The San Francisco 49ers traded up to the No. 18 spot to draft LSU safety Eric Reid. It's the fifth year in a row they have drafted a safety.
2013 NFL Draft results: 49ers get ‘benefit of doubt’ for Eric Reid selection
The 49ers raised some eyebrows when they moved up to take Eric Reid 18th overall. What are fans making of it?
This move raised some eyebrows, as Reid was widely expected to be at the end of the first round or even the second round. But the front office has earned enough good will that fans are willing to go along with it. Here’s what David Fucillo at Niners Nation had to say:
That’s an interesting decision to say the least, as many felt Reid would be there near the end of the first round. Apparently Trent Baalke and company decided they had to have Reid and did not want to risk anybody else getting him. They get the benefit of the doubt in my mind at this point.
Niners Nation put together a scouting report on Reid:
Reid is an experienced, disciplined safety who reads his keys and is usually in the right place to make a play or prevent a reception. He's not afraid to tackle, though he does need to work on his technique there. He shadows running backs and displays good feel in zone coverage. Though he doesn't appear elite as a free safety, at any rate he'd certainly be a good prospect to replace Donte Whitner with a much better feel in the passing game to go along with more length and jumping ability.
If nothing else, CBS’s Jason La Canfora is a fan of the move:
S Eric Reid to the 49ers. Bold move. Lost a top safety in free agency, loved this guy and obviously figured he was gonna go soon
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 26, 2013
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