The 49ers caught flak for “overdrafting” defensive end Aldon Smith and cornerback Chris Culliver in the first and third rounds, respectively, last April. Their 2012 first-round pick will also be billed as a reach, though coach Jim Harbaugh and G.M. Trent Baalke have earned the benefit of the doubt.
With the 30th pick in the 2012 draft, the Niners selected receiver A.J. Jenkins out of Illinois. Jenkins had a solid college career in the Big Ten, but his stock rose during pre-draft workouts with a sub-4.4 forty at the Combine.
Jenkins projects as a slot receiver in the pros. He’ll compete for that spot immediately with San Francisco while Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, and Mario Manningham man the outside positions.
Last year’s playoff goat, Kyle Williams’ roster spot is in jeopardy.