OT, RB depth underrated strengths of 2011 class a young backup could
the draft, Texas' Aaron Williams or Virginia's Ras-I Dowling are possibilities.Running back: The 49ers have taken long looks at running backs that will be available in the middle rounds. Their workhorse the last four seasons, Frank Gore, has been injured in each of those years. Furthermore, he is entering the final year of his contract. Backup Anthony Dixon is talented, but the 49ers aren't ready to turn the reins over to him yet. Kansas State's Daniel Thomas, Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter, Eastern Washington's Taiwan Jones, Nebraska's Roy Helu and Cal's Shane Vereen have all gotten long looks from the 49ers in recent weeks. Any one of them could wind up a 49er. First-round focus 7th overall -- Despite their 6-10 record, there is a fair amount of optimism that the 49ers are close to turning around the franchise. The club needs more consistency from the quarterback position, of course, but unless Missouri's Blaine Gabbert slips to them at No. 7, they are likely to wait until the second round (or later) rath. nfl wholesale er than reach for a young passer for Jim Harbaugh to develop. The significantly more likely scenario has the 49ers choosing between a cornerback and a pass rusher in the first round. Both have been positions of need for awhile, as costly free agent Nate Clements has been a relative disappointment and the team has struggled to get any type of consistent outside pass rush despite investing a four top 100 picks in their front seven since 2006, including the No. 22 overall pick that year in former NC State standout Manny Lawson. Should North Carolina's Robert Quinn still be available, he makes a great deal of sense. While North Carolina head coach Butch Davis believes that Quinn is best suited to remain as a RDE in the 4-3 alignment, Quinn has demonstrated the agility to potentially be a star as a rush linebacker in San Francisco's 3-4 defense. Others believe that Missouri pass rusher Aldon Smith has more upside due to his longer arms. There is also the po. cheap jerseysssibility that LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson should fal nents' top receiver. Linebacker: Finding a pass rusher to take pressure off Terrell Suggs may be on the team's radar. Center: Matt Birk will retire soon and Chris Chester is a free agent. Safety: Ed Reed is still a playmaker but has had injuries and is getting older, SS Dawan Landry could be free agent.First round focus 26th overall --The Ravens are in a relatively good position because they should have multiple ways to meet a need with their first round pick. A talented front-seven prospect, either at defensive end or linebacker, could be available. If one of the top offensive tackles is available to GM Ozzie Newsome at 26, he may find a bookend partner for Michael Oher because of there is a drop-off of talent after the early second round. Finding a speed threat at receiver is another consideration, and keeping former Terp . NFL JerseysTorrey Smith in-state could help QB Joe Flacco stretch the field effectively. Five names on Ravens' board --CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado --WR Torrey Smith, Maryland --OLB Brooks Reed, Arizona --DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple --OLB Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh --Contributed by NFLDraftScout Senior Analyst Chad ReuterNEW YORK JETS 2010 record: 11-5, second place AFC East2011 draft rundown Six total picks (round): 30 (1), 94 (3), 126 (4), 161 (5), 194 (6), 208 (7) Top needs: Wide Receiver: Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes (RFA) andor Brad Smith (also the team's kick returner) may not return as free agents. Outside Linebacker: Rush linebackers Calvin Pace and Jason Taylor are aging, Vernon Gholston was released, and Bryan Thomas won't be back. Defensive Ends: Team needs bodies and they need to find a strong, active, young force to replace Shaun Ellis eventually. Strong Safety: The Jim LeonhardEric Smith safety combination could be upgraded. Quarterback: There's little talent behind Mark Sanchez, so finding a young back-up could be in the team's plans. First round focus 30th overall --With their top receivers capable of hitting the free agent market when the lockout ends, the Jets