San Francisco 49ers Discussion

[CJSchneider]

I think that goes without saying - LOL.

[FG4prez]

Plax makes zero sense. we already have a crowd at that position with crabtree and morgan. id love to see him try to f around in practice under singletary's watch though. Chris Mortensen reporting Mike Vick will try his hand at professional dogwalking before returning to the nfl. where is that source? hmm :)

[49ersfan_87]

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/05/harris-sustains-torn-acl-likely-to-miss-season.html

Veteran cornerback Walt Harris is likely to miss the 2009 season after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee yesterday. The injury will require surgery, the team said.

:eek:

Tarrell Brown, this is your time.

[Madirishman]

Yeah, I saw in the practice notes that he left practice with a knee injury. Something didn't sit right with me and now I know why.

I wonder if they would look at bringing in another veteran corner for depth? Like one of the Eagles disgruntled CBs.

[Arsenal]

Might be the end of his career. I liked watching him a lot the past couple years good luck to him.

I knew someone (Brown) had to step up anyway at cornerback this year, Walt was simply getting too old. This just presses the issue though.

I wonder if the organization will pursue a veteran like Chris McAllister, Dre Bly, or Roderick Hood now. I think the cornerback spot could definately use some more depth now even if it just in the case of Tarrell Brown falling on his face.

[Madirishman]

My vote would be for McAllister. I think he's got a little left in the tank and would provide some leadership as well. Bly would be 2nd on the list and Hood wouldn't make it. Hood bites IMO.

McAllister is a winner and Sing likes winners.

[abaddon41_80]

Hopefully Tarell Brown will play up to his potential. If he doesn't I wouldn't mind having Shawntae Spencer across from Clements, providing Spencer is healthy.

[Brent]

http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/09/21/sp-49ers_detroit_0499181564.jpg

It's you're time, Brown.

[Borat]

I agree with MadIrishman. I'd go with McAllister. He and Coach Sing were together in Baltimore. Makes sense. And yes, Roderick Hood is flatout awful. I'd rather put Walt Harris back out there than play Roderick Hood.

[BaLLiN]

Id take McAlister just off of how much he was given in baltimore and how complex his defense was. Theres got to be something wrong though because he looked like he was off to a good season then injured and released. Cap probably was considered but there could be other reasons.

Mike McKenzie, Dre Bly, Rod Hood, even the constant FA Aaron Glenn, and travis fisher?

Rod hood isnt horrible, he just doesnt have any height or long speed, he's a NB.

[WhatWouldBillyBajemaDo?]

Damn not the type of news I wanted in May. Too bad we lost out on Eric Green and Kai Parham in the off season, would be some good depth right now. Wonder if they will kick Reggie Smith back over to CB or have Word-Daniels or Thomas compete for the newly open roster spot? Maiocco says we are going to go after Bly:
CB Walt Harris has likely season-ending injury. Good bet 49ers will go after veteran free-agent Dre' Bly. He's played every game past 3 yrs.

Never been a fan of Dre Bly and, like a few posters above, I would like to see SF make a push for McAllister.
Here is a list of free agent CBs
http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=12&yr=2009&nid=83&lnid=83&rc=16&pid=30

Pac Man is still out there, he looked good on Pros vs Joes a few nights ago. :D

[CJSchneider]

I wouldn't mind having Shawntae Spencer across from Clements, providing Spencer is healthy.

That was my first thought.

I agree with MadIrishman. I'd go with McAllister. He and Coach Sing were together in Baltimore.

That was my second.

[Madirishman]

Pac Man is still out there, he looked good on Pros vs Joes a few nights ago. :D

I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. :(

[thediggler3030]

Id take McAlister just off of how much he was given in baltimore and how complex his defense was. Theres got to be something wrong though because he looked like he was off to a good season then injured and released. Cap probably was considered but there could be other reasons.

Mike McKenzie, Dre Bly, Rod Hood, even the constant FA Aaron Glenn, and travis fisher?

Rod hood isnt horrible, he just doesnt have any height or long speed, he's a NB.

I mean McAlister has played in only 14 games over the last two years. I would sign someone more durable than that.

Remember, they wouldn't sign Holt due to concerns with his knee. They generally don't sign players with injury concerns. This isn't the Raiders forum sir :D

[Menardo75]

I would not be oppose to Dre Bly at all. This is a great opportunity for Tarrell lets hope he can build off of a great year last year.

[Menardo75]

http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5312

Great article about todays OTA. Good to hear Raye is puting in plays for the TE's. To hear that Rice is talking to Morgan a lot is a very good thing too.

[Brent]

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/05/niners-scheduled-to-visit-with-dre-bly.html

I wouldnt mind Dre Bly at all.

[Arsenal]

I would like the Dre Bly signing. At first, I preferred Chris McAlister too but realized the team needs someone more dependable back there. They need a veteran to rely on in case the younger guys falter and you just don't know if McAlister is going to be healthy or not.

I will say Dre Bly looked flat out bad some times I watched in Denver though. I think a lot of this has to do with being left out on an island a lot though and not having the speed he once did because Bly and Champ Bailey were the only two good players on the entire defense.

[HawkeyeFan]

Sorry to hear that guys :(

One hell of a player, very underrated Cornerback, one of those great, easily forgettable players. I forgot how much I hate playing against him. Unless Jackson is trucking along, breaking forearms ;)

You guys will still be fine, Singletary already has something up his sleeve I'd assume, he always does.

[Menardo75]

Sorry to hear that guys :(

One hell of a player, very underrated Cornerback, one of those great, easily forgettable players. I forgot how much I hate playing against him. Unless Jackson is trucking along, breaking forearms ;)

You guys will still be fine, Singletary already has something up his sleeve I'd assume, he always does.

Do you want an E-hug?

[HawkeyeFan]

No brotha! Trust me, on gameday I change, I hate you all, but right now, a respectable rival. Whom is fun to talk with.

[Menardo75]

I find this strange urge to give you one.

[HawkeyeFan]

Haha, you know what. Yeah, an e-hug would be great :P

[YAYareaRB]

*E-Hugs HawkeyeFan*

[HawkeyeFan]

*blushes* LULz


While I'm here. Thoughts on my boy Bartell?

[WhatWouldBillyBajemaDo?]

Tim Kawakami's interview with Scotty Mac, touches on a lot of subjects most interesting is his thoughts on what happen with Nolan:
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2009/05/20/mccloughan-transcript-on-nolan-singletary-crabtree-smith-and-barbieri/

[YAYareaRB]

Tim Kawakami's interview with Scotty Mac, touches on a lot of subjects most interesting is his thoughts on what happen with Nolan:
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2009/05/20/mccloughan-transcript-on-nolan-singletary-crabtree-smith-and-barbieri/

I know Kawakami personally.. The little bastard only put me in for All-Section Offense in HS when I clearly deserved to be in for both sides of the ball.. maybe Im just being selfish.

[dan77733]

Dre Bly is expected to visit the team tomorrow. Bly is solid but being durable is more important right now which is why I would go after him instead of McAlister. In his ten year career, Bly has 40 interceptions compared to the 26 interceptions for McAlister in the same time frame. I would rather have Bly even though im a fan of McAlister. If McAlister wasnt injured the last two seasons missing 16 games total, I would prefer him but thats not the case so I would go with the player who seems to be healthy which is what we need the most right now.

Too bad we cant go back in time and sign Asante Samuel. LOL.

[HawkeyeFan]

Dre Bly and Roderick Hood are both corners on the market, Hood would fit you guys better than Bly. The same goes to the Rams, we're both in a rebuilding mode but surprisingly we're in a competing mode too.

We both have all the right players in the right places.

I'd rather see you get Bly, than Hood. Because, Hood would be a tad bit better :)

[dan77733]

I looked at that list -

would the lesser of our two first round draft picks (plus the huge contract that we would have to give him since he was franchised but hasnt signed the tender yet) for Texans CB Dunta Robinson be worth it?

[Ness]

I looked at that list -

would the lesser of our two first round draft picks (plus the huge contract that we would have to give him since he was franchised but hasnt signed the tender yet) for Texans CB Dunta Robinson be worth it?

Robinson hasn't really done anything great in my opinion since his rookie season when he showed a lot of promise. And he's coming off of a major injury. A 1st round selection for Robinson? No way. That would be highway robbery for Houston.

[farfromforgotten]

In his ten year career, Bly has 40 interceptions compared to the 26 interceptions for McAlister in the same time frame.

Thats mainly because QBs wouldnt throw McAlister's way when he was in his prime with the Ravens. Bly is a playmaker, but he is more of a gambler that will get burned just as often as he will make the big play.

[Brent]

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/022466.html

Josh Morgan had another prolific afternoon today. In fact, you might say that Morgan has been the offensive star of the team's OTAs this week.

I'm getting excited to see Morgan hopefully have a big year.

[Borat]

OMGZZZZ!!!!!ONE!! WE HAVE TARGETS. I'm finally satisfied with our offensive personnel. Should be a very entertaining season.

[YAYareaRB]

You feel that feeling in your stomach?

[Menardo75]

E-hug for Hawkeyefan. Bartell is a solid player he was your best corner last year.

[Menardo75]

I feel it.

[CJSchneider]

I thought that feeling was brought on by the food in my school cafeteria?

But seriously, other then Harris' injury (and I feel that has the potential to be very minor when looked at when the season is over) things are looking very good for us this year.

[Menardo75]

I thought that feeling was brought on by the food in my school cafeteria?

But seriously, other then Harris' injury (and I feel that has the potential to be very minor when looked at when the season is over) things are looking very good for us this year.

And either way I think Brown will end up being a better player, but I still would love to have Walt around.

[Madirishman]

I like the talent, chemistry, and progress of this year's team thusfar. I hope it prevails in close games as the schedule will not be an easy one, and they'll be in some dog fights.

Sorry for the Vick reference. ;)

[Madirishman]

Niners sign Bly:

http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5314

[Menardo75]

Nice signing another solid veteran.

[Brent]

Does any one else think he's an improvement over Walt Harris?

[farfromforgotten]

Does any one else think he's an improvement over Walt Harris?

Good question. I'm not sure. I guess I view them as being equal at the moment. Thats the easy answer.

I think Walt is a steady performer and underrated. As I said in the other thread - I think Bly has the ability to make more big plays, but I think that he will also give up more big plays. I honeslty havent seen him play much in recent years though.

Edit: I like the signing.

[Ness]

Does any one else think he's an improvement over Walt Harris?

I liked Walt because he didn't really make that many mistakes and when we had to go up against Boldin and Fitzgerald, he wasn't really dominated. I fear that might happen with Dre Bly if he starts.

[49ersfan_87]

Notes on todays OTA

http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5316

Rookie running back Glen Coffee displayed his ability to run hard throughout OTAs and had one of best runs during the team period. Coffee took a handoff to the right side of the line, saw a defender approaching him and quickly cut-back to his left before darting off through the second level of defenders. Quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson immediately approved of the run and said to Coffee, “Nice cut Glen, nice cut!”

Im pretty excited about Coffee. I think he could be our starter in 2-3 years. Very underrated pick IMO.

[thediggler3030]

Does any one else think he's an improvement over Walt Harris?

No. Walt Harris was a cemented starter. Bly was signed to veteran's minimum and will compete with Spencer (just off knee surgery) and Harris (has started I think only one game) for a starting job.

I think Bly lost a lot of credibility last season. But I still really like the signing.

[FG4prez]

Bly is definitely faster than harris, but i much prefer harris's cover ability. Its not like the wr's in the nfc west are burners.

[LizardState]

No. Walt Harris was a cemented starter. Bly was signed to veteran's minimum and will compete with Spencer (just off knee surgery) and Harris (has started I think only one game) for a starting job.

I think Bly lost a lot of credibility last season. But I still really like the signing.

Harris would have been going into his 14th NFL season, not the kind of downgraded ability the team wanted to go against Boldin & Fitzgerald in man coverage. Harris was exposed too many times last yr. & every opponent offense knew it, so the 9ers started too many games in the hole. When Spencer went on IR it got a lot worse.

So they signed Dre Bly for DB depth. Like Dirk Diggler :cool: I like the signing too.

http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_12424141?nclick_check=1

A 32-yr-old CB with 2 Pro Bowls on his resume is better than a CB who will turn 37 this season, that had to factor in their thinking like the big ? on Shawtae Spencer coming back from knee surgery. Singletary doesn't want to surrender the deep fade or post routes anymore or at least dramatically improve their pass defense. I'm thinking if Bly doesn't secure the starting CB job he could back up either safety or be their nickelback.

Here's a biog article on rookie TE Bear Pascoe, local player from Fresno St. rapidly becoming the new fan fave from this draft, had to LOL at calling him the "anti-Vernon Davis" :

http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_12425825

If Davis continues to eff it up in games or shows more of his bad attitude to Singletary, Pascoe will be the TE who steals his thunder even if he only quietly shows the blocking skills that will improve their o-line on the edge.

[farfromforgotten]

A 32-yr-old CB with 2 Pro Bowls on his resume is better than a CB who will turn 37 this season, that had to factor in their thinking like the big ? on Shawtae Spencer coming back from knee surgery. Singletary doesn't want to surrender the deep fade or post routes anymore or at least dramatically improve their pass defense. I'm thinking if Bly doesn't secure the starting CB job he could back up either safety or be their nickelback.

Then why wouldnt they have signed Bly before Walt got injured? Im not saying that your thinking is wrong, I just think that they were set with going into the 09 season with Walt as the starter again.

[Brent]

and will compete with Spencer (just off knee surgery) and Harris (has started I think only one game) for a starting job.
You dont think Brown has a chance? I'd like to think he's got to be the one that Bly is battling.

[farfromforgotten]

...compete with Spencer (just off knee surgery) and Harris (has started I think only one game) for a starting job.

I think the "and Harris" part is supposed to read "and Brown", Brent.

[Brent]

I think the "and Harris" part is supposed to read "and Brown", Brent.
Yeah, my mistake.

[thediggler3030]

I think the "and Harris" part is supposed to read "and Brown", Brent.

Haha yeah my bad. I would love to see Brown win the job. I think Barrows summed it up though, the Niners essentially have 2 nickle backs competing to start.

[thediggler3030]

Harris would have been going into his 14th NFL season, not the kind of downgraded ability the team wanted to go against Boldin & Fitzgerald in man coverage. Harris was exposed too many times last yr. & every opponent offense knew it, so the 9ers started too many games in the hole. When Spencer went on IR it got a lot worse.

Bly is a much worse match against the bigger receivers than Harris. Harris didn't play bad last year either. He led the team in passes deafened. Has 15 interceptions in 3 years and is an excellent tackler (the reason he was a good option to cover Boldin). Bly was horrible. He was picked apart last year. He played much worse than Harris.

If Brown can win the position and play well I will be ecstatic, but that's a big if...

[Brent]

Bly was horrible. He was picked apart last year. He played much worse than Harris.
Yeah, but how much of that was a result of being targeted since Bailey was on the other side, in addition to one of the worst defenses (if not the worst) in the league?

[Fogcity_faithful]

liked the article about pascoe...really happy that we drafted him. i think that he has the potentail to develop well for us.

[thediggler3030]

Yeah, but how much of that was a result of being targeted since Bailey was on the other side, in addition to one of the worst defenses (if not the worst) in the league?

I think Harris was targeted a lot as well. Replace Baily with Clements and I could see that statement being about the 49ers lol.

The Broncos mainly sucked because they couldn't stop the run. It wasn't a pass defense issue. The 49ers only had 4 more sacks than them.

Similar situation, but Harris played much better.

There is a reason Dre Bly signed for the vet. minimum :D

[Brent]

I think Harris was targeted a lot as well. Replace Baily with Clements and I could see that statement being about the 49ers lol.

The Broncos mainly sucked because they couldn't stop the run. It wasn't a pass defense issue. The 49ers only had 4 more sacks than them.

Similar situation, but Harris played much better.
I never said it was a pass rush issue, but that the defense as a whole in Denver was about as bad as ours was in '04 and '05.

[Madirishman]

Denver's D was HORRIBLE. They were an offensive shootout in every game. That means Bly was getting thrown on all game long cause nobody wanted to look at Bailey.

The pass rush is key with how well the corners play. With the Niners having a more consistent pass rush this season, I'd rather have two more ball hawks out there that are PLAY MAKERS, than just defenders. Bly and Goldson give the Niners Play Makers in the secondary to compliment two physical players in Clements and Lewis. This should allow them to have a well-rounded secondary that will be better than having "Mr. No Pick" aka Roman back there, with balls bouncing off his hands and helmet.

[thediggler3030]

I never said it was a pass rush issue, but that the defense as a whole in Denver was about as bad as ours was in '04 and '05.

Yeah my point was that it was mainly their horrible rush defense, and that Bly wasn't hung that far out to dry. And even when he was the situation was often similar for Harris, but he still played much better.

I just think Bly is a definite downgrade and until he proves himself a capable starter, Brown is too.

[Brent]

I just think Bly is a definite downgrade and until he proves himself a capable starter, Brown is too.
Fair enough. I'll admit that while Harris never appeared to shut down WRs, he certainly had great seasons without it being obvious.

[CJSchneider]

After looking back over the last page or so, the 49er O-line should be glad the spot-light is off of them for the time being LOL.

[49ersfan_87]

After looking back over the last page or so, the 49er O-line should be glad the spot-light is off of them for the time being LOL.

I like the potential of our OL. Smith and Heitmann are solid veterans, Baas is underrated, Staley flashed some great potential in his first year starting at LT, and Rachal is a future All-Pro IMO. Of course the key word is potential, plus the line doesn't have a lot of continuity. I could see them struggling early on, but once they gel i think we'll be quite happy with the performance of our OL. A big plus is we no longer have George Warhop, his blocking schemes sucked and he refused to bench anyone who was underachieving.

[thediggler3030]

I like the potential of our OL. Smith and Heitmann are solid veterans, Baas is underrated, Staley flashed some great potential in his first year starting at LT, and Rachal is a future All-Pro IMO. Of course the key word is potential, plus the line doesn't have a lot of continuity. I could see them struggling early on, but once they gel i think we'll be quite happy with the performance of our OL. A big plus is we no longer have George Warhop, his blocking schemes sucked and he refused to bench anyone who was underachieving.

I agree, the Oline has the talent. They just need to play up to their potential and stay healthy.

Those are some definite if's, but I could see the line playing very well this year.

[phlysac]

The major issue with the current O-Line is continuity. Aside from RT, the line is potentially set for years to come. Look at how inexperienced each player is at his current position. Sky's the limit based on what I saw from them the final half of last season.

LT - Joe Staley - 16 Starts
LG - Davis Baas - 13 Starts
C - Eric Heitmann - 82 Starts
LG - Chilo Rachal - 6 Starts

[Brent]

If we have stability at RT, regardless of who it is, we'll have one heck of an o-line.

[Madirishman]

Can you guys imagine if Alex Boone comes around? He has what many considered first round talent.

[Menardo75]

Can you guys imagine if Alex Boone comes around? He has what many considered first round talent.

Then he would be a huge steal in many ways. Hopefully Marvel can stay healthy then we will have a very good line.

[Madirishman]

I think Boone's got a pretty good chance to make the final roster - practice squad would be a no brainer, but I'd think that another team may take him.

[Brent]

I think Boone's got a pretty good chance to make the final roster - practice squad would be a no brainer, but I'd think that another team may take him.
That's undoubtedly going to be part of their thinking, but if they put him on the practice squad, he's obviously not good in enough in their eyes to be playing in games.

[Madirishman]

That's undoubtedly going to be part of their thinking, but if they put him on the practice squad, he's obviously not good in enough in their eyes to be playing in games.

True. It's a make or break situation for him because of his unique situation of good talent level for UDFA combined with his off the field issues.

[CJSchneider]

That's undoubtedly going to be part of their thinking, but if they put him on the practice squad, he's obviously not good in enough in their eyes to be playing in games.

Or they want to hold on to him while he gets a handle on some of his personal issues.

[LizardState]

The major issue with the current O-Line is continuity. Aside from RT, the line is potentially set for years to come. Look at how inexperienced each player is at his current position. Sky's the limit based on what I saw from them the final half of last season.

LT - Joe Staley - 16 Starts
LG - Davis Baas - 13 Starts
C - Eric Heitmann - 82 Starts
LG - Chilo Rachal - 6 Starts

I'm really liking their o-line for the 1st time in a decade. Only Staley regressed last yr & got benched for what, 2 games? In past yrs. the whole starting front 5 regressed, & with Kwame Harris pass blocking the blind side at LT their QBs got slammed around like pinballs.

Heitmann was an UDFA they signed b/c he was local (Stanford) but had the size & versatility to play all 5 o-line spots to be a needed swingman, I believe he has done all 5 too, & now he's over the hill. He replaced Newberry at C & by that time the mileage had caught up to Newberry, his knees were held together with rubber bands & glue.

Now I think Heitmann is looking the worse for wear, time to work last yr's 4th rd. pick Cody Wallace into the center slot. Wallace is very fb-savvy & was offensive captain at Texas A&M, I think he will fit the bill once he learns NFL blocking schemes & that can only come with the reps & experience. Rachal is a younger, bigger, better Justin Smiley in the opposite G spot, a better pass protector than they had thought.

[abaddon41_80]

I'm really liking their o-line for the 1st time in a decade. Only Staley regressed last yr & got benched for what, 2 games?

Huh? Staley started every game at left tackle last year and I wouldn't say he regressed from his rookie season. He got off the a bad start but it was magnified by O'Sullivan's terrible pocket presence and tendency to hold onto the ball too long. IIRC, Staley only allowed 1 sack after Hill took over at QB.

[YAYareaRB]

Staley also shut down Joey Porter.. His only sack of the game came against Sims to end the game.

[Brent]

Staley had a hell of a year last year. By the end, he was looking like an all-pro at LT.

[Menardo75]

Staley had a hell of a year last year. By the end, he was looking like an all-pro at LT.

Yeah Joe is the last guy you need to worry about on our line. If Rachal continues to improve and Baas stays healthy our whole interrior will be spectacular.

[phlysac]

And Eric Heitmann is FAR, FAR, FAR from over the hill. He's only 29.

[thediggler3030]

I'm really liking their o-line for the 1st time in a decade. Only Staley regressed last yr & got benched for what, 2 games? In past yrs. the whole starting front 5 regressed, & with Kwame Harris pass blocking the blind side at LT their QBs got slammed around like pinballs.

Heitmann was an UDFA they signed b/c he was local (Stanford) but had the size & versatility to play all 5 o-line spots to be a needed swingman, I believe he has done all 5 too, & now he's over the hill. He replaced Newberry at C & by that time the mileage had caught up to Newberry, his knees were held together with rubber bands & glue.

Now I think Heitmann is looking the worse for wear, time to work last yr's 4th rd. pick Cody Wallace into the center slot. Wallace is very fb-savvy & was offensive captain at Texas A&M, I think he will fit the bill once he learns NFL blocking schemes & that can only come with the reps & experience. Rachal is a younger, bigger, better Justin Smiley in the opposite G spot, a better pass protector than they had thought.

Not to beat a dead horse... But they drafted Heitmann in the 7th round, he wasn't an undrafted free agent

[thediggler3030]

Scott gave our draft a B+.

I'm glad, cause I had heard him speaking pretty negatively on that radio show he does. So I'm glad he came around.

I think a lot of analysts didn't like our draft on face because we didn't fill our passrush or OT needs. But they aren't giving the team credit value-wise.

[dan77733]

And the B+ could be higher or lower depending on what we do with the Panthers first rounder next year.

[YAYareaRB]

And the B+ could be higher or lower depending on what we do with the Panthers first rounder next year.

We gotta address our pass rush "issue"

[Madirishman]

A lot of analysts are idiots cause they said we didn't address our WR "issue" last year, and gave us bad draft grades for drafting a lot of interior "non sexy" players like Balmer, Rachal, and Wallace. We also picked up Morgan in the 6th, who could be a star, or at least start.

So didn't they almost exceed expectations then, by not only drafting need, but also getting other player like Balmer and Rachal who has a huge upside? A lot of people thought Wallace was the best center in that draft, and they took him in the middle rounds.

I wouldn't say last year was an A+ draft (it's too early to tell) but if our top need (from the "analysts" perspective) was WR and we ended up with Morgan (who did have an impact his rookie season) then the Niners get credit for that. But with draft grades, it's all about if teams took their perceived need(s) early in the draft. It's a joke.

[Brent]

It's a joke.
Grading drafts should be about value at this point and not addressing needs.

[CJSchneider]

Grading drafts should be about value at this point and not addressing needs.

I would say perceived value. As no draft pick has begun to actually fulfill their value, you must come to the conclusion they were drafted on their perceived value. Grading drafts at this point requires a dual scale (value AND need).

[Brent]

I would say perceived value. As no draft pick has begun to actually fulfill their value, you must come to the conclusion they were drafted on their perceived value. Grading drafts at this point requires a dual scale (value AND need).
That's what I meant by value. Where are you drafting them in relation to what their grades are. However, we dont know how each team grades a player though it would be interesting if after a draft a team would show what their board looked like.

[LizardState]

I stand corrected, somebody got benched, maybe it was an OG, Baas replaced by Snyder or Rachal or vice versa, IDK who or when, somebody look it up. Anyway I do remember Singletary settled the o-line down, consistency from wk. to wk. & stability across the board was what the whole team needed & Singletary seems to have supplied that.

He had to get their attention 1st in a chaotic locker room, so he did his notorious depantsing to remind them of their poor play & W-L rcd, then he did the hard things that needed doing, like bitchslapping egomaniac Vernon Davis publicly when he dropped passes, then slowly bringing a disgruntled Alex Smith back into the fold from his injury after Nolan threw him under the bus to save his own job (didn't work, did it?) Singletary became the strong anchor this drifting, flaky team really needed last season.

Heitmann was indeed a 7th rounder, still a draft afterthought from Stanford who would have gone undrafted if not for Bill Walsh (still a consultant to the team in 02) being wired into the Stanford Athletic program on a 1st name basis, they recommended him for the versatility mentioned. That Stanford magic doesn't always work, the same hits & misses rule applies -- see Kwame Harris & his whiff pass blocking technique that gets QBs killed. I believe I'll stick with my original assessment, Cody Wallace is a "pure" center, has quicker feet & is younger with no injury history, they need to work him into that o-line this season at some point.

I agree with our madirishman friend here too, Wallace, Snyder, Baas, & Rachal were all nonsexy picks the pundits shrugged over in their draft analyses, too much furor & bullstuff over trading away next yr's #1 with the NE Pats to move up for Joe Staley, but look at how that o-line has turned around 100% from the Dennis Erickson & even the godawful Terry Donahue regimes. The biggest building block on a complete team rebuild is now about 80% functional & good to go.

But 5 OCs in 5 yrs under 3 HCs, uhhh, that has to be a major destabilizing factor & can't be good for any NFL offense..... I am now vindicated in my 2008 assessment that bringing Martzball in was a major error, they just didn't have the personnel even with Bruce in SF, & that local playerJT O'Sullivan from UC-Davis who was Martz' hand-picked QB from Detroit just isn't an NFL quality QB. Martz has now dicked up 3 teams in 3 NFL cities by my count, could be more, one of the most overrated coaches in recent NFL history. I still lol at Bellichick making him & the Rams look like Sheep by catching them unawares with the ancient Lonesome End gadget play that went for a TD vs. St. Louis just b/c NE noticed that Martz didn't have his head in the game... damn, a HS coach would be fired over getting tricked like that. Anybody else recall that?

Hell yes, getting Carolina's #1 in 2010 upgraded the 9ers draft to a B+, whether evaluated for value or perceived value, for once the present & future looks better than the recent past on this team.

[49ersfan_87]

A lot of analysts are idiots cause they said we didn't address our WR "issue" last year, and gave us bad draft grades for drafting a lot of interior "non sexy" players like Balmer, Rachal, and Wallace. We also picked up Morgan in the 6th, who could be a star, or at least start.

So didn't they almost exceed expectations then, by not only drafting need, but also getting other player like Balmer and Rachal who has a huge upside? A lot of people thought Wallace was the best center in that draft, and they took him in the middle rounds.

I wouldn't say last year was an A+ draft (it's too early to tell) but if our top need (from the "analysts" perspective) was WR and we ended up with Morgan (who did have an impact his rookie season) then the Niners get credit for that. But with draft grades, it's all about if teams took their perceived need(s) early in the draft. It's a joke.

Yeah, ability to fill needs is a huge component of draft grades. If we drafted Michael Oher, Everette Brown, and Rashad Johnson in rounds 1-3 (assuming no trade) we'd have gotten a slam dunk A+. But i'd take Crabtree+2010 1st+ Coffee over that any day.

[49ersfan_87]

I just read Scott's draft grade article and he raised a interesting point- nice set of prospects, but how many will start besides Crabtree?

I see McKillop starting 2 years down the road. Coffee is in a RB by committee so its basically a default starter. Pascoe, Taylor, Francois, Davis all seem to be good backups rather than starters. Im hoping one of these 4 can step up into a starter role sometime down the road. Seems like this draft was more for adding depth though.

How many of these guys (including UDFA's Boone, Sheets, etc) could everyone see eventually starting (not rookie year)?

[CJSchneider]

That's what I meant by value. Where are you drafting them in relation to what their grades are. However, we dont know how each team grades a player though it would be interesting if after a draft a team would show what their board looked like.

That would be pretty cool to analyze.

[Madirishman]

I just read Scott's draft grade article and he raised a interesting point- nice set of prospects, but how many will start besides Crabtree?

I see McKillop starting 2 years down the road. Coffee is in a RB by committee so its basically a default starter. Pascoe, Taylor, Francois, Davis all seem to be good backups rather than starters. Im hoping one of these 4 can step up into a starter role sometime down the road. Seems like this draft was more for adding depth though.

How many of these guys (including UDFA's Boone, Sheets, etc) could everyone see eventually starting (not rookie year)?

Drafts aren't all about who can start this year either. The best teams often have one rookie starting at the most. If a team is in rebuilding mode, like Miami or Kansas City last year for example, then you can judge how many players they got in the Draft that will start, so they could start building a young nucleus. But for teams like the Niners, who have accumulated talent over the years, it's almost impossible to find guys passed round two that will start as a rookie. They may down the road, or step in due to injury, but often they are going to be role players, develop, and then take over.

I think Taylor and Davis have the least chance to become starters, but you never know. Coffee, McKillop and Pascoe could start in the coming years depending on what happens with the players in front of them. Boone and sheets have talent but I would say Sheets will be a utility player in the league at best, never carrying a full load.

[49ersfan_87]

Drafts aren't all about who can start this year either. The best teams often have one rookie starting at the most. If a team is in rebuilding mode, like Miami or Kansas City last year for example, then you can judge how many players they got in the Draft that will start, so they could start building a young nucleus. But for teams like the Niners, who have accumulated talent over the years, it's almost impossible to find guys passed round two that will start as a rookie. They may down the road, or step in due to injury, but often they are going to be role players, develop, and then take over.

I think Taylor and Davis have the least chance to become starters, but you never know. Coffee, McKillop and Pascoe could start in the coming years depending on what happens with the players in front of them. Boone and sheets have talent but I would say Sheets will be a utility player in the league at best, never carrying a full load.

Sorry, i meant starters down the line. I don't expect anyone outside of Crabtree to start in 09.

[woodyx02]

I just read Scott's draft grade article and he raised a interesting point- nice set of prospects, but how many will start besides Crabtree?

I see McKillop starting 2 years down the road. Coffee is in a RB by committee so its basically a default starter. Pascoe, Taylor, Francois, Davis all seem to be good backups rather than starters. Im hoping one of these 4 can step up into a starter role sometime down the road. Seems like this draft was more for adding depth though.

How many of these guys (including UDFA's Boone, Sheets, etc) could everyone see eventually starting (not rookie year)?

How many teams have more then 2 or 3 starters from a given draft anyway? Go back 3 or 4 years and even look at the good teams and you will only find that good drafts produce 2 or 3 guys who are good NFL starters. Does he expect them to draft 7 starters? Day 2 players are usually backups. Their are maybe what 10 day 2 guys that turn out to be good to pro-bowler caliber players in a given year. Maybe thats even a little high. I dont think he gave enough credit for getting Carolinas 1st either. Who could the Niners have picked at that spot that would have been huge impact players? I was sitting there trying to talk myself into Ev. Brown but I wasnt jumping on my couch and yelling at the TV for him. Everyone says next years draft is deeper anyway. Im not sold on Carolina as a contender either. Not in that division with that QB.

[Brent]

Drafts aren't all about who can start this year either. The best teams often have one rookie starting at the most. If a team is in rebuilding mode, like Miami or Kansas City last year for example, then you can judge how many players they got in the Draft that will start, so they could start building a young nucleus. But for teams like the Niners, who have accumulated talent over the years, it's almost impossible to find guys passed round two that will start as a rookie. They may down the road, or step in due to injury, but often they are going to be role players, develop, and then take over.
They still think we're bad enough to warrant starting rookies.

[49ersfan_87]

Getting a 1st round pick next year is great. We're all draft junkies here, and now we have 2 selections in the 1st round to play with? We could trade back and collect more picks ala NE, trade up for a top player, trade a pick for a top vet, or just keep the picks and add 2 (potential) studs. Love getting that 1st round pick and excited to see what happens with it.

Other news, Greg Ellis may be released. If he's released, who wants to sign him? 20.5 sacks the last 2 years. Not sure if he'd want to come here, especially as he would probably be a backup here rather than a starter.

http://www.nflgridirongab.com/2009/05/26/cowboys-announce-that-they-will-trade-or-release-pass-rusher-ellis/

[woodyx02]

Interesting story on Lawson. This is why im one of the few that was happy when the Niners didnt draft a pass-rusher high in the draft.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/49ers/ci_12440229

[Madirishman]

They still think we're bad enough to warrant starting rookies.

Well, that's why they are idiots. If through all their "research" on the Niners, these analysts think that they still are in complete rebuilding mode, then it proves my point that they are idiots.

[Brent]

Interesting story on Lawson. This is why im one of the few that was happy when the Niners didnt draft a pass-rusher high in the draft.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/49ers/ci_12440229
Interesting story, I just hope he can actually produce this year.

[THIZZorDIE]

With Walt's age, this injury will pretty much put him on the shelf for good. This injury is often an issue the following year for players, let's hope he can heal with youth. With his absence, and Bly's 1 year contract, CB will almost certainly be a top need next year. Tarell Brown has got to play well, M hud will see more of the field, Shawntae needs to recover well, and what happens with R. Smith? Split reps at CB and S, he's been at SS. Anybody hear about R.Smith's minicamp?

[Menardo75]

When NFLN said the 49ers in their latest rebuilding profect I just turned it off.

[abaddon41_80]

When NFLN said the 49ers in their latest rebuilding profect I just turned it off.

No one is giving us any credit. People seem to forget that we went 5-3 with Hill/Singletary last year, the three losses coming on the road in close games against teams with winning records, and got better in offseason.

[Borat]

Weren't we 1-yard from going to the playoffs? Didn't Arizona finish 8-8 and us at 7-9, but we held the tie-breaker with a better division record?

[abaddon41_80]

Weren't we 1-yard from going to the playoffs? Didn't Arizona finish 8-8 and us at 7-9, but we held the tie-breaker with a better division record?

Arizona finished 9-7.

[Brent]

Weren't we 1-yard from going to the playoffs? Didn't Arizona finish 8-8 and us at 7-9, but we held the tie-breaker with a better division record?
Devil's Advocate: we barely beat the Rams in week 16, had to go into OT to beat Seattle in week 2. Not to mention that if Nedney missed the 39-yarder in week 17, we would have gone to OT, and there's no assurance how that would have ended.

[Madirishman]

A win's a win. The Niners gave away 3 or 4 games early in the season, that if they had made a certain play or had stopped their opponent in a certain situation, they could have pulled off another couple wins.

I was at the Monday night AZ game when they were robbed by horrible officiating IMO. That game could have easily been a win as well, giving a better head to head record and division record. The Cardinals themselves were a little underrated as well, and showed it when they made a run in the playoffs, earning them some respect.

[Borat]

Arizona finished 9-7.

Right. What I meant was that if we had gotten that 1 yard I mentioned, then we both would have finished 8-8 and we'd have had the tie-breaker and the spot in the playoffs.

[abaddon41_80]

Right. What I meant was that if we had gotten that 1 yard I mentioned, then we both would have finished 8-8 and we'd have had the tie-breaker and the spot in the playoffs.

IIRC, they still would have been 5-1 in the division while we would have been 4-2.

[Borat]

IIRC, they still would have been 5-1 in the division while we would have been 4-2.

Well damn. Where the hell did I hear that we were 1-yard away from the playoffs? I'm going to pop that dude in the mouf.

[phlysac]

You could argue that the 49ers could've won 11 or so games last season. I also think it's obvious to people who pay close attention to the talent on the team, they are close to being a playoff team. With that said, I'm tired of hearing about how the media should respect the 49ers more. The truth is, the team needs to earn the respect and make it impossible for the so-called "experts" to NOT notice. Show it on the field. Win some games against highly favored teams. Dominate against lesser opposition. Play a complete season of high-caliber football. The media will be forced to show respect, and it will be done the right way... they will have earned it by their play.

[Brent]

A win's a win. The Niners gave away 3 or 4 games early in the season, that if they had made a certain play or had stopped their opponent in a certain situation, they could have pulled off another couple wins.

I was at the Monday night AZ game when they were robbed by horrible officiating IMO. That game could have easily been a win as well, giving a better head to head record and division record. The Cardinals themselves were a little underrated as well, and showed it when they made a run in the playoffs, earning them some respect.
But it goes both ways, you cannot say, "oh they gave this game away" or the like. A win was a win for the other team. I'm just pointing out that it's easy to say, "oh we should have one this one" when any other team we just narrowly beat is saying the exact same thing.

[FG4prez]

I would rather get less respect from the media. Every year the popular sleeper is horrible. SF was that last year or two years ago I forget. I would much rather a team play with a "nobody believes in us" attitude. It also makes it harder to get niners in your fantasy draft. I am hoping people are really tired of Vernon as a sleeper pick :)

[Madirishman]

Bear signed! Let the Pascoe era begin! :)

http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5325

[thediggler3030]

But it goes both ways, you cannot say, "oh they gave this game away" or the like. A win was a win for the other team. I'm just pointing out that it's easy to say, "oh we should have one this one" when any other team we just narrowly beat is saying the exact same thing.

Totally, there were some wins we've had that the other team "gave away," that could be argued at least.

[Madirishman]

But it goes both ways, you cannot say, "oh they gave this game away" or the like. A win was a win for the other team. I'm just pointing out that it's easy to say, "oh we should have one this one" when any other team we just narrowly beat is saying the exact same thing.

Oh yeah, it does go both ways, but a win is a win and a loss is a loss.

Man, I should do press conferences with all these cliches.

[phlysac]

It is what it is.

[Borat]

We just gotta take 'em one game at a time.

[Brent]

Winning is a team effort.

[CJSchneider]

Oh yeah, it does go both ways, but a win is a win and a loss is a loss.

Man, I should do press conferences with all these cliches.

No, you'd sound like John Madden

"You win when you score points, and if you don't score, well, that won't lead to winning to many ball games."

[dan77733]

I hate John Madden. I'm so happy that he's retired.

[D4rk 0ne]

I hate John Madden. I'm so happy that he's retired.

You should probably stop caring about football. Madden is a legend and he is one of the greatest forces on the game in its history. What has he done to make anyone hate him?

Who do you guys think will start opposite Nasty Nate? Obviously we brought in a reliable vet in Bly but on the other hand we have Brown in the wings who has looked pretty intriguing... Should be nearly as interesting as the WR battle.

[FG4prez]

people are too hard on madden. The guy was great at his job. He always had the highest rated games: snf mnf, super bowl. these are games with the dumbest audiences and therefore need the most basic analysis. It annoys us when he says things that are BOOM! obvious to us, but some dudes wife might not be so annoyed.

[CJSchneider]

people are too hard on madden. The guy was great at his job. He always had the highest rated games: snf mnf, super bowl. these are games with the dumbest audiences and therefore need the most basic analysis. It annoys us when he says things that are BOOM! obvious to us, but some dudes wife might not be so annoyed.

You'd be surprised. My wife, who watches very few games with me, always commented his commentary. She would say things like, "Well, duuuhhhhh." or "Even I know that." Then I would be stuck listening to both Madden and my wife. FML

[phlysac]

Who do you guys think will start opposite Nasty Nate? Obviously we brought in a reliable vet in Bly but on the other hand we have Brown in the wings who has looked pretty intriguing... Should be nearly as interesting as the WR battle.

"Technically" I think the battle may be too close to call but in reality I think all three will be on the field at the same time alot. I don't have a preference because I want the best players on the field. With that said, it'd be nice to see a young talent such as Tarell Brown to step-up and become a legitimate NFL talent. Clements needs to drastically improve his play this season as well.

[Brent]

I think Bly will start games but share equal playing time with Brown. Spencer is in third, in the #2 Cb battle and I expect him to stay there. We took Brown in the 4th, if I recall correctly, but his talent was late 2nd-early third in value, at worst.

[LizardState]

A win's a win. The Niners gave away 3 or 4 games early in the season, that if they had made a certain play or had stopped their opponent in a certain situation, they could have pulled off another couple wins.

I was at the Monday night AZ game when they were robbed by horrible officiating IMO. That game could have easily been a win as well, giving a better head to head record and division record. The Cardinals themselves were a little underrated as well, and showed it when they made a run in the playoffs, earning them some respect.

Wasn't that Zona game where Nolan (or was it Martz?) opted for a FG vs. a TD or vice versa, I don't remember exactly. But I do recall the press here crucified him for a bonehead game mgmt. decision that backfired. That + the bogus officiating calls cost the 9ers the game, wasn't it? & wasn't it the final nail in Nolan's coffin? I had come to expect Martz making ignorant game mgmt. calls by then, he's done it everywhere he's been in his career, these steaming piles of mistakes left stinking up the places in a trail behind him.

My observation that the 9ers got into holes in almost all their September/October games last season b/c JT O'Sullivan held the ball too long then led the league in fumbles lost. Every d-line they faced next wk. knew it & went after him to strip him -- it worked almost every time & the team started 2-3 TDs down by halftime.

It was so chaotic from the front office down that they had to admit Nolan had lost their locker room & hired a rah-rah kind of HC to replace him in Singletary who stabilized them & although didnt turn things around exactly, but at least put the coaching staff on the same page with the offense & the team as a whole. It wasn't an across the board fix, but when the team is bleeding from too many holes they had to fix the biggest hole that they were bleeding to death from, dumping Martzball was that fix. IMO it was road they should never have gone down given Martz' track rcd, hindsight is always 20-20 as they say.

l think Bly will end up starting opposite Clements, he may have lost a step by now but has the experience & ball skills that earned him 2 Pro Bowl spots.

[Brent]

wasn't it the final nail in Nolan's coffin?
He was fired after we lost to New York.

[Madirishman]

The Zona game is where Gore arguably ran in the game winning TD with only a few seconds to go. The play was reviewed and the refs said as soon as they made the call, that if it wasn't a touchdown then the clock would start automatically. The Niners had no time outs and had to call a play during the review, not knowing where the ball would be spotted if it wasn't a TD. Assuming the ball would be within the one yard line, Martz called a FB dive play up the middle using M-Rob. When the refs marked Gore down back BEHIND THE TWO YARD LINE and started the clock, there was no time to change the play and they ran it, with M-Rob getting stuffed just short of the goal line. Martz blamed the refs in the post game press conference.

[Borat]

Nolan hiring Martz (without Scot McCloughan's input) was the pathetic last attempt to save his job. Nolan was a first-class asshole.

[phlysac]

The Zona game is where Gore arguably ran in the game winning TD with only a few seconds to go. The play was reviewed and the refs said as soon as they made the call, that if it wasn't a touchdown then the clock would start automatically. The Niners had no time outs and had to call a play during the review, not knowing where the ball would be spotted if it wasn't a TD. Assuming the ball would be within the one yard line, Martz called a FB dive play up the middle using M-Rob. When the refs marked Gore down back BEHIND THE TWO YARD LINE and started the clock, there was no time to change the play and they ran it, with M-Rob getting stuffed just short of the goal line. Martz blamed the refs in the post game press conference.


Don't forget to mention Clark Haggans using both hands in an attempt to decapitate MRob and nearly succeeding.

[Brent]

Nolan hiring Martz (without Scot McCloughan's input) was the pathetic last attempt to save his job. Nolan was a first-class asshole.
"His shoulder isn't hurt, he just needs to toughen up! By the way, let's start that O'Sullivan character."

[dan77733]

Nolan was a first-class asshole.

It's just a shame that it took the majority of people here so long to realize that. :)

[FG4prez]

guilty
I fell for the suits

[thediggler3030]

It's just a shame that it took the majority of people here so long to realize that. :)

I mean, anyone was better than Dennis Erickson... Nolan had a better rebuilding plan. But he didn't stick with a 3-4 and had 2 very good offensive coordinators taken from him, then hired one in house (which he was forced to do), that didn't work. Then he finally made a terrible call with Martz...

Not horrible, but it was time to move on. Especially when they didn't have to rebuild entirely.

[LizardState]

Dr. John York & the team's upper mgmt. is pulling out all the stops to make the new Santa Clara stadium happen.

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12483165?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

This is one of the worst really bad Bay Area sports ideas in the history of bad ideas. They want to build it in the County Auditorium parking lot, where property was leasing for $100/sq. ft. at the height of the tech boom 10 yrs. ago when the idea was 1st proposed to replace aging Candlestick Park. Now the timing is especially bad, the tech & global economy bubbles have burst, the Silicon Valley here is reeling at 11-12% unemployment, & the NFL is predicting attendance & season ticket sales will be down >10% this season.

The new stadium idea is being driven almost exclusively by the York family greed, & it's been the exclusive focus of team owner Dr. York, that's why he fastracked his son Jed into his current front office job with the team as McCloghan's understudy & Scot McC has been making all the team & FB issues decision this offseason.

A 3-sport stadium proposal in the exact same site was put to the voters of Santa Clara County 14 yrs. ago, a single stadium for the SF Giants, 49ers, & San Jose Earthquakes & was defeated by over a 2-1 margin, so this new proposed deal is being kept away from voters. If it's up to only the city of Santa Clara Council members, who are looking to line their pockets like almost all local politicians, it will probably be greenlighted over the protests of dozens of consumer advocacy groups. Some of them include 9ers season ticket holders who are alarmed that their ticket prices would be increased up to 20% or more if the deal goers through; general admission prices for an NFL game there could be over 45% higher than currently at Candlestick.

If the TV $ is as lucrative as the last contract with the NFL was, Dr. York knows as well as any other NFL owner that they could broadcast the games from nearly empty stadiums & it would not matter, the huge profit margins would be guaranteed.

[LizardState]

I mean, anyone was better than Dennis Erickson... Nolan had a better rebuilding plan. But he didn't stick with a 3-4 and had 2 very good offensive coordinators taken from him, then hired one in house (which he was forced to do), that didn't work. Then he finally made a terrible call with Martz...

Hell yeah, hiring Martz with all his baggage was a major mistake. The worst p/o that was bringing in O'Sullivan, Martz' handpicked QB from the Lions, giving him the inside track with their OC in the QB competition in the last summer camp. Most of the local sports press thought he was the #3 QB on the roster about a yr. ago at this time despite being a local sensation from UC-Davis & p/o of the UCD Div. II team that had decisively beaten Stanford his sr. yr.

I felt sorry for Erickson, who had achieved success bringing back college programs, most notably at Oregon St. When he came to the 9ers it was very late, just before the draft in fact & then GM Terry Donahue & the York family made Erickson their b*tch, he was allowed zero input into the draft choices that yr, & Donahue dicked up that & several other drafts. Then a series of major injuries happened with the greatest impact being that of their best defensive player Julian Peterson going on IR, at that point the wheels officially came off. Erickson became the fall guy for Donahue's bad decisions, then he was replaced by Nolan, the son of former 9ers HC Dick Nolan. It was in Erickson's last yr that the 49ers were ranked as the least talented team in the league.

Nolan did have a better rebuilding plan, only it was about 75% defensive as that was his area of expertise. He quietly rebuilt the o-line, but it was so bad it could only have gotten better. It wasn't his fault OC Norvell Turner left, but they could have a lot better hires than Martz in 08, one look at his W-L rcd. in the NFL could have told them that.

[dan77733]

I mean, anyone was better than Dennis Erickson... Nolan had a better rebuilding plan. But he didn't stick with a 3-4 and had 2 very good offensive coordinators taken from him, then hired one in house (which he was forced to do), that didn't work. Then he finally made a terrible call with Martz...

Not horrible, but it was time to move on. Especially when they didn't have to rebuild entirely.

True but before Erickson, we had a shot at Dennis Green but he didnt want to come to SF and deal with T.O. despite the fact that he had to deal with Moss in Minnesota. I honestly dont see the difference. Back in 2005, there were rumors going around that we had a shot at Mike Holmgren but York didnt want to pay him to bring him back to SF which was a horrible decision in my opinion.

Nolan's rebuilding plan sucked. I hate it when new Head Coaches come in and want to rebuild the team to fit their system when they should be changing the system to fit the good players that are already on the team. Look at DEN and to a lesser extent, GB. Both teams are going 3-4 and DEN arguably has less talent than we did in 2005 while in GB, they have one of the best DE's and pass rushers in Kampman and they want him to make the transition to OLB. I'm sorry but thats ******* stupid. You're supposed to highlight the strengths and hide the weaknesses instead of exposing them.

I personally wouldnt have let Peterson go. I would have kept him more than any other defensive player we had at the time and yeah, that includes Bryant Young. Peterson was to us what Willis is to us now. The only difference is that Peterson was a better pass rusher.

You say that Nolan lost two very good offensive coordinators??? Who the hell was the second one??? Hiring Martz was horrible but I said that a year ago. I was actually hoping for Cam Cameron instead because of his experience with SD and using Tomlinson and Gates which if you look at us a year ago, the RB and TE positions with Gore and Davis were our top two offensive weapons and with Cameron, I really think that Davis could have had a breakout year.

Oh well. Its all in the past. I like Singletary's tough ass attitude but I hope it doesnt backfire as im looking forward to 2009. No matter what, one thing better happen - barring injury, Shaun Hill better be the starter come week one.

[Menardo75]

The picture of the new stadium looks amazing.

[BandwagonPunditry]

The picture of the new stadium looks amazing.

How do you guys feel about moving it to Santa Clara? I've got misgivings to be honest...

[LizardState]

How do you guys feel about moving it to Santa Clara? I've got misgivings to be honest...

It's about 28 mi. south down Hwy. 101 from Candlestick, but on a holiday weekend it's a 2 hr. crawl thru bumper to bumper traffic. It's about the same for 9ers fans from the Santa Clara Vly. north to Candlestick. Locating it where it's planned takes all the parking space b/c it's next to the Great America Amusement Park, which it would have to drive OOB for their parking area alone. It's a completely bogus claim that putting it where they're planning would be centrally located for their fanbase, the Yorks want to be as close as possible to Silicon Valley $.

They will have public transportation going there -- so they say -- but it's run by the same bozos who swindled voters into paying for the 3 rail-based transportation systems we have here in the Bay Area: BART, Caltrains, & the San Jose Light Rail, 3 different technologies, we couldn't connect them if we tried & they are disjointed today. If they built it by 2010 there would be massive financing & logistics problems.

[Borat]

The Santa Clara site can't be any worse than the current Candlestick site. Lizard, do you stay for the entire game at Candlestick? I'm going to guess the answer is "no" 'cause the traffic after the game ends is absolutely brutal.

Besides, I'll take Santa Clara over moving the team to LA.

[thediggler3030]

Nolan's rebuilding plan sucked. I hate it when new Head Coaches come in and want to rebuild the team to fit their system when they should be changing the system to fit the good players that are already on the team. Look at DEN and to a lesser extent, GB. Both teams are going 3-4 and DEN arguably has less talent than we did in 2005 while in GB, they have one of the best DE's and pass rushers in Kampman and they want him to make the transition to OLB. I'm sorry but thats ******* stupid. You're supposed to highlight the strengths and hide the weaknesses instead of exposing them.

You say that Nolan lost two very good offensive coordinators??? Who the hell was the second one??? Hiring Martz was horrible but I said that a year ago. I was actually hoping for Cam Cameron instead because of his experience with SD and using Tomlinson and Gates which if you look at us a year ago, the RB and TE positions with Gore and Davis were our top two offensive weapons and with Cameron, I really think that Davis could have had a breakout year.

I have a response to each paragraph above:

The first, the 3-4 defense is goingto and has become more popular in the NFL due to the spread offense in college. NCAA teams are shifting towards Dlines with smaller and faster DEs to account for all the running lanes the spread opens up. The most talented DEs are working to keep their weight low, thus we are seeing players like Aaron Maybin and Everett Brown, who seem to fit better as 3-4 DEs than 4-3 DEs. We are also seeing teams reach for rare players like Tyson Jackson because of this. I think the fact that Nolan was experienced in the 3-4 was one of the reasons the 49ers hired him.

Also you should look into Aaron Kampman a little more. He played OLB and even some S in college. He also has a lot of experience blitzing off the line of scrimmage. The Packers also have a better looking 3-4 Dline than the Niners do as of now, so I wouldn't be so quick to judge.

The second, I was referencing Norv Turner and Mike McCarthy. McCarthy didn't have the greatest year with the team, but that was largely due to the talent of that roster. Turner inherited/benefited a lot from McCarthy's work. And I don't think I need to vouch for the job McCarthy has done in GB. Nolan made one bad hire and that was Mike Martz. He really had no choice with Jim Hostler...

[WhatWouldBillyBajemaDo?]

The Santa Clara site can't be any worse than the current Candlestick site. Lizard, do you stay for the entire game at Candlestick? I'm going to guess the answer is "no" 'cause the traffic after the game ends is absolutely brutal.

Besides, I'll take Santa Clara over moving the team to LA.

Agree, traffic is absolutely brutal. The drive to and from Santa Clara will probably take the same amount of time as would getting in and out of the Stick.

Also, I realize beggers can't be chooses, but I hate the new design of the stadium. The design looks bland and reminds me of Stanford's stadium. After seeing what Seattle, Arizona, and the Cowboys have done ours looks second rate.

[FG4prez]

The drive to and from Santa Clara will probably take the same amount of time as would getting in and out of the Stick.

Also, I realize beggers can't be chooses, but I hate the new design of the stadium. The design looks bland and reminds me of Stanford's stadium. After seeing what Seattle, Arizona, and the Cowboys have done ours looks second rate.

Haha and sitting on the highway beats sitting in the hood. I'm all about parking all the way around the north end either right inside the stadium parking lot or across the street creating some wierd parking spot for myself on the dirt. Of course this strategy requires me to be running late, to which I easily oblige. Where do you guys generally park?

I like the ground level pics but the airborne pics dont look great. Would love to see some more creative architecture.

[Brent]

http://www.49ers.com/nm_files/Image/High%20Res%20Stadium/fivelarge.jpg

http://www.49ers.com/nm_files/Image/High%20Res%20Stadium/fourlage.jpg

http://www.49ers.com/nm_files/Image/2009/Stadium/Stadium500.jpg

Is it me, or do the first two not look like the third? By the way, I find it hilarious that Alex Smith is on the jumbotron in the first two.

[Madirishman]

Is it me, or do the first two not look like the third? By the way, I find it hilarious that Alex Smith is on the jumbotron in the first two.

The first two look a lot different and more plain. The last shot looks like a whole different stadium. I'd rather it be amazing to look at walking in than the "blimp shot" from overhead.

The Alex Smith jumbotron was the first thing I noticed. Lol...and this was approved?! :)

[Borat]

The first two look a lot different and more plain. The last shot looks like a whole different stadium. I'd rather it be amazing to look at walking in than the "blimp shot" from overhead.

The Alex Smith jumbotron was the first thing I noticed. Lol...and this was approved?! :)

Those pics with Alex are a few years old.

[Brent]

Are there any shots of the new stadium besides that third one?

[49ersfan_87]

Rundown of today's OTAs

http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5328

The first of the day occurred when Alex Smith completed a 30-yard deep post to Josh Morgan, who beat the coverage of Reggie Smith for a touchdown.

Smith tried to find Morgan down the field again during skelly drills, but completed the pass instead to free safety Dashon Goldson. As Morgan ran a vertical route down the right hasmarks, the ball was intercepted by Goldson 35 yards down the field. It was Goldson’s third interception of the offseason.


But the play of the day went to Shaun Hill and Josh Morgan, who hooked up on a deep touchdown pass at the expense of Bly. Morgan made a double-move on the newest 49ers defensive back and hauled in Hill’s pass by his fingertips 35 yards down the field and proceeded to run down the sideline. The catch was reminiscent of his 31-yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football last season.

Josh Morgan and Dashon Goldson seem to be making the most headlines in the OTAs. Im so psyched to see Morgan on the field. I think he's going to breakout big this year.

[Brent]

http://www.49ers.com/photos/images/2009_otas/otas__june_1/pwillisjsmith.jpg

Willis' forearm looks to be bigger than my bicep...

[farfromforgotten]

Josh Morgan and Dashon Goldson seem to be making the most headlines in the OTAs. Im so psyched to see Morgan on the field. I think he's going to breakout big this year.

I wonder how many of Goldsons INTs that we here so much about since he's been with the team are the results of passes by Alex Smith? lol.

Morgan and Crabtree should be something to see in years to come. It makes me wonder if we are better suited for more of a passing attack type Offense instead of a power running type of Offense with the players we currently have on the roster?

Morgan, Crabtree, Jones - are any of these WRs known as good blockers? I know Vernon is a great blocker, but I'll toss him out there with the usual "if he's used correctly this year" he should be more of a playmaker for us. Gore and Coffee at the RB spots also have the ability to catch passes.

I'm not saying that we should switch our offensive philosophy right now, but maybe in a year or two when our young playmakers have more experience I would hope that we would open up the play book more. (I say this not really knowing how Raye plans on running the Offense, but just from what I've heard about him so far) I would hate to see all the talent we have assembled be wasted. I, personally, prefer a more balanced attack.

I am really excited about what we could do on the Offensive side of the ball for the first time in years. I know a lot of it is based on potential, but thats all we can really base it off of right now. The future looks bright.

[CJSchneider]

http://www.49ers.com/photos/images/2009_otas/otas__june_1/pwillisjsmith.jpg

Willis' forearm looks to be bigger than my bicep...

That's because they are.

[49ersfan_87]

Notes on today's OTA's by Mike Sando

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest/0-9-182/Thoughts--observations-from-49ers-practice.html

Some interesting tidbits

Defensive end Kentwan Balmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11263) is getting a look at nose tackle. He'll have a chance to compete for the starting job at that spot.

I remember there being some talk of Balmer switching over to NT when we drafted him. I wonder if the plan was to start him off slowly at LDE and move him to NT?


I watched tight end Vernon Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9592) closely. He caught the ball consistently well and did not drop a pass when I was watching. I didn't see any of the misplaced bravado -- flipping the ball at a teammate or engaging in excessive smack talk -- that has gotten Davis into trouble at times. He needs to keep that up.


I spoke with Hill and Manny Lawson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9608) after practice. Lawson sounds as happy and excited as any player could sound. He has grown to love running the massive training hill built at Singletary's request. He loves having a clearly defined role in the defense.

Could our 2006 1st round picks be stepping up? Davis is seemingly being used as a traditional TE instead of the deep threat, and Lawson likes having a defined role in the defense. I wonder if we'll see some dividends this year?

[phlysac]

I wonder how many of Goldsons INTs that we here so much about since he's been with the team are the results of passes by Alex Smith? lol.

If my memory serves, Goldson has picked one pass from Smith and two from Hill. It doesn't matter to me. I want the DBs to make plays regardless if a HOFer was playing QB.


Morgan, Crabtree, Jones - are any of these WRs known as good blockers? I know Vernon is a great blocker, but I'll toss him out there with the usual "if he's used correctly this year" he should be more of a playmaker for us. Gore and Coffee at the RB spots also have the ability to catch passes.

Morgan blocked well in his time last season. Brandon Jones was signed in part because of his ability and willingness to block. Crabtree was scouted as a very physical and eager blocker whenever he was asked to block.


I'm not saying that we should switch our offensive philosophy right now, but maybe in a year or two when our young playmakers have more experience I would hope that we would open up the play book more. (I say this not really knowing how Raye plans on running the Offense, but just from what I've heard about him so far) I would hate to see all the talent we have assembled be wasted. I, personally, prefer a more balanced attack.

I am really excited about what we could do on the Offensive side of the ball for the first time in years. I know a lot of it is based on potential, but thats all we can really base it off of right now. The future looks bright.

I strongly believe that the "power running attack" has been overblown. Jimmy Raye and Coach Sing have both stated they want a balanced attack but they wanted to focus on being physical enough to be able to run at will. Let's be honest, there is nothing more demoralizing to a defense to not be able to stop the run during a close game in the 4th quarter.

I agree that if the players progress as needed and are used properly the future is extremely bright.

[CJSchneider]

Lawson likes having a defined role in the defense. I wonder if we'll see some dividends this year?

In a column I read elsewhere a couple weeks ago stated they were going to stop tinkering with him and just sort of "turn him loose" so to speak. Should be good to see.

[FG4prez]

I am trying to figure out what formation will we be using. I always figured we brought norris back for a lot of two back formation. I always thought gore was most effective following a fullback. Also, w delanie walker resigned, how much two te with he being h back type?

[Brent]

Also, w delanie walker resigned, how much two te with he being h back type?
I imagine that he'll see more of a traditional TE role than H-Back. I wouldn't be surprised to see a decent amount of 2-TE sets, with Raye's offense supposedly being very TE-oriented.

[YAYareaRB]

Delanie should try his hand at fullback.

[thediggler3030]

I imagine that he'll see more of a traditional TE role than H-Back. I wouldn't be surprised to see a decent amount of 2-TE sets, with Raye's offense supposedly being very TE-oriented.

Yeah and expect to see much more Pascoe than Walker...

[abaddon41_80]

Nate Clements will miss mini camp with pneumonia

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4225178

Damn. I hope he gets well soon.

[Menardo75]

Nate Clements will miss mini camp with pneumonia

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4225178

Damn. I hope he gets well soon.

Atleast it is only for OTA's things could always be worse.

[49ersfan_87]

I imagine that he'll see more of a traditional TE role than H-Back. I wouldn't be surprised to see a decent amount of 2-TE sets, with Raye's offense supposedly being very TE-oriented.

I think we'll see a lot of pascoe this season. Walker can't block at all. Pascoe is a a good blocker and has more receiving skills than Bajema. Wouldn't be surprised to see Pascoe at #2 on the depth chart sometime this seaosn.

[LizardState]

In an early Wednesday morning vote the Santa Clara City Council approved the new 9ers stadium:

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12511155?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

The meeting lasted until 1 am, lots of debate & enthusiastic discussion from all sides.

The $114M in public funds is still subject to the electorate of Santa Clara (city), maybe the County of SC too.

[YAYareaRB]

http://www.49ers.com/photos/images/2009_otas/otas__june_1/pwillisjsmith.jpg

Willis' forearm looks to be bigger than my bicep...

RJF looks like he's sayin.. "Keep laughin' I'm bouta take your spot" to Justin Smith

[TitleTown088]

Joe staley was already extended? That's pretty early for the extension. The FO must have confidence in him.

[Brent]

Joe staley was already extended? That's pretty early for the extension. The FO must have confidence in him.
if you saw how he was playing over the second half of the season, you'd understand

[Madirishman]

Yes, this is awesome! I agree, Brent. Staley played well and deserved this.

http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5335

[TitleTown088]

if you saw how he was playing over the second half of the season, you'd understand

I'm sure he did play great, and I wasn't questioning the move. its still early to extend none the less.

[abaddon41_80]

I'm very happy right now. Staley is one of favorite current 49ers and he played great the second half of last season.

[Madirishman]

I'm sure he did play great, and I wasn't questioning the move. its still early to extend none the less.

They are actually saving themselves money in the long run IMO. Elite OTs (which he is well on his way to becoming) will continue to be paid more as protecting the QB continues to be a huge priority for teams in the league.

[Menardo75]

This is not a bad move at all. Making sure Joe is here for a long time was a big priority now it is fixed. I would look for Willis to be getting a huge payday very soon also.

[Brent]

I would look for Willis to be getting a huge payday very soon also.
c'mon 15 year extension! hahah. I kid, but seriously...

[FG4prez]

Good to have him locked up before potential uncapped year in two years complicates things.

[Madirishman]

I remember Nolan saying that he'd like to sign Willis to a 10 year deal when he was a rookie, and hadn't even played yet. BEAST! Lock em up!

[YAYareaRB]

I'm so excited for this season to start. Return to Glory starts now.

[phlysac]

Extending players early doesn't have much of a down-side in my opinion. The longer the FO waits to extend players they want, the more leverage the player has in the numbers being negotiated. If you wait for a player to be nearing or in the final year of their deal, they can then demand market value or more. Extending them early allows for the player to be paid more reasonably during the latter years of the extension. The only real down-side is if the player who's been extended plays poorly. The young players whom the 49ers have extended and wish to extend (Willis) haven't shown a very high risk factor.

[thediggler3030]

Great move for two reasons:

1. Madirshman hits the nail on the head, he will be much more expensive to resign when his contract runs out. Sign him longterm now and he will be a bargain in 3 years based on how FA goes.

2. This move commits our free cap space to a legit younger player we are hoping will be a star. This move speaks to the claim of building through the draft. We have a lot of cap space now, but rather than spending it on questionable FAs, Mcloughan is committing the money to our picks. Very smart.

The only negative I can think of is when players hold out because their contract value is no longer competitive, suchas Thomas Jones. I don't see this as a problem with Staley though. Actually, I think the reason this signing is considered "early" is because players normally wouldn't sign such a long deal. I think this speaks to the type of player/person Staley is.

[Menardo75]

Signed Brian Jennings to a five year extension today. Another great move by Scotty Mac locking up one of the elite long snappers in the game.

[LizardState]

I stand corrected, pretty much all of were wrong too but I'm not checking back thru the other 138 pgs. in this thread -- it wasn't 5 OCs in 5 yrs, but 7 different OCs in 7 9er seasons. I can't think of any other NFL offense in that time that was so handicapped.

http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_12537196?nclick_check=1

Jimmy Raye is implementing the 2-back, run-dominant, clock control offensive system. Makes sense with Gore & Coffee, & Pascoe with Davis for the 2-TEs sets formerly known by the Parcells nomenclature as the "Heavy Jumbo" set.

Finally! An offense customized to the personnel on the roster instead of pounding that round peg thru the square hole of making the personnel fit the system. And the most important ingredient for this to work, a stabilized front 5 on the 0-line, is finally the embedded anchor for him to build on.

And a 3-4 defense that can hold the lead the offense takes, a scenario that the 9ers haven't enjoyed in quite a long while. They started in the hole the past 2 yrs. with O'Sullivan & Dilfer replacing Smith or Hill & never successfully played catchup, had to with a few exceptional games rely on one of the best punters in the league in Andy Lee for field position or reliable kicker (& local San Jose product) Joe Nedney to keep them in those games that weren't complete blowouts by halftime.

[Fogcity_faithful]

Signed Brian Jennings to a five year extension today. Another great move by Scotty Mac locking up one of the elite long snappers in the game.

is it bad that i am excited about this. my brother has a Jennings Jersey...I have only seen one other custom deal that is of this amazing long snapper.

[Brent]

is it bad that i am excited about this. my brother has a Jennings Jersey...I have only seen one other custom deal that is of this amazing long snapper.
I had a Jennings sig for a while. I'd kill to have his NFL career haha.

[VernonLawson89]

Michael Crabtree seen for first time on 49ers artifical-turf practice field doing some light running while 5 members of staff watch closely.

http://twitter.com/MattMaiocco


Now I'm not here 24 hours a day, so I don't know Crabtree's exact rehab regimen after foot surgery in March. But as far as I can tell, this is the first time Crabtree's actually run -- and run fairly hard -- on the foot since the procedure. Under the supervision of strength coach Duane Carlisle, Crabtree ran perhaps a dozen sprints of about 40 yards on the team's artificial field. He seemed to be going about three-quarters speed.Sac Bee

[dan77733]

And isnt Jennings the longest tenured 49er???

[phlysac]

And isnt Jennings the longest tenured 49er???

Both he and Ulbrich were drafted in 2000. Ulbrich in the 3rd, Jennings in the 7th.

[WhatWouldBillyBajemaDo?]

From Maiocco's twitter:
Niners might show interest in pass-rusher Greg Ellis, whom the Cowboys recently released, when/if his asking price drops. He's 34 in Aug.

Also Tim Kawamaki lengthy interview with Singletary:
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2009/06/07/singletary-interview-on-full-tilt-mini-camps-committing-to-a-qb-and-i-dont-like-wasting-time/

[CJSchneider]

"Because as bad as I want to be world champion, I want to be a great dad. I want to be a great husband. That’s extremely important."

I love Coach Singletary, great article. Good post WWBBD.

[LizardState]

So liking Ellis as the topic for my 200th post..............

From Maiocco's twitter:Niners might show interest in pass-rusher Greg Ellis, whom the Cowboys recently released, when/if his asking price drops. He's 34 in Aug.

The 9ers s/b making their move for Ellis right now, I say sign him to a 1-yr. They have the cap room & there are other bidders for his services.

Trust me, I grew up in Texas & follow the Cowboys intimately -- I know this guy. He's the real deal -- He's $. Ellis has led Dallas in INTs & tied for the sack lead for several games in past seasons, & that's on the same defense with Anthony Henry, Newman, & Roy Williams at SS. He will flummox DCs who have to figure out how to stop Justin Smith on the 3rd & long plus Ellis who can play in Fields' DE spot if Balmer can't live up to expectations, or back up Lawson on the OLB spot. He may have lost some quickness at 33 but still a better bang for the buck than last season's latest DE fizzle, Tully BC.

Ellis could be that steppingstone the 9ers need to own the weak NFC West. A pass rush is still one of their top priorities.

[CJSchneider]

He may have lost some quickness at 33 but still a better bang for the buck than last season's latest DE fizzle, Tully BC.


You can say that again.

[Menardo75]

Wouldn't be opposed to Ellis can never have enough pass rushers

[will99890]

Wouldn't be opposed to Ellis can never have enough pass rushers

Agreed, watching last season's non-existent pass rush convinced me that stockpiling rushers like the Giants might not be a horrible idea.

[dan77733]

I love how some would want Ellis but didnt want Taylor. Go figure.

[thediggler3030]

I love how some would want Ellis but didnt want Taylor. Go figure.

I mean, Ellis had 8 sacks last year and Taylor had 3.5...

That being said...

I think they will keep 4 OLBs:

Haralson
Lawsom
Ahmad Brooks
Marques Harris

First concern is if Ellis starter over Lawsom. I have high hopes there and want to see him given a chance to rush the passer this year.

Second, a lesser concern, I like both Ahmad Brooks and I think Marques Harris could be a good strong side back up. He's an athletic guy, though undersized...

But Ellis could be a great passrusher. I could actually see this happen. Not for a longterm and/or expensive deal though.

[Ness]

Wouldn't be opposed to Ellis can never have enough pass rushers
At first I didn't like the idea. But now that I think about it, we really need a pass rush. And even though Ellis is getting up there in age, he's still decent and could provide a boost to our linebacking group...even if it is just as a role player. I do want to see if Haralson and Lawson develop though. The more experience the better.

[Madirishman]

I would take Ellis ONLY as a backup / role player that could help teach our younger OLBs. Man-Law has more talent than Ellis at this point and once he's unleashed, will start to put up the numbers we all expect out of him.

[Brent]

Man-Law has more talent than Ellis at this point and once he's unleashed, will start to put up the numbers we all expect out of him.
we've been saying that for years

[CJSchneider]

No, from everything I've read, Singletary has gone on record saying that it is time to stop tinkering with Lawson and just let him do his thing. I really expect to see some great numbers this year from Lawson more so than I have in other years.

[Madirishman]

we've been saying that for years

Man-Law will put up career number this season. Plan on it.

We've also been saying that Vernon Davis is gonna break out for years as well...well maybe this is the year for both. VD has been making a lot of plays in practice and OTAs, and that Jimmy Raye is actually utilizing him as a PASS CATCHER. As I'm sure you've read, they've been using Davis as a weapon in the red zone consistently through OTAs. Sounds more promising than the last couple years where we've been more hoping for it to happen.

[Brent]

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/06/singletary-pleased-with-weeks-work.html

Singletary said Crabtree is competitive and eager to get back to full work. He said Crabtree "about had tears in his eyes" during the team's first minicamp when Singletary told him to stop running routes.
you have to love that kind of passion

[dan77733]

I think that we can all agree that if Crabtree becomes as good as T.O. was for us, we'll be happy.

As for Lawson, they just to turn him loose and see what he can do.

[Menardo75]

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/06/singletary-pleased-with-weeks-work.html


you have to love that kind of passion

I love it Idk about the rest of you guys.

[LizardState]

Rookie TE Bear Pascoe continues to impress as this yr's Josh Morgan, the surprise new weapon in the passing attack.

In the last OTAs before the 7-30 opening of training camp Pascoe is making the circus catches & wowing Jimmy Raye & HC Singletary. From this morning's San Jose Mercury News:

Rookie tight end Bear Pascoe made the play of the day, gathering a 20-yard lob from Smith despite smothering coverage from linebacker Jeff Ulbrich. Pascoe jumped and plucked the ball off Ulbrich's back. Upon seeing the catch, the linebacker slid to the turf in disbelief.

[LizardState]

http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_12572852?nclick_check=1

[WhatWouldBillyBajemaDo?]

Some videos that aired on NFL Network yesterday:
Lifting with VD:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d810cd5e3/Heavy-lifting
Running the Hill with Gore:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/san-francisco-49ers/09000d5d810ccf58/Training-for-success
Mike Martz breaking down Alex Smith:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/san-francisco-49ers/09000d5d810cce3b/Can-Alex-Smith-be-productive

[phlysac]

Watched them on NFL Total Access on Friday...

Martz said some very positive things about Alex Smith and Vernon Davis.

[49ersfan_87]

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/06/49ers-bloom-in.html

June thoughts from Barrows

The 49ers have worked on four-receiver package this past week. There are lots of passes between 20 and 40 yards. There's even a dash of razzle dazzle thrown in. And most important, they're making progress. Two weeks ago, I watched the offense run a series of ragged red-zone plays in which it could hardly complete a single pass. This past week, they ran the same plays and missed on only one pass.

Hopefully we can be explosive, I'm excited about our offensive personnel.

[Madirishman]

Greg Ellis just signed a 3 year deal to come to the bay.....to play with the Raiders. :/

Bad choice, Greg.

[dan77733]

Honestly, im happy that we didnt sign Ellis because I dont want Lawson and/or Haralson to compete for a starting spot.

Ellis will play DE in the Raiders 4-3 which quite honestly, I think he prefers compared to OLB in the 3-4.

[49ersfan_87]

Honestly, im happy that we didnt sign Ellis because I dont want Lawson and/or Haralson to compete for a starting spot.

Ellis will play DE in the Raiders 4-3 which quite honestly, I think he prefers compared to OLB in the 3-4.

I like Lawson and Haralson as starters but we have serious depth issues at OLB. But looks like Ellis wanted a starting gig in a 4-3, so nothing we could do there.

[thediggler3030]

Lol now that the Raiders signed Ellis I'm suddenly glad we didn't... I think its just because the Raider signed him, lol I mean, it can't be a good move.

[Madirishman]

Lol now that the Raiders signed Ellis I'm suddenly glad we didn't... I think its just because the Raider signed him, lol I mean, it can't be a good move.

It's not a good move because he's ancient in football years and they signed him to a multi-year deal in which I'm guessing they overpaid.

[d34ng3l021]

I have been reading that Bear Pascoe has been looking great in drills by making some spectacular catches. I was a fan of him before the draft and it looks like the 49ers got a steal in getting him during the 2nd day (6th round?). Its kind of funny that he may turn out to be better than the 6th overall pick at the same position.

Good stuff.

[phlysac]

I have been reading that Bear Pascoe has been looking great in drills by making some spectacular catches. I was a fan of him before the draft and it looks like the 49ers got a steal in getting him during the 2nd day (6th round?). Its kind of funny that he may turn out to be better than the 6th overall pick at the same position.
Good stuff.

It is good news. However, if you've kept up with all of the training camp news you'd have read that Vernon Davis is perhaps the most impressive looking player on the 49ers offense this offseason.

[CJSchneider]

VD has looked great. Pascoe was a guy that Menardo and I drafted in the forum mock because of what we saw in him from looking for some day 2 talent. I love seeing him do well. Great character and a home-grown kid. I love it.

[dan77733]

Here's Matt Barrows projected depth chart -

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/06/49ers-depth-cha.html

Here's my depth chart -

QB - Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Damon Huard
RB - Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Thomas Clayton
FB - Moran Norris, Michael Robinson
WR - Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones, Arnaz Battle, Dominique Zeigler
TE - Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Bear Pascoe, Brian Jennings (LS)
C - Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace
OG - David Baas, Chilo Rachal, Tony Wragge, Joe Toledo
OT - Joe Staley, Marvel Smith, Adam Snyder, Barry Sims

DE - Justin Smith, Kentwan Balmer, Demetric Evans, Ray McDonald
NT - Isaac Sopoaga, Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean-Francois
OLB - Manny Lawson, Parys Haralson, Marques Harris, Ahmad Brooks
ILB - Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Jeff Ulbrich, Scott McKillop
CB - Nate Clements, Dre Bly, Tarrell Brown, Shawntae Spencer, Marcus Hudson, Allen Rossum (KR/PR)
SS - Michael Lewis, Reggie Smith
FS - Dashon Goldson, Curtis Taylor

K - Joe Nedney
P - Andy Lee

[BandwagonPunditry]

You have us cutting Bruce??

[49ersfan_87]

Here's Matt Barrows projected depth chart -

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/06/49ers-depth-cha.html

Here's my depth chart -

QB - Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Damon Huard
RB - Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Thomas Clayton
FB - Moran Norris, Michael Robinson
WR - Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones, Arnaz Battle, Dominique Zeigler
TE - Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Bear Pascoe, Brian Jennings (LS)
C - Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace
OG - David Baas, Chilo Rachal, Tony Wragge, Joe Toledo
OT - Joe Staley, Marvel Smith, Adam Snyder, Barry Sims

DE - Justin Smith, Kentwan Balmer, Demetric Evans, Ray McDonald
NT - Isaac Sopoaga, Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean-Francois
OLB - Manny Lawson, Parys Haralson, Marques Harris, Ahmad Brooks
ILB - Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Jeff Ulbrich, Scott McKillop
CB - Nate Clements, Dre Bly, Tarrell Brown, Shawntae Spencer, Marcus Hudson, Allen Rossum (KR/PR)
SS - Michael Lewis, Reggie Smith
FS - Dashon Goldson, Curtis Taylor

K - Joe Nedney
P - Andy Lee

Roman won't get cut. Goldson hasn't played well and he's injury prone to boot. Roman will be kept on because he's the only backup Safety with any experience.

I doubt we keep 6 WR's, and i doubt Battle or Ziegler make the cut. Battle gets released, Ziegler goes to the PS. Where's Bruce? Cut him or just forgot about him? He won't get cut, only way he isn't on the team if he does a surprise retirement or something.

[d34ng3l021]

It is good news. However, if you've kept up with all of the training camp news you'd have read that Vernon Davis is perhaps the most impressive looking player on the 49ers offense this offseason.

I have not kept up with all of TC news. Only blurbs from San Jose Mercury. It is good to see that Davis is doing better. I was a huge fan of him during the draft, but started to like him less and less as he was in the NFL.

[dan77733]

Yes, I do.

Personally, I was hoping he was going to retire instead of coming back because with Crabtree, Morgan, Hill and FA signee Jones, I dont want Bruce to take playing time away from the young guys. I want the young receivers to play and you'll notice that I have Battle 5th because he has one year left on his contract and I doubt that he'll be back and because of that, its time to phase him out in favor of the other guys.

One thing is for certain, Crabtree and Morgan better be the starters come opening day.

Roman sucks and has sucked since his days in Cincy. I dont care how little experience Goldson or Smith have, one of them better be the starter and the way they get experience is by playing, not by sitting on the bench behind a veteran who sucks. Personally, I think that Roman is worse than Roy Williams.

[49ersfan_87]

Yes, I do.

Personally, I was hoping he was going to retire instead of coming back because with Crabtree, Morgan, Hill and FA signee Jones, I dont want Bruce to take playing time away from the young guys. I want the young receivers to play and you'll notice that I have Battle 5th because he has one year left on his contract and I doubt that he'll be back and because of that, its time to phase him out in favor of the other guys.

One thing is for certain, Crabtree and Morgan better be the starters come opening day.

Roman sucks and has sucked since his days in Cincy. I dont care how little experience Goldson or Smith have, one of them better be the starter and the way they get experience is by playing, not by sitting on the bench behind a veteran who sucks. Personally, I think that Roman is worse than Roy Williams.

Roman does suck, but you have to look at it from the management's point of view. Your starter has been in the league for 2 years and missed 13 games. Your only backups are a 7th round pick (Taylor) and a 2008 3rd round pick (Smith) who saw no meaningful snaps whatsoever. Roman is the only backup who has played a meaningful defensive snap in his career, let alone started a game. I'd love it if we cut him, but he's a near lock IMO.

[LizardState]

This from the Barrows list. Except for Mark Roman getting released. Maybe wishful thinking here.

Projected Starters in bold, but Alex Smith, Coffee, Robinson, Battle, Bradford, Sheets, Brandon Jones, Sims, Snyder, Wragge, & Cody Wallace, Zielger will see the field on offense, & Ulbrich, Jean-Francois, Sapoaga & Michael Lewis on defense.

Yes, I'm thinking Hill will beat Smith out as the Wk. 1 starter vs. Zona, just a hunch.

I'm expecting a breakout yr. from Lawson & Davis, & a surprise yr. from Issac Bruce who still runs the prettiest pass patterns in the NFL. Watching him work is like watching an artist.


# Quarterback:

# Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Damon Huard, Nate Davis

# Running back:

# Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Michael Robinson, Thomas Clayton, Kory Sheets

# Fullback:

# Moran Norris, Zak Keasey, Michael Robinson - situational utility back

# Receiver(s, per situational sets) :

# Josh Morgan, Michael Crabtree, Arnaz Battle , Dominique Zeigler, Maurice Price, Mark Bradford

# Receiver:

# Isaac Bruce, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones, Michael Spurlock, Dobson Collins

# Left tackle:

# Joe Staley, Marvel Smith, Barry Sims, Adam Snyder

# Left guard:

# David Baas, Tony Wragge - (OL Swingman), Joe Toledo

# Center:

# Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace

# Right guard:

# Chilo Rachal, Tony Wragge, Cody Wallace - (OL Swingman), Kyle Howard, Matthew Huners

# Right tackle:

# Marvel Smith, Adam Snyder, Alex Boone, Jacob Bender

# Tight end (Davis &/or Walker &/or Pascoe in 2-TE sets):

# Vernon Davis may be split wide also, Delanie Walker, Bear Pascoe, Joe Jon Finley

# Defense

# Left defensive end:

# Isaac Sopoaga, Kentwan Balmer, Ricky Jean-Francois, Pannel Egboh

# Nose tackle:

# Aubrayo Franklin, Isaac Sopoaga, Kentwan Balmer, Khalif Mitchell

# Right defensive end:

# Justin Smith, Demetric Evans, Ray McDonald

# "Mike" inside linebacker:

# Patrick Willis, Jeff Ulbrich (could back up both ILBs), Justin Roland

# "Ted" inside linebacker:

# Takeo Spikes, Scott McKillop, Mark Washington

# "Will" outside linebacker:

# Parys Haralson, Ahmad Brooks, Diyral Briggs

# "Sam" outside linebacker:

# Manny Lawson, Marques Harris, Jay Moore

# Cornerback:

# Nate Clements, Shawntae Spencer, Marcus Hudson, Carlos Thomas

# Cornerback:

# Dre' Bly, Tarell Brown, (Bly and Brown are tied), Terrail Lambert, Jahi Word-Daniels

# Strong safety:

# Michael Lewis, Reggie Smith, Lewis Baker

# Free safety:

# Dashon Goldson, Curtis Taylor

# Kicker:

# Joe Nedney largest kicker in the NFL at 6-4, 235, actually from this neighborhood in San Jose, SJSU alum
Alex Romero

# Punter:

# Andy Lee, Alex Romero

# Longsnapper:

# Brian Jennings, Scott McKillop

# Returner:

# Allen Rossum, Michael Spurlock, Brandon Jones

[phlysac]

Here's Matt Barrows projected depth chart -

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/06/49ers-depth-cha.html

Here's my depth chart -

QB - Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Damon Huard
RB - Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Thomas Clayton
FB - Moran Norris, Michael Robinson
WR - Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones, Arnaz Battle, Dominique Zeigler
TE - Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Bear Pascoe, Brian Jennings (LS)
C - Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace
OG - David Baas, Chilo Rachal, Tony Wragge, Joe Toledo
OT - Joe Staley, Marvel Smith, Adam Snyder, Barry Sims

DE - Justin Smith, Kentwan Balmer, Demetric Evans, Ray McDonald
NT - Isaac Sopoaga, Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean-Francois
OLB - Manny Lawson, Parys Haralson, Marques Harris, Ahmad Brooks
ILB - Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Jeff Ulbrich, Scott McKillop
CB - Nate Clements, Dre Bly, Tarrell Brown, Shawntae Spencer, Marcus Hudson, Allen Rossum (KR/PR)
SS - Michael Lewis, Reggie Smith
FS - Dashon Goldson, Curtis Taylor

K - Joe Nedney
P - Andy Lee

These are the players you have cut that I really hope stay property of the 49ers...

Nate Davis
Kory Sheets
Alex Boone

[LonghornsLegend]

I still expect Morgan to post at least 1000 receiving yards this year, can't wait to see how him and Crabtree look when their both fully developed...You guys may have to let some WR's go that have some potential, Ziegler has always caught my eye, and seems like a good developmental WR to grow within the system.


Morgan, Crabtree, and Hill in the slot makes alot of sense.

[49ersfan_87]

I still expect Morgan to post at least 1000 receiving yards this year, can't wait to see how him and Crabtree look when their both fully developed...You guys may have to let some WR's go that have some potential, Ziegler has always caught my eye, and seems like a good developmental WR to grow within the system.


Morgan, Crabtree, and Hill in the slot makes alot of sense.

Yeah that lineup is what a lot of us fans want. But i don't think we'll see that until 2010.

I'll have to spread some rep before i can +rep for Morgan :D:D. He's been my pick for breakout niner for months.

[Fogcity_faithful]

hope we hold onto boone. drop huard and battle. i feel like we could do fine without them

[thediggler3030]

Here's Matt Barrows projected depth chart -

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/06/49ers-depth-cha.html

Here's my depth chart -

QB - Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Damon Huard
RB - Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Thomas Clayton
FB - Moran Norris, Michael Robinson
WR - Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones, Arnaz Battle, Dominique Zeigler
TE - Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Bear Pascoe, Brian Jennings (LS)
C - Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace
OG - David Baas, Chilo Rachal, Tony Wragge, Joe Toledo
OT - Joe Staley, Marvel Smith, Adam Snyder, Barry Sims

DE - Justin Smith, Kentwan Balmer, Demetric Evans, Ray McDonald
NT - Isaac Sopoaga, Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean-Francois
OLB - Manny Lawson, Parys Haralson, Marques Harris, Ahmad Brooks
ILB - Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Jeff Ulbrich, Scott McKillop
CB - Nate Clements, Dre Bly, Tarrell Brown, Shawntae Spencer, Marcus Hudson, Allen Rossum (KR/PR)
SS - Michael Lewis, Reggie Smith
FS - Dashon Goldson, Curtis Taylor

K - Joe Nedney
P - Andy Lee

That's 55 players... I would cut Zeigler and Toledo. Wallace or Snyder can be the 4th string OG. I would def exchange Battle with Bruce.

I would also like to see Boone beat out Sims, but I can see that going to Barry.

Balmer is def the third string NT...

Other than that I think this is possible.

[dan77733]

Yeah, I know that its 55 players but I had to go to work and didnt have time to edit it twice.

Anyway, I would release Battle and either Sims or Wragge. I would keep Toledo because he's younger, cheaper and has a bigger upside.

[phlysac]

Prospective 53-Man Roster
(Prior to Training Camp and Preseason)


OFFENSE

1. QB – Alex Smith
2. QB – Shaun Hill
3. QB – Damon Huard
4. RB – Frank Gore
5. RB – Glen Coffee
6. RB – Thomas Clayton
7. RB/FB – Michael Robinson
8. FB – Moran Norris
9. WR – Josh Morgan
10. WR – Michael Crabtree
11. WR – Isaac Bruce
12. WR – Jason Hill
13. WR – Brandon Jones
14. TE – Vernon Davis
15. TE – Delanie Walker
16. TE – Bear Pascoe
17. LT – Joe Staley
18. LG/C – David Baas
19. C/G – Eric Heitmann
20. RG – Chilo Rachal
21. RT – Marvel Smith
22. RT/RG – Adam Snyder
23. OT/OG – Tony Wragge
24. OT – Alex Boone
25. C/OG – Cody Wallace


DEFENSE

26. NT – Aubrayo Franklin
27. DE/NT – Isaac Sopoaga
28. DE/NT – Kentwan Balmer
29. DE – Justin Smith
30. DE – Demetric Evans
31. DE – Ray McDonald
32. DE - Ricky Jean-Francois
33. OLB – Manny Lawson
34. OLB – Parys Haralson
35. OLB – Marques Harris
36. OLB/ILB – Ahmad Brooks
37. ILB – Patrick Willis
38. ILB – Takeo Spikes
39. ILB – Jeff Ulbrich
40. ILB/LS – Scott McKillop
41. CB – Nate Clements
42. CB – Dre Bly
43. CB – Tarell Brown
44. CB – Shawntae Spencer
45. FS – Dashon Goldson
46. FS/SS – Mark Roman
47. FS/SS/CB – Reggie Smith
48. FS/SS – Curtis Taylor
49. SS – Michael Lewis


SPECIAL TEAMS

50. K – Joe Nedney
51. P – Andy Lee
52. LS – Brian Jennings
53. KR/PR/CB – Allen Rossum


Practice Squad

1. Nate Davis – QB
2. Kory Sheets – RB
3. Dominique Zeigler – WR
4. Jacob Bender – OT
5. Justin Roland – ILB
6. Mark Washington - ILB
7. Terrail Lambert – CB
8. Diyral Biggs – OLB


CUT

Lewis Baker – FS/SS
Arnaz Battle – WR
Mark Bradford – WR
Dobson Collins – WR
Pannel Egboh – DE
Joe Jon Finley – TE
Kyle Howard – G
Marcus Hudson – CB
Matthew Huners – G/C
Zak Keasey – FB
Khalif Mitchell – DE/NT
Jay Moore – OLB
Maurice Price – WR
Alex Romero – K/P
Barry Sims – T
Michael Spurlock – WR
Carlos Thomas – CB
Joe Toldeo – T
Jahi Word-Daniels – CB

[abaddon41_80]

I'll take a whack at it. This is probably more what I am hoping for than what I expect.

Offense - 26

QB - Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Nate Davis

RB - Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Thomas Clayton

FB - Moran Norris, Michael Robinson

WR - Josh Morgan, Isaac Bruce, Michael Crabtree, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones, Arnaz Battle

TE - Vernon Davis, Bear Pascoe, Delanie Walker

OT - Joe Staley, Marvel Smith, Adam Snyder, Alex Boone

OG - David Baas, Chilo Rachal, Tony Wragge

C - Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace

Defense - 24

DE - Justin Smith, Kentwan Balmer, Demetric Evans, Ricky Jean-Francois, Ray McDonald

DT - Aubrayo Franklin, Isaac Sopoaga

OLB - Manny Lawson, Parys Haralson, Marques Harris, Ahmad Brooks

ILB - Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Scott McKillop, Jeff Ulbrich

CB - Nate Clements, Dre Bly, Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown, Allen Rossum

S - Dashon Goldson, Michael Lewis, Reggie Smith, Curtis Taylor

Special Teams - 3

K - Joe Nedney
P - Andy Lee
LS - Brian Jennings
KR/PR - Allen Rossum

Practice Squad

WR - Dominique Zeigler
RB - Kory Sheets
CB - Jahi Word-Daniels
OL - Kyle Howard
DL - Khalif Mitchell
DL- Pannel Egboh
ILB - Mark Washington
OLB - Diyral Briggs

[thediggler3030]

Prospective 53-Man Roster
(Prior to Training Camp and Preseason)


OFFENSE

1. QB – Alex Smith
2. QB – Shaun Hill
3. QB – Damon Huard
4. RB – Frank Gore
5. RB – Glen Coffee
6. RB – Thomas Clayton
7. RB/FB – Michael Robinson
8. FB – Moran Norris
9. WR – Josh Morgan
10. WR – Michael Crabtree
11. WR – Isaac Bruce
12. WR – Jason Hill
13. WR – Brandon Jones
14. TE – Vernon Davis
15. TE – Delanie Walker
16. TE – Bear Pascoe
17. LT – Joe Staley
18. LG/C – David Baas
19. C/G – Eric Heitmann
20. RG – Chilo Rachal
21. RT – Marvel Smith
22. RT/RG – Adam Snyder
23. OT/OG – Tony Wragge
24. OT – Alex Boone
25. C/OG – Cody Wallace


DEFENSE

26. NT – Aubrayo Franklin
27. DE/NT – Isaac Sopoaga
28. DE/NT – Kentwan Balmer
29. DE – Justin Smith
30. DE – Demetric Evans
31. DE – Ray McDonald
32. DE - Ricky Jean-Francois
33. OLB – Manny Lawson
34. OLB – Parys Haralson
35. OLB – Marques Harris
36. OLB/ILB – Ahmad Brooks
37. ILB – Patrick Willis
38. ILB – Takeo Spikes
39. ILB – Jeff Ulbrich
40. ILB/LS – Scott McKillop
41. CB – Nate Clements
42. CB – Dre Bly
43. CB – Tarell Brown
44. CB – Shawntae Spencer
45. FS – Dashon Goldson
46. FS/SS – Mark Roman
47. FS/SS/CB – Reggie Smith
48. FS/SS – Curtis Taylor
49. SS – Michael Lewis


SPECIAL TEAMS

50. K – Joe Nedney
51. P – Andy Lee
52. LS – Brian Jennings
53. KR/PR/CB – Allen Rossum


Practice Squad

1. Nate Davis – QB
2. Kory Sheets – RB
3. Dominique Zeigler – WR
4. Jacob Bender – OT
5. Justin Roland – ILB
6. Mark Washington - ILB
7. Terrail Lambert – CB
8. Diyral Biggs – OLB


CUT

Lewis Baker – FS/SS
Arnaz Battle – WR
Mark Bradford – WR
Dobson Collins – WR
Pannel Egboh – DE
Joe Jon Finley – TE
Kyle Howard – G
Marcus Hudson – CB
Matthew Huners – G/C
Zak Keasey – FB
Khalif Mitchell – DE/NT
Jay Moore – OLB
Maurice Price – WR
Alex Romero – K/P
Barry Sims – T
Michael Spurlock – WR
Carlos Thomas – CB
Joe Toldeo – T
Jahi Word-Daniels – CB

Totally with you. One possible change would be Marcus Hudson over Curtis Taylor. Really wondering if it was Nolan's influence that had them keeping so many CBs last year...

[ninerfan]

Some videos that aired on NFL Network yesterday:
Lifting with VD:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d810cd5e3/Heavy-lifting
Running the Hill with Gore:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/san-francisco-49ers/09000d5d810ccf58/Training-for-success
Mike Martz breaking down Alex Smith:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/san-francisco-49ers/09000d5d810cce3b/Can-Alex-Smith-be-productive

Guys help pls. I cant play these vids (it just keeps saying loading video). What do I need to do? Thnx in advance

[CJSchneider]

Guys help pls. I cant play these vids (it just keeps saying loading video). What do I need to do? Thnx in advance

Stop using dial-up.

[Brent]

Guys help pls. I cant play these vids (it just keeps saying loading video). What do I need to do? Thnx in advance
stop downloading porn

[dan77733]

stop downloading porn

And going by the pic under his username and the pic in his sig, he must be downloading some sick crap!!! LMFAO.

[CJSchneider]

And going by the pic under his username and the pic in his sig, he must be downloading some sick crap!!! LMFAO.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc202/diddler1979/Funnies/WhySoCurious.jpg

[BandwagonPunditry]

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc202/diddler1979/Funnies/WhySoCurious.jpg

I lol'd. :D

[BandwagonPunditry]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=42560

Who is the Most Underrated 49er
A player, during OTA's, volunteered his vote for a teammate he thought was grossly underrated. When I asked around, I found other 49ers agreed that this player doesn't get the attention he should. My question is, who do you think it is?

The answer's already up.

Aubrayo Franklin

Link (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=42632)

[Brent]

not really surprising, especially how he played after Nolan was sent packing

[YAYareaRB]

Hopefully he can continue his play and do it consistently

[703SKINS202]

This is a great article on Alex Smith. I am really going to be rooting for him the next couple of years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=4280753

[YAYareaRB]

I think we should go after Corey Surrency in the Supp Draft. I know we would be adding to our already crowded WR group but we're getting a potential 1st rounder here.

I'm also hearing good things about Morgan.. He's seemingly distancing himself from the rest of pack and should be named the starter come game day.

[Brent]

I dont think WR is going to be a priority for a few years.

Morgan, Hill and Ziggy are all young and seemingly going to do well. And we dont know what we have with Crabs just yet.

[dan77733]

Unless you can get a steal for a 4th-7th rounder in the Supplemental Draft, I wouldnt even bother.

[YAYareaRB]

Unless you can get a steal for a 4th-7th rounder in the Supplemental Draft, I wouldnt even bother.

Correy Surrency

6'5" WR that runs a legit low 4.5. He has steal written all over him.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2cdigp3.jpg

[Brent]

The dude is 24, with priors, and didnt even start this past season. PASS.

[YAYareaRB]

The dude is 24, with priors, and didnt even start this past season. PASS.

His priors and troubles with the law are long behind him. Yeah he is 24, one more reason to get em while he's young. I know this is wishful thinking but I just thought he would be an interesting prospect to nab in the Supp.

[phlysac]

The 49ers already have 5 young and interesting WR prospects in Josh Morgan, Michael Crabtree, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones and Dominique Zeigler. Couple that with the still young and unrealized receiving potentials of Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker and Bear Pascoe.

Only one football to go around.

[dan77733]

And he's a criminal too??? Awesome. Lets give up our first rounder next year to get him. After all, we have two of them. <sarcasm>

Like Phlysac and others have said, we have young receivers already who deserve playing time to see what they can do. Now that im thinking about it, im really hoping both Bruce and Battle dont make it past final cuts.

[YAYareaRB]

I was just thinking out loud really. There's no speculation whatsoever that we're going after him.

[Madirishman]

I think that the team is loaded with young receiving talent but he kinda looks like Larry Fitzgerald. Hmmmm....

[Brent]

"It's not by accident that I'm on yr 12 & still put'n it down"

-Takeo Spikes, on his twitter account