San Francisco 49ers 2010 NFL Draft Picks

San Francisco 49ers

Needs Analysis: I liked the two offensive linemen the Niners took in the first round (Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati) and the second-round pick, Taylor Mays. Third-rounder Navorro Bowman will not break into the starting lineup this year, but he stands a very good chance in 2011. Sixth-rounder Anthony Dixon puts a solid power back in the running back group to take pressure off Frank Gore, and sixth-rounder TE Nate Byham was picked to beef up the run blocking. I would hope they are still thinking of a quarterback to push Alex Smith.

Pick Player Pos Ht Wt College Grade* Fan Pick* Watch
Round 1, Pick 11 (11) (From Bears through Broncos) Anthony Davis OT 6'5" 323 Rutgers 8.3 16
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Pick Analysis: The 49ers aggressively moved up to grab Anthony Davis. The former Rutgers star gives the team an athletic blocker. With Joe Staley capable of playing on either side, Davis could slide over to left tackle and allow Staley to shore up the void on the right side. Regardless of the eventual configuration, the 49ers have solidified their leaky offensive line with the selection of Davis.
Round 1, Pick 17 (17) (From Panthers) Mike Iupati OG 6'5" 331 Idaho 8.4 18
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Pick Analysis: The 49ers continue to fortify their offensive line with the selection of Mike Iupati. The rugged interior blocker possesses the size and strength to blow defenders off the ball, and his style is an ideal fit in the 49ers' smash mouth running game. A leaky offensive line kept the team from maximizing its potential a season ago, but the additions of Anthony Davis and Iupati have turned a position of weakness into one of strength heading into 2010.
Round 2, Pick 17 (49) Taylor Mays FS 6'3" 230 Southern Cal 8.1 22
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Pick Analysis: The 49ers land one of the best athletes in the draft in the middle of the second round with the selection of Taylor Mays. The Southern California standout blazed pre-draft workouts, and was regarded as a top-20 talent in some war rooms. Though he has some deficiencies in coverage; his size, speed and athleticism should upgrade a 49ers' secondary that needs a difference-maker in the middle of the field.
Round 3, Pick 27 (91) (From Chargers) Navorro Bowman LB 6'0" 242 Penn State 7.9 --
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Pick Analysis: The 49ers continue to add good players with the pick of Navorro Bowman. Although he fell down draft boards due to some off-field concerns, his outstanding talent and instincts give him a chance to emerge as an impact player in San Francisco under Mike Singletary's tutelage.
Round 6, Pick 4 (173) (From Chiefs through Dolphins and Chargers) Anthony Dixon RB 6'1" 233 Mississippi State 5.4 --
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Pick Analysis: The 49ers continue to get bigger, stronger and more physical. After taking Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati with their first two picks in the first round, they now get 240-pound RB Anthony Dixon from Mississippi State. Just when you think you've had enough of Frank Gore, they'll come downhill and smack you in the face with Dixon. The 49ers will bring a whole new physicality to the NFC West.
Round 6, Pick 13 (182) Nate Byham TE 6'4" 268 Pittsburgh 3.1 --
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Pick Analysis: Watch out, NFC West. The 49ers just added the second-best blocking tight end in the draft. Byham is an inline bruiser, who will knock people off the ball and create space for Frank Gore and Anthony Dixon. Mike Singletary and Trent Baalke are making a philosophical statement about who the 49ers will be.
Round 6, Pick 37 (206) (Compensatory selection) Kyle Williams WR 5'10" 188 Arizona State 2.0 --
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Pick Analysis: The 49ers nab a potential returner/receiver with the selection of Kyle Williams. Though he has a lean frame, Williams' quickness and good running skills make him a credible threat in the open field. Additionally, he flashes some skills to develop into a decent slot receiver. Given his versatility, Williams is a good value pick for the 49ers.
Round 7, Pick 17 (224) Phillip Adams DB 5'10" 192 South Carolina State -- --
Pick Analysis: The 49ers entered the draft with needs at both cornerback and safety. The addressed the safety spot by taking Taylor Mays in the second round, and they attempt to fortify the cornerback spot with Adams. The small-school standout has decent athleticism, drew some interest from teams during the pre-draft process and will have a chance to compete for a backup spot in San Francisco.