Niners to work out Smith

DENNIS GEORGATOS
Knight Ridder Newspapers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - (KRT) - Coach Mike Nolan and other 49ers officials headed to Salt Lake City to attend a private workout today by Utah quarterback Alex Smith, one of a handful of prospects the team is considering taking with the No. 1 draft pick.
Nolan was accompanied by Scot McCloughan, the team's vice president of player personnel; offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy and quarterbacks coach Jim Hostler. The 49ers also flew wide receivers Brandon Lloyd and Arnaz Battle to Utah so they could catch passes from Smith and provide team brass with their feedback.
The 49ers previously observed Smith during his pro-day workout at Utah last month.
Smith also is scheduled to visit the 49ers' Santa Clara facility next Tuesday.
Some of his rivals for the top pick, which will kick off the April 23-24 draft, also will visit the 49ers' headquarters next week. Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards and Miami cornerback Antrel Rolle are scheduled to come in Monday, and Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers is slated to visit the day after Smith on April 13.
While Nolan and the 49ers' offensive coaches are focusing on Smith's workout, free-agent defensive end Marques Douglas will visit with members of the scouting department and defensive coaching staff today in Santa Clara.
A five-year veteran, Douglas started the past two seasons in Baltimore, where Nolan was the defensive coordinator before being hired by the 49ers in mid-January.