after the third and final day of the draft...

Seven picks made by the 49ers yesterday! It's nice to have had the luxury of so many picks, even in the late rounds. Now I didn't know any of the names and from what I've read, many of the choices are going to be looked at at different positions than what they played in college; what was emphasized in the post-draft news conference was that the Niners were looking for great athletes with exceptional character first and foremost. They are anticipated to be very 'coachable.'

This is a different approach than what I am used to, but with a new coaching staff I am going into the new season with an open mind. We'll see how this first draft in the Harbaugh era goes; we won't know for a few years how well they drafted!

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In addition to the draft, there is also the speculation that Alex Smith is virtually assured of signing up with the 49ers for at least one more season. If that is what Jim Harbaugh desires, then I am all aboard with it as well. Coach Harbaugh has been stressing that he wants Smith back as quarterback for awhile now. Who knows, looking back, maybe Harbaugh would have drafted Smith with the #1 overall pick back in the 2005 NFL draft too. I am willing to believe that Smith can excel once he works in just the right system, and I hope that Harbaugh and his staff can offer that system.

Coach Harbaugh is the first head coach to come from the offensive side of the ball, and I am looking forward to a more multi-faceted and flexible approach to their plan of attack. If only the same system will stay in place for many seasons in a row too (as long as it is effective!).

Now we just need for the lock-out to end. Let's get this show on the road!