Donahue, 49ers dismiss 'rebuilding' label

They used the draft to help patch a depleted offense.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Fresh off drafting 10 players, general manager Terry Donahue emerged Sunday from the 49ers' draft room and confidently peeked ahead five months to the upcoming season.
"We are not going into the fetal position, laying down and letting someone whip our [butt]," Donahue said. "We're going to compete. I'm not trying to tell you we're ready to go to the championship game. We've just got to let guys perform."
Donahue refused to classify 2004 as a "rebuilding year," even though seven offensive starters left the team this off-season.
Needs
After restocking some of their offense Saturday by drafting wide receiver Rashaun Woods and guard Justin Smiley with their first two picks, the 49ers focused on their defense and special teams Sunday.
They started Sunday by trading up eight spots in the fourth round to draft Hawaii defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga, whom Donahue said he considered trading up for in the third round. Sunday's asking price of moving up had them ship the Chicago Bears their original fourth-round pick as well as their fifth-round selection.
Their final draft pick Sunday also was a defensive tackle, Syracuse's Christian Ferrara.
In between those two picks, they selected Oregon State linebacker Richard Seigler (fourth round), Pittsburgh punter Andy Lee (sixth round), Oregon safety Keith Lewis (sixth round) and Washington quarterback Cody Pickett (seventh round).
"These guys are going to help our team," Donahue said.
They're part of a two-year draft process in which Donahue wanted 10 picks this year and another 10 to 11 next year. He anticipates the 49ers picking up three to four compensatory picks in 2005 because of the free-agent departures of Travis Kirschke, Jason Webster, Tai Streets and Jed Weaver.
Balanced production
Although those draft picks will help restock the 49ers roster, Donahue said he's counting on returners to fill key spots in 2004.
"How [quarterback] Tim Rattay plays, and how Ken Dorsey performs as a backup [to Rattay] and how Kevan Barlow does as a No. 1 back, those will be critical factors," Donahue said. "I look at our offensive line and think we're better than we were last year. I'm sure our depth is better."
The 49ers went into the draft with glaring needs at wide receiver, guard and cornerback.
"We're extremely excited about the whole draft," 49ers coach Dennis Erickson said. "But the first two picks [Woods and Smiley] were such a key to start this draft. They have a chance to come in and have a tremendous impact this fall."
What the 49ers didn't get from the draft was another running back, putting more onus on Barlow to stay durable and backup Jamal Robertson to contribute. Barlow received a five-year, $20 million contract two months ago.
"If Barlow's a top-10 back, it's going to make a difference to this organization," Donahue said. "We've paid him like a top-10 back and we expect him to be one. Is he one today? No, but he's going to have an opportunity to be one."
Signal caller
And Rattay is going to have a chance to seize the starting quarterback role formerly held by Jeff Garcia, who was cut March 2.
While four teams used first-round draft picks on quarterbacks, the 49ers didn't take a quarterback until grabbing Pickett in the seventh round. Donahue said although the 49ers projected Pickett higher than a seventh-round selection, the NFL's expansion of practice squads from five to eight players keyed the move.
"It gives us a chance to redshirt a quarterback," Donahue said. "Dennis and I are on the same page in you should always be developing a quarterback. Rattay is a quarterback we believe can be a winning quarterback. He's only started three games, but he's going to get an opportunity to start more if he stays healthy and holds on to the job."