Next phase of facelift: draft
49ers own 9 picks, likely to target defense, receiver
SANTA CLARA — An unmistakable new vibe exists among the 49ers, with more newcomers on their way via the NFL draft that starts Thursday .
“There’s a lot of new things going on here,” outside linebacker Aldon Smith said at Wednesday’s predraft minicamp. “New faces. It’s new for everybody.”
With coach Jim Tomsula taking charge as Jim Harbaugh’s successor, new players are settling in and new leaders are emerging to replace departed mainstays, such as Frank Gore, Patrick Willis and potentially Justin Smith if he opts for retirement.
Meanwhile, Trent Baalke is embedded in his general manager role. He will be presiding over his sixth draft. His tastes haven’t changed.
“When you look at the makeup of the team, from a structural standpoint, it’s going to remain very similar,” Baalke said recently. “We want to be big. We want to be physical.
“You’re going to give up some speed at times; you don’t want to give up too much. But we want to be big and physical. We want to be built for late- season play.”
The 49ers, by going 8- 8 in Harbaugh’s drama- filled final season, missed the playoffs ( and NFC Championship game) for the first time since 2010. It was Tomsula who stepped in as interim coach to close the 2010 season, replacing Mike Singletary.
What influence Tomsula has in this draft remains to be seen, though he isn’t demanding significant input to what unmistakably is Baalke’s domain.
Last month, Tomsula raved about “the open dialogue” he and his assistants ( half of whom are new) enjoyed with the personnel department, adding: “You couldn’t ask for anything better in terms of that.”
The 49ers, no doubt, need to get better this draft. Baalke has nine picks, starting with No. 15 overall. His history of moving up and down the draft board could show itself as early as the first round.
Three of the past four years, Baalke used the first- round pick on a defender ( Aldon Smith, 2011; Eric Reid, 2013; Jimmie Ward, 2014). If he opts to go offense, it likely would be at wide receiver, where he hopes to avoid his 2012 error in drafting A. J. Jenkins, who was traded a year later and is currently a free agent.
Adding to quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s arsenal of targets wouldn’t hurt. The 49ers’makeover has included the promotion of Jim Tomsula to head coach.
49ERS’ PICKS
THURSDAY: First round: 15th overall selection FRIDAY: Second round: 46th overall selection; Third round: 79th overall selection SATURDAY: Fourth round: 126th overall selection ( acquired from Denver Broncos in 2014 draftday trade); Fourth round: 132nd overall selection ( compensatory pick); Fifth round: 151st overall selection; Sixth round: 190th overall selection; Seventh round: 246th overall selection ( acquired from Indianapolis Colts for LB Cam Johnson in 2013); Seventh round: 254th overall selection ( compensatory pick) Kaepernick showed off his revised throwing motion to the media for the first time at Wednesday’s practice.
The offense’s only vacant starting spot is on the line at left guard, after Mike Iupati left in free agency for the Arizona Cardinals. However, right guard could be a concern, too, as Alex Boone hasn’t shown up for the voluntary offseason program. Last year, Boone boycotted the mandatory minicamp and training camp before landing a new, two- year contract just before the season started.
Speaking of last year, the 49ers stayed put at No. 30 overall to select Ward, whose rookie season was cut short in November when he refractured his right foot. Ward did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, two weeks after Baalke said Ward’s recovery was on track.
That 49ers defense has a slew of other concerns, many of which could be addressed in the draft. The defensive line could use depth, particularly if Justin Smith retires. The outside linebackers, arguably Baalke’s most beloved unit, also could use another elite pass rusher.
At inside linebacker, where the 49ers defense has stamped its physical presence in recent years, they must account for the surprise retirements of Willis and Chris Borland, a third- round pick last year.
But on the bright side, NaVorro Bowman rejoined his teammates on the practice field this week for the first time since tearing knee ligaments 15 months ago in the NFC Championship game loss at Seattle.
Bowman, understandably excited in his comeback’s strides, is also upbeat about the 49ers’ overall prospects.
“We’re introducing a new scheme with new coaches,” Bowman said, “so everything is new, and that’s the great thing about it.”