Appalachian State Mountaineers: Blair to San Fran
The Appalachian State Mountaineers were heard from in the 5th Round of the NFL Draft.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers got one more of their own into the League when the San Francisco 49ers took Ronald Blair in the 5th round of the NFL Draft yesterday. Blair translated a career defined by hard work and overcoming injury into this spot.
In some ways Blair could not be going to a better place. The 49ers have watched their once proud defense turn into shambles with retirements and free agency defections. As a result the field should be wide open on that side of the ball for anyone who can make a mark. That will include Blair, who will start out as a defensive end or a pass rush situational guy.
One of the nice things about Blair is that he does offer some flexibility on the defensive line. While he is not a true elephant position guy, he could be used at defensive tackle to bring extra pressure on the quarterback.
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Blair will have to adjust to the level of the competition though. He spent his first years in the FCS and the last two in the Sun Belt Conference of the FBS. While the Sun Belt has had its moments, they are generally looked at as a lower tier league. The used to be the lowest tier league in the FBS. NFL linemen will be a step up for sure.
If there is a player who can battle through it, it would be Blair. Perhaps in a few years he will be one of the bright spots on the rebuilt 49er defense. Even if he is not, Boone still has much to be proud of in his Draft success. It shows that they are committed to building a winner at the FBS level. Given last season’s results, they may not be that far off.