by Erik Klackner

Round 1, Pick 6

Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

The smart money seems to lean more and more towards Davis being the pick here. For my own money, I would be happy with Davis, or Michael Huff, or D’Brickashaw Ferguson, or Mario Williams. It’s a dead horse at this point, but we’ll beat it again: the 49ers desperately need offensive playmakers, and Davis is one of the best in this draft, and maybe the best of the WRs/TEs. The development of Alex Smith is the key to the future of this franchise, and a weapon like Davis can go a long way in making that development smooth. The TE is the new vogue position in the NFL, and Davis has the athleticism, speed, desire, work ethic, and skills to be the greatest at the position when all is said and done.

Round 2, Pick 37

Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami

Hey, remember when I said that thing about the horse being dead? Well, let’s get him again: offensive playmakers. Enter Sinorice Moss. Obviously dramatically undersized, but that didn’t stop Steve Smith and Moss’ brother Santana from dominating the NFL this season. Moss impressed at the Senior Bowl, and Coach Mike Nolan and staff had a front row seat. Moss could come in right away and provide help on Special Teams in the return game as well, an area the 49ers could use some assistance in. Moss and Derrick Hamilton could form a very nice 3rd/4th WR-Deep Threat package, furthering Alex Smith’s progress even more. Other options at this stage could be Antonio Cromartie, Ko Simpson, D’Qwell Jackson, Dominique Byrd.

Round 3, Pick 68

Leon Williams, LB, Miami

One of the best athletes in this draft. Strong, extremely quick, with tremendous raw ability, a great frame, and the potential to be a dominant player with his ability to make big plays sideline-to-sideline. Unfortunately, raw might be the key word. Williams was never able to put it all together. His amazing physical tools warrant him being drafted this high, but he is a bit of a project. I am normally wary of players like this, but with a position coach like Mike Singletary and a head coach like Mike Nolan, Williams certainly won’t suffer from lack of quality teaching. Williams is a gamble, but a gamble that could bring rich rewards with proper teaching. Some alternatives at this pick are Stanley McClover, Babatunde Oshinowo, Tony Scheffler, Chris Chester.

Round 3, Pick 86

Pat Watkins, FS, Florida St.

Watkins has the ability to be a first-round selection. What he lacks is the bulk. At 6’5’‘, 211, he definitely needs to add some weight. But what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in ability. Aside from Michael Huff, Watkins might have the best ball skills at the safety position in this draft. With his height, he routinely wins the jump ball battles, and has the pure speed to make big plays in the passing game. Watkins is not a terrific run-stopper, but he has shown the willingness to compete in that aspect. He has all the mental tools you’d like from a FS: vision, leadership, smarts. If he continues to bulk up before the draft, he may not be available at this point (though still possibly at 68), but at either juncture, he is worth the selection as the FS of the future. Also worth consideration: Jason Avant, Greg Lee, Leon Washington, Elvis Dumervil, Charlie Peprah.

Round 4, Pick 99

Daryl Tapp, OLB, Virginia Tech

The best motor of any player in this draft. Ran a slow 40 at the Combine, but plays a lot faster than that. Would obviously need work on pass coverage skills converting from DE, but has the smarts to do so. A gifted pass rusher who consistently dominated despite offenses focusing on him. Tapp would need to get a little stronger to take on blockers, but a player with his work ethic is always worth taking a chance on.

Round 5, Pick 135

Lawrence Vickers, FB, Colorado

Vickers is the best all-around fullback in this draft. Needs to add a little weight and improve as a lead blocker, but is a tremendously gifted pass receiver and an impressive runner. With the prevalence of single-back sets in the NFL nowadays, a guy like Vickers doesn’t always have a home, but in a lot of ways his game is similar to 49er legend Roger Craig (though clearly not as refined or quick). Vickers has the ability to play right away in my opinion, even if only in certain formations and situations.

Round 6, Pick 165

Gabriel Fulbright, CB, New Mexico

I was looking into Hank Baskett when I ran across Fulbright. Tremendous ball skills, and the ability to make the big play (see 5 INTs in 6 games last season). He has great speed, change of direction, and athleticism. He was a 3-time All-Conference Selection in the Mountain West as well. Too good to be true, right? Unfortunately, he’s 5’10’‘, 169, which is frighteningly undersized. Despite that size, he still is worth the pick as a nickel back because of his tremendous cover ability. My official sleeper pick of the entire draft.

Round 6, Pick 182

Chad Anderson, LB, Kentucky

Anderson has the physical skills to be drafted on Day 1, even in round 2. But for academic reasons, he left Kentucky before the season started and hasn’t played since 2 seasons ago. At 6’2’‘, 250 he has nice size for the inside, and has the instincts and athleticism to match. Because he hasn’t played in so long, he might take a while to return to form, but for a 6th round pick, he has the talent and size to be a starter in the NFL down the line.

Round 7, Pick 196

Ingle Martin, QB, Furman

Martin was at the University of Florida before losing his job to Chris Leak. He has a major-league arm (arguably the strongest in the draft), good quickness, and pretty good size. The concern is the fact that he struggled so much at the Division-I level, but as a project, he has all the physical skills you look for. You can never have enough QBs.

Round 7, Pick 219

Torrance ”Tank” Daniels, LB/S, Harding College

I don’t remember where I heard about Daniels, but I’m glad I did. He’s in the Michael Boulware mold in the sense that he’s a big safety/small linebacker, but he has the speed as well. Daniels was 1st-team All Gulf South Conference 3 consecutive seasons. Last season, he had 74 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, 5 pass breakups, and 4.5 sacks. Seems like the prototypical special teams warrior at worst. A real intriguing prospect.