Memo to Nolan if Davis is there at 6. Draft him
Round 1, Pick 6
Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
We all know the story by now. The 49ers need offensive playmakers. Davis has established himself in the same class as Reggie Bush in that category. Seems to make perfect sense.
Round 1, Pick 22
Manny Lawson, OLB, North Carolina State
The addition of the 22nd pick gives the 49ers amazing flexibility. There are a lot of directions they could go with this selection, but Lawson has the highest ceiling. Every bit the athletic freak Vernon Davis is, Lawson would give the 49ers the replacement (and dare I say upgrade) for Julian Peterson that they need. The only concern is that Lawson is still raw, relatively speaking; would he be able to start right off the bat, something the Niners likely need?
Round 3, Pick 84
Pat Watkins, FS, Florida State
A superb value for the end of Day 1, Watkins has the experience to start immediately opposite Tony Parrish. Tall, rangy, and with great coverage skills, Watkins is an upgrade over Mike Adams and helps solidify the back line of the 49ers defense.
Round 4, Pick 100
Greg Lee, WR, Pittsburgh
A 1st round talent who left school too early. Lee has the potential to become a #1 caliber WR in the NFL, and Jerry Sullivan is as good as it gets for a position coach. Lee could compete with Derrick Hamilton and Marcus Maxwell for a 4th WR spot right off the bat.
Round 5, Pick 140
Lawrence Vickers, FB, Colorado
I’ve gone back and forth on Vickers, at times being really high on him, other times being really lukewarm. I’m currently somewhere in the middle; Vickers has a great all-around game, and can be a real weapon out of the backfield. His blocking is only above average in my estimation, but he has room to improve. Chris Hetherington is a solid veteran, but Vickers could become a legit starter very soon.
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