SB Nation Bay Area - NFL Mock Draft 2012: How Will 49ers Look To Improve In the 2012 NFL Draft?https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48817/bayrea-fave.png2012-04-26T05:01:34-07:00http://bayarea.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24550762012-04-26T05:01:34-07:002012-04-26T05:01:34-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: Mike Mayock Has San Francisco 49ers Taking Kendall Wright
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers had one serious weakness last year: Wide receivers. The 49ers were simply not good enough to get to the Super Bowl because they didn't really have the vertical passing game to move the ball down the field against the New York Giants.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/mock-drafts/mike-mayock/150251">Mike Mayock of NFL.com</a> has his only mock draft, and the 49ers ended up picking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35515/kendall-wright">Kendall Wright</a> of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/baylor-bears">Baylor Bears</a> to provide him more offensive weaponry for Alex Smith to utilize along with new additions Mario Manningham and Randy Moss.</p>
<p>For more explanation from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d8289a492">Mayock, check out this video</a>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d8289a492"><br></a></p>
<p><i><b>To discuss Wright and the 49ers, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com">head on over to Niners Nation</a>. Check out what Baylor football fans think about Wright is</b><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ourdailybears.com"> Our Daily Bears</a>. Talk about mock drafts in general when you go to </b><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com">Mocking the Draft</a></b></i><i><b>. <br></b></i></p>
<p>Look at the SB Nation NFL Draft YouTube channel and see if you'd be interested in the videos below.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/4/26/2976394/nfl-mock-draft-2012-mike-mayock-has-san-francisco-49ers-takingAvinash Kunnath2012-04-25T16:04:28-07:002012-04-25T16:04:28-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: Mel Kiper Has San Francisco 49ers Selecting Kevin Zeitler
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers have filled out a lot of their pressing needs in free agency and have a pretty full complement of players. If there's anything that needs to be upgraded, the Niners could possibly use an offensive line talent on the inside to try and produce a better running game and stronger offense.</p>
<p>Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft (<a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7845687/mel-kiper-final-mock-draft-year" target="_blank">which you can view here in its entirety if you have an ESPN Insider account</a>), and it has the 49ers taking one offensive guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48826/kevin-zeitler" class="sbn-auto-link">Kevin Zeitler</a> from the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers" class="sbn-auto-link">Wisconsin Badgers</a> with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Kiper explains his reasoning for why the 49ers should take Zeitler.</p>
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<p>The 49ers have gotten deeper at wide receiver in free agency, and if Hill and Fleener are off the board I think they'll go after a big need in the run game here. The 49ers may have more weapons on the edges, but if they can't run the ball effectively it won't matter. Zeitler can move people up front and start early.<i><b><br></b></i></p>
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<p><i><b>See how 49ers fans feel about Zeitler at <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com" target="_blank">Niners Nation</a>. Check to see how Wisconsin fans feel about Zeitler <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com" target="_blank">at Bucky's 5th Quarter</a>. Talk about mock drafts over at</b><b><a href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com" target="_blank"> Mocking The Draft</a></b></i><i><b>.</b></i></p>
<p>Subscribe to the SB Nation NFL Draft YouTube channel below and see if you'd be willing to subscribe to the videos.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/4/25/2975453/2012-nfl-mock-draft-mel-kiper-san-francisco-49ers-kevin-zeitlerAvinash Kunnath2012-04-25T12:14:21-07:002012-04-25T12:14:21-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: All Seven Rounds Of San Francisco 49ers Picks
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<p>NFL.com's Chad Reuter has been locked away from days, meticulously compiling his complete 2012 NFL mock draft, down to the very last pick on the very past day of the draft. </p>
<p>Reuter has mapped out the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> plan to a T, and has them selecting mostly defensive players aside from their first and fifth round picks, using them on Georgia Tech wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75667/stephen-hill">Stephen Hill</a> and Mississippi State center <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10671/quentin-saulsberry">Quentin Saulsberry</a>. Check the picks out for yourself below. </p>
<p>First round:</p>
<p><strong>30.</strong> <em>Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech.</em> The team can't assume <span>Randy Moss</span> will be an impact player, given his inactivity in 2011 and lack of production in 2010. Hill's a raw prospect worth a late first-round pick. He's capable of making a few big plays as a rookie for a team in need of a vertical threat.</p>
<p>Second round:</p>
<p><strong>61.</strong> <em>Jeff Allen, OG, Illinois.</em> Allen started at left tackle for Illinois, but showed improvement inside as Senior Bowl week went on.</p>
<p>Third round:</p>
<p><strong>92. </strong><em><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76371/olivier-vernon">Olivier Vernon</a>, DE/OLB, Miami.</em> Vernon's an intriguing conversion prospect, and the 49ers are always looking for depth at LB.</p>
<p>Fourth round:</p>
<p><strong>125. </strong><em><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10152/jaye-howard">Jaye Howard</a>, DE, Florida.</em> His athleticism makes him a potential impact starter at five-technique.</p>
<p>Fifth round:</p>
<p><strong>165.</strong> <em>Quentin Saulsberry, C, Mississippi State</em> </p>
<p>Sixth round:</p>
<p><strong>199.</strong> <em><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Jeremy Lane</a>, CB, Northwestern State (LA)</em></p>
<p>Seventh round:</p>
<p><strong>237.</strong> <em>Christian Thompson, FS, South Carolina State</em></p>
<p>These are some solid additions to the squad, and I especially appreciate the attention to the secondary paid in the later rounds by Reuter in this draft, one of the areas where the 49ers have little depth as is. Harbuagh stayed away from his former Stanford players in this draft as well, something many have predicted he will not do, possibly taking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9395/coby-fleener">Coby Fleener</a> in the first round instead of Hill.</p>
<p>We'll just have to wait and see how these predictions hold up. </p>
<p><i>For more discussion and analysis of the San Francisco 49ers, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com">Niners Nation</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bayarea.sbnation.com">SB Nation Bay Area</a>. For more on the NFL draft in general, please check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com">Mocking the Draft</a> and SB Nation's<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl"> dedicated NFL hub</a>. </i> </p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/4/25/2974831/nfl-mock-draft-2012-all-seven-rounds-of-san-francisco-49ers-picksErnie Pomin2012-04-25T10:39:54-07:002012-04-25T10:39:54-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: 49ers Select Amini Silatolu According to Don Banks' Final Mock
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<p>With the 2012 NFL Draft about 24 hours away, everyone is just giddy with excitement over whom the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> will take with their first round pick. </p>
<p>One of those folks in Sports Illustrated's Don Banks, who in his<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/don_banks/04/25/2012.nfl.mock.draft.7/index.html?xid=sbnation" target="_blank"> final mock draft </a>before the actual draft has the 49ers selecting OG Amini Silatolu out of Midwestern State. </p>
<p>Here is Banks with the commentary: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>The 49ers' need at right guard has led them to do their homework on Silatolu, and they like what they see of the small-school standout. As much as the re-pairing of Stanford tight end Coby Fleener and Jim Harbaugh might have made sense, he would represent something of a luxury pick for the 49ers.</p>
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<p>The 49ers used two first round picks on offensive lineman a few seasons ago on Anthony Davis and <span>Mike Iupati</span>, but could look to do the same again with Silatolu. He certainly is a solid talent, though they may be better served using their pick elsewhere, possibly an offensive weapon. Nevertheless, another big body protecting Alex Smith is always a good thing.</p>
<p><i>For more in depth discussion and analysis of the San Francisco 49ers, please make sure that you check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com">Niners Nation</a> to get in on the action. For more on the draft in general, make your way over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com">Mocking the Draft </a>or SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl">dedicated NFL hub</a>.</i></p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/4/25/2974568/nfl-mock-draft-2012-amini-silatolu-49ers-don-bank-siErnie Pomin2012-04-25T06:30:17-07:002012-04-25T06:30:17-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: 49ers Take Amini Silatolu In Rob Rang's Final Mock
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<p>CBSSports and NFLDraftScout.com's Rob Rang submitted his final mock draft on Monday and like some of his peers, had the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> selecting an offensive guard. The name might be a new one to you though.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>30. San Francisco 49ers<br> Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State: The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>' loss of a stellar interior line prospect could prove to be the 49ers gain, as San Francisco, like Baltimore, could use help up front. Silatolu's size, strength and tenacity would make him a welcome fit in Jim Harbaugh's power-running offense. Coming from his low level of competition, he's clearly a gamble but for a coaching staff understandably confident in their ability to teach (based on their immediate success last season), it is a gamble that could pay off huge.</p>
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<p>Silatolu has been creeping up draft boards and sleeper lists and now he's fully established himself in the first-round discussion. The small schooler is known for being a physical freak of nature at 6'4, 311, and could help bolster the Niners' offensive line, and would represent the prospect for being a key cog in their quest to be a power running team.</p>
<p><i>For all news and information regarding the San Francisco 49ers, please visit </i><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/"><b><i>Niners Nation</i></b></a><i>. For lots more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out </i><a href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/"><b><i>Mocking the Draft</i></b></a><i>.</i></p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/4/25/2973126/nfl-mock-draft-2012-49ers-take-amini-silatolu-in-rob-rangs-final-mockDanny Kelly2012-04-25T05:30:04-07:002012-04-25T05:30:04-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: 49ers Take Kevin Zeitler in Dane Brugler's Final Mock
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<p>With but one day until the real deal takes place - the 2012 NFL Draft - analysts and football writers around the nation are submitting their final mock drafts, based on the most current information available. Generally speaking, these mocks are much more reliable (if any mock drafts could be considered 'reliable') than those from a couple of months, weeks, or even days ago, and as writers try and get as close to the real thing as possible, they eschew wild ideas and scenarios for what they believe will happen. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-DaneBrugler">CBS Sports' Dane Brugler's final mock</a> has the 49ers going with someone that's becoming a familiar name in the Bay Area, G <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48826/kevin-zeitler" class="sbn-auto-link">Kevin Zeitler</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>30. <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a><br> Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin: In the last few years, San Francisco has invested three first round picks on the offensive line and with right guard a need position, it wouldn't be surprising to see the 49ers revert to their old habit of drafting a blocker early. It doesn't always look pretty, but Kevin Zeitler gets the job done as both a run blocker and pass protector, playing with the same killer instinct and competitive drive the NFL has grown to expect from a Wisconsin lineman.</p>
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<p>You could probably chalk this one up as one of those picks that doesn't appear sexy at first blush, but with the Niners' penchant for running the football, the offensive line becomes key. Wisconsin is a lineman factory, churning out NFL caliber players year in and year out, and Zietler would be a nice addition to the 49ers offense.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a>, make sure you head to <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/" target="_blank">Field Gulls</a> and join in on the discussion.</i></b></p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/4/25/2973107/nfl-mock-draft-2012-49ers-take-kevin-zeitler-in-dane-bruglers-finalDanny Kelly2012-04-23T11:59:46-07:002012-04-23T11:59:46-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: Greg Cosell's Mock Sends Peter Konz To The 49ers
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<p><a href="http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/04/23/cosell-talks-mock-draft/">NFL Films' Greg Cosell did his first mock draft </a>and provided his own special perspective on the upcoming draft and the reasoning behind the picks he sees teams making due to his own personal film study and analysis.</p>
<p>Cosell presented an interesting name as the pick for the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> at the no. 30 spot: Wisconsin center <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48825/peter-konz" class="sbn-auto-link">Peter Konz</a>.</p>
<p>Konz isn't a name that's been brought up in this spot in other mock drafts but here is Cosell's reasoning behind the pick.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>...While it might not be sexy, the pick here is Peter Konz from Wisconsin. Konz played center for the Badgers but could easily slide to guard in the NFL. Another highly disciplined Wisconsin offensive lineman, Konz played with an excellent combination of movement and strength. He was not a road grader but in tandem with his active and constantly moving feet he was effective moving defensive linemen. The other attribute that stood out: Competitiveness.</p>
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<p>We're almost at draft day and new names are still popping up in the first round. Stanford's Coby Fleener still gets mentioned the most but nothing will be in stone until the card is turned in so stay tuned in.</p>
<p><i>For all news and information regarding the San Francisco 49ers, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a>. For lots more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/">Mocking the Draft</a>.</i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/4/23/2969458/nfl-mock-draft-2012-greg-cosells-mock-sends-peter-konz-to-the-49ersRonald Clark2012-04-23T10:50:40-07:002012-04-23T10:50:40-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: 49ers Select Stanford TE Coby Fleener
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<p>If any of the mock drafts turn out to be correct, Stanford tight end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9395/coby-fleener" class="sbn-auto-link">Coby Fleener</a> can breathe a sigh of relief. Fleener heading to the San Francisco 49ers with the no. 30 pick in the draft is one of the most consistent late first round pick selections among mock drafts, including <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/4/23/2967438/2012-nfl-mock-draft#id=I1_1335199077187&parent=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com&rpctoken=708967935&_methods=onPlusOne%2C_ready%2C_close%2C_open%2C_resizeMe%2C_renderstart">Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation's latest mock</a>.</p>
<p>This is what Van Bibber had to say about the pick.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The 2-tight end attack is going west, though I doubt Fleener has the bro-ness to turn it into the kind of knuckle-bumping road trip, a la Gronk. He is not as imposing as Gronkowski. Still he catches the ball well and makes matchup headaches for defenses.</p>
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<p><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7797018/top-5-prospects-position">Mel Kiper ranks Fleener </a>as the best tight end in the draft and as the only likely first rounder who plays the position and <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/04/20/mock.draft/index.html">Sports Illustrated's Peter King has Fleener</a> headed to the Niners as well.</p>
<p><i>For all news and information regarding the San Francisco 49ers, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a>. For lots more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/">Mocking the Draft</a>.</i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/4/23/2969248/nfl-mock-draft-2012-49ers-select-stanford-te-coby-fleenerRonald Clark