49ersNews.com

Update: 03:56 - John Clayton during an ESPN chat predicted Brooks will go to the 49ers with a 6th round pick

John Clayton is reporting the Niners are one of three teams showing the most interest in Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks. The other two teams are the Giants and Dolphins. The question facing the Niners and Dolphins is whether to wager at fifth- or sixth-round pick or try to use a first-day draft choice to make sure they get him.

Brooks’ stock rising: Ahmad Brooks, the Virginia linebacker eligible for the July 13 supplemental draft, needs to make a good visit with the 49ers. The 49ers were the first team to schedule a visit after last Thursday’s workout. Brooks improved his stock by running in the 4.6 range and getting his weight to 260 pounds, 32 fewer than his weight 10 weeks ago. The 49ers need an impact linebacker on the other side of Manny Lawson, but Brooks has more experience in the system, coming from Al Groh’s 3-4 scheme at Virginia. The debate is whether the 49ers can steal him with a fifth-round pick or if they have to use a second-round pick.

Source: [John Clayton]

Update: 2:27 pm—Seems the reports from Georgatos may be a smoke screen. Here is a tidbit from NFL.com on Brooks workout:

Mike Nolan from the 49ers was the only head coach there. He was joined by San Francisco VP of player personnel Scot McCloughan. Brooks will work out for the 49ers at their place for two days next week.

Brooks lost 32 pounds in 10 weeks (he was measured at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds) and passed five drug tests in the last 10 weeks. He ran three times, timed at 4.68, 4.75 and 4.74 in the 40, with 10-yard splits of 1.53, 1.58 and 1.58 and 20-yard splits of 2.73, 2.75 and 2.75. His arm span measured 33½ inches and his hands measured 9½. He had a 32-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-8 long jump, a 4.43 short shuttle, an 11.84 long shuttle, a 7.43 three-cone drill and 19 benches. The conditions were not really good, just average.

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On Saturday the Sacramento Bee reported that Ahmed Brooks was set to visit the 49ers after June 28th, and take a physical. Which at the time seemed to say the Niners were showing strong interest in possibly drafting Brooks in the Supplemental Draft. Now it appears that the interest in Brooks may be starting to fade.

Dennis Georgatos of the Mercury News is now reporting that the 49ers’ interest has dampened in using a pick in the supplementary draft on Brooks or any other player. Dennis mentions that Scot McCloughan, says the 49ers want to hang onto their picks for next April’s draft. And that the 49ers have decided the risk versus reward is too high for them in the supplementary draft.

Video from the 1st round of the NFL Draft.

Here are some of the grades from the News sites around the NFL on the Niners draft.

CNNSI

The 49ers have won an NFL-low six games in the past two seasons, but they took a couple big steps toward being more than the league’s favorite homecoming opponent with Saturday’s development. Maryland tight end Vernon Davis will enter the league as this season’s favorite for NFL offensive rookie of the year honor and San Francisco with its second first-rounder landed a potential impact rush-linebacker in N.C. State’s Manny Lawson.

Anybody want to wager that Lawson will wind up his rookie season with more sacks than his former collegiate teammate and fellow defensive end, Mario Williams?

Sportsline

San Francisco 49ers
Best pick: Vernon Davis, the team’s first-round pick, will be a star. They loved him. We know why.

Worst pick: I don’t like the idea of using a fourth-round pick on Michael Robinson with the idea of moving him to wide receiver.

Overall grade: B+. They got Davis and Manny Lawson in the first round and both will start as rookies.

Fox Sports

San Francisco: Basically, the 49ers didn’t mess up. Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, like Hawk, was one of the best players in the draft. Davis will give Alex Smith a tremendous target because he’s basically a very large wide receiver. Manny Lawson will try to replace Julian Peterson. Wisconsin receiver Brandon Williams is a super kick returning threat while Penn State quarterback Michael Robinson can be either a runner or a receiver. Fifth-round selection Parys Haralson is a tweener who should mature into a pass rusher. Grade: B+

Mel Kiper

San Francisco 49ers: GRADE: B+
I gave them an A on the first day with tight end Vernon Davis (at No. 6) and OLB Manny Lawson. DE/OLB Parys Haralson, who has good pass-rushing skills, was a solid second-day pick. Penn State QB Michael Robinson landed with the 49ers, but it will be interesting to see what position he ends up playing next season. Lawson’s teammate at NC State, Marcus Hudson, could be a versatile safety in the NFL.

49ers 2006 Draft: I laughed, VD cried and Where We Go from Here

So I’m sitting in my room about 24 hours after the draft. I’ve been able to collect my thoughts on, what was, an exciting weekend to say the least for our team. I was thinking of doing one of those draft pick reviews, but seeing as how every website on the internet has one of those columns with an overall letter grade, I’m going to concentrate on two other things in this article from a fan and coaching perspective. The first is to revisit some of the thoughts on our draft in general, such as the happenings of the day because this was one of the most thrilling drafts I have watched in quite some time. Secondly, I want to discuss the future of the players we took and how I see the 49ers using some of them. And I’m going to do it using my point-by-point Training Camp Report style, because this is really just a collection of random but intriguing thoughts from a very excited and anxious fan.

George Chaung, of Niner Cap Hell, was nice enough to share with us another article. This one is his 2006 49ers Draft Review and Analysis.

Well, the draft is done. I’ll certainly miss seeing incumbent NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue step up to the podium to announce which team is on the clock and which team selected whom. Coach Nolan got the players he wanted, so let’s take a look at our brand new 49ers – they’re certainly a class to get excited about, they bring a lot of talent and work ethic to the table. It all starts with the new “Duke of San Francisco.”

Round 1, Pick #6
Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
6-3¾, 254, 4.38 40 time at combine
Davis was quite possibly the best athlete in the entire draft. Incredibly explosive, fast and powerful (over 500+ lb max bench press, 33 reps of 225 lbs at the combine and near 700 lb squat), he is undoubtedly the most talented tight end in NFL history. The 49ers were very lucky that the Saints decided to go with Reggie Bush instead of trading down and Jets and Packers decided to go with top need over best player available with their picks. Alex Smith now has a weapon that could take full advantage of the middle of the field against linebacker and safety coverage due to his amazing speed – he was the third fastest receiver at the combine, with the same official 40 time as New York Giants wideout Sinorice Moss, who is approximately 70 lbs lighter. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner should be able to take full advantage of Davis’ elite talent and exploit mismatches all over the field. In addition, Davis has tremendous work ethic and character, so we should expect nothing but greatness and further improvement on his end, especially in the route running and blocking technique departments which were considered his only flaws. Superb selection of who in my opinion was the second best pure football player in the 2006 Draft class after Vince Young.

Ray Fittipaldo, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports San Francisco 49ers RB Michael Robinson said he will embrace his role as a running back. Robinson added,

“I won’t resist the chance because I understand the way the world works. I think for you to be successful on any level you have to be a football player first. You can’t just limit yourself to whatever role you want to play.”

He said he will be used as a third-down running back-type and a slot guy who would come out of the backfield to do some thing. The team has said they would give him a shot at quarterback.

Rd 1. (6) – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland – [Draft Bio]

Rd 1. (22) – Manny Lawson, OLB, North Carolina St – [Draft Bio]

Rd 3. (84) – Brandon Williams, WR, Wisconsin – [Draft Bio]

Rd 4. (100) – Michael Robinson, WR/RB/QB, Penn St. – [Draft Bio]

Rd 5. (140) – Parys Haralson, DE, Tennessee – [Draft Bio]

Rd 6. (175) – Delanie Walker, WR, Central Missouri St – [Draft Bio]

Rd 6. (192) – Marcus Hudson, FS, North Carolina St. – [Draft Bio]

Rd 6. (197) – Melvin Oliver, DE, LSU - [Draft Bio]

Rd 7. (254) – Vickiel Vaughn, SS, Arkansas – [Draft Bio]

With the 46th pick in the 7th round, No. 254 overall, the Niners select Safety Vickiel Vaughn…

Height: 6-0, Weight: 205, 40 Speed: 4.53
Position: Safety, College: Arkansas

Biography: Has been a regular on the field for Arkansas the past four seasons, gaining recognition as a versatile and nvaluable performer for the Razorbacks. Also has been their most durable player, as he never missed a game due to an injury. He began his career as a free safety, but has also started at strong safety and weak-side outside linebacker. The hard-hitting safety also has been a force on special teams. Led Arkansas defense with four interceptions – returning one for a touchdown – and was second on team with 83 tackles in 2005 after leading team with 66 tackles in 2004, when he tied for the team lead with two interceptions, returning one 52 yards for a touchdown against South Carolina. Played in all 13 games of his sophomore season at linebacker after beginning his Arkansas career at safety in 2002, when he played in all 14 games as a true freshman. In 49 games at Arkansas, Vaughn started 21 times. He recorded 175 tackles (118 solos) with two stops for losses of 8 yards and two quarterback pressures. He had seven interceptions for 105 yards in returns, including a touchdown and deflected nine passes. He caused four fumbles and had a pair of fumble recoveries. Vaughn’s father, Ezekiel, was a high school teammate of Arkansas coach Houston Nutt.

Positives: Ran well at his Arkansas Pro Day, recording a time of 4.09 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.65 seconds in the three-cone drill. Is a well-defined athlete with a lean waist and muscular upper-body frame. Makes quick decisions in coverage and has the deep speed to stay with receivers through their routes. Has recovery quickness and adjusts well to the ball, and can catch it away from his body with large, soft hands. Is a textbook tackler and delivers big hits with good form.

Negatives: Seems a little hesitant in run support, generally losing his balance when getting bounced around by blockers in tight quarters. Despite good technique, can get a little sloppy at times in his wrap-up tackling form, tending to grab at the receivers rather than trying to secure during his hits. Susceptible to the quarterback’s pumps and fakes. Needs to show a more fluid motion when changing direction, as he appears to hesitate before redirecting.

Analysis: A seasoned but unpolished player who has the skills to play center field at the next level but needs to develop a more fluid style. Has proven to be a good all-around football player in college and the 49ers are anxious to see what he’s capable of around better talent and coaching amid the pro atmosphere.

With the 28th pick in the 6th round, acquired from Jacksonville, No. 197 overall. The Niners select DE Melvin Oliver… (the Niners traded the 213th, and 236th, which was originally acquired from Jacksonville for Winborn to move up to 197.)

Height: 6-3, Weight: 279, 40 Speed: 5.10
Position: Defensive End, College: Louisiana State

SUMMARY
Oliver was a frustrating player to grade because he would occasionally flash the ability to make plays, but most of the time he was not involved in the play. He has quick feet and the agility to defeat one-on-one blocks out in space. He can accelerate to full speed quickly when chasing in pursuit and has the playing speed to chase down ball carriers before they can get back to the line of scrimmage when he does not have to defeat a blocker to make the play. The trouble is that he lacks the quick burst and explosiveness off the ball to make an impact as a speed/edge rusher and lacks the power/strength to be an effective pass rusher when he slides inside to defensive tackle. Overall, Oliver is ideally suited to be tried as a strong-side defensive end because he has the strength to hold up as an end and the athleticism to avoid pass blocking offensive tackles out in space. The trouble is that he struggles to consistently get free from blocks in time to make plays. Oliver should not be drafted because of his inconsistent production and ‘Tweener’ status, but can be signed as a free agent because of his athleticism, size for a defensive end and his competitiveness.

STRONG POINTS
He is a good athlete with the quick feet and playing speed to chase down ball carriers on runs away between the offensive tackles. He flashes ability to beat one-on-one pass blocks with hand use and quick feet. He has good instincts, which combine with his athleticism to let him ‘Peel’ off rush to pick up the running back on short dump-off passes. He is a versatile defensive linemen who has experience lining up at end and sliding inside to defensive tackle on passing downs.

WEAKNESSES
Oliver is a ‘Tweener’ who has the size and strength that is ideal for a defensive end, but he lacks the quick burst and explosiveness off the ball to threaten the corner asa speed rusher. He lacks the size and playing strength to play defensive tackle and can be driven off the ball too easily. He gets pinned inside by side/seal blocks and driven down the line of scrimmage. He does not use his hands well vs. blockers and struggles to shed quick enough.

This is the pick that they traded Tim Rattay for.

With the 23rd pick in the 6th round, No. 192 overall, the Niners select free safety Marcus Hudson…

Height: 6-1, Weight: 193, 40 Speed: 4.50
Position: Free Safety, College: North Carolina State

SUMMARY
Hudson is an interesting player because of hishis strong play as a safety in 2004, but was not as enamored with his play as a cornerback in 2005. He is a tall safety with the long arms—when he covers the tight end in man-to-man coverage, he can stay right on his hip and can reach in front to break up the pass consistently. When he is playing aggressive, he consistently reads the play fast, breaks on the ball and closes fast to make the plays—he makes hard and physical tackles/hits. An added bonus is that Hudson is good on special teams coverage units—played gunner on Punt Cover, gets down the field in a flash and can break down and tackle well out in space. He also is a solid kickoff returner—he’s not a home run threat, but consistently runs hard and fights until he is on the ground. Overall, Hudson is being evaluated as both a cornerback and safety, but he will be most successful as a safety in the NFL. He will not be a premier, game-changing player, but will be good in all areas and will add versatility to the defense. He will be able to drop down to cover slot receiver in three receiver alignments so the defense will not have to go to nickel coverage every time.

STRONG POINTS
Hudson is a versatile athlete with the quick feet, acceleration and playing speed that is tough to find in a safety. His instincts combine with his athleticism to let him get outside to make tackles vs. the run and to make plays on the ball vs. deep, outside passes. In zone coverage, he does a good job of planting, driving and closing fast and can make hard hits right after the ball arrives. He has the hips to turn and run with the tight end without losing a step, has the speed to stay with him deep and uses his front hand to break up passes. When he is aggressive, he comes up quickly in run support and can make hard hits/tackles.

WEAKNESSES
Hudson’s biggest weakness is that he does not maintain focus all the time and it leads to him staying upright and missing tackles he should make. He does not consistently come up aggressively in run support and becomes a catch tackler too often. When he is not aggressive, he does not make plays on passes nearly as often.

With the 6th pick in the 6th round, No. 175 overall, the Niners select WR Delanie Walker…

Height: 6-1, Weight: 241, 40 Speed: 4.62
Position: Wide Receiver, College: Central Missouri State

SUMMARY
Walker is clearly a good athlete with the quickness, burst and playing speed that is hard to find is such a well-built receiver, but he is not a consistently productive receiver. While he has shown the hands to make tough catches when he stays focused on the ball, he is not a natural receiver and often drops passes because he fights the ball—struggles the most with passes within his frame. Is a very well-built receiver with the size and playing strength to keep his feet against hard hits, runs through arm and grab tackles, and breaks tackles consistently. Despite his athleticism, Walker does not run good routes and it hinders his ability to get open despite having physical tools to do so. Overall, a team would really want to try and develop Walker’s physical tools, but would be cautious not to over-draft him because most players with his issues never develop their skills. Has the physical tools to become a starting receiver if he can learn to get off the ball better, run more precise routes and catch the ball more consistently. In the end, he may not develop into the player he is capable of being because few receivers really improve their hands once they get to the NFL, and without doing that he will not last long.

STRONG POINTS
Walker is a big receiver with good natural athleticism. Once he catches the ball he accelerates to full speed fast and has the playing speed to score long touchdowns. Has the quick feet and agility to stop and start quickly to make tacklers miss, and has the balance to keep his feet against hard hits and gains yards after contact. Has flashed the ability to reach away from the body to make the tough catch at times. Is a good kickoff returner whose acceleration, playing speed, strength and balance make him dangerous when running with the ball.

WEAKNESSES
Despite natural athleticism, Walker is not a natural pass catcher and drops too many balls. On passes within his frame, he has a tendency to try and body catch the ball, but too often lets the ball into his body and ends up fighting it. While he has good acceleration, Walker does not explode off the ball into route. He runs choppy and raw routess which hinders his ability to get separation from defender despite the natural quickness and speed.

With the 7th pick in the 5th round, No. 140 overall, the Niners select DE Parys Haralson…

Height: 6-0, Weight: 248, 40 Speed: 4.80 E
Position: Defensive End, College: Tennessee

SUMMARY
Haralson is a very good athlete who can defeat offensive tackle pass blocks consistently with his variety of pass-rush moves, closes quickly on the quarterback and makes hard hits on the quarterback. He is a very active and competitive defensive end who consistently goes all out on every snap and has the playing speed to chase down running plays in pursuit. Despite his lack of size, he is stronger than expected and if he bulks up by adding 10-15 additional pounds, he will be very strong at the point of attack. Overall, Haralson is no doubt going to need to bulk up and become more consistent in his get-off at the snap, but weight can be added and he will become a good all-around defensive end for a team that plays a 4-3 defense. As a rookie, he will be a backup who will contribute mostly as a pass rusher and on special teams, but in his second or third season, he will become a good starting defensive end. Additionally, if Haralson goes to a team that plays the 3-4 defense, he will make an immediate impact rushing the quarterback and will become a dangerous starting rush linebacker within a season.

STRONG POINTS
Haralson is a very good athlete with the speed to get the corner and the burst to close on the quarterback and get the sack. He is aggressive attacking the quarterback and does not hesitate to make very hard hits on the quarterback right after the pass is thrown. He has better strength than you expect for his size and has shown ability to aggressively club the offensive tackle out of the way and can beat him inside to get to the quarterback. He does a very good job on runs away. He maintains backside contain until he checks off the quarterback and backside cutback and then explodes down the line of scrimmage and makes the tackle.

WEAKNESSES
Haralson’s biggest weakness is that he is undersized and will have trouble at the point of attack in the NFL. While he has good strength for his size, once NFL offensive tackles lock up on him, he will struggle to consistently shed and get free. He does not deal well with down/side blocks and can be driven down the line of scrimmage and out of the play too easily. He does not consistently use his hands to protect his legs and can be cut to the ground too easily by low/cut blocks. Despite his athleticism and lack of size, he lacks the explosive burst off the ball needed in an undersized defensive end.

With the 3rd pick in the 4th round, No. 100 overall, the 49ers select, Michael Robinson

Height: 6-1, Weight: 226, 40 Speed: 4.55 E
Position: Wide Receiver, College: Penn State

SUMMARY
It is always hard to predict how a player will do playing a position that he has not played a ton of in college. Robinson is definitely athletic and smart enough to make the switch, but learning the nuances of a new position in the NFL is extremely difficult. Teams will need to be careful not to over-draft him based on his post-season workouts because he is still an athlete trying to make a position switch. For every Hines Ward or Drew Bennett, there are many who never were able to make the switch—Woody Danzler and Eric Crouch are just a few of the recent big names to fail. In the end, Robinson should succeed in his switch to receiver—he will develop into a good No. 3 receiver who can make big plays after the catch because of his open-field running ability.

STRONG POINTS
Robinson is a top-notch athlete with the foot quickness, explosiveness and playing speed to make big plays as a receiver. In limited opportunities, he has shown good hands and the ability to pluck the ball easily away from his body. He is a dangerous open-field runner and will be able to turn short passes into big plays. He is a tough football player who has consistently taken hard hits and stayed in the lineup. He is a smooth and fluid athlete who can make very sharp cuts—as he gains experience as a receiver, he will be able to burst out of cuts to get separation easily.

WEAKNESSES
Robinson’s only glaring weakness is that he was primarily a quarterback at Penn State and, even though he played receiver at times in career, he will need to learn to play the position at the highest level possible. While he has shown real toughness as a quarterback, it is impossible to predict his willingness to go up and make tough catches on high passes in traffic.

ESPN is reporting that Robinson will be used at the running back position.