2010 NFL Draft one year later: San Francisco 49ers

I think the biggest mistake the San Francisco 49ers made in last year’s draft was thinking that Alex Smith could be their starting QB. They added pieces to make him successful and some problems with their offensive coordinator early on and head coach later really sealed the fate of the 2010 49er season. In terms of the draft this team really got a mixed bag of results, some good, and some that need improvement.

Here is a quick look at the 2010 49ers draft class:

Round One- RT Anthony Davis
Round One- LG Mike Iupati
Round Two- SS Taylor Mays
Round Three- LB Navorro Bowman
Round Six- RB Anthony Dixon
Round Six- TE Nate Byham
Round Six- WR Kyle Williams
Round Seven- DB Phillip Adams

There seems to be little question that the Niners hit with Iupati. However there is growing concern about Davis. He did start every game last year, but he was called for 11 penalties. There are also concerns about how he will adjust to the new system being installed by Jim Harbaugh. Mays was in and out of the starting lineup and wound up with 38 tackles and a forced fumble. We will likely see him play a lot more starting in 2011.

Navarro Bowman played a lot on special teams and could end up taking Takeo Spikes spot. Dixon had 70 caries for 237 yards and two TD’s. Byham was primarily used as a blocking TE, and Williams had just one carry for 8 yards. Adams ended up with 13 tackles from his reserve role. All in all this draft still looks pretty good. The pieces they added a year ago along the O line should help whoever winds up being the Niners QB in 2011. Right now this grade gets bumped down a little to a B.