Pre-Draft Needs: ORT, CB, RB, OLB, G
Players Added
Round 1-Anthony Davis/OT - While some figured they drafted him to play
left tackle, it appears Joe Staley will stay on that side. Davis was seen was
perhaps the best offensive tackle available for this year's draft. He should
easily win a starting job as a rookie.
Round 1-Mike Iupati/G - The rookie offensive lineman figures to compete for the
starting left guard job against David Baas.
Round 2-Taylor Mays/S - While some see Mays as a good value here, there's a
reason why he dropped. Mays is not very good in coverage, according to several
personnel evaluators. What he can do is go forward very well, but he has
problems transitioning in coverage.
Round 3-Navarro Bowman/LB - He figures to push for playing time this season in
back of starting ILB Takeo Spikes. Spikes' deal is up after this season, so
Bowman could start in 2011 and beyond.
Round 6-Anthony Dixon/RB - Dixon will fit in well with San Francisco's power
rushing philosophy. However, he lacks the needed desirable speed in order to
make an impact at the next level.
Round 6-Nate Byham/TE - Last year, the the 49ers selected the best available
blocking tight end in the draft with Bear Pascoe. He was waived. They're trying
it again with Byham, who is one of the better blocking tight ends to come out of
the 2010 draft.
Round 6-Kyle Williams/WR - The classy receiver has a chance to catch on as deep
bench player as he works his way up the depth chart over the next few years.
Round 7-Phillip Adams/CB - The rookie defensive back figures to land on the
practice squad unless he has an excellent training camp.
Post-Draft Needs
Cornerback - Veteran CB Nate Clements turns 31 in December and may be on the
downside of his career. He carries a base salary of $7.25 million for 2011, so
this season may be his last as a 49er. Some personnel evaluators believe the
team would be better off upgrading over CB Shawntae Spencer.
Running Back - The one thing missing in their running game is speed.
Outside Linebacker - The 49ers have an average pass rush, so adding another pass
rusher remains a need considering they didn't add one in the draft.