The San Francisco 49ers surprised many on Thursday by selecting linebacker Aldon Smith.
Most were not surprised that Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke stayed away from quarterbacks during the first round, even though the likes of Blaine Gabbert were available when the team picked.
But the reason the 49ers may have passed on a quarterback in the first round may be the same reason the team doesn't have to draft one in the second round on Friday.
The Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows reports that Alex Smith will be visiting the 49ers' headquarters in Santa Clara Friday to meet with Harbaugh.
Smith is a free agent who has been working out with 49ers' teammates in the South Bay during the lock out.
But with the lock out at least temporarily lifted, the team may be able to sign Smith sooner than they thought.
Harbaugh has maintained all along -- much to the dismay of many 49ers' fans -- that he would like Smith to return to San Francisco.
Smith's return could take pressure off of the team to draft a quarterback just for the sake of drafting a quarterback early.
