A look at San Francisco’s top three picks

By Dan Davis  |   Thursday, July 10, 2008  |  Comments( 8 )

San Francisco 49ers
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When 2012 rolls around, the 49ers will undoubtedly be a drastically different team than they are now. Quarterback Alex Smith will either be long gone or firmly entrenched as both starter and resident superstar. Head coach Mike Nolan will either be a defensive coordinator for another team or building up his playoff-contending 49ers. Running back Frank Gore could be on his way to another 1,000-yard season, or he could be a 29-year-old who continues aging elsewhere.

With that said, let’s take a brief look at the first three picks of San Francisco's 2008 draft class and gaze toward the future.

1) Kentwan Balmer, DE/DT

At 6-foot-5, 298 pounds, Balmer is a load -- and an athletic one to boot. If Balmer is the type of player Nolan expects him to be, he should be a very good starter for the 49ers for several years. Balmer has the ability and athleticism to be a versatile combo lineman for Nolan and should start immediately. If Nolan can find a way to get through to Balmer, he could have a whale of a player on his hands. Playing alongside Justin Smith should be highly beneficial both in terms of his productivity as well as his learning acumen. Smith will drive Balmer to maximize his ability, and that’s precisely the kind of influence he needs.

2) Chilo Rachal, OG

If Rachal were a MLB, he’d be known as a thumper. Plain and simple, there is no flash to his game; Rachal is a road-grader through and through. He loves to put his opponents into the ground, and that’s exactly the type of mentality this 49ers club needs. That is not to say he won’t be a solid pass blocker, because Chilo excelled in that regard as well in a pass-happy USC offense. While he may not be flashy or garner any Pro Bowl love, Rachal will be the embodiment of a nasty O-lineman who gets the job done.

3) Reggie Smith, CB

Smith received a remarkable number of high grades prior to the draft. If players were drafted on their athleticism alone, Smith would've been a surefire first-rounder. As is, he’s an athletic marvel with health concerns. I once witnessed Smith play quarterback, wide receiver, running back, corner, safety, linebacker and punter (and he booted it 60 yards out of his own end zone) in one game. That’s the kind of athlete Nolan has here. If Smith can put his health issues in the past, he can really be a phenomenal player for San Francisco's secondary. He’s a physical presence who is not afraid to come up and hit you, and he also has added value in the return game.
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About Dan Davis

I'm a 23 year professional camel trainer, well exercised in the disciplines of pass rushing and mass texting. I'm an avid fan NAIA Men's Lacrosse, and I regularly paratroop on the weekend. Any questions feel free to ask.
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CommentsComments: 8  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Jedi		10:27 AM
07/10/2008
I wish I had this year's game film to comment. Right now I wish one of these picks was one of the receivers the Redskins...
No.2
12:25 PM
07/10/2008
Balmer should be a good fit on that D-line and will probably have a starting job by the start of the season. Rachal will probably...
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No.3
Cunningham12		04:08 PM
07/10/2008
The 49ers took a lot of chances in this draft. All these guys are projects and 49ers need more guys who can contribute now....
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