49ers have options with 10th pick

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Thursday, April 23, 2009  |  Comments( 1 )

San Francisco 49ers
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While smokescreens are all too common this time of year across the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers went on record stating the only direction they’re willing to move in this weekend’s draft is down. San Francisco doesn’t see a prospect worthy of trading up from the 10th pick, but things could change depending on how the draft unfolds.

Recent reports show that the 49ers’ front office has been contacted by several teams about trading up, but San Francisco currently isn’t biting. If anything, the 49ers would prefer to trade out of their pick in order to acquire additional selections.

The possibility of San Francisco trading the 10th pick isn’t far fetched. If the Detroit Lions pass on quarterback Matthew Stafford at No. 1, numerous teams could attempt to move up to secure the former Georgia star. Additionally, USC’s Mark Sanchez has been surging up the charts and if the Seattle Seahawks go in a different direction at No. 4, San Francisco could be sitting on gold mine.

Other recent happenings in the Bay Area validate the 49ers’ interest in picking up multiple wide receivers in the draft. Whether that takes place in Round 1 or later, San Francisco should find tremendous value from an extremely deep group of wideouts. 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan is craving more speed on the perimeter and seems determined to make that a reality.

As of now, the ideal situation in San Francisco could involve Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree sliding to 10th in the first round. Rumor has it that the Oakland Raiders are enamored with the speed of Missouri wideout Jeremy Maclin and there’s an outside chance Crabtree could free fall to pick No. 10.

The 49ers have identified 18 prospects with first-round talent, opening the door for them to trade down up to eight spots. According to the draft value chart, the 10th selection is worth 1,300 points and pick No. 18 merits 900 points. If there’s a trade partner in that area, San Francisco could obtain as high as an extra second-round pick.

The positives steaming from these reports illustrate that the 49ers have options and are willing to exhaust all possibilities. Being creative and keeping an open mind has done wonders over the years in the draft. Thanks to the circumstances around them, the 49ers could be in line to utilize both of those values and benefit on Draft Day.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To ...
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