2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick 45

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. 45 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’ three biggest needs entering the 2011 NFL Draft are quarterback, pass rushing outside linebacker, and cornerback. I was able to address the cornerback need in the first round with Prince Amukamara. I was expecting to be looking at an outside linebacker with this next pick, but given the incredible run of QB picks, I figured I’d follow the crowd. Consider it like the inevitable run on closers in a fantasy baseball draft.

Of all the quarterbacks in this draft, Colin Kaepernick intrigues me the most with his combination of skills and upside. I spoke with one draft analyst who views Kaepernick as a slightly taller version of Aaron Rodgers. He has a combination of scrambling ability and arm that could make him the perfect match for the 49ers offense. The 49ers desperately need a long-term answer at quarterback, and Kaepernick has the chance to be that guy. Even if the team brings back Alex Smith, it gives Harbaugh time to work with Kaepernick and continue developing him going forward.

Dan Kadar reacts: Kaepernick is a risky pick. It’s not a bad one by any means. But he’s a boom or bust player. It’s slightly less of a risk because Kaepernick could benefit from working with someone like Harbaugh and he’s packed with natural ability. When Harbaugh was the coach at the University of San Diego, he had Josh Johnson who was similar in style to Kaepernick. Harbaugh was able to coach him into relying more on his throwing ability and falling back on his running. If he could do the same with Kaepernick, San Francicsco could quickly solve its long-standing quarterback issue. [Colin Kaepernick Scouting Report]