NFC West
San Francisco 49ers Draft Review
By Chris Warner
Jun 25, 2006, 18:43

To be a 49ers fan these days, you have to be longsuffering. They've got a combined record of 13-35 over the last 3 seasons and that trend is likely to continue for at least a few more. In the 2005 draft, the 49ers selected their QB of the future in Alex Smith. They now have to give Smith everything he needs in order to succeed. The defense, which was pretty bad already, took a few hits this offseason as well. Losing Julian Peterson, Andre Carter, and Brandon Lloyd opens a few vacancies that need to be filled soon. With a couple key free agent signings and a solid 2006 draft, the 49ers are now back on the right track.

1st Round (6th overall)
TE-Vernon Davis-Maryland

This guy can do it all. Davis has great speed and soft hands. He has a good vertical leap and the athleticism to make the tough catch. He may not be the best blocker but that's not why he was drafted. He will instantly make an impact. Since the longball isn't Alex Smith's forte, Davis will give Smith that short to intermediate target. Davis will still manage to turn the short routes into big gains because there isn't many LB's that can run with him. Grade:A+

1st Round (22nd overall)
LB-Manny Lawson-NC State

With the loss of Julian Peterson, the 49ers needed to find a playmaker right away, and they did just that. They traded their 2nd round pick and one of their 3rd rounders to move up 15 spots to land Lawson. A DE in college, Lawson has good speed and is a solid tackler. He's still a little raw, but with his freakish strength and athletic ability, the move to LB should allow him to fly all over the field and make plays. I imagine the 49ers will let him get after the QB, possibly allowing for decent sack totals. Grade:A

3rd Round (84th overall)
WR-Brandon Williams-Wisconsin

Wisconsin's all time leading receiver is a little on the smallish side, but should fit perfectly in the slot. Williams has terrific hands and rarely drops passes. He doesn't mind going over the middle and has a knack for finding open spots in the zone. Like Vernon Davis, he has great body control and runs crisp routes. He may start out as KR/PR but should see plenty of time in the slot and give Smith another quick hit target. Grade:C

4th Round (100th overall)
QB-Michael Robinson-Penn State

Drafted as a RB, Robinson could see the field as a receiver or DB because of his amazing athletic ability. He's tough and can break tackles at the same time, making the first defender miss. Without a true NFL position, I thought this was a big reach with a few good DT's still on the board. We must keep an eye on him throughout camp to get a good idea of where he'll play. Grade:D

5th Round (140th overall)
LB-Parys Haralson-Tennessee

A great pick. A bargain that also fills a need. DE in college, Haralson is a terrific pass rusher. A little on the small side, but the move to LB should do him well. Like Lawson, he'll be able to fly around and make plays, at the same time lining up at DE periodicaly. The 49ers have lacked a great pass rushing specialist, but Haralson has a chance to become one. Should be fun to watch him and Lawson for years to come. Grade:B+

6th Round (175th overall)
WR-Delanie Walker-C.Missouri State

Has great size (6'1" 230) and plays with a mean streak. Takes punishment but also dishes some out. Likely to become an H-back. Doesn't have great hands and isn't a good route runner. Has a history of knee problems. Most likely a special teams player but also has a chance of developing into a possession receiver. Grade:D

6th Round (192nd overall)
DB-Marcus Hudson-NC State

Hudson has a slight frame and needs to add bulk. He's a sure tackler who is very strong against the run. Not a great coverman and not physical. The 49ers would be wise to keep him at safety. He'll likely contribute on special teams but has a chance to develope into a fine safety in a couple years. Nice bargain pick. Grade:B-

6th Round (197 overall)
DE-Melvin Oliver-LSU

Not sure what the 49ers saw in this guy. Oliver doesn't have the speed to play DE in the pros, and is too small to play tackle. His dedication has come into question. He may be able to find spot duty as an end in the 49ers 3-4 scheme, but offers very little. Hard to beleive the Niners went BPA here. Grade:D-

7th Round (254th overall)
S-Vickiel Vaughn-Arkansas

Virtualy no value with this pick. Likely to just become a special teams player, but more likely to be released. No grade.

Overall: The 49ers had a great draft in my opinion. Vernon Davis and Brandon Williams should help out Alex Smith alot. Williams should become a solid #3 WR out of the slot and could find himself on alot of fantasy keeper teams. Davis, without question, will become a TE stud. Lawson and Haralson should be very productive OLB's for alot of years to come. They both have the ability to produce turnovers as well as rack up sacks. The 49ers may not win 5 games for a 3rd straight season, but they'll at least have a gauge of what they have. 49ers fans should be able to see a little light at the end of this long tunnel.

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