Draft day decison makers: San Francisco 49ers

When I think about what has gone on within the San Francisco 49ers front office over the last year all I can say is what a hot mess. The Coaching staff has been reworked, the front office went though a serious shake up and it all has us wondering who has the final say on draft day and over personnel decisions. That man looks to be Trent Baalke who now holds the title of General Manger after spending the last several seasons heading up the player personnel department.

Baalke has been with the 49ers organization since 2005 when he was hired as their western scout. He came to them after being a National scout and College scouting coordinator for the Washington Redskins, and a scout for the New York Jets. He has a lot of scouting experience, but since coming to the 49ers that team has struggled on draft day.

In 2005 the 49ers took Alex Smith in the first round, a year later they landed Vernon Davis and Manny Lawson in the first round. In 2007 Patrick Willis and Joe Staley were taken in round one, in 2008 DE Kentwan Balmer, then in 2009 WR Michael Crabtree, and last year T Anthony Davis and G Mike Iupati.

All of that shows us a team that can trade around to get multiple first round picks and hit a few home runs and have a few misses. Since 2005 the 49ers have made 30 draft picks, and only 18 of them are still with the team. The good news there is 11 of them are starters, but the 49ers draft classes recently feel a little weak. They have big upside, but have done little to help them consistently win.

Related Links:

• San Francisco 49ers War Room
• Joshua Lobdell.com