2011 NFL Draft: Will San Francisco 49ers Go QB or Best Player?

April 22, 2011   ·   Bryan Manning   ·   Jump to comments

Jim Harbaugh’s hiring in January has finally given the San Francisco 49ers optimism.
One of more tradition-rich franchises in sports, the 49ers have been bottom-feeders for the better part of the last decade. Their last playoff appearance was the 2002 season. That is unacceptable for a franchise such as the 49ers.
Many issues have plagued the 49ers over the last several seasons. As expected, QB and coaching are among the biggest contributors.
San Francisco selected QB Alex Smith, first overall in the 2005 draft. Through six unsuccessful seasons and several benchings, Smith always seemed to show glimpses that gave the team hope.
Smith has solid talent. He is athletic with a strong arm, and is highly intelligent. So why hasn’t it translated to sustained success on the field thus far?
Start with coaching, Smith has played under several head coaches such as Dennis Erickson, Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary. Through the head coaching changes came even more...

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