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.

Round 6, Pick 175
Jason Hatcher, DE, Grambling State

A definite sleeper, but with impressive size (6’6’‘, 284) who averaged 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks the last 2 seasons. As a rotational player, he could contribute in spot duty pretty early on, and has the potential to develop into a starter at the DE position. Learning from Bryant Young can certainly only help.

Round 6, Pick 192
Donovan Raiola, C, Wisconsin

Even though the term “Nolan Guy” has been abused to the point that it no longer means anything, Raiola has that “Nolan Guy” quality. What he lacks in physical attributes he makes up for with intelligence and leadership. Could eventually serve as a long-term backup at any interior line position in my opinion.

Round 7, Pick 213
Chad Anderson, ILB, Kentucky

Left Kentucky after academic problems, but has impressive skills and size. His ablities would probably make him a Day 1 selection in this draft, but because he hasn’t played in over a year and left under inauspicious circumstances, he slips into the land of developmental projects. If he keeps his head on straight, he has the talent to eventually replace Derek Smith as a starter inside.

Round 7, Pick 236
Gabriel Fulbright, CB, New Mexico

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. Unfortunately, he’s 5’10’’, 169, which is frighteningly undersized. The 49ers have a lot of CBs on the roster, but Fulbright can only help the competition that Mike Nolan loves. I love Fulbright’s potential as a nickel/dime DB.

Round 7, Pick 254
Torrance Daniels, S/LB, Harding College

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.