In searching around the Internet for 2011 NFL Draft grades, a lot of 49ers grades have been in the C range. The media have liked certain aspects of the 49ers draft but the apparent developmental nature of the draft has left people questioning how to grade it right now.
That is not a problem for NBC Sports. They gave the 49ers a B+ in part because they are big fans of Aldon Smith’s upside. They proclaimed that “Smith draws DeMarcus Ware comparisons for explosive disruptiveness and a freakish wingspan. He gives the 49ers a legitimate double-digit sack threat in year one.”
Additionally they think Kendall Hunter, Colin Jones, Bruce Miller, and Mike Person were all “noticeable value choices.” Of those four, Hunter and Miller would seem to be the two who might receive the most playing time in season one. Hunter will be battling Anthony Dixon for playing time behind Frank Gore, while Miller will be attempting to convert from a defensive lineman to fullback.