Who do you want?

My wish list for round one in no particular order

Andre Smith (he'll be gone)
Michael Crabtree (he'll b gone too)
Sam Bradford (I think hes over rated but we need someone)
Brian Orakpo
Malcom Jenkins
Taylor Mays (If we trade down)
Michael Oher
B.J. Raji

What do you guys think? I would hate to draft a QB 1st round I hope Sing doesn't do it especially with Alex coming back I'm really hoping for OL specifically Tackle or DL anyone have an opinion?

I would love to have either Andre Smith or Michael Oher. I think that will set the tone for what Singletary wants to do on offense (Run and then run some more). A future line of Staley-Baas-Heitman-Rachal-(Smith/Oher) would be nasty. If we can't get a Tackle in the first round we could hold out hope that Loadholt makes it to the 2nd round.

One guy that should also be on the radar (not in round 1 obviously) is Rashad Johnson, the Safety from Alabama. Tremendous range and has been coached the last 2 years by the best DB coach in college football, maybe on earth (Nick Saban).

Taylor Mays, we desperately need help at safety, no picks this year from our two safety spots. Wasting our first pick on a WR would be foolish, even if his name is Crabtree.

I would not be opposed to a top notch tackle to play the right side, a true NT, or pass-rushing DE/OLB.

Many draft boards have us picking a CB at #10. I don't see this as a need area. The needs are Safety, Right Tackle, OLB (Pass Rush) and Nose Tackle. My guess is Taylor Mays in round 1.

Taylor Mays

/thread

I agree with Gore Machine. Taylor Mays would be an excellent first round pick, would be nice if the option was open for trade down as well, Eagles maybe? Then we could grab a OT and a DT. I think I read somewhere that VD's brother is a pretty good safter and could be gotten in the late rounds as well.

In order...
1. Smith
2. Oher
3. Monroe
4. Orakapo
5. Brown
6. Mays

Can't go wrong with any of the tackles...what better way to improve our team's running game than by adding a stud RT? Really that's the one glaring weakness in the ground game right now.

If not a tackle then either of those two edge rushers would really help out. Either one of them has the potential to double Haraleson's sack total. Haraleson and Manny could split time at solb.

Mays is the the option if the tackles/pass rushers are gone. Roman is the worst starter on the team and Mays is an elite talent...he's the safest pick in the draft imo.

We should be able to get one of these 6 players, I'm fine with any one of them.

I don't have any specific players in mind right now. I do have positions in mind: pass rusher and safety are the first two. Next are right tackle, speed receiver, and quarterback.

I think the Niners should wait until the 4th round or after when drafting a QB.

I think we revert back to the days of Bill Walsh....trust that McSing will find the best player of value that fits into the system he wants to employ.
it's too easy to say let's get some massive OT or hard hitting safety when in reality there may be a kick a$$ player who fits into exactly what were trying to accimplish. That said....anything but a QB or WR in round 1 would make me happy!

I really like Orakpo. The more i watch him the more I want him in a Niners uni. He would be solid for our D. I'd hate to settle for anybody else in the first round, except maybe Taylor Mays. Without a pass rush I don't think that pick would be that beneficial though..

Rajji
Oher/Andre Smith

Picking at #10 spot, guys like Crabtree, Oher, and A. Smith will likely be long gone. I'd look at Carl Monroe...he's very good and should still be on the board. I also like Mays a lot...hard to say how early he'd be taken. Pretty rare to see any S taken #10 in the draft. But, he's a pretty rare talent, so we'll see. If we sign a FA OT...not talking Gross, but someone among Willie Colon/Max Starks (Steelers), Vernon Carey (Miami) or Khalif Barns (Jags), then we could take another OL later in the draft.

We definitely don't need another top ten pick spent on a quarterback. At first I was very much on the pass-rusher bandwagon until I really started to get an idea of just how talented taylor mays is. He sounds like a mix between Sean Taylor in terms of physical talent and Brian Dawkins in his playing style, and would turn that weakness with Mark Roman at free safety into a huge strength. With his range Big Sub would never have to surface again, or so i fantasize.

I assure you 100% we won't take a QB with the #10 pick. That's one

Two, I'm sorry but Mays, aside from being a freakish athlete, hasn't really impressed me as far as creating turnovers this season.

I think/hope we go fix the trenches with this pick, either a tackle or a DE/DL. The general consensus from the Mocks I've seen is that Raji would still be available at that spot but would be kinda of a reach at #10, well if we're gonna make a reach at #10 I rather it be Raji than Mays

I don't care about turnovers from Mays, I care about his incredible range and crushing hits. He does a good job of reading the offense and being in position to make a play, getting to the line of scrimmage quickly on runs and taking good angles to the tackle. After a year or so of development I'd feel very comfortable with the coaches taking a Polamalu-esque approach to his game, allowing him a lot of freedom and trusting his instincts and game smarts to put him in the right place at the right time.

I was just wondering if you could list their positions next to their names. I am not as familiar w/ all these college players yet. Probably won't appropriately dive into all the draft stuff, for a few more weeks when the playoffs are over. Although i have to admit i am at least starting to look.

I must admit I don't know much about Mays as I don't get a chance to watch any USC games (fell asleep during the bowl game) but judging by your comments he seems to be the Safety we need I hate Roman.

as far as some info on the players

http://www.draftcountdown.com/ click mock draft (if it doesn't work hit back then mock draft again)

Positions

Andre Smith OT
Michael Crabtree WR
Sam Bradford QB (Heisman)
Brian Orakpo DE
Malcom Jenkins CB
Taylor Mays S
Michael Oher OT
B.J. Raji DT

As far as what it says on nfldraftcountdown.com about Mays ... it has the Texans taking him at 12

The Texans have been around for seven years but, with all due respect to the C.C. Brown's and Will Demps' of the world, they have never had a great safety. That would change with this pick. Just a junior, Taylor Mays is already somewhat of a legend in draftnik circles Taylor Mays | Southern Cal Trojans and if his workout numbers are anything close to what has been rumored he could be long gone by this point on Draft Day. The phrase "Hits Like a Linebacker, Runs Like a Cornerback" was made to describe guys like Mays, who checks in at 6-3 and 230 pounds and has reportedly run a 4.3 forty. Granted USC has a fast track and is known for inflating their players times but even if Mays runs a 4.45 it will still be very impressive at that size. If Mays is gone or if they want to go in another direction defensive end will also be a strong possibility. Mario Williams is one of the leagues elite pass rushers but Houston is not happy with Anthony Weaver on the other side and there should be a lot of good defensive ends still on the board here. Don't rule out a linebacker either. However, guys like Mays just don't come around very often and Houston may have a hard time passing up the chance to add such a freakish athlete and potential impact player to their secondary.

Also I know Crabtree wouldn't be a need pick but I'm just thinking of Crabtree Hill Morgan and Ziegler seems like a good crop to choose from

The only team I can see taking Mays before our pick is Cincinnati at number 6. Can't wait till draft day...

As for the first three rounds, this would be a dream scenario for me:

1). Everette Brown, DE/OLB - Florida St.
2). Phil Loadholt, T, Oklahoma
3). Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

The first pick could go one or two ways with me, as I really like Taylor Mays, but with murmers that Scotty Mac doesn't take Safeties high floating around, I think Brown is the safer pick. He's an elite pass rusher with perhaps the best first step in the draft.

Loadholt falling to us in the 2nd is a reach, but the guy is a mauler, and if he's sitting there I figure we have to take him. Team with with Rachal on the right side and we've got a duo Frank can run behind for years to come.

Everyone is talking about B.J. Raji, a prospect I wish would've come out last year. Instead, he stayed in school, and is now a legit first rounder. BC's other starting DT, Brace, is more of a traditional run stuffer, and he's ideal for a 3-4 defense.

I've got to admit that the Everette Brown talk is getting interesting now that he declared early.
I know nothing about him and will look for solid bio info for sure.
Right now I'm hoping a guy like Terrel Suggs can be had in FA, then add NT/OL/DE in any order we can.
Love Loadholt and his linemate Duke Robinson.
Raji would make sense at 10 if we get Suggs?
Lots to consider, but like where we are in the top 1/3 of each round and probably 2 Comp picks in the mid to late rounds.
Watch the OG from LSU Herman Johnson in the Sr Bowl.
I read his bio, he's ENORMOUS. Gotta see his feet now.
Kid is 6'7" 370ish playing GUARD.

Brown is not the safer pick. He would have to be converted from d end to outside linebacker, a fairly radical transition with unpredictable results. Some work out, like Shaun Merriman, and some don't.

I meant it'd be safer to assume, if the FO is against taking Safeties high, that Brown would be the pick.

Purely out of curiosity, why do you believe/where did you hear that our GM is against taking safeties high?

My wet dream is that Mays declares, falls to us at 10, and Brown falls to 20 or so at which point we trade up for him. No way in hell that actually happens, but a boy can dream...

Doing a little Draft 'cruising' and found an interesting coincidence.
Terrell Suggs was drafted #10 (Rd 1) by the Ravens.
What are the odds we find ourselves a stud DE/OLB at 10 this year?

they'll draft "smashmouth".

center alex mack

maybe vernon's little brother -- when can you pass on a really good cb?

What are the best places you guys have found for Draft info. Besides Kiper and McShay, I'm looking for Web sites that have good mocks, profiles, lists of the best players at each position, etc. What have you guys found to be the best sites?

Toby this is a pretty reputable site, you won't get 100% access until you sign up, but you can get some fluff if you know who to look for by name.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/

Hard to say at this point if Smith,Oher or Monroe are gone at ten spot then :(1) B J Raji (or Suh) Nt;(2) Max Unger or Phil Loadholt for Ot(3)Mike Reilly QB;(4)Domonique Johnson CB:(5)Phillip Hunter DE;(6)Herb Donalson RB;(7)Mark Hafner FB (converted from TE)...ofcourse the board will shift in the next few months but right now these guys seem intriguing!

Regarding Toby's question on good draft sites, I've been following the draft avidly for almost 10 years now, and the most accurate sites have proven to me to be http://www.eastcoastsportsnews.com/2009NFLDraft.html and Draft King, and of course Miaocco's.

That's a product of combing virtually every draft site available from the Hail to the Redskins site for multiple years.

I haven't gotten to the point of individual names yet. I think the first 3 rounds should be by default focused on the trenches, allowing for exceptions of course.

I'd like to see us trade down from 10 to get a couple of 2nds or a late first and another pick.

Until Abrayo Franklin really turned around his game once Singletary started coaching, I thought our biggest need was NT. At this point I hope we walk away with a OL or 2, a DL, a QB, an RB, a FS, and a WR.

Toby, check out Mike Mayock of NFL network...he's the best.

RoastHawg - I'm not a big fan of Mayock. The 40 time is one of the biggest things he grades guys on, and the 40 time means nothing.

Check out his QB rankings from last year. He has Andre Woodson at #2, the guy didn't make an NFL team this year. He had Woodson, Dennis Dixon, and Brian Brohm all ranked ahead of Joe Flacco.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d804a1248&template=with-video&confirm=true

This is his job. The thing he does 12 months a year, how can he miss so bad on these guys?

Devin Thomas was his #1 WR. How'd that guy do this year.

That is why I'm looking for as many suggestions as possible.

I noticed alot of you wanted Mays since he is reportedly going back to USC and and others in the collegiate game are headed back to school have any of your opinions changed? The more I think about it the more I want a OL Tackle but I would love Pass Rusher as well

I was ridiculously high on Taylor Mays and am pretty bummed that he's going back to school, as (being the eternal niners optimist that I am) I have serious doubts that the Niners will be in position to draft the kid next year. Anyways, this might be better for us in terms of value if not star power. The only player who need-wise and talent-wise should be considered for the 10 slot is Brian Orakpo, who quite possibly will be gone by then (not to mention that his inconsistency really bugs me).

My current dream scenario: Niners trade the 10 pick for a mid to low 1st rounder and a mid to low 2nd rounder, using a combination of those two picks + our original 2nd rounder for Greg Hardy or Everette Brown, Patrick Chung (or a different playmaking/hard hitting safety) and a solid tackle with size upside who could be coached up into a good run blocker.

Were that to come about, and were all those picks to turn out well, I think the biggest two potential upgrades after that would be to our wideouts and our quarterback (though I'm very high on SHill, J Hill and Morgan), and to another 3-4 DE should Kentwan Balmer not take the leap I'm expecting from him this year.

I agree with Toby. Mike Mayock is terrible! I remember when Mayock had the biggest man crush on Kevin Kolb and John Beck when they came out for the draft. So far, when they've played, both Kolb and Beck have been absolutely lousy!

In surfing the Web, Scott Wright's DraftCountdown.com provides pretty in-depth information. But the site that I've found to be one of the most accurate is projecting talent is NFLDraftPros.com. Looks like both sites will be reporting from Mobile for Senior Bowl Week. I'm looking forward to what they find out.

As for the Niners, I think they should take DE/OLB Everette Brown of Florida State with their 1st round pick. I just have a feeling that Brian Orakpo will be an injury-prone player when he reaches the NFL. Everette Brown's our guy! Put it on the board, Scottie Mac!

I don't think that picking a DE/OLD in the first round will get us the instant pass rush help that we are all hoping for. Vernon Gholston and Chris Long both had 14 sacks last year, and neither of them had much impact this year in the NFL. Gholston didn't even play. Merriman and Suggs were freaks. Most Rookies are just not ready to be a pass rushing force in the NFL.
I think we would get better value by picking up Raji in the first. He has the strength and explosion to collapse the pocket, which would make our outside pass rush more effective. If we do not go to a zone-blocking scheme, OT Loadholdt in the second. S Derek Pegues in the third. He has great coverage skills (doudled as a CB), football smarts (HS QB), Speed, ball skills, and return ability. The Guy breaks on the ball and makes plays. Remember, Ed Reed was taken in the third round. The remaining picks, including comps, can be spent on DE/OLB, QB, RB, and LB (future TED)

I don't think Raji will make it past the bengals, jaguars and packers, all teams with serious d-line/NT needs. If he does, though, I'd be pretty happy with it. Brown and Raji are tied to me in terms of how content i'd be with the picks, but the difference between brown and the 2nd best OLB on the team is much bigger than the difference between Raji and Aubrayo Franklin.

I never get too bummed out on draft day cause I figure these guys do a lot more scouting than me.

Player that I would love to see on the 49ers mid to late round radar: Ramses Barden out of Cal Poly 6'6" 227 broke Jerry Rice's record for consecutive games with a TD (20) and had 4203 yards and 50 td's in his career. Granted that's against some weak competition, but with that kind of size and track record could be worth a mid-late round pick.

Raji was a beast down at the Senior Bowl, and I liked what I saw. I'd have to disagree with the Loadholt in the 2nd comment only because he seemed to get beat outside on speed rushes. He was solid is run blocking, which to me sounds a lot like Kwame Harris. Good run blocker, bad pass blocker.

I read the blog that Matt posted during the Senior Bowl regarding the guys down blogging about it. They had good reports. I don't agree with all of them, but they are worth a check. www.NFLDraftPros.com Plus they have some nice rankings for those of us that love looking deep into the draft, not just the first round.

Comment from Matt's block:

I really like Everette Brown at # 10, but I have a bad feeling that our Raider neighbours will pick him up in front of us. With this happening we should draft like this in the first three rounds:

1st round - BJ Raji: I know Franklin stood up towards the end of the season, but Raji is a monster who can stop the run and go for the QB. (Jenkins could be a nice choice as well. Put him in at corner and move Clements to safety. I know a lot of you guys would love that move).

2nd round - Larry English/Ziggy Hood: We really need a sackmaster and both players could be chosen in the second round. English might be gone, and Hood is perhaps a reach at this point, so a trade could be possible.

3rd round - Alex Boone: We have a serious need for a big guy at right tackle and Alex Boone would be a nice pick up. A year ago he was a potential first day choice but for some strange reason his value his decreased during the season. He finished the season with a brilliant game against Texas - blocking Orakpo nicely throughout the game. (I'm a bit hesitant about picking up an OT in round 1. Staley is a solid LT and picking up Oher, Smith (x2) or Monroe would force the Niners to pay this guy more than Staley).

A lot of things could change this mock: 1) Picking up Peppers and Haynesworth in FA :-), 2) Niners not reaching a deal with Alex or 3) good/bad performances at the Combine and pro days.

Larry english won't be picked up on the first day, and Alex boone won't get taken by anyone until at least the fifth round. Unless someone fell in love with him he could even go undrafted, seeing as his recent drunken arrest will turn a lot of teams off.

Addendum to above picks now includes Louis Ellis DT; Javorris Jackson FS; and Greg Micheli QB-more sleepers for yor consideration!!!!

(1) Smith/Oher/Monroe or Duke Robinson OL ;(2)Connor Barwin DE;(3)Domonigue Johnson CB (4)Chris Baker DT ;(5)Dayral Briggs OLB(6)Ramses Barden WR;(7)Either Herb Donaldson or Tyler Roehl RB---UDFA signings then could be Greg Micheli QB( or Chase Holbrook)-Pierre Banks SS-Brandon Swain DE-Nate Kmic RB et al

March Mock update-(1)Oher/Smith;(2)Connor Barwin/Jarron Gilbert;(3)Mike Reilly/Pat White;(4)Austin Collie/Ramses Barden:(5)Lydon Murtha;(6)Dayral Briggs;(6)Domonique Johnson/Javorris Jackson(7)Herb Donaldson/Tyler Roehl-UDFA same interest as above!

This weeks' update- WR Dudley Guice joins Austin Collie as a rising sleeper fav-; CB Tony Carter ;FB Quinn Johnson; NT Myron Pryor all very interesting.

Trade down w/Detroit (our tenth for their 20 and 33 )-(20) Connor Barwin DE/OLB/TE;(33)Jarron Gilbert DL;(43)Max Unger OL;(74)Austin Collie WR;(111)Rashad Jennings RB;(146) Lydon Murtha OL;(171)Frantz Joseph ILB;(184) Tony Carter CB;(219);Dudley Guice WR(244)Myron Pryor NT---UDFA's Greg Micheli QB:Herb Donaldson RB;Tyler Roehl FB;Diyral Briggs OLB.

Non trade final draft night before :(1) M Oher:(2) Connor Barwin(please and thank you )or Larry English OLB;(3)Alphonso Smith-CB-;(4)James Casey-TE;(5) Franz Joseph -the more i know about this guy the more I want him at ILB Coach Singletary's kinda guy without a iota of doubt!-(5th Extra)-Austin Collie(reminds me of Jordy Nelson);(6)Mike Reilly-QB;(7) Herb Donaldson -RB;(7th extra ) Myron Pryor NT.