Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We start with the San Francisco 49ers, the surprise team of the 2011 NFL season.
2012 NFL Draft analysis: San Francisco 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers turned heads with their first two picks of wide receiver A.J. Jenkins and running back LaMichael James. Jenkins had a few standout games at Illinois, but never look liked a true NFL No. 1 wide receiver. Although he may not have to be in San Francisco, it's typically what you expect out of first-round pick. WIth Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, Anthony Dixon and free agent signing Brandon Jacobs, the 49ers looked set at running back. It's true, James is a home run running back, but that may come at the expense of Hunter, who flashed at times in 2011. But when you're a team with few holes, you can draft in this fashion. Most expected San Francisco to take a guard early, but they managed to get a good one in Joe Looney in the fourth round. If he's healthy, he could get the most snaps out of any player in the 49ers' class.
Questionable selection: Jenkins, Round 1, pick 30
Late-round steal: S Trent Robinson, Round 6, Pick 180
The 49ers made two very good late-round picks in Robinson and defensive end/outside linebacker Cam Johnson. But Robinson is an intriguing player because of how San Francisco my use him. The 49ers hit with Chris Culliver last year, a player who played cornerback and safety in college. Robinson was exclusively a safety at Michigan State, but came out of high school as a cornerback. He's undersized for safety, so don't be surprised if Robinson is moved outside and be a solid player.
SBNation.com grade: C
2013 mock draft pick: JoshD - Johnny Adams, CB, Michigan State | Matthew Fairburn - Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
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