49ers add speed, depth in draft

With no pressing needs at starting positions, the 49ers used the NFL Draft to strengthen areas already stocked with talent while adding depth to others. 

First round draft pick wide receiver A.J. Jenkins with coach
Jim Harbaugh (left) and general manager Trent Baalke (right).  

At the center of attention are the 49ers first two draft picks, wide receiver A.J. Jenkins (30th pick overall) and running back LaMichael James (61st overall).

Jenkins, out of University of Illinois, brings San Francisco another potential deep play threat to go along with free agent pickup Mario Manningham. His speed and route running abilities made him an intriguing target for the 49ers, who believe he can develop into a future star. 

James, a former Oregon Duck, and of whom 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh coached against while at Stanford, is an explosive player. Known for the ability to burst for a 60-yard play from the line of scrimmage at any time, James gives the 49ers an instant scoring threat. 

Both Jenkins and James join crowded positions and will create fierce competition with teammates for playing time in training camp and preseason. 

The 49ers now have six wide receivers in Jenkins, Manningham, Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Kyle Williams, and Ted Ginn Jr. At running back lies James, Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, Brandon Jacobs, Anthony Dixon, and Rock Cartwright, plus fullback Bruce Miller. 

If players want to be on this team, let alone receiving considerable playing time they better impress the coaching staff in training camp. 

The 49ers finished up the rest of the draft adding depth and competition on both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at linebacker and in the defensive backfield.

Running back LaMichael James was drafted
in the 2nd round by the 49ers.

The team also added three picks through trade to the 2013 draft. San Francisco now has 11 draft picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. 

2012 49ers draft picks:

Round 1 (30th overall): A.J. Jenkins (WR, Illinois)

Round 2 (61st overall): LaMichael James (RB, Oregon) 

Round 4 (117th overall): Joe Looney (OG, Wake Forest)

Round 5 (165th overall): Darius Fleming (OLB, Notre Dame) 

Round 6 (180th overall): Trent Robinson (Safety, Michigan State)

Round 6 (199th overall): Jason Slowey (OC, Western Oregon)

Round 7 (237th overall): Cam Johnson (DE, Virginia)