The 2013 NFL Draft is a couple days away and the San Franicsco 49ers at one point had 14 picks before the trade to acquire Colt McCoy from the Cleveland Browns, which brought the number to 13. Also, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha got signed to a one-year deal to help out the secondary. Rumors still have the 49ers interested in safety Charles Woodson.
Another topic of conversation that has come up is will the team trade into the top 15? Here’s a look at how San Francisco may draft as it stands today.
First round no.31: Keenan Allen, WR, California
With a drug test that got red-flagged and his draft stock dropping a bit, Allen is a steal at no.31. He’s got the size and strength to start right away and can return punts. Will provide competition for A.J. Jenkins and added depth with Kyle Williams and Mario Manningham returning from injuries.
Allen’s best season was his sophomore year with the Golden Bears as he caught 98 passes for 1,343 yards, averaged 13.7 yards per reception, with a long of 90 and caught six touchdowns. During the 2012 season that got cut short by injuries he still recorded 61 receptions, 737 yards, averaged 12.1 yards per catch, a long of 69 and found the end zone six times.
Second Round no. 34: Alex Okafor, DE, University of Texas
The 49ers have a need for depth at defensive end with Justin Smith turning 34 in September and coming back from a torn triceps muscle.
Okafor fits that role very well and showcased how he can dominate with an outstanding performance in the Valero Alamo Bowl against Oregon State as he racked up eight tackles and 4.5 sacks.
Against the University of Kansas had a season high 12 tackles though he didn’t pick up a sack. In 2012 he registered 61 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, forced four fumbles and blocked a kick.
Second Round no.61: Baccari Rambo, S, Georgia
It doesn’t matter if Woodson gets signed at this point in the draft his is where a safety will get taken. Rambo missed four games due to suspension and once he returned did not disappoint.
Recorded 73 tackles including one tackle for a loss, intercepted three passes, forced three fumbles and recovered a fumble in the 2012 season. His best year came when he was a junior when he intercepted eight passes, returning one for a touchdown, with 16 passes defended and recorded 55 tackles.
Third Round no.74: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU
Last season the 49ers gave Perrish Cox a second chance this past season and may do the same by choosing cornerback Mathieu who got kicked off the team for the 2012 season. When he was on the field he was arguably the best defensive player in college football and in 2011 was in the running for the Heisman.
During that year he registered 76 tackles including 7.5 for a loss, intercepted two passes, picked up 1.5 sacks, forced six fumbles and recovered four including two for touchdowns. Also, returned 27 punts with two returned for touchdowns.
With the addition of Asomugha it allows for Mathieu to learn from an established veteran.
Third Round no.93: Ryan Otten, TE, San Jose State
It is unlikely that Stanford tight end Zach Ertz falls to no.31 and even with the recent signing of Cameron Morrah it’s a position that lacks depth with the departure of Delanie Walker to the Tennessee Titans.
A local product, Otten is known for his pass catching ability. During the 2012 season with the Spartans he caught 47 passes for 742 yards, averaged 15.8 yards per catch and caught four touchdown passes. The previous year he caught 52 passes for 739 yards and five touchdowns. Has the potential to become a solid blocker at the next level.
Fourth Round no.128: Marcus Davis, WR, Virginia Tech
The 49ers struggled in the end zone so another option is Marcus Davis out of Virginia Tech who provides excellent size at 6’4″ and 232 pounds. He solidified himself as the team’s no.1 receiver and caught 51 passes for 953 yards, a long of 85 and scored five touchdowns in 2012.
Fourth Round no.131: Steve Williams, CB, California
By taking a risky pick in Mathieu, Williams makes sense as a backup plan. He was excellent at the combine and played extremely well in the secondary for the Golden Bears registering 79 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, three interceptions, broke up 11 passes and forced a fumble.
In 2011 contributed with 45 tackles with one tackle for a loss, two interceptions, 11 passes defended and forced a fumble. Saw limited action in his freshman year and did record an interception, a sack, in on four passes defended and forced a fumble.
Fifth Round no.157: Stefphon Jefferson, RB, Nevada
While the team seems set at running back with Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James and Anthony Dixon. It won’t come as a surprise if another one gets taken.
Much like last year when Brandon Jacobs got signed, it provides competition ensuring each running back has earned their spot. Jefferson also would reunite with college teammate Colin Kaepernick. Without him in 2012 though he carried the ball 375 times while running for 1,883 yards, averaged 5 yards per carry and scored 24 touchdowns.
He also caught 22 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown.
Sixth round no.173: Cory Grissom, DT, South Florida
One of the few bright spots for South Florida was Grissom. He recorded 38 tackles with seven for a loss, picked up 2.5 sacks and broke up two passes. Those numbers were similar to his 2011 season in which he recorded the same amount of tackles, six tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and forced a fumble.
Sixth round no.180: Alonzo Highsmith, OLB, Arkansas
Played in only six games last season with Arkansas and played extremely well. Recorded 54 tackles, with four for a loss, two sacks and a pass broken up. 2011 he played in 13 games registered 80 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.
Seventh round no.237: Michael Clay, OLB, Oregon
In all likelihood Clay is too small to play the OLB postion at the NFL level meaning that he may switch to safety. He recorded 101 tackles, including 10 for a loss, three sacks, one pass broken up and a forced fumble. During the 2011 season he registered 102 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, broke two passes up and forced two fumbles.
Seventh round no.246: Omar Hunter, DT, Florida
Hunter registered 40 tackles, four tackles for loss and broke up four passes for Florida in 2012. Had his best game of the season against Florida State and registered a season high eight tackles against Kentucky.
Seventh round no.252: Omoregie Uzzi, G, Georgia Tech
The Georgia Tech guard will fit well is extremely athletic and was a All-ACC performer. He could also get moved to center and that might happen with Jonathan Goodwin turning 35 in December.
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