WalterFootball.com - Detailed NFL Mock Drafts, Player Prospect Rankings, and One of the Largest Mock Draft Databases on the Web

2013 NFL Offseason: San Francisco 49ers

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents

San Francisco 49ers (Last Year: 11-4-1)

2013 NFL Draft Grade: A-

Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.

Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: San Francisco's roster is loaded, so the team has way fewer needs than most franchises. Something the 49ers absolutely have to address, however, is the secondary. Both the corner and safety positions are the weakest areas on the roster.

2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The 49ers ignored the cornerback position but made sure they bolstered their safety group by moving up from No. 31 to 18 for Eric Reid. I wasn't a fan of this; the safety class was loaded, so San Francisco could have stayed put and drafted either Matt Elam or Jonathan Cyprien at its original spot.

General manager Trent Baalke has proven himself very capable though, so it wasn't surprising at all to see him rebound from that blemish. He traded down from his next selection and still obtained Tank Carradine, who was a major steal at No. 40. Carradine will bulk up and be Justin Smith's successor at the five-technique position. That would explain Corey Lemonier at No. 88. The smaller Lemonier will provide depth at rush linebacker and will almost certainly compete for a starting job down the road.

Baalke's top selections came at the end of the fourth round. Quinton Patton was an absolute steal at No. 128 because he was considered a second-round prospect. Three picks later, the 49ers chose Marcus Lattimore, who was a first-round projection prior to shredding his knee this past fall. Lattimore will essentially be redshirted. Frank Gore's contract expires in 2015, so Lattimore could take over as the starter then.

The 49ers showed why they have one of the premier front offices in the NFL. They were able to strengthen their roster by seldom reaching, all while filling some needs. I wish they would have drafted a cornerback and avoided moving up for Reid, but the latter isn't a huge issue because they were armed with a ton of picks.

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

18. Eric Reid, S, LSU: C- Grade
The 49ers moved up for... Eric Reid? Why? This safety class was incredibly loaded. I'm sure one of Reid, Matt Elam or Jonathan Cyprien would have been available at No. 31. Reid had issues covering last year, so this pick is highly questionable - especially considering that San Francisco moved up for the LSU product.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

40. Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State: A Grade
Outside linebacker was not a top need for the 49ers, but they have so few holes that they can afford to take the best player available. Tank Carradine was projected to go as high as No. 19, so that's why this is a great pick. Teams can never have enough pass-rushers, and San Francisco appears set, even in the wake of injury. It's worth noting that the 49ers can have Carradine play five-technique in their defense.

55. Vance McDonald, TE, Rice: B Grade
This would have been a pretty solid pick had San Francisco not moved up. The 49ers lost Delanie Walker, so they needed an in-line tight end. Vance McDonald is a good fit and makes sense in this range. I feel like San Francisco could have stayed put and still obtained him, however. (Update: San Francisco gave up just a seventh-rounder).

88. Corey Lemonier, DE/OLB, Auburn: B Grade
I was going to say that is overkill with these pass-rushers. I can understand the 49ers adding one, but two? One of Corey Lemonier and Tank Carradine is going to be lost in the shuffle. However, it occurred to me that Carradine could play defensive end in San Francisco's scheme, so this makes much more sense. This is the right range for Lemonier.

128. Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech: A+ Grade
Why do the smart teams always gets the steals of the draft? Quinton Patton, an outstanding blocker as a wideout, should have gone off the board in the second round. The 49ers don't need a receiver right now, but they will next year when some of their players (Anquan Boldin, Mario Manningham) hit free agency.

131. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina: A+ Grade
I had a feeling Marcus Lattimore would go to the 49ers. It just made so much sense. The 49ers were armed with so many picks heading into the 2013 NFL Draft. Jim Harbaugh loves to redshirt players and use them down the road. He'll do that with Lattimore once Frank Gore moves on to another team.

157. Quinton Dial, DE/DT, Alabama: B Grade
It's not surprising to see the 49ers draft a second defensive lineman. They were hurting for depth in that area heading into the 2013 NFL Draft. Quinton Dial fits the range as a fifth-round prospect.

180. Nick Moody, ILB, Florida State: B- Grade
The 49ers are obviously set with their starting inside linebackers, but they had to find some depth at some point in the 2013 NFL Draft. Nick Moody is a slight reach, but that's not a big concern in the middle of Round 6.

237. B.J. Daniels, QB, South Florida: C Grade
B.J. Daniels over Matt Scott, Tyler Bray and Sean Renfree? I feel like the 49ers are trolling us.

246. Carter Bykowski, OT, Iowa State: B- Grade
I didn't have Carter Bykowski being drafted, but he still makes sense for needed tackle depth.

252. Marcus Cooper, CB, Rutgers: B Grade
It's about time the 49ers added a cornerback. They needed depth help.

*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Corner is not a need 05-12-2013 11:32 am xxx.xxx.xxx0.77 (total posts: 2)

Obviously they have at least a year before they actually need a corner at all. They had one of the best secondaries in the league during the regular season, and they struggled some against the playoff teams...It doesn't make sense to expect them to dominate against better competition. Perrish Cox was probably the best 4th corner in the league last year, and now they've added Nnamdi. Also, I think T.Brown is a stud. I've heard the front office thinks he "could be upgraded" but he's been their best corner over the last two seasons (including playoffs). I thought they overpaid Rogers, but why not lock up the guys who helped you have success when you can afford it? Corners are very hit and miss anyway...the difference between a great year and a bad year is like 10 bad plays out of 1000 vs. 20 bad plays out of 1000. Once they extend Kaep, they won't be paying big money to pretty good corners anymore.

Danny 05-10-2013 07:18 am xxx.xxx.xxx5.68 (total posts: 1)

I don't know why they didn't draft Shariff Floyd who was available after taking a precipitous drop. I even bet with my friend that they were going to take him for sure. I thought Reid was a bit of a reach at 18 but Harbaugh fell in love with Reid a long time ago. BJ Daniels was drafted to be a possible swiss army knife. He could be the 3rd string QB, back up RB/special teams/blocking specialist maybe? I was surprised they barely addressed CB. CB situation is dire but I guess they will go CB heavy next year since 2013 crop sucked. Nnamdi and Brown will be gone and Rogers should take a pay cut or leave. Culliver is ok. 49ers got a 2014 3rd rnd pick so not bad though I wish they got more. 3rd round comp pick for losing Goldson makes me feel better. We need to target CBs and WRs followed by a safety to replace Whitner in 2014 then fill out the rest with depth drafting/value/dealing for 2015 picks.

Alex 05-03-2013 01:36 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.28 (total posts: 1)

People forget that the Niners already have the most picks so far in 2014 as well, with 10 plus the compensatory selections which are likely.

RD 05-01-2013 02:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.131 (total posts: 1)

Great draft by the 9ers. While there were some questions, (back-up TE/joker in the 2nd? and minimal 2014 picks added), it's hard to argue w/ any of these selections. The first 5 picks can easily develop into pro-bowl fixtures for years to come. Lemonier and Tank were considered 2 of the top pass-rushers in college the year until they were injured. As much as I thought they could have waited for either Reid or Cyprien, Reid was who Baalke and Harbaugh wanted, so they made sure they got him. I also thought Lattimore, for all his talent, upside, and ability (I really think he will be fantastic if he recovers), is a wasted pick. We have now spent the past 3 drafts picking up at least 1 RB. While Gore is on his way out, we still have Hunter and James as the new 1-2 in our pistol offense, and Dixon as a 3rd-down/back-up. But then again, he could easily end up being a top-5 RB. So as much as we could have used potential replacements in other areas (C/SS), its real hard to argue w/ this pick.

However, a couple things I would have liked them to address is potential replacements for Goodwin, Sopoaga, and Whitner at C, NT, and SS, respectively. Whitner has become a liability in pass coverage (not that he was great at that to begin w/) and it has shown. Goodwin, on the other hand, is still solid, but getting old (he will be 34 at the end of the year). Replacing him will be difficult, as he is the qb of the line; he makes all the calls, he coordinates the blocking assignments, etc. Why not grab someone like Barrett Jones in the 4th, or a huge athletic freak of an prospect, and then have Goodwin train him for the next 2 years? As for NT, I don't think Dorsey will play there, and if he does, it will be sparingly and not well. I know we play the nickel a lot w/ a 2-4-5 alignment, but the nose is a critical point in the 3-4. Sopoaga wasn't that great, but he was big, strong, and took up 2 blockers, which is his job and all we need. We should have found a replacement at some point in this draft.

Again, still hard to argue w/ this draft at all. We lost a FS in Goldson, we drafted 1. We lost a Joker on offense when Walker left, we got another. Cowboy went down and the DL and edge-rushers fell apart? His future replacement is here. Pass-rushing depth? Got it.

Perennial Playoff team for years to come.

me 04-30-2013 05:54 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.206 (total posts: 1)

Why do smart teams always get the steals of the draft?
Isn't it obvious? Its because they are the smart teams.

joejoe 04-29-2013 04:59 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.223 (total posts: 1)

Why do the smart teams always gets the steals of the draft? Quinton Patton.
Guess because they don't consult with you - the most knowledgeable football man in existence.

JJJ 04-29-2013 10:43 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.75 (total posts: 2)

Hey not so Knowledgeable fan...

BJ Daniels was drafted to be a scout team QB while he is developed. Smart teams are starting to realize that drafting a guy is better than letting him decide his faith as an undrafted free agent. Like most of these late round draft picks and undrafted free agents, BJ will not play much in the preseason and he will be cut then stashed on the practice squad. It is a lot harder to pick a marginal guy up off the streets if he hasn

J-jack 04-29-2013 10:34 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.75 (total posts: 2)

One of the 49ers goals (arguably the most important) going into the draft should have been utilising their surplus of picks to pick up extra 2014 picks. They didn't do that for the most part (picked up a 2014 3rd)....

Why would you bump down their draft because they only picked up a third rounder? You have to remember that they still hold the conditional 2nd/3rd rounder for the Alex trade; not to mention the 3 comp draft picks they will pick up for Goldston, D. Walker, and Sopoaga! It could be 4 if they cut Nnamdi because of RJF to the Colts. They are looking at 9-13 picks next year!

JNL 04-29-2013 08:24 am xxx.xxx.xxx2.41 (total posts: 1)

Obviously Baalke knew he could get Elam or Cyprien by staying put, but his research, interviews, etc (which were far more detailed and thorough than mock draft bloggers who probably didn't even see Cyprien play before the Senior Bowl) led him to believe that Reid was the best choice.

Watler 04-29-2013 07:34 am xxx.xxx.xxx.206 (total posts: 1)

-.- 04-29-2013 01:34 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.11 (total posts: 2)

Knowledgeable Fan, you're a dumbass. Did you seriously just compare E.J. Manuel to B.J. Daniels?

One was drafted to be the starter of a dysfunctional, terrible franchise. The other was drafted to compete for a 3RD STRING JOB and to SIMULATE RUSSELL WILSON on the practice squad.

KT23 04-28-2013 10:01 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.208 (total posts: 1)

Allow me to enlighten you fools.

3 years ago, BJ Daniels and RG3 were the 2 most intriguing of the spread college QB's. Their athletic ability set them apart. Daniels was picked so that he could compete for the backup job to Colin Capernick, who has the same unique traits. BJ will be able to run all the plays that the starter runs. Daniels would have been picked by another team anyways, to simulate what the 49ers, Seahawks, and Redskins, can do on offense.

Daniels is better than Matt Scott.

Turnin point 04-28-2013 09:23 pm xxx.xxx.xxx5.98 (total posts: 1)

all there picks are injured & thats ah flag!

Wayne 04-28-2013 03:42 pm xxx.xxx.xxx2.20 (total posts: 1)

Walt you will be proved wrong about Reid. 49ers have a great coaching staff and will coach him up. He has great physical tools and is very smart. similar skills to Goldson. I also liked Cyprien but Reid will do great I hope.

Knowledgeable fan 04-28-2013 10:01 am xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 1)

125

I didn't like EJ Manuel but BJ DANIELS SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN DRAFTED!!!!!!!!HE'S MORE INCONSISTENT THAN MANUEL AND LESS PHYSICALLY GIFTED!!!!!my BJ Daniels grade for even being drafted before 254 especially with Matt Scott available-MILLEN GOT WHAT HE DIDN'T DESERVE grade.

Pages: 12 3 4 ...24 25

Season Summary:
The 49ers entered the 2012 season with a great defense that in all likelihood couldn't lead the team to the Super Bowl because of the limitations at quarterback. That all changed when Jim Harbaugh named Colin Kaepernick the permanent starter in November. Kaepernick was outstanding leading up to the showdown against the Ravens in New Orleans, but struggled prior to the blackout in that contest. However, his second-half surge is what 49er fans should expect to see going forward.

Offseason Moves:

49ers sign G Adam Snyder

Lions sign K David Akers

49ers sign CB Nnamdi Asomugha

49ers acquire QB Colt McCoy from Browns

49ers re-sign S Darcel McBath

Panthers sign WR Ted Ginn

49ers sign WR Marlon Moore

49ers sign K Phil Dawson

49ers sign S Craig Dahl

49ers sign OLB Dan Skuta

49ers sign DT Glenn Dorsey

Buccaneers sign S Dashon Goldson

Eagles sign NT Isaac Sopoaga

Titans sign TE Delanie Walker

49ers acquire WR Anquan Boldin from Ravens for 6th-rounder

49ers re-sign CB Tramaine Brock

49ers cut K David Akers

Chiefs acquire QB Alex Smith from 49ers

Team Needs:

Two Safeties: Dashon Goldson is a free agent, while Donte Whitner surrendered more touchdowns than any other safety in 2012. If the Super Bowl proved anything, it's that the 49ers have to upgrade their secondary. Signed Craig Dahl
Wide Receiver: Mario Manningham, coming off ACL and PCL tears, could be cut this offseason. Randy Moss, whose lethargy finally cost the 49ers in the Super Bowl, won't be back. San Francisco has to find a secondary wideout for Colin Kaepernick. Traded for Anquan Boldin
Cornerback: You have to wonder if the heavily penalized Chris Culliver will be back next year after insulting the San Francisco community in the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Joe Flacco mercilessly torched Culliver, who can be upgraded. Meanwhile, Carlos Rogers will be 32, so he won't be around much longer. Signed Nnamdi Asomugha
Rush Linebacker: Parys Haralson could be a cap casualty. The 49ers were already thin at rush linebacker, so they'll have to add depth behind Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks.
Nose Tackle: The 49ers proved last year that they don't really need a full-time nose tackle, but they could certainly use one to make their defense better.
Defensive End: San Francisco has to find a successor for Justin Smith, a 34-year-old entering his contract season. Signed Glenn Dorsey
Center: Jonathan Goodwin, who just turned 34, will be entering his contract year in 2013. He could be replaced this offseason.
Offensive Tackle: There isn't much depth behind Joe Staley and Anthony Davis.
Tight End: San Francisco will have to find a blocking tight end if Delanie Walker isn't retained.
Inside Linebacker: Depth is needed behind Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman. Signed Dan Skuta
Kicker: David Akers missed more field goals than any other kicker in the NFL this past season. He was cut. Signed Phil Dawson
Quarterback: With Alex Smith gone, the 49ers could use a veteran quarterback. Traded for Colt McCoy

2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Phil Dawson, K, Browns. Age: 38.
Signed with 49ers

Phil Dawson showed no signs of his age this past season, nailing 29-of-31 attempts, including a perfect 7-of-7 from 50-plus.
Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Eagles. Age: 32.
Signed with 49ers (1 year)

Aside from perhaps Darrelle Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha was viewed as the league's best cornerback when he signed a 5-year, $60 million contract right after the lockout. He was just mediocre in 2011 and then downright awful this past season, so it was a no-brainer that Philadelphia cut him, given that he was owed $15 million in 2013. Ranking Asomugha is a bit of a challenge because there's always a chance he could improve elsewhere. He won't be in Raider form, but perhaps he can become a decent starter again. On the flip side, there have been reports that Asomugha lost his passion for the game. He'll be 32 in July, so there's a good chance we'll never see the pre-Eagle Asomugha again.
Glenn Dorsey, DT, Chiefs. Age: 28.
Signed with 49ers

Glenn Dorsey is a bust as the fifth-overall selection in 2008. He can stop the run when healthy, so he's serviceable in that regard. I'd also like to see what he can do in a 4-3, a system more suited toward his strengths.
Craig Dahl, S, Rams. Age: 28. -- Signed with 49ers (3 years)
Adam Snyder, G, Cardinals. Age: 31. -- Signed with 49ers
Dan Skuta, OLB, Bengals. Age: 27. -- Signed with 49ers (2 years)
Marlon Moore (RFA), WR, Dolphins. Age: 25. -- Signed with 49ers

San Francisco 49ers Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Dashon Goldson, S, 49ers. Age: 28.
Signed with Buccaneers (5 years)

Dashon Goldson had some issues in coverage back in 2011, but did what he needed to do to correct them this past season. Goldson made the Pro Bowl for good reason.
David Akers, K, 49ers. Age: 38.
Signed with Lions

David Akers was notorious for blowing tons of field goals in 2012. He went just 29-of-42. On the bright side, he was 4-of-5 in the playoffs. Akers is not ranked low because he dealt with a sports hernia last year. He could easily bounce back.
Delanie Walker, TE, 49ers. Age: 29.
Signed with Titans

Delanie Walker doesn't play a big part as a receiving tight end, but he's a tremendous blocker.
Ted Ginn, KR, 49ers. Age: 28.
Signed with Panthers

Ted Ginn didn't score a special-teams touchdown for the first time since 2008, but was still effective taking back punts.
Larry Grant, ILB, 49ers. Age: 28.
Larry Grant played well in relief of an injured Patrick Willis a year ago, but didn't see the field much in 2012.
Ricky Jean-Francois, DE/DT, 49ers. Age: 26.
Signed with Colts (4 years, $22 million)

Ricky Jean-Francois handled himself well when inserted into the lineup in the wake of Justin Smith's injury. He's not much of a pass-rusher, but he contained the run well.
Isaac Sopoaga, NT, 49ers. Age: 31. -- Signed with Eagles
Randy Moss, WR, 49ers. Age: 36.
Tavares Gooden, ILB, 49ers. Age: 28.
Darcel McBath (RFA), S, 49ers. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with 49ers
Leonard Davis, G, 49ers. Age: 34.
Billy Cundiff, K, 49ers. Age: 33.
Clark Haggans, DE/OLB, 49ers. Age: 36.
Tramaine Brock (RFA), CB, 49ers. Age: 25. -- Re-signed with 49ers

2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2013 NFL Offseason: San Francisco 49ers Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents