49ers Post Alex Smith

By Kalen Patrick

For the 1st time since 2004, the 49ers will head into the season without Alex Smith on the roster. As reported by multiple reputable sources, the 49ers traded Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2nd round pick this year (34th overall pick) and a 3rd rounder in 2014 with the possibility of moving up to a 2nd round pick based on team performance.

ALEX SMITH MOVES ON TO KANSAS CITY - FAREWELL

What the 49ers received in the trade was a lot more than I expected, and here's why: I really don't believe that Kansas City had much competition with other teams trying to attain Alex Smith's services. Cardinals? Nahh, the 49ers won't trade a QB within the division. Bills? Alex Smith is better than Ryan Fitzpatrick for sure, but I think the Bills will keep Fitzpatrick and draft a QB to develop. Jaguars? Raiders? Perhaps. But neither team ever seemed that interested. As a 49er fan I will gladly take those two picks. I would have traded him for a 3rd round pick this year and been happy with that. Great job by 49ers GM Trent Baalke.

This really does set the 49ers up nicely going in to the draft. Baalke will make some additions in Free Agency prior to the draft (most likely key inexpensive veterans who will shore up the Special Teams unit and possibly another veteran WR). Looking at the draft I see the biggest immediate needs being depth on the D-Line, Safety and Kicker. A Kicker can be drafted anywhere from the 4th round or further back, come in immediately and perform. The 49ers are armed with 15 picks overall so expect in each and every round that the 49ers will get the guys they want.

WITH SUPERBOWL EXPECTATIONS, THE PRESSURE IS ON MR. BAALKE 

What the 49ers decide to do with Safety Dashon Goldson and 2nd TE Delanie Walker will have a big impact on the picks on Day 1 and 2 (Rounds 1-3). Personally I really like Goldson's game and think he should be brought back. He doesn't have any weaknesses in his game besides for not having top end speed. Delanie Walker is much more disposable. Yes he is very adaptable and can "do it all" but that is what the 49ers should be doing with Vernon Davis more. I want the 49ers to draft a more sure handed TE, an Eric Johnson in his prime comes to mind. I predict a TE like this could easily be had in the late 2nd - 4th round area.

The next big concern is D-Line depth. The 49ers lack quality depth at D-Line (see the 49ers defense without Justin Smith), 1 injury could potentially devastate the 49ers defense. Justin Smith is getting older, Sopoaga is a Free Agent, RJF is a Free Agent, Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks are more OLB than DE's. Ray McDonald is a quality player, but the consistently best teams always shore up the lines. I would expect the 49ers to pick a DL with either their 1st or 2nd pick. Depending on who doesn't re-sign with the team and veteran free agents brought in, I could see the rookie having some solid play time.

Ultimately, the 49ers do have quite a few holes to fill, mostly on the defensive side of the ball. But with free agency looming and all the draft picks the 49ers have, I would expect Trent Baalke to do his thing and make sure the 49ers are Superbowl contenders now AND going forward. That's it. Over and Out.