The 2010 season could not have gone worse for the 49ers. They were expected to be a Super Bowl contender. Instead, they were 6-10 and lost in almost every way imaginable. Their coach was fired and they brought in Jim Harbaugh to hopefully right the ship. They have needs all over the place, especially at quarterback, however, the highest rated QBs are off the board.
Jess Root brings you the 49ers selection in the 2011 NFL Draft for the seventh pick overall:
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
With both Gabbert and Newton gone, along with Patrick Peterson, the Niners decide to bolster one of their needs -- at outside linebacker. While Quinn played DE in college, he is projected to be able to play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB. There are some that believe that Quinn could be the number one pick overall. He is strong and quick, has an NFL build and he is a natural pass-rusher. He falls here because of not playing a down in 2010. With a defensive front seven that already is a strength, the addition of Quinn could be a nightmare for quarterbacks in the NFC West.
Next up in the draft are the Tennessee Titans, for whom Cory Williams will make the selection.
2011 SBN AZ Mock Draft recap:
1- Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Jess Root)
2- Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Cory Williams)
3- Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Scott Howard)
4- Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia (JR)
5- Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (CW)
6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (SH)
7- San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (JR)