With the 2011 regular season freshly over it is time to go back and evaluate every team’s draft classes based on performance this year. I will use a formula to grade each pick and calculuate a final grade for each team. It’s the 49ers turn to face the music.
GRADING SYSTEM
ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3 – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*
FINAL GRADING SCALE
90-100 – A
80-89 - B
70-79 - C
60 – 69 - D
0-59 - F
2011 Draft Class
Round 1: Aldon Smith OLB, Mizzou - 37 Tackles, 14 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles
Analysis: The 49ers surprised a few people when they took Smith with the 7th overall pick. After a complete season we can see why. Smith is a pass rushing terror whose 14 sacks could very well earn him defensive rookie of the year honors.
Grade: 6/5
Round 2: Colin Kaepernick QB, Nevada - 35 Passing Yds
Analysis: The 9ers were hoping Kaepernick wouldn’t have to play this season and they got their wish. A pick for the future but one that didn’t help them this year.
Grade: 2.5/4
Round 3: Chris Culliver CB, South Carolina: 35 Tackles, 1 INT
Analysis: Culliver played in all 16 games and held his own as he learned to play at the NFL level.
Grade: 2/3
Round 4: Kendall Hunter RB, Oklahoma St. - 473 Rush yds, 2 TDs, 16 Rec, 195 Receiving Yds
Analysis: The 9ers got good value from this 4th round selection. Hunter spelled Gore and even got a start racking up over 600 total yards from scrimmage and a couple of scores.
Grade: 1.5/2
Round 5: Daniel Kilgore G, Appalachian St. – 1 Game Played
Analysis: Kilgore appeared in one game. It’s something but it’s not enough for any points.
Grade: 0/1
Round 6: Ronald Johnson WR, USC- Cut
Analysis: He signed with the Eagles and working to make the team.
Grade: 0/0
Round 6: Colin Jones DB, TCU – 6 Tackles
Analysis: Jones appeared in 13 games, made 6 tackles. Decent.
Grade: .25/0
Round 7: Bruce Miller FB, UCF – 8 Rush Yds, 11 Receptions, 83 Yds, 1 TD
Analysis: Miller started 8 games for the 9ers at fullback and even scored a touchdown. Good value from a 7th rounder.
Grade: 1/0
Round 7: Mike Person G, Montana St. – No Stats
Analysis: Person failed to appear in any games.
Grade: 0/0
Round 7: Curtis Holcomb DB, Florida A&M – No Stats
Analysis: Holcomb was placed on injured reserve.
Grade: 0/0
TOTAL SCORE 13.25/15
FINAL GRADE: 88% B+
Analysis: The 49ers brought in a lot of talent in this draft. Aldon Smith is going to only get better and will continue to terrorize QBs in the NFC West for the next decade. Kaepernick will continue to develop and could be the long term solution at quarterback. Culliver, Hunter, and Miller could all be future starters and Person, Kilgore, and Jones could turn into contributors as well.
Other Grades:
Day 1: Carolina Panthers
Day 2: Denver Broncos
Day 3: Buffalo Bills
Day 4: Cincinnati Bengals
Day 5: Arizona Cardinals
Day 6: Atlanta Falcons
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