49ers catch Crabtree

(04-25) 17:44 PDT SANTA CLARA -- Presented with a choice of taking the fourth of four offensive tackles or the best wide receiver in the NFL draft, the 49ers did not hesitate. They went playmaker instead of pass-protector. With the 10th pick in the first round on Saturday, the 49ers chose prolific wide receiver Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech to add punch to an offense that finished 2008 ranked 23rd in the league."Once we got to 10 and Crabtree was there, it was over," general manager Scot McCloughan said. "Best receiver in college football. He's the closest thing I've seen to Anquan Boldin in college. He's got the physical ability to play on the NFL level. He brings unique physical qualities to the NFL."Also under consideration by the 49ers at 10 was tackle Michael Oher of Mississippi, who eventually went 23rd to Baltimore."To the best of our knowledge, this is a very good pick for us," coach Mike Singletary said. "The film speaks for itself. I really do think he has a chance to be special. Time will tell."The 49ers were one-and-done on the first day of the draft after Crabtree. They traded their second-round pick, 43rd overall, and their fourth-round selection (111th) to Carolina for the Panthers' No. 1 pick in 2010. That gives San Francisco two No. 1 picks in next year's draft.McCloughan said the 49ers had identified two players they liked for the second round but both taken before 43. Thus, the trade with Carolina, which picked defensive end Everette Brown of Florida State. CONTINUE READING...