SB Nation Writers Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick #10

Mar 28, 2009, 4:00 PM UTC

No. 10

SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
Pick by Niners Nation

Michael Oher
Offensive tackle
Ole Miss

The 49ers are the latest team up in the SB Nation writer’s mock. Handling their pick is Fooch, the Bill Walsh of Niners Nation.

This pick is a really tough one for the 49ers. There is plenty of talent at this point in the draft, but it might not be the most applicable to the 49ers. The options at this pick included Aaron Maybin, Michael Oher, Mark Sanchez and Jeremy Maclin. One could make a knowledgeable argument for and against each one of those guys. The 49ers potential pick also is affected by free agency. The team is negotiating with OT Marvel Smith, who may very well be signed by the time this is posted. If they sign Smith, there's a good chance they don't go with an offensive tackle at this point. Even if they sign Smith, his injury history could lead them to take an offensive tackle to develop going forward. Michael Oher would be that guy at this point. As great as he was in college, he has not been playing organized football all that long so he's still a raw talent. However, if you could develop him appropriately, as Grumpy Guy said on NN, you'd lock down right tackle for the next 10 years. A trio of youngsters like Oher, Joe Staley and Chilo Rachal would put the 49ers in a very solid position going forward.

I actually think there’s an increasing chance they could trade down from this pick. Everette Brown is a guy most folks want, but it seems more and more likely that he’ll be gone no later than the Packers. So why not Maybin? ESPN lists him as a defensive end, but given his size, the 49ers would use him as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Folks at Niners Nation have become more and more intrigued by Maybin and it would make an interesting possibility. However, I’ve found myself less and less excited by outside linebackers. The 49ers currently roll with Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson as their main guys. Haralson led the team in sacks with 8 in a somewhat part-time role, but he’ll get more playing time this season. If the 49ers can lock him up (he’s a free agent next year), they could very well be set at outside linebacker.

Finally, a lot of folks outside of the 49ers world are screaming Mark Sanchez or Matt Stafford at the top of their lungs. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see it happening. It’s a relatively weak year at the QB position, and I remain convinced the 49ers can make something happen with what they’ve got now in Shaun Hill and Alex Smith. One plus to the clamoring about Sanchez is that it could drive up the value of this pick for trading.

MTD thoughts: I don't necessarily agree with Fooch on San Francisco's quarterback situation. New coach Mike Singletary, could hedge his success on Sanchez (who would be immediately popular with the general fan base). Oher, though, is a sound pick. If the 49ers want to improve, Frank Gore has to have a better line in front of him. Oher could start immediately at left tackle or guard if the team goes with Smith in free agency.