NFL Draft Spotlight by Team - #17 Pick by the San Francisco 49ers

#17 - San Francisco 49ers - Mike Iupati - Idahonow that they will have Michael Crabtree for a full
Similar to the Joe Haden pick, expect the 49ers tooffseason, and in 2010, the offense would be best
take the best available player in the draft. Guard Mikehelped by improving the o-line. Coach Mike Singletary
Iupati is the best player at his position and don't expectwill want a physical dominating defense and run game,
the 49ers to pass up players rated as the best at theirand his projected first rounds picks show just that. No
position. They've consistently shown to go after theperson will be happier with the pick than Frank Gore,
best player available over a specific need, but Iupatiwho will be able to more effectively run the ball
can still help this team out. The team has steadilybetween the tackles.
climbed from 5-11 in 2007 to 7-9 in 2008 to 8-8 in 2009.The team hasn't made any significant offseason new
They will expect to win the NFC West and go to thesignings, assuming you exclude David Carr. The team
playoffs this year. The team will be the "sleeper" pickis going to build through the draft and not make any big
to win the division, similar to the Houston Texans of thesplashes in free agency to try to "win now". If they can
past two years.build on their past few drafts, the team should be able
Starting QB Alex Smith has enough weapons to throwto win the first NFC West title under Mike Singletary.