With the seventh pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Missouri defensive end/outside linebacker Aldon Smith.
Here is your first big surprise of the draft. Few had Smith going to San Francisco. In fact, most had Aldon Smith going to the Houston Texans at the eleventh overall pick.
The 49ers have lacked a true pass rusher since the 2002 season - the last season where they had someone who had 10+ sacks in a season. They have a great front seven minus that pass rusher and Aldon Smith can be that. With Patrick Willis next to him, Aldon will be able to pin his ears back and rush the passer to give San Francisco their best pass rusher since Andre Carter.
As a guy who is partal to the 49ers, I like the pick and find it interesting that they passed on Robert Quinn. Might the tumor caused them to get cold feet? Regardless, Aldon Smith will make that front seven stout.
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