2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick 7

Our annual 2011 NFL Mock Draft, with picks made by each of SB Nation’s NFL team bloggers, is in full swing. The latest pick in to the podium: the San Francisco 49ers, at No. 7 overall.

David Fucillo of NinersNation.com explains the choice, and our own Dan Kadar reacts to it, after the jump. Make sure you’re grading this pick for the 49ers, and checking out Niners Nation for all of your 49ers needs.

David Fucillo explains: The 49ers’ two biggest needs heading into the 2011 NFL Draft are cornerback and quarterback. Given that this year’s quarterback class has a lot of question marks with the early options, cornerback or a trade down is the likely scenario at No. 7. If Nick Fairley and Da’Quan Bowers are both still available, I could see the 49ers moving down.

However, if there is no trade, Prince Amukamara is the pick. He’s not quite at Patrick Peterson’s level, but Amukamara would bring a solid upgrade to a 49ers secondary that struggled mightily last season. Nate Clements may be on his way out, and Shawntae Spencer has proven to be rather inconsistent. Prince appears to have the confidence needed to play on the island out wide. Of course, Nate Clements has plenty of confidence, but it doesn’t always translate.

Dan Kadar reacts: If Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton are gone, the 49ers most certainly will look on defense. While it’s highly likely cornerback will be the selection, the team may also consider a rush linebacker with this pick. There is a good amount of depth at cornerback this year, but not as much for 3-4 outside linebackers. If San Francisco goes linebacker, it would either be North Carolina’s Robert Quinn and Missouri’s Aldon Smith.

Amukamara makes a lot of sense, though. The 49ers finished an ordinary 24th in pass defense last season. As mentioned above, they may get rid of Clements, who is due $15 million in base salary and incentives next season. [Prince Amukamara Scouting Report]