With the seventh pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers have selected Aldon Smith, defensive end from Missouri. The pick is a mild surprise, with many thinking that Smith's teammate Blaine Gabbert would be the pick here, but instead, it'll be Smith.
Smith will likely be an outside linebacker for the 49ers, where he'll team with Patrick Willis and an already strong defense. He was a defensive end in college, but in the 49ers' 3-4 scheme, he'll certainly need to make the transition. The 49ers must think that he can make that transition, otherwise, they would not have picked him.
It is certainly a surprise that new coach Jim Harbaugh picked Smith over Gabbert, considering his background as an offensive mind. I guess this means that Harbaugh has more confidence in Alex Smith than most. This is surprising.
The Tennessee Titans, at No. 8, are now on the clock.