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Draft Afterthoughts - By Bryan Hersh April 30 2006

THIS CONTENT IS COPYWRITED, REDISTRIBUTION OF IT (including copy/pasting it to a message board, forum or bbs) IS PROHIBITED AND COULD RESULT IN LEGAL ACTIONS - feel free to quote up to 1 paragraph providing a source link to http://www.49ersparadise.com is included

The 49ers held true to form in this year draft, selecting players of true “character”. Although opportunity presented itself to the team to take players that arguably had the talent to overcome their off-field troubles, the 49ers steered clear, ands hold be commended for that. In listening to some of the teams draftees, its became apparent that these character players were also quite the characters. Vernon Davis the team’s first round pick spends quite a bit of time working on art. His tears on draft day showed just how genuine this character actually is. Growing up under his Grandmothers supervision, Davis is very polite and humble. Meanwhile both Lawson and Haralson showed their witty side in talking with the press – indicating intelligence and a good sense of humor.

It is very refreshing to see that players once again want to be 49ers. Davis breaking down in tears of joy on draft day was really a special moment for 49ers fans. Indication that players on every level are once again starting to respect this team. Meanwhile Lawsons’ unmatched enthusiasm is an uplifting feeling for 49ers fans. Lawson was fortunate enough to be drafted by his favourite team – and I think we can all understand why he has been operating at a million miles per hour since then. It is this type of enthusiasm that the 49ers need to inject into the club. Professionalism is important, but so is a will to succeed and a desire to be with the 49ers. I really think the team has done an excellent job at improving moral on the club with this years selections.

The 49ers drafted three receivers (or quasi receivers), and that should mean red flags for guys like Bryan Gilmore, Derek Hamilton, PJ Fleck, Marcus Maxwell, Jason McAddley, and Rasheed Maxwell. There is no way the 49ers carry this many receivers on their regular roster and that should lead to a very, very intense training camp.

The new 49ers number assignments (which are subject to change are: Vernon Davis 85, Manny Lawson 99, Brandon Williams 17, Michael Robinson 35, Parys Haralson 98, Delanie Walker 14, Marcus Hudson 42, Melvin Oliver 96, and no number has been assigned to Vickiel Vaughn as of yet.

The 49ers mini-camp begins Thursday. Frank Gore is expected to miss some time at camp. This will be the team’s first opportunity to see their drafted players on the field and contributing. No pads yet, but a real sign that football is back!

The 49ers have already begun adding undrafted free agents (UDFA’s):
The Daily News Journal reports undrafted rookie free agent DE Bobby Payne (Middle Tennessee State) has backed out of his deal with the Dallas Cowboys and signed with the San Francisco 49ers.