The San Francisco 49ers made some interesting choices during the seven rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft, choices that raised some eyebrows. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke stated that they were not selecting based on any sort of "needs" game plan; they were merely trying to draft the best possible players for the long term, since they feel pretty well-stocked at the moment.
Nate Stuhlbarg of CSN Bay Area reports that Harbaugh and Baalke spoke to the media following Saturday's final round of the NFL Draft and discussed some of the players they picked up.
It is clear that Harbaugh was very keen on third-round pick Joe Looney, a guard from the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
"Top 1-2-3 of all the youngsters we talked to in Indy," Harbaugh said. "We believe he'll be a starter in this league, for us."
What did Harbaugh like so much about Looney? "Oomph. Pizazz." Need more? "He's a bright guy. Book-, street- and football-smart."
Along with James, Looney might be the player Harbaugh is most looking forward to being around.
Harbaugh made it clear that fourth-round pick Darius Fleming, a linebacker from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, will take his route to the NFL via special teams play. Harbaugh feels that Fleming needs to add some size, but Fleming's addition will add depth to the linebacker position.
"Fleming and Cam (Johnson) will have an outstanding opportunity," said Harbaugh.
The 49ers are looking forward to seeing hat their new players can do. Niners fans should be, too.
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