Ah... the "City by the Bay." It's a great city. It has a lot of things going for it, including the weather, culture, and the myriad of activities available in the area. It also has had a rich football history. However, there are negatives including the high cost of living; the threat of the next epic earthquake always looming; and the Market Street Cinema. Whatever you do, STAY AWAY from the Market Street Cinema! In fact, if you ever think about having a bachelor party in San Fran, don't. Go to Vegas instead. You have been warned.
Now, onto the pick...
Recent history for the 49ers hasn't been so rosy, but they did manage to finish second in the weak NFC West Division with a 7-9 record last season. This was with a team that had mediocre talent all around. There are a significant number of issues to address, so my philosophy is that you draft for the long term - which to me means anchor positions along the lines.
One of the biggest issues for this team was trying to keep their QB upright. This team gave up a league high of 55 sacks in 2008. To help address this...
10th Pick: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
There are many saying that Andre has botched his entire presentation coming into the draft with a poor showing especially at pro day. The Sports Freak has mentioned that Smith's shirtless 40 yard dash probably made Pam Anderson jealous (a la the Baywatch days), but it's hard to pass up talent on the line where the game is really won or lost. I refuse to believe a player's entire player career can be accurately judged with a single performance. In addition, Singletary's old school, hard nosed attitude should translate to the players and Smith would be back up to snuff in no time.
With Andre Smith, the 49ers should be able to improve Gore's numbers as well as keep the QB (whoever that will be) up longer to make some additional completions. Maybe that will lead to a couple of additional wins and playing in the weak NFC West that may translate to some Wild Card action.
The Buffalo Bills are now on the clock with the 11th Pick in the draft.
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Yes. Andre Smith needed the "manzear" or the "bro" from Seinfeld. I haven't seen a chest bounce that hard since Pam Anderson in Baywatch...and witnessing the 40 yard dash wasn't in the good kind of Baywatch way either.
If this is Smith while he's working out, I'd be afraid...very afraid. He may garner a nick name like John Williams of the old Les Boulez became John "Hot Plate" Williams or even Oliver from the Phoenix Suns back in the day.
Singletary may go with Sanchez. Afterall, if he won that many games with no QB imagine how many games he could win if he had one.
SF has more pressing needs than QB. Won't matter who's back there if they don't keep him upright.