| The San Francisco 49ers played a rather miserable | | | | team has actually been lacking for a few years, and |
| season last year, finishing up with a score of 5-11. | | | | with the retirement of Bryant Young, it's starting to |
| Though the team started off with momentum, by the | | | | become a major concern. In theory, Balmer would be |
| end of the season the team had lost eight games in a | | | | an ideal choice to strengthen the defense. Balmer has |
| row. Head coach Mike Nolan was kept on by | | | | played good for most of his career and great for his |
| management but offensive coordinator Jim Hostler | | | | senior year in college. Does his performance qualify |
| was let go and replaced. However, management | | | | him for a first round pick? Yes and no, though Balmer |
| changes aside, the success of the 49ers' 2008 | | | | is obviously a talented player. What is a concern is |
| season could be determined by the NFL Draft | | | | whether or not he can sustain a high level of play |
| selection. This year the team chose six players that | | | | throughout his games. |
| they hope will help improve their offense and defense. | | | | Chilo Rachal was brought in to improve the offensive |
| The first round pick was defensive tackle Kentwan | | | | line and is seen by some experts as a bit of a raw |
| Balmer from North Carolina. He was followed by guard | | | | specimen. However, he does have adequate size and |
| Chilo Rachal from the University of Southern California | | | | a nice mix of athleticism. When it comes to potential, |
| and cornerback Reggie Smith from Oklahoma. Center | | | | and with the absences of Larry Allen and Justin |
| Cody Wallace was next, hailing from Texas A&M, | | | | Smiley, his abilities could really be utilized this season. |
| while wide receiver Josh Morgan from Virginia Tech | | | | Defensive back Reggie Smith received high praise for |
| and linebacker Larry Grant from Ohio State rounded | | | | his athleticism and versatility, while Cody Wallace was |
| out the list. San Francisco had it pretty rough this year, | | | | seen as a solid backup man. Josh Morgan was the |
| considering that most teams that suffer through a bad | | | | most controversial choice, as he is one of the more |
| season get some consolation in the following year's | | | | talented players on the roster, yet with a few |
| draft pick. However, the 49ers played their cards | | | | character flaws that could become problematic. (That |
| wrong and were left with only six players. How wisely | | | | explains why Morgan fell from the rankings in recent |
| did they choose? | | | | months) Morgan is seen by some as a boom or bust |
| Kentwan Balmer was chosen, but lacked the wow | | | | type player; while others say for such a late draft |
| factor that many fans were hoping for. Some experts | | | | choice he is bound to do more good than harm. |
| believe that San Francisco needed more of a play | | | | All in all, the 2008 49ers Draft was a building process |
| maker rather then a defensive tackle player. However, | | | | with a few nails and screws loose, but some solid |
| some fans have noticed that the defensive line of the | | | | construction otherwise. |