The 49ers have traded their second-round pick, no. 43 overall, and their fourth-round pick, No. 111 overall, to Carolina for the Panthers' first-round pick next year. If the 49ers don't re-acquire a second-round pick, they are done for the day. The team now has six picks tomorrow -- a third, two fifths, a sixth and two sevenths. The Panthers used the 43rd pick to select Everette Brown, a pass-rush specialist out of Florida State. One pick later, the Dolphins chose West Virginia QB Pat White.
GM Scot McCloughan said that within five picks of No. 43, there were two players the 49ers would have taken. Both players were selected, and when Carolina offered their first rounder next year, it was too good to pass up. Who were the two players? McCloughan wouldn't say, but my guess is that they were LB Rey Maualuga and Arizona OT Eben Britton.
As for Michael Crabtree, McCloughan said that he thought that Jacksonville might take him at No. 8 but that Green Bay would pass on him given their depth at the position. McCloughan said he was willing to listen to offers but "it would have to have been the trade of the century" to pry Crabtree from the 49ers. "He's the closest thing that I've seen to Anquan Boldin in college," McCloughan said. "He's highly competitive ... that's not afriad whatsoever." In case you're wondering, the 49ers have spoken internally about Boldin, who is on the trade block, but that the Cardinals won't deal him in the division.
McCloughan said he saw Crabtree as an X or split-end receiver. That receiver needs to be more physical -- Crabtree's forte -- and it's the spot where Josh Morgan currently lines up. McCloughan said he had no problem having two young, promising players at the same spot. The two "z" receivers are Isaac Bruce and Brandon Jones. Jason Hill typically lines up in the slot.
-- Matt Barrows
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