Where we stand after Day 1

Originally posted by sspiker:
This outlook depends entirely on your stance on Kap as QB. Even then, you have two options:

A) Kap is our franchise QB and will rebound in Kelly's system

B) Kap or Gabbert is a placeholder QB while we set ourselves up to draft the QBotF in 2017 around a strong supporting cast.

What we did in Day 1:

1) Strengthen our D-line

There's no coincidence our defense was best when we were anchored by Justin Smith and Ray McDonald. We now have two 1st-round picks in a row in Armstead and Buckner, with Williams plugging the middle. Whether you think this is an average or good defense depends on whether you believe Harold will develop and/or a slimmed-down Carradine will become a competent match with Lynch. Either way, our front-seven is still undeniably young and talented, and anchored by our veteran leader Bowman.

Considering our backups include Ahmad Brooks, TJE, Glenn Dorsey, and Purcell, we should have a competent defense (even with a lot of rotation).

2) Settle our O-line

Anthony Davis is working out his fingers with his tweeting, but is showing no signs of re-instating himself and no desire to return to the team that rewarded him with a 2nd contract. F**k him. Trent Brown showed great promise last year and has a full offseason this year to help his cause. Joe Staley believes in him, and he really can't be any worse than Pears. With the signing of Zane Beadles and trading up for Josh Garnett, we've ensured that Pears, Devey, and Thomas will play off the bench, where they belong. Our O-line is now:

LT: Staley
LG: Beadles
C: Kilgore
RG: Garnett
RT: Brown

And that's without whatever Day 2/3 picks we supplement that with (expect at least to draft a backup OT). Is it the best OL in football? No. But it isn't the dumpster fire that last year was either. If Brown and whatever late round OT we draft doesn't pan out, then yes, we will be in trouble. But coming off a 5-11 season anyways that wouldn't be a huge shock.

3) Set ourselves up for high-value picks at positions of less need

Those positions include WR, backup OL, and backup QB. One could argue that these picks have settled our O-line and our front seven, and that a consistent pass rush from Armstead/Buckner and whatever combo of Lynch/Harold/Brooks will improve the DB play of Brock, Johnson, Ward, and Acker (plus whatever mid-round pick we're sure to add to our DB corps).

That leaves WR, where we have Torrey Smith and a bunch of question marks (including a healthy Smelter) and TE as the top positions of need. This is where offensive scheme comes into play. Either you believe Chip Kelly is an offensive genius (and has the O-line and QB to execute it) or you don't. Point being: with another 8 picks in the draft (count on another WR, RB, DL, and OL, and a development QB), you might be excused to think that, at your most optimistic, the 49ers won't completely suck this year.

Then again, maybe we will, and have a high draft pick to plug-and-play a top QB with a strong, young supporting cast.

Either way, this draft accomplished exactly what it needed to do in setting the stage for future promise.

We can't fix everything in one draft, there's always next year.

There are a lot of good players left on the board, plus we could potentially trade back into the bottom of the second round.

I agree with your assessment. I want to see ILB, OT, C, OLB, QB. If we hit quality in those remaining picks this would be a very satisfying draft.

I am very excited to see what Buckner and Armstead (in year 2) can do for our defense. When we got pass rush and dominate run defense from our DEs, our defense was one of the best.

As for our offense.... I think we sit tight with Gabbert and Kap, let them battle it out for the starting spot. Look for a QB in 2017. We need a WR to replace Boldin, an OT (god forbid Staley gets hurt.... or retires), and some depth at RB and TE.

This team is not a 1 year rebuild.... but building up the DL and OL get's us headed in the right direction.

#InBaalkeWeTrust

#Respeck

Good summary. Thanks.

Originally posted by blm7754:

I am very excited to see what Buckner and Armstead (in year 2) can do for our defense. When we got pass rush and dominate run defense from our DEs, our defense was one of the best.

As for our offense.... I think we sit tight with Gabbert and Kap, let them battle it out for the starting spot. Look for a QB in 2017. We need a WR to replace Boldin, an OT (god forbid Staley gets hurt.... or retires), and some depth at RB and TE.

This team is not a 1 year rebuild.... but building up the DL and OL get's us headed in the right direction.

Some depth in RB? Hayne will do that role as a 21years in 1year season pro.

I really like that Baalke addressed the need in the draft so far. It's in line with what I would want so far. We need better push from the Dline and more help with the Oline. Maybe even a LB, but that may come later.

I agree with you...Buckner has all the makings of a beastly DE. Paired with Armstead, we have two young studs to bookend Ian Williams or Dial, depending on when the former's fully ready to play. Yes, that's a young DL, but they can grow better together, which is a nice problem for DC O'Neil.

Garnett's big and brings some much-needed nasty to our OL. I loved how Coach Shaw was beaming when Baalke picked his guy. I'd expect an OT maybe tomorrow, depending partially on trading back into the 2nd rd. I firmly believe beefing up the trenches will pay off, big-time. Now TB can draft a pass rusher, ILB and CB. Similarly, he'll arguably add a WR, RB & QB. BL: the good haul on day one sets things up nicely for complimentary players the next 2 days.

One more thing...just saw Kawakami's headline...Denver boxed the Niners in by trading up to get Lynch and it's the same old stuff from Baalke. Wow, that dude just doesn't get it, does he. He seems to be the type that'd complain if someone gave him a million bucks because it was in big bills. What a waste. Thank God for Maiocco and Barrows.

Lots of ILB and OLB left. I really hope we trade into the second.

Originally posted by Joecool:

Lots of ILB and OLB left. I really hope we trade into the second.

Trading back into the 2nd would be a Baalke move...

If there is a worthy ILB then take one in the 3rd, Baalke has picked good players at ILB in the third and we need to develop one. If not let move Brooks to the middle and select Nassib and let Eli, Tank battle it out.

Then get Tyler Earvin for RB in the 4th and get an OT and QB in the 5th Hogan/Dak. Then whoever is BPA in the 6th.

Originally posted by WildBill:

If there is a worthy ILB then take one in the 3rd, Baalke has picked good players at ILB in the third and we need to develop one. If not let move Brooks to the middle and select Nassib and let Eli, Tank battle it out.

Then get Tyler Earvin for RB in the 4th and get an OT and QB in the 5th Hogan/Dak. Then whoever is BPA in the 6th.

Tyler Evins sounds good in the 4th

I would love to get one more impact player like a spence or Jack. 3 starters out of this draft will be nice.