San Francisco 49ers Get Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree in Draft

As a San Francisco 49er fan, I've ended many drafts with tears in my eyes, unfortunately they weren't tears of joy. With the 10^th pick in this years draft, I didn't dream the 49ers would have a chance at Michael Crabtree. However, as the draft unfolded, some teams that could've used a receiver passed on Crabtree. The Oakland Raiders selected, Darrius Hayward Bey with the 7^th pick, I wasn't surprised. Al Davis has always coveted speed. The Jaguars picked next and I thought after losing Matt Jones, they might look at a wide out, but they selected Eugene Monroe. I wasn't fearful of the Packers taking Michael Crabtree, but I thought there may be a trade. When the 49ers were on the clock with the 10^th pick, I thought somehow, we'd blow it.

With the 10^th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected, Michael Crabtree, wide receiver from Texas Tech. I exhale, the 49ers have not only drafted a wide receiver, they drafted the highest rated receiver. There have been some questions about Crabtree's speed, because of his foot injury he wasn't able to run during the combine or a pro-day, but there was no question about his talent.

This is a phenomenal pick for the 49ers for a few reasons. San Francisco has been looking for a star receiver since Terrell Owens left town. The team tried via free agency to bring in receivers, but to date it hasn't worked out. Antonio Bryant, Bryant Johnson, Ashley Lelie, they've all failed to help the 49ers offense. Now, the 49ers have drafted a young gifted receiver, that you hope can be your number one receiver for years to come.

The only caveat, the last time the 49ers choose a receiver with the 10^th pick in the 1^st round, they moved up to select, J.J. Stokes. Stokes didn't exactly pan out for San Francisco. While you never know which 1^st round players will be stars and which ones will be a bust, the 49ers got the best player at one of their biggest need positions, and you can't argue with that. I also like that Crabtree will play with a little attitude, because he wasn't the first receiver taken, he'll play like he has something to prove. Or, at least that's what you hope.

It will be interesting to see which wide receiver for which bay team has a better career, Darrius Hayward Bey for Oakland, or Michael Crabtree for San Francisco? When you look at the receivers, I think each one fits their new team. Oakland has Jamarcus Russell, a big arm quarterback and Bey is a speedster who can get down the field in a hurry. Crabtree may not be as fast as Bey, but he does everything well as a receiver and whoever is playing QB for the 49ers, Crabtree will help make him better.