49ers 2006 NFL Draft

This might be the first time in a number of years that I actually have positive things to say about the Niners organization. Yes, the draft is over and I actually feel good about the 49ers. What a concept! Now don't get me wrong, I am not drinking from the mighty York juice. I still think this franchise has even more trouble in its near future. But for just a little while, I am thinking positive because I like the draft the 49ers just had.

   
First and foremost, it appears the Niners had a plan. I think Mike Nolan gets it. I think Scot McGloughan understands scouting. They drafted for both need and playmakers and it seemed to work. Of course we will not know for sure for about three years, but on draft day you could look at the Niners and say, yeah, that was a good pick.

  
I am not a big Vernon Davis fan. I do not believe in building your team from the TE position. But when AJ Hawk went off the board, V Davis was the man to take. He will be an offensive playmaker and the Niners need those. Next up in the first round was DE/OLB Manny Lawson. Good college career, should be a better player than Andre Carter. The two picks I question are up next. In the third round, WR Brandon Williams from Wisconsin. I am not a fan of Wisconsin's passing game. But all reports on Williams is that he is a player and could be huge for the return game. So I can live with this since if he does not work out as a WR, at least he'll solidify the returns. In the 4th round we went with QB/RB/WR Michael Robinson from Penn State. This guy is a great athlete with lots of potential and will fill in one of those Slash needs. Another Antawn Randel El maybe? My argument against this pick is good teams can afford to take flyers on players like this. But at the top of the 4th round, there are still potential starters out there and the Niners should have addressed other needs. Judging from broadcast reports, the Niners did very well in the 5th and 6th rounds with players who should all make the team. The small college WR they drafted sounds like he could develop into a TO receiver if he puts his game together. Which is why I was surprised to see Norv Turner say they like him as an F-Back, sort of a fullback, TE combo. Anyway, the DE from Tennessee and LSU look like solid picks late. Then we filled in with a couple of DBs who should help immediately in special teams and could develop into legit players on defense.

   
All in all, I think you have to be happy with this draft. Sure it is not perfect. We all have our players that we would have liked just a little bit more at each pick. But in general the Niners needed playmakers on offense and depth at all D positions. I think they accomplished that. The only thing left out was a lack of OL being taken. For now I will grade this draft as a B, and be happy that on paper the Niners organization finally got something right.

   
Now to get them signed and in the building!