San Francisco 49ers: Draft Grades, Off-Season Recap, and 53 Man Roster Projection

The 49ers burst onto the scene in 2012 and was minutes away from a Superbowl appearance.  After a flirtation with Peyton Manning (despite the objections and denial of their head coach), the 49ers had an interesting off-season. I’m going to take a look at the draft, their off-season moves, and a look forward at what the team’s 53 man roster might look like.

Draft Review:

1st round-A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

Jenkins went higher than everyone expected when the 49ers took him in the first round ahead of more coveted players (or at least perceived coveted players) like Stephen Hill, Rueben Randle, and Brian Quick among others. Jenkins will always be compared to Hill and Randle, and I think the 49ers may regret passing on Hill or Randle. I am not a big fan of this pick, although I recognize that speed dynamic Jenkins brings to the table and that he has an appealing skill set. C+

2nd round-LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

I actually like James, and I like the pick here for the 49ers. Was James a huge need? probably not, but he’s a good player. James is a player who can be a threat in the return game and in the offense as well. Perhaps no player in the draft brings the instant offense dynamic James does, and the 49ers are a great defensive team and one big play might be enough to give them the win in a lot of games. B+

4th Round-Joe Looney, G, Wake Forest

The pick itself isn’t great, but the 49ers used their third round pick to acquire future assets and get the player they targeted, which is good move for me. The pick itself is average. Looney should be starting soon for the 49ers, but I don’t think he is a pro-bowl caliber N.F.L. linemen. B+ (future assets are always good)

5th round Darius Fleming, LB, Norte Dame

Fleming has an intriguing skill set. I thought he might go a round or two later, but there really isn’t anything that is a reach in the fifth round to me. Fleming should be a big contributor on special teams immediately and might develop into a starting caliber OLB eventually. B-

6th Trent Robinson, S, Michigan State

He doesn’t possess great size for a safety, nor great athleticism for a cornerback, but is an instinctive and good football player. He should be a great sub-package safety for the 49ers in Nickel and Dime looks. Robinson is another guy who should excel early on special teams. Good pick to me. B+

6th Round-Jason Slowey, C, Western Oregon

Slowey was not really on my radar prior to the draft. He has good size for a center and has a reputation as a powerful run blocker. C+

7th round-Cam Johnson, OLB, Virginia

I believe I projected Johnson to be drafted in the top 100 so I clearly thought Johnson was going to be drafted earlier than this. Johnson has a lot of the N.F.L. measurables, but is a bit of a tweener. He’H edoesn’t have great athleticism for an OLB, and doesn’t have great size for a De, but is a player I think represents great value here and should at the very least make the team. A-

Overall-B+

Despite the lackluster first round pick the 49ers did a good job here. The 49ers are poised for a Superbowl run this year and their draft class should definitely help out here.

Off-Season Recap

Bears sign G Chilo Rachal
49ers re-sign ILB Larry Grant
Redskins sign S Madieu Williams
49ers sign WR Brett Swain
Panthers sign S Reggie Smith
49ers sign RB Brandon Jacobs
49ers sign QB Josh Johnson
49ers re-sign WR Ted Ginn
49ers re-sign QB Alex Smith
Raiders sign CB Shawntae Spencer
49ers sign WR Mario Manningham
49ers sign RB Rock Cartwright
49ers cut CB Shawntae Spencer
Cardinals sign G/OT Adam Snyder
49ers re-sign CB Carlos Rogers
Bears sign ILB Blake Costanzo
Redskins sign WR Josh Morgan
49ers re-sign ILB Tavares Gooden
49ers sign CB Perrish Cox
49ers sign WR Randy Moss
49ers franchise S Dashon Goldson
49ers re-sign DE/OLB Ahmad Brooks
49ers re-sign S C.J. Spillman

53 Man Roster Projection

Quarterback (3): Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Josh Johnson

Running Back (5): Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, Brandon Jacobs, Bruce Miller

Wide Receiver (6): Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, A.J. Jenkins, Mario Manningham, Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams

Tight End (3): Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham

Offensive Line (8): Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Jon Goodwin, Alex Boone, Anthony Davis, Joe Looney, Kenny Wiggins, Jas0n Slowey

Defensive Line (6): Ray Mcdonald, Isaac Sopoaga, Justin Smith, Ian Williams. Demarcus Dobbs, Will Tukuafu

OLB (5): Ahmad Brooks, Aldon Smith, Parys Haralson, Cam Johnson, Darius Fleming

ILB (4): Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, Larry Grant, Tavares Gooden

CB (6): Carlos Rodgers, Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver, Taramine Brock, Perrish Cox, Cory Nelms

Safety (4): Dashon Goldson, Donte Whitner, CJ Spillman, Trenton Robinson

Kicker (1): David Akers

Punter (1): Andy Lee

Long snapper (1): Brian jennings

The 49ers have really improved their depth across the board. Their defense is terrific, they could find another player to emerge at outside linebacker as Aldon Smith is really the only  consistent pass rushing threat from there, but the WR group is potentially terrific. The 49ers might have the best running back group in the league. The 49ers need to see the same type of consistent quarterback play from Alex Smith, but if they get it there is no reason they can not be Superbowl champions.