2009 Draft Review
Working with the staff over at the NFL Draft Bible, the following is my assessment of how the Niners did with their seven 2009 draft picks. The grade is based on the pick, considering when the pick was taken and how the player developed or did not. For complete coverage of all 32 teams, check out the NFL Draft Bible.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 2009 DRAFT REVIEW
(1-10) Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The Niner's first round pick had a tumultuous start to his NFL career sitting out the first five games of the 2009 season. Once signed Crabtree quickly showed the skills the team had hoped to see. Crabtree didn't shatter any records his rookie season, but he was arguably one the best receiver in the 2009 draft class. Grade B+
(3-74) Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama: Perhaps (Pick received from Bears): The slightly undersized former Crimson Tide was impressive in the preseason, but did not carry over his strong play to the regular season, eventually disappearing in the second half of the season. Coffee will need to improve this summer if he is to compliment starter Frank Gore's power running style. Grade C-
(5-146) Scott McKillop, ILB, Pittsburgh: The (Pick received from Giants through Eagles): The fifth round pick saw quite a bit of his action on special teams in 2009 recording 31 tackles (on special teams). The special teamer looks to be the future, especially with the Niners currently filled with talented vets at the linebacker spot. McKillop will likely have to wait until Spikes vacates before he sees his opportunity to shine. Grade B
(5-171) Nate Davis, QB, Ball State (Compensatory selection): The Niners entered the 2009 draft unsure at the quarterback position and selected the Ohio native Nate Davis. The rookie quarterback played very well in the preseason and secured the third string position for 2009. With Smith expected to be the starter next season Davis will battle for the backup job this offseason. Grade C+
(6-184) Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State: The native Californian was drafted in the sixth round by the Niners for his blocking talents. Lacking speed Pascoe was unable to win a spot on the Niners active roster. Eventually released by the Niners before the start of the season he was signed in December by the Giants. Grade F
(7-219) Curtis Taylor, FS, LSU: With good size and build the seventh round pick out of Louisiana State made the club as a special teamer. Taylor was unable to complete a full campaign going on IR in December with a torn hip flexor. With no guarantees in 2010, Taylor will likely find himself having to battle for a spot on the team this offseason. Grade C-
(7-244) Ricky Jean-Francois, DT, LSU (Compensatory selection): The Niners took a chance with the inexperienced former LSU Tiger. Jean-Francois didn't pan out well in 2009 for the Niners. The seventh round pick only got into three games this season and did not record a single tackle. He'll need to make great strides this offseason if he hopes to stay with the team in 2010. Grade D-
Check back for more as I will be reviewing the Arizona Cardinals next….
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