Originally posted by SF69ers:
I do like Baalke's approach. The Culliver pick bothered me a bit, but the Bruce Miller pick all but made up for it. I just hope Culliver turns out decent and Johnny Patrick doesn't become an all star.
I think many of you are not recognizing what the Niners were thinking with the Culliver pick.
First, Culliver was considered by many to be the second ranked FS in the entire draft. That alone would warrant the 80th pick. Maddog had him rated exactly at 80th on his draft board (good call, MD!). Plus, with D Goldson a FA and coming off a poor season and little depth behind him, FS is a strong need on this team.
Now, that being said, the Niners believe that Culliver has the raw skills and speed to play CB. Culliver only played CB for half of a college season so he has very little experience at that position. The Niners think that, with proper coaching, he can play on the corner. If that turns out to be the case, then great. If it turns out that he can't play CB for whatever reason, he can probably be a very solid starter at FS. Win/win...IMHO.
For those of you who think Culliver is another Reggie Smith.....that is an understandable sentiment. Here is the difference. Culliver is a much better athlete. This guy is 6', 200 lbs. and can run a 4.4 40! How many FSs can run a 4.4? Not many. The Niners realized that they needed to upgrade the speed in their secondary and they truly did that. Colin Jones ran a 4.36 40 and he is a SS!! At the very least, the Niners have 2 safety prospects who can absolutely fly.
Lastly, many think that secondary coach Ed Donatell lobbied for the Culliver pick. Point being that Baalke respects and listens to his coaching staff......which spent months researching these picks. Just saying.
[ Edited by nw9erfan on May 10, 2011 at 10:18:43 ]