On The Clock: San Francisco 49ers

Going into last season, many had the 49ers pegged to be the best team in a weak NFC West. The season turned out to be a major disappointment, as the 49ers struggled mightly, and the Seahawks would go on to win the division dispite having a sub .500 record. Once again, the expectations are high as the 49ers made the first significant move this off-season when they were able to bring in the most sought after coach in football, Jim Harbaugh. Through the past 4-5 years, the 49ers have built the foundation of their franchise through the draft with such players as Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. The 49ers may only be a couple of players away from being the best team in the NFC West, but most notably, need to address the quarterback position. With free agency on hold, the draft will be a vital tool for the 49ers to take the next step. The 49ers are now on the clock…

7 Round Mock Draft: San Francisco 49ers

Round 1: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

If there is anyone that could salvage the career of Alex Smith it is Jim Harbaugh, but regardless, he is not the longterm solution at quarterback for the 49ers. Gabbert has the prototypical build for a franchise quarterback, and the combination of athleticism, throwing ability, character, and intelligence the scouts drool over. Under Jim Harbaugh’s tuteledge, Gabbert should develop into a legitimate pro quarterback.

Round 2: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

With an aging Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer as their only two viable corners, the position must be addressed. At 6′ 1″ 195lbs, Williams has the ideal build for a cornerback, and the athleticsm (4.5 40 time, 38 inch vertical) to compete for a starting position right away. Much like Clements, Williams doesn’t shy away from contact as he is able to shed blocks and make hits on opposing running backs. Nice fit for the ‘9ers and he should be available early in the 2nd round.

Round 3: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

Regardless of what defensive scheme Jim Harbaugh decides to implement, the 49ers are going to need help on their defensive front, particularly on the interior defensive line. The only thing keeping Drake Nevis from being a late 1st round to early 2nd round pick is his size. (6’1″ 294lbs) His combine numbers were strikingly similar to Marcell Dareus, and his production on the field was only surpassed by fellow SEC DT Nick Fairley.

Round 4: Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska

Outside of Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan, the 49ers lacked much else at the wide reciever position. Paul has the ability to line up out of the slot and as an outside flanker, and has the speed to stretch the field and free up other targets in the passing game. Should be able to compete for a job right away.

Round 4: Pierre Allen, DE, Nebraska (via Chargers)

If new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio desides to maintain the 3-4 scheme which he also ran at Stanford as Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator, he is going to need a defensive end that fits that scheme. At 6’4″ 274lbs, Pierre Allen should be able to make the adjustment to a 3-4 defensive end. Allen didn’t get a lot of recognition playing on the same D-line as Ndamakong Suh, but was very productive throughout his career and put up solid numbers even without Suh absorbing double teams this year.

Round 5: Cortez Allen, CB, Citadel

Cortez Allen doesn’t get the same recognition as some of the other corners in this draft coming out of the Citadel, but he has the size (6’1″ 197lbs) athleticism, and college production to rival some of the top corners in this draft. Could be a nickel situation corner his first year and eventually develop into a bonified starter.

Round 6: Owen Marecic, FB/LB, Stanford

Marecic is the type of football player every team needs to have. He is a leader, and willing to do anything his coach asks him to do. Great value from a 6th round pick as he has the potential to be a perennial pro bowler as a special teamer. Doesn’t hurt that he has a great relationship with Harbaugh.

Round 6: Derek Hall, OT, Stanford (via Seahawks)

Despite addressing their offensive line needs with both of their 1st round picks last year, the 49ers can still afford to add depth. Jim Harbaugh coached Hall, and knows exactly what he can get out of him.

Round 7: Mario Fannin, RB, Auburn 

The 49ers are expected to let Brian Westbrook go, and with Frank Gore coming off a hip injury need to add some depth to their backfield. Fannin could be an efficient reciever out of the backfield, ultimately playing the role Westbrook would have complementing Gore and bruiser backup Anthony Dixon.

Round 7: Dan Bailey, K, Oklahoma St. (via Lions)

With their last pick, it wouldn’t hurt to draft a player that can legitimately compete for a starting position. Jeff Reed was picked up mid-season after he was cut by the Steelers and may not be the long-term solution. Bailey could compete with him if they don’t sign someone else once free agency resumes.

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