The Blue Board

correct, but they could have traded up

I imagine the Niners brass often thinks about the decision to draft Alex Smith instead of Aaron Rodgers.
Of course, so do 23 other NFL teams.

They only other QB selected in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft was
Jason Campbell, who was selected the pick after Rodgers at #25 by the Skins.

The curse of Tedford. Only reason Rodgers sank like a stone. No one wanted another Akili/Harrington/Carr.

As whatever Smith is as a QB it probably could have been worse. 49er's would have probably taken Leinart instead had he decided to come out.

That said, with the 49er's O line I guarantee you Hairballs could turn ML into a legit QB.