Kentwaan Balmer is working hard to justify his first-round status.

1/29 Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina

The drafting of Balmer in the first round raised some eyebrows, kind of like when a commercial uses Danny Glover for a voice over. It just doesn’t make sense. While he was projected as a boom or bust pick, he definitely isn’t doing anything to build faith in him. Clearly an inside defender, Balmer is inexplicably being used on the outside. It is unclear what, if anything, will come of Balmer in his rookie season.

2/8 Chilo Rachal, G, USC

Rachal was originally being used at tackle early in training camp, which was misleading with  regard to his readiness to play. Considering the mounting injuries to the 49ers offensive line, especially at guard, Rachal has a real chance to pull a starting spot out of his, you know what. All those Frank Gore comparisons to Marshall Faulk way need to be put on lay-away. This offensive line is looking putrid.

3/12 Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma

Considering so many other aspects of San Francisco’s team is up in the air, (offensive line, quarterback, and receiver) one would think they’d like some stability on defense. But, no, it seems Mike Nolan is intent on moving Walt Harris to nickel back and starting Smith at corner. This could go either way. Smith will undoubtedly be picked on by opposing offenses, but it could result in a lot of picks if he doesn’t get burned. Due to his lack of elite speed, however, getting burned seems more realistic.

4/8 Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M

Wallace is a decent level talent, but doesn’t look to see a ton of action right away. This is extremely bad news for him, considering how porous the line looks right now. However, the only position he can play well at is center, in which the Niners’ already have a great player in Eric Heitmann. Considering Heitmann is in a contract year, it’s a real possibility Wallace is the starter next season.

6/8 Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech

Morgan is definitely physical and fast enough to one day start in the league, but the fact that his only touchdown in pre-season came on blown coverage should not be ignored. Despite his solid showing in pre-season game and training camp, there isn’t much Morgan can do about the staff’s love affair with Bryant Johnson. Morgan may shine in spurts over the course of the season, but he is unlikely to have a serious fantasy impact.

7/7 Larry Grant, OLB, Ohio State

Grant is a high-energy guy with the propensity to be wherever the play was in college. Seeing that happen in the NFL is unlikely, though, due to his lack of elite athleticism. He’ll likely be a special teams cover guy if he sticks with the team.