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Organized Media Activity: Baalke’s Film Fest

For the second year in a row, reporters gathered at 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara to hear general manager Trent Baalke review film of every one of the team’s 2011 draft picks.

The organized media activity (OMA) allowed the team’s draft-day decision-maker to further explain what he liked most about the 10 players drafted by the 49ers.

Projections. Stiffness. Value. Versatility.

Those were common talking points of the morning film session when Baalke spoke at length on each incoming player while highlights of each were displayed on a projection screen in the team’s meeting room. He talked about the challenges some of the players face physically, the values of each pick as well as the position flexibility that most of the draft class will offer the 49ers next season.

We’ll take a closer look at Baalke’s comments on each player in the coming days, but it’s important to know how the general manager viewed the class overall.

Baalke admitted that the team is projecting some of the rookies to new positions, but reiterated that it’s a common practice in the NFL. Ultimately, Baalke wanted to bring in the players who best fit his vision for the 49ers.

“We have to find players who fit the system we employ,” he said early in the film review.

From first-round linebacker Aldon Smith to seventh-round cornerback Curtis Holcomb, Baalke cited the various physical and mental skills of each newcomer to the 49ers roster.

And while he’s high on all their abilities to become great players, Baalke felt best about the value of each individual selection.

Now it’s up to each player to develop into the professional the 49ers envision.

“The picks have been made, it’s up to them to prove they were worthy,” Baalke said to close out the session.

Friday on Goal Posts, we’ll dive into Baalke’s comments on No. 7 overall pick Aldon Smith.