2010 NFL Draft Countdown: San Francisco 49ers

The NFL Draft Countdown is where we take a closer look at an NFL franchise to see what its transactions have been and what its needs are.

Franchise

• Draft Position: 13
• 2009 Season Result: 8-8 (2^nd in NFC West; Missed Playoffs)
• 2009 Head Coach: Mike Singletary
• 2010 Head Coach: Mike Singletary (13-12; 0-0)

Key Transactions

• QB David Carr (from NYG)
• WR Arnaz Battle (to PIT)
• T Tony Pashos (to CLE)

Draft Picks

• 1-13
• 1-17
• 2-17
• 3-15
• 4-15
• 5-14
• 6-13
• 6-37
• 7-17

Analysis & Outlook

With the addition of QB David Carr, the 49ers now have three QBs with starting experience under contract. But are any of them good? Alex Smith sparked that offense last season after taking over from Shaun Hill but there’s no solid evidence that he’s their man for the future.

On offense, the 49ers need that jolt to be able to contend. WR Michael Crabtree came on after finally signing his contract and TE Vernon Davis was spectacular. The 49ers need another threat on the outside and help along the offensive line.

On defense, the 49ers had a good run defense but they showed weaknesses in pass defense. Improving the pass rush as well as pass coverage is a priority.

The 49ers have the luxury of having two first round picks. They’re able to use both picks to address the many needs that they have and there’s no shortage of options: WR Dez Bryant, O-Linemen Mike Iupati and Maurkice Pouncey, DT Dan Williams, DEs Jason Pierre-Paul, Derrick Morgan and Brandon Graham, CBs Joe Haden and Kyle Wilson and S Earl Thomas. They’ll go with their board and address these needs as they go along.

The 49ers are coming. If they can win two more games, the division is theirs I think. The team isn’t solid enough to be an actual Super Bowl contender but HC Mike Singletary is working hard on making the team better.