San Francisco
The 49ers are really not that far away. For the first time in awhile, there's no overwhelming need. Will be interesting to see what kind of changes they make on the defensive side of the ball with Singletary clearly in charge now. Wonder if they'll look at going to a '46' style of defense. There are definitely needs for upgrades, especially in projecting the future look of the team. Niners looking at hiring their seventh offensive coordinator in the past seven years. That can't be a good thing. And still feel that everyone in the organization is just keeping the seat warm for a big-time hire like Gruden.
QB - Shaun Hill did a yeomans job last year, but is obviously not the future face of the franchise. If Sanchez is available at #10, think they snap him up without a 2nd thought. Always hated with a passion the pick of Alex Smith, and he's due 9.5 million this year. To say he got rushed into the NFL might be the biggest understatement of all-time. Think they stick with Hill again this year, and re-work Smith's contract to bring him in as a back-up. Martz cronies J.T. O'Sullivan and Jamie Martin are gone.
Running Back - Frank Gore is one of the best there is, and DeShaun Foster is manageable. Could bring in some athleticism from the back of the draft at this position. Would also like to see an upgrade at fullback over Michael Robinson and Zach Kearney.
Receivers - Very satisfied with the current status of Josh Morgan and Jason Hill, with Isaac Bruce there to mentor them. Bryant Johnson will probably not be there next year. They invested a #6 overall pick on Vernon Davis, the next OC needs to find a way to get him more involved. Could use an impact Returner/Slot Receiver ala Harry Douglas.
Offensive Line - Set at LT with Joe Staley, and one of the guard positions with Chilo Rachal. Biggest upgrade needs to occur at LG and RT, though Rachal might be moved to the left side to solidify. Center is a position that could be looked at on the first day, especially if Alex Mack from Cal slides into the 2nd round.
Defensive Line - Team is set with team MVP Justin Smith at one end and last year's 1st round pick Kentwan Balmer on the other. Team desperately needs a Haloti Ngata type presence in the middle of the line. Is B.J. Raji that type of player?
Linebackers - Most impressive unit on the team. Just needs to stay healthy. Willis and Spikes are mainstays in the middle, Manny Lawson has a world of potential, and Parys Haralson led the team in sacks. Roderick Green offers good pass-rushing specialist, while Ulrich and Banta-Cain offer experienced depth.
Secondary - Team grossly overpaid for Nate Clements, but he's the anchor of the secondary. Need to upgrade across from Clements, and could use a first day or even first round pick in that regard. Safety position is good, but as we've seen in the NFL playoffs, needs to be great. Michael Lewis is solid, but team needs a big upgrade from Mark Roman. Possibly a William Moore from Missouri. Know I hated to see Travis Mays stay in college, as he'd be a perfect fit in the Ronnie Lott tradition. For now, depth in secondary needs to be addressed. Basically, need to find more playmakers, ala Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Special Teams - Set with Joe Nedney and Andy Lee, two of the best in the business. Allen Rossum is one of the top return men, and I would see no reason not to bring him back for 2009.
So, to wrap up, think the Niners go with Sanchez if he's there at #10, otherwise it could be NT/DT. If Moreno is there, wouldn't be shocked to see them take him in this day of DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart style combinations. But the biggest need on the team is impact secondary skill players. If I could draw up the Niners draft, I'd like to see them get Mark Sanchez in the first round, Alex Mack/William Moore in the second round, and Macho Harris in the third round.
