Michael Crabtree SELECTED BY: 49ers Round 1 (10)

SI Grade 4.3 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: "Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the past two seasons. Sophomore totals included 93/1,135/18 when he struggled during the season with a foot injury. Named Big-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2007, Biletnikoff Award winner and named to several All-America teams after posting 134/1,962/22. Did not run for scouts prior to the combine because of a stress fracture in his foot."

POSITIVES: "Former quarterback who's been one of the nation's most dominant receivers the past two seasons. Big, strong target who plays a physical brand of football. Quickly releases off the line, uses his hands to get separation from defenders, and consistently comes back to the ball out of breaks. Extends his hands offering the quarterback a nice target, and adjusts to the errant throw, making the reception away from his frame. Sells routes, easily makes the reception in stride, and is a sturdy receiver who takes a pounding, but holds onto the throw. Quickly transitions from making the reception to running after the catch, strong as a ball handler, and breaks tackles to pick up additional yardage. Makes the difficult catch in a crowd with defenders draped on him, and displays outstanding concentration. Possesses a sense of timing, plays with good balance, and effortlessly makes the reception in contorted positions while running full speed. Effective downfield blocker."

NEGATIVES: "Tends to round off routes, shows minimal quickness into breaks and then drifts on exit, hampering his ability to get separation from defenders. Lacks deep speed, and is not a receiver who beats defenders in a foot race. Benefited from the wide-open system at Texas Tech."

ANALYSIS: "Crabtree is a tremendously talented pass catcher with wonderful physical skills. He is a game-controlling receiver who gets past the sticks on third-down or makes the difficult reception in the end zone. Crabtree uses his physical strength as an advantage, and relies on his former quarterback vision to read defenses and come free. Crabtree has all the makings of a number one receiver in the NFL, and he will be an early selection in April's draft."

PROJECTION: First Round