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	49ers 2001 Draft Preview by David Zizmor Sportstalk co-host The once mighty San Francisco 49ers fell on hard times two years ago, losing Steve Young to a concussion, then losing 12 games in their worst performance in nearly 20 years. That horrific 1999 season earned them the 3rd overall draft-pick which they promptly traded for two spots later in the 1st round. Those two picks became LB Julian Peterson (left) and CB Ahmed Plummer. Other selections included linebacker LB Jeff Ulbrich, DE John Engelberger, CB Jason Webster, RB Paul Smith, DE John Milem, S John Keith, and QB Tim Rattay, all promising players who appear poised to contribute to the future success of the team for years to come. Indeed, the energy of this young nucleus played no small part in the Niners surprising improvement from a lethargic 4-12 team to a spirited 6-10 squad. If the 49ers are to take the next step and return to the playoffs, they will need another draft as successful as last season’s. So where do the 49ers need improvement? Heading into the draft last year it was obvious to everyone that the Niners would emphasize defense and they did with four selections on that side of the ball in the first two rounds alone. This year the situation is a bit different. The success of last season’s draftees gives San Francisco more leeway and the ability to pick more toward specific needs. The three areas of greatest need in order of importance are running back, pass rusher, and linebacker. After those they will likely look for some depth on the offensive line and in the secondary as well as in the receiving corps. However let’s take a look at those first three as they are the real keys to this draft. Linebacker: Gone are Ken Norton Jr. and Winfred Tubbs for age and salary cap reasons. The new starting three are 2nd year players Julian Peterson and Jeff Ulbrich, and free agent signee Derek Smith. Beyond this group there is absolutely no depth so the Niners must draft one or two ‘backers simply to fill the uniforms. Pass Rush: The most glaring problem of the young defensive unit was the lack of a consistent pass rush. As much as the secondary improved, their growth was stunted a bit because the utter absence of quarterback pressure allowed opposing quarterbacks to pick on the young DBs. With Bryant Young up the middle (and possibly a re-acquired Dana Stubblefield) and strong men Engelberger, Milem, and Chike Okeafor, the 49ers should be fairly strong against the run. What they need to step up a notch is a pass rushing defensive end. Not only would he apply pressure to the offense but he’d loosen offensive line schemes thus freeing Young and company to help out as well. Running Back: Charlie Garner is gone and Paul Smith is the only RB on the team. He’s a good backup, but certainly not a starter. Next to quarterback, running back is the most important position in the Niners offense. Everyone remembers how the offense struggled the three seasons following the departure of Ricky Watters and how it immediately came back to life with the signing of Garrison Hearst and then Garner. A slashing running back with good pass catching skills can go a long way in the 49ers backfield. Well, the Niners have a unique opportunity to use a high draft pick to select one of the top running back prospects. The two best backs in the draft are LaDainian Tomlinson of Texas Christian University and Deuce McAllister of Mississippi State. Each has a question mark following them – Tomlinson ran out of an option offense and McAllister had to fight through some injuries – but they are clearly at the top of the chart. Can the 49ers get one of them with the ninth pick overall? The April 21st draft order is as follows: 1. San Diego 2. Arizona 3. Cleveland 4. Cincinnati 5. Atlanta 6. New England 7. Seattle 8. Chicago 9. San Francisco San Diego could use a running back but there is no chance they will pick someone other than quarterback Michael Vick of Virginia Tech. Of the remaining 7 teams, Arizona selected RB Thomas Jones in the first round last year, Cincinnati has Corey Dillon, Jamal Anderson resides in Atlanta, and Shaun Alexander and Ricky Watters hold down the fort for the Seahawks (and if Green Bay trades up as rumored, they have Ahman Green and Dorsey Levens). That leaves Cleveland, New England, and Chicago as possible selectors of our two talented ‘backs. The Browns could certainly use a running back to take some pressure off young QB Tim Couch, but many feel the Cleveland brass wishes to select one of the numerous excellent wide receivers available to do the same thing. In New England, Drew Bledsoe recently signed a huge long-term contract. His health is of the utmost importance and a good running back would give the opposition someone else on which to focus. However last year’s 2nd round pick, JR Redmond, looked good toward the end of the season and a top-flight offensive tackle should do more to protect Bledsoe than any running back. Chicago has holes all over the place and could go in any direction with their pick, but head coach Dick Jauron is an offensive guru and would love Tomlinson or McAllister on his team. What Bears fans wonder is how satisfied the coach is with RB James Allen and his 1190 yards rushing last season. Each of these teams has good reasons to select a running back. However Chicago and New England have players in place that could fill the role and Cleveland has so many trouble spots that it is hard to tell which hole in the dike they will plug first. Odds are one of them will select a running back but it seems unlikely both will be gone by the 49ers turn considering the particular needs of these teams and the depth of talent available. At number nine, San Francisco has a legitimate shot at filling their gaping hole in the backfield with a very talented young player.