Draft Grades: 49ers

This was a very disappointing draft for the 49ers, who got very little help for the immediate future. The issues started with the 10th pick when the selected Michael Crabtree. Its hard to argue with the value that Crabtree had at that point, but I don't see how he fits into the 49ers plans. There are serious concerns about Crabtree's ability to keep his mouth shut and just play football. His former quarterback Graham Harrell had this to say about Crabtree's 'diva' attitude: "He thinks he should get the ball on every snap... He's not going to be mad if he doesn't get the ball - as long as we're having success." So what happens when Shaun Hill/Alex Smith/Damon Huard fails to get him enough touches during a 49ers loss this year (which is bound to happen multiple times in 2009)?

Glen Coffee was picked right around where I expected to hear his name called, but the 49ers had far more pressing needs than a backup running back. Linebacker, cornerback and offensive line were all areas of concerns that the Niners could have address here.

Scott McKillop had great value in the 5th round. He's the type of football player that Mike Singletary is going to love to coach. He'll be a backup behind Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes for now, but could certainly win a starting job once Spikes calls it quits.

I don't like the Nate Davis selection at all. Davis needed to go somewhere where he could learn behind a veteran quarterback, and I don't mean a journeyman backup like Shaun Hill or Damon Huard. I have very little hope for him in this league now that he's landed in San Francisco.

Bear Pascoe was a solid but unspectacular pickup. He's an excellent blocker and more of the type of tight end that Singletar wants (as opposed to the more atheletic/less physical Vernon Davis).

Curtis Taylor is an exception athlete but he failed to establish himself at LSU. He's inconsistent and still has a lot to learn about the position.

Jean-Francois is an adequate 7th round pick. He'll provide some depth and work his way into the defensive line rotation.

Ultimately this was a very dissappointing draft for the 49ers. Crabtree is the only guy that they can count on to develop into a starter, but even he comes with some risks. The 49ers did nothing to improve their team for the immediate future and they should expect to be drafting in the top 10 against in 2010.

Grade: D

Draft Visit Tracker: Mark Sanchez

Its been a busy offseason for Mark Sanchez . He's been all over the mock drafts, from 1st overall to 19th overall and everywhere in between.

As far as the real world goes, Sanchez has been checked out by the Broncos, Browns, Redskins, Jaguars, 49ers, Lions, Rams and Seahawks. It would appear that all of those are realistic landing spots for the USC quarterback, but we can rule out a few of them:

He's not going to Detroit (Stafford is all but locked in there).

He's probably not going to Jacksonville or San Francisco (they don't have the tools to trade up far enough to land him.

Despite this report, he's probably not going to Cleveland (Mangini would need the secret service to escort him around Cleveland if he added ANOTHER quarterback to the mix).

That leaves the Rams, Redskins, Broncos and Seahawks. So here's a look at what each team is likely thinking about Sanchez:

• The Rams need a new franchise quarterback, but it doesn't have to come from this draft. It doesn't sound as though they were wowed by Sanchez in his workout meaning they're likely to pass.
• The Redskins would love Sanchez and Daniel Snyder is just crazy enough to order his front office to fork over enough draft picks to move up to select him. It's a long shot, but you can't rule it out.
• The Broncos would like Sanchez and have more than enough ammunition to move up to select him. They won't be selecting him 12th overall, but if they package their draft picks they could move into the top five.
• The Seahawks reportedly love Sanchez and are prepared to select him with the 4th pick in the draft. Only the Rams and Chiefs stand in their way.
  

In my latest mock draft I have Sanchez going to the Seahawks and I will likely leave it that way in my final mock draft on Friday. The only way he doesn't land in Seattle is if the Redskins or Broncos move ahead of the Seahawks on draft day.

Breaking Down the Browns Trade Rumors

The team controlling the shape of the 1st round right now is the Cleveland Browns. Already owning the 5th overall selection, the Browns could land two more picks by draft day.

The first rumor, which has been widely reported for the past two weeks, is that they will send Braylon Edwards to the Giants for some combination of a 1st-round pick, 3rd-round pick and Steve Smith or Dominick Hixon. This would be a controversial move for the Browns, who have a legitimate playoff caliber-offense when everyone is healthy. Shipping Edwards off to New York would make either David Patten or Josh Cribbs the top receiver on the depth chart (at least until they select Crabtree 5th overall, that is). If the Giants are able to land Anquan Boldin, however, the Browns have to pass on Crabtree and select either a linebacker (Aaron Curry, Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin) or tackle (Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith - whoever falls).

The other rumor is sure to make even more waves around the league if it comes to fruition. The 49ers are reportedly interested in Brady Quinn and could offer the Browns the 10th overall pick. Its tough to say who the Browns would target with this selection. A linebacker is certainly an option, but not if they select one 5th overall. This could be where they address the offensive line with Andre Smith or Michael Oher. Or they could go with the best available defensive player (B.J. Raji? Malcolm Jenkins?)

Its all speculation at this point, as you simply can't trust any rumors you hear this time of year, but its safe to assume the Browns are at least discussing these trade options which could shake up the 1st round.

Draft Visit Tracker: Andre Brown

One of the hottest prospects in recent weeks has been N.C. State's Andre Brown. Despite a disappointing career with the Wolfpack, he's impressed teams in his workouts and now looks like a 2nd-round lock.

He's a big back (6'0", 224) and has the ability to be a workhorse at the next level. Its rare to find a guy with his size and athleticism, which is why so many teams are showing an interest despite his very mediocre collegiate numbers.

At least 12 teams have reportedly met with Brown, so here's the list:

Ravens, Titans, 49ers, Cardinals, Chargers, Texans, Jaguars, Bengals, Panthers, Dolphins, Patriots and Chiefs.

I currently have Brown going to the Cleveland with the 50th pick in the draft. He would the ideal running back for the Browns to groom behind Jamal Lewis for the next year before he takes over the starting job.

Draft Visit Tracker: Rey Maualuga

Aside from Andre Smith, no one's draft stock is harder to judge than Rey Maualuga's. He has as much upside as anyone in the draft, but he is the perfect example of a boom-or-bust prospect.

Maualuga's potential future employers range from the Browns (5th overall pick) to the Falcons (24th overall). In addition to the Falcons and Browns, Maualuga has visited with the Redskins, Dolphins, Chargers, Rams, Titans, Saints, 49ers and Chiefs.

A few teams on that list are hard to imagine him with (Titans, Chiefs, Rams), but all the others are realistic possibilities.

In my latest mock draft I have him going to Washington with the 13 selection. The Redskins are in need of a pass rusher, but Brian Orakpo and Everette Brown are likely to be off the board already. Assuming Mark Sanchez isn't available, the 'Skins will turn their attention to the best available linebacker. Brian Cushing and Maualuga would appear to be the best options.

Nate Davis and Other Mediocre Quarterbacks Visit Jets

We've had a Nate Davis sighting!

Just when it looked like Davis was going to completely fall through the cracks he appeared at the Jets workout facility on Wednesday according to a report on the Jets website. Also attending the workout were Rhett Bomar and Mike Teel .

Davis also has a scheduled workout with the 49ers.

Its looking like Davis is this year's Andre' Woodson. He's gone from a viable 2nd-round pick to a late round prospect at best. And all that since December. Davis' free-fall should land him somewhere in the 5th to 7th round range. He'll be brought along as a developmental prospect, which is probably for the best as his technique definitely needs some work.

Josh Freeman Visits 49ers

The 49ers will host former Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman on Thursday and Friday according to the Sacramento Bee .

Now don't worry Niners fans, your team won't select Josh Freeman 10th overall. However, don't be shocked if they trade back a few slots and grab him later in the 1st round.

This is a case of team simply preparing for all scenarios. The 49ers appear to be in an excellent position to select either a wide receiver (Michael Crabtree) or an outside linebacker (Everette Brown, Aaron Maybin). However, they have to be prepared in the event a team like the Broncos offers up a trade they can't refuse. Should the 49ers end up picking 18th overall, for example, then Josh Freeman would become a viable option.

Myth Busters: Why Andre Smith Won't Be A Top 10 Pick?

For full disclosure, I didn't give Andre Smith a top 10 grade even before the combine. Offseason mishaps aside, I believe he lacks the quickness and general athleticism to play the left tackle position. He could be a very good right tackle or guard, but the money rewarded to top 10 picks is well above the pay grade for those positions.

However, even if you believe he can play left tackle and was deserving of a top 10 pick, his postseason workouts and shenanigans at the combine should have convinced you otherwise. In the end, Smith will fall out of the top 10 and possibly all the way into the late first round.

Here's why...

1) The supply outweighs the demand. Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe have already solidified their place in the top 10 and Michael Oher isn't far behind. Any team that is desperate for a tackle - perhaps the Bengals, Raiders or 49ers - should be able to get their hands one of those three players if they want. A simple trade up or a reach for Oher would get the job done. There is no need to take a major risk on a boom-or-bust prospect like Smith.

2) The character red flags are all over the place. He isn't the next Pacman Jones, but there is definitely reason to question his commitment to the game. When asked why he chose to play left tackle, he said it was because he learned it was the most well-paid position in the NFL. Smith has lacked the motivation to get in shape this offseason during the most important time of his life. Do you really believe he'll suddenly find motivation after he signs a multi-million dollar contract?

3) A combination of the first two: the teams that could make him a top 10 pick should know better than to take the risk. As I mentioned, the three teams most likely to make him a top 10 pick are the Bengals (can't take on another "character concern" for obvious reasons), the Raiders (want to avoid the next Robert Gallery) and 49ers (have experienced far too many 1st-round busts in recent years: Woods, Smith, Davis).

The earliest Smith will come off the board is No. 13 to Washington, but even that is no guarantee. His next best options are No. 16 to San Diego, No. 20 to Detroit (if they pass on Jason Smith) and No. 21 to Philadelphia.