season as a pro. The 49ers obtained veteran receivers Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie, in addition to rookie Jason Hill. Jackson is a savvy veteran who will give Smith the clutch receiver in key situations. Lelie is a talented receiver who has been slow to live up to his athleticism and could emerge with his third club in his short career. Young TE Vernon Davis is healthy after missing half his rookie season with a leg injury. He is capable of a breakout performance in this passing game. The backfield has little depth behind running back with Frank Gore with situational role player Michael Robinson the #2 back. The starting secondary will have major changes in camp after the addition of FA corner Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis. Both are solid players, but certainly not the elite at their position. They are an upgrade in this secondary. Young starting corner Shawntae Spencer will push starter Walt Harris to give them a solid three corner set. Rookie Tanard Jackson may quietly surprise in camp and push both for time this fall.