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2012 49ers Paradise Draft Field
Welcome to the 49ers Paradise Draft Field. Your one stop location for NFL Draft 2012 News! This page will be constantly updated and will include real-time updates on draft day. Be sure to follow the draft directly from 49ers Paradise.
1) Taylor Mays S for 2013 7th round pick
2) 49ers give up 3rd round 93 overall to Colts for 4th round 97 overall and 5th in 2013
3) 49ers give up 4th round 97 overall from Colts to Dolphins for 4th round 103 overall and a 6th (196) and a 6th round pick in 2013.
4) 49ers trade 4th round 103 overall from Dolphins to Panthers for their 6th (pick 180) & next years 3rd Rd pick
5) 49ers trade 125 (own) & 196 (Dolphins) to Lions for 117 overall
6) Colin Jones S for 2013 7th round pick with Carolina
With the 49ers first pick in the 2012 draft, they selected receiver AJ Jenkins, the speedster from Illinois. Jenkins will provide immediate competition at the receiver spot for the Niners. He provides some really good hands and down field threat capability that the team has been seeking for several years now. Jenkins will threaten the position of Kyle Williams and Tedd Ginn Jr.. The selection of a receiver at this juncture in the draft, on a team with this depth, allows the 49ers to groom Jenkins for more action in the future. His first year with the team will likely be in a very limited capacity stretching the field, and perhaps in the return game. After that, his appetite to go over the middle and solid hands makes him an intriguing prospect for the next few years.
Jenkins was a bit of a surprise pick at this point in the draft. Though the Niners were looking to improve the passing game, and receiver was a big area of need going into the offseason, Jenkins was not projected to go in the first round. Moreover, the team made moves this offseason that enabled it to look elsewhere in the first round for help if they wanted too. Instead, the team selected a guy who they clearly have had a lot of faith in. His balance and fluid routes may be one of the reasons the Niners would reach for him here.
The 49ers knew that there offense had to improve on third downs and in the redzone, so in the second round they selected a versatile running back who can do just that. LaMichael James is a quick hit back who is exceptional in space. The team will be able to line him up in the backfield, at receiver and as a return man. In college, James burned Harbaugh's Stanford team. He's the type of
player that gives opposing coaches headaches. James packs the talent to hit the whole hard and fast, or has the speed to take it the distance. A solid pick up who also provides some insurance for Gore. The selection also maintains the 49ers trend of picking players with very specific purposes.
Round 4, Pick 117
Joe Looney, 6'3", 309lbs , G, Wake Forest
The 49ers ended Day 2 by trading with the Colts. They picked up the 97th overall and a 5th round selection in 2013. They then struck a deal with the Dolphins, moving own to the 103rd pick, and adding an extra 6th this year and next. They then made a deal with the Panthers adding a 6th round this year, and 3rd round next year. The team then traded back up in the 4th round using their own 4th rounder and 196 from the Dolphins to select guard Joe Looney.
Looney is a strong interior lineman, with a bit of an injury history. If he can stay healthy he is good value at this spot in the draft. He's a better run then pass blocker and can get to the second level or pull as needed. A good fit for a running, smash mouth team like the Niners. He has pretty good technique but will need some extra help to grow at the NFL level. Likely will be a back-up in his first year.
The 49ers are looking for some depth at linebacker with a player who can get to the quarterback. In Fleming they have exactly that. He's well regarded by his college coaches, but ran a bit slow in his 40 time. Since then he's improved his number in to the 4.5's which is more respectable. He's good at the point of attack, and has a nose for the ball. He fits the 49ers trend this draft of a role player - a guy who can rush the quarterback.
The 49ers selected defensive back Trenton Robinson in the 6th round. Robinson will compete for a depth position at safety and possible corner for the Niners. He has a good combination of height, weight and speed that makes him a decent prospect at this point in the draft. He's good value at this point of the draft, and is an all around player who can defend the pass, match up tight, or play the run. There remain injury questions about Robinson as well as his questions about his ability when fending off big blockers.
Round 6, Pick 199
Jason Slowey, 6'3", 303lbs , C, Western Oregon
The 49ers continued to search for depth along the offensive line by drafting Jason Slowey. Slowey has a good combination of height and weight, and will compete to be groomed for an interior line spot with the Niners. He's a prospect that did visit with the Niners. He put on 40lbs in college and has good overall strength.
Cam Johnson was great value in the 7th round. He was graded as a 2nd round player based on his on field performance, and edge rush. On tape Johnson was very inconsistent. Johnson has flashes of ability, that reminds me of Ahmad Brooks, a guy who can be coached up. There are some questions about his work ethic, but the 49ers have the roster and coaching staff that might be able to get him to reach his potential.
Johnson has the size and speed to make it in the NFL. He has the opportunity now, along with Darius Fleming to turn into a depth linebacker for the club.
