The San Francisco 49ers are in the NFC Championship game, so it's unlikely the the Niners fanbase is really looking ahead in the Bay Area to the 2012 NFL Draft. Still, it's clear this team still has some improving to do, and probably needs more depth in their receiving corps. It's amazing that San Francisco managed to get to the NFC Championship without relying on a single marquee wideout, as Jim Harbaugh continues to do it the old-fashioned way.
But expect a wide receiver to be the biggest priority in the draft next year. Tim Hudson of Draft Tek talks about the 49ers potentially going with a player like Stephen Hill of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as someone who could fit their team the best.
The 49ers have the NFL's 33rd ranked WR in Michael Crabtree with 874 yards (25th in the NFL with 72 receptions). To improve upon their 29th ranked passing offense, the DRAFTSIM model has mocked Stephen Hill to the 49ers. His imposing frame (6'5" and 210 lbs) and athletic ability (state high school jumping record holder) will create opportunities and mismatches. Coming from the triple option, Hill has the blocking credentials that Harbaugh and the 49er running game will love. He'll need to work on his route tree and won't be as fast as fellow GT alums Calvin Johnson or Demariyus Thomas, but his average of 25.5 yards per reception over his career are encouraging for his NFL prospects. His production trailed off with some dropped balls this season (only 28 catches), but he does have great run after the catch ability (820 yards).
To discuss Hill in San Francisco, head to Niners Nation. To talk about Hill with Georgia Tech fans, check out From The Rumble Seat. To take a look at the NFL draft in general, go to Mocking the Draft.