49ers Wanted to Trade Back: Aldon Smith BPA
An interesting tidbit came out of Eric Branch's article detailing the post-pick interview with Trent Baalke.
Trent Baalke: At the end of the day, all the teams that were in and around us just wanted to stand pat, so there just wasn't an opportunity to do anything.
After the commissioner read out the pick, the collective feeling on our forums was "where is the nearest baby. I want to punch it." There was a contingent of people who wanted Gabbert, and that's understandable. But a whole different group is upset that the 49ers didn't trade down.
The problem with trading is that it takes a willing partner to seal the deal. The 49ers were like Steve Carrell in the 40-year old virgin - they had the right idea, but didn't have any willing partners.
So they had to draft someone, and they took Aldon Smith.
It wasn't Harbaugh's affinity for the name A. Smith that drew the team to Smith. He is rated as a 7.5 JX on Wes Bunting's scouting scale at National Football Post. That means Smith is a year one starter who is a someone teams can scheme around. Clearly the kid has some talent, or people wouldn't have projected him to be drafted by the 9-15 range.
If you were someone who wanted Gabbert, chances are you are inconsolable. You probably also curl into the fetal position when you see the name "Smith" on the back of a 49er jersey - so I understand why you would recoil at this year's pick.
But at the very least - let's get some NFL game film on Aldon Smith before 49er fans write him off.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
-
Nixk
Remember when Oscar wanted to protest Jed not getting Harbaugh? LMAO! OWNED
Apr 29, 2011 at 2:24 PM
-
Nick S.
The pick of Aldon Smith was only a reach if you consider the Texans were mocked to pick him at #11 by numerous sources. So yeah... not that much of a reach. Onward!
Apr 29, 2011 at 2:16 PM
More San Francisco 49ers News
Insider provides clarity on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors
A questionable rumor surfaced on Wednesday regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' interest in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Sports Illustrated contributor Noah Strackbein reported that the AFC team was seemingly confident they could pull off a trade for Aiyuk.
However, the credibility of this report comes into question due to the assertion that the Steelers believe they could acquire Aiyuk at a bargain price, possibly in exchange for a second-round draft pick and a late-round selection.
RELATED: Steelers believe they can acquire Aiyuk at a
Why one analyst is worried for Brock Purdy if 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy achieved a remarkable feat in 2023, setting a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards. This accomplishment is noteworthy, considering the illustrious quarterbacks who have graced the organization's history.
A significant portion of those yards came from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who amassed a career-high and team-leading 1,342 receiving yards. Most of his 75 catches originated from passes thrown by Purdy.
Amidst significant offseason chatter surrounding the 49ers' star receiver, including several unsubstantiated trade rumors, Aiyuk's future remains uncertain. Former NFL player James Jones, now an analyst, expressed concern for Purdy should Aiyuk's tenure in the Bay Area come to an end.
"I
7-round mock draft: 49ers trade up to fortify secondary
The San Francisco 49ers first selection in next week's draft comes at No. 31 overall. However, NFL Media analyst Chad Reuter doesn't have the Bay Area team remaining at that spot in the first round. In his seven-round mock draft, he envisions the 49ers striking a deal with the Green Bay Packers to move up six spots to No. 25 overall, where they select former Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Reuter notes, "Whether it's for a cornerback like McKinstry, an offensive lineman or a receiver, the 49ers could very well give up a mid-round pick to acquire one of the few missing pieces on an otherwise potent roster."
The rest of the mock draft reveals at least part of the
49ers trade up for offensive lineman in mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers hold the No. 31 overall pick, but speculation abounds that they may seek to move before or during the first round of next week's NFL Draft. With the offensive line as a prime target for improvement and the position going mostly ignored in free agency, a strategic trade-up to acquire an impact player could be in the cards.
Alyssa Barbieri proposes such a scenario in her latest mock draft for USA Today's Touchdown Wire. Barbieri envisions the 49ers trading with the Miami Dolphins to move up 10 spots, selecting former Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham.
Latham started 27 games
