The 49ers have four picks in the first three rounds of the upcoming draft: The 31st, the 61st, the 74th and the 93rd pick.
How would you like the 49ers to use those picks?
Should they package them or some of them in a trade for an elite player, like Jets’ cornerback Darrelle Revis?
Or should they package the picks to trade up in the draft? Or should they stand pat?
If they don’t trade the picks, I think they should use their first rounder on a defensive tackle. Justin Smith and Ray McDonald both played more than 1,000 snaps this season. The 49ers need a third defensive tackle who can give Smith and McDonald a breather.
Also, Justin Smith will be 34 years old next season, and he’ll be coming off triceps surgery. He’s probably past his prime. The 49ers need to find an heir apparent for him.
With the next three picks, the 49ers should consider drafting three defensive backs. They only have one good one right now – Tarell Brown. If the 49ers re-sign Dashon Goldson, they’ll have two.
Donte Whiter is too short to be an elite safety in this era. He’s a liability in pass coverage, especially in the end zone. He’s six-to-nine inches shorter than the tight end he’s covering most of the time.
The only 49er who may have played worse in the Super Bowl than Whitner was cornerback Chris Culliver. The 49ers need to draft two DBs to compete with Whitner and Culliver.
Also, Carlos Rogers seems to be declining. The 49ers were vulnerable all season to quick slot receivers, and Rogers isn’t getting any quicker. The 49ers may need to draft his replacement, too.
There are two more positions the 49ers must consider drafting with their first-four picks – tight end and wide receiver.
Delanie Walker is a free agent, and he may sign somewhere else. But I’m guessing he’ll re-sign with the 49ers for a relatively cheap contract. His 23-percent drop rate this season may turn off other teams. The 49ers clearly love him – Greg Roman keeps calling passes for him no matter how many he drops. He plays a key role in the 49ers’ offense – H-back, the tight end who lines up all over the formation and does more lead blocking than in-line blocking. I’m guessing the 49ers re-sign Walker and do not draft a tight end.
That brings us to wide receiver. The 49ers are in a tough spot here. Randy Moss is probably done. Mario Manningham was a good No.2 receiver, but he tore his ACL and PCL in December. He may not be ready to play early this season, and he may never be the same player again. Tearing two knee ligaments can rob a player of his explosiveness forever.
The 49ers owe Manningham $4 million next season. They may cut him if his recovery takes too long.
Kyle Williams only tore one knee ligament – his ACL – so he should be ready for training camp. But he’s not a No.2 receiver – he’s a No.3.
And then there’s A.J. Jenkins. He would be the obvious guy to take Manningham’s spot as the No.2 receiver, but he could not climb the wide receiver depth chart all season. He was behind Ted Ginn Jr. Jenkins would have to do a lot of improving between now and training camp to win that No.2 job.
The 49ers may want to draft a receiver. There are lots of intriguing wide receiver prospects the 49ers could draft in the second, third or fourth round – Markus Wheaton, Robert Woods, Tavon Austin, Quinton Patton, Aaron Dobson, Cobi Hamilton and Steadman Bailey, to name a few.
With the later picks, the 49ers need to draft a kicker to replace David Akers. They also may want to draft another quarterback if they trade Alex Smith.
How would you use the 49ers draft picks if you were Trent Baalke?
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Yes, defensive backs to start. Yes, DT too. Maybe even another RB for the future depending on how Kendall Hutner returns.
It’s a good thing they have 14 draft picks because there are a lot of areas that need some infusion of depth and potential future starters. DE, NT, OLB, ILB, CB, S, OT, RB, QB, WR, TE, and K. Basically the only place they are set is probably with interior OL as they already have Iupati, Boone, Kilgore, and Looney as young guys to go along with the veteran Goodwin.
Yay draft talk!
The only need position that also requires instant veteran like production is the wide receiver group so therefore I would only use a draft pick in a trade if it was for a proven wide receiver otherwise I’d keep them to use or trade up.
My early take is very similar to yours. We need a replacement for Justin Smith as well as another starter and depth for the DL and we need defensive backs. I’m not as high on Goldson as you and I’m figuring we need to find two safeties perhaps even a starter. I was inclined at first to say we’d go DL but with a possible need to find a starter at safety I’m thinking we might go with Reid or move up and try and get Vaccarro. If we go with the DL i’m still big on Datone Jones or possibly Jesse Williams. Ask me in a week and I’ll probably have two different names.
I think our first 4 picks should all be defensive unless a sleeper receiver falls to us. I’d go S DL DL CB with my first four without really knowing if there are any players at those picks or not.
Now you’re talking. I think that order is fine. Especially if we can follow through with the Revis trade. Even if he’s only here a year, it gives the younger guys a year to marinate in the system and get better.
I’d love to grab a free agent. I just don’t see Baalke paying Jennings or Bowe what they are asking for…. Unless they take incentive rich deals which I doubt they will.
DJones or JJones??
What about the defensive backs. We need someone that can play aginst the pass.
I like Keenan Allen as a wr
I do too, but I doubt the Niners will pick him in the first round or trade up for him in the second, and he will be gone by the end of the second round. Niners will probably focus on the D line early in the draft, unless the BPA has unusually high value.
Allen will go in the top 20 for sure.
Dreaming if you think Allen is around when Niners pick in first
High Priest never draft a receiver in the first round. IT takes them TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long to develop
Defense end,nose tackle,safety,cornerback..we had no pass rush at all..flacco scramblin and evadin us like russell wilson in the second seattle meetin this yr..painful to watch him escape makin throw after throw..wide receivrr..big tall strong on other side of crabtree..so 4 or 5 defense picks first then offense selections
My opinion (for what it’s worth) is…..not necessarily in order on the latter choices…..
DL (Pass Rusher, commands a double team), DB (Shut-down Corner), WR (Big Bodied, Aggressive), PK, OLB (Pass Rusher), Kick Returner, TE..
Some of these guys could be/are available in the FA market…$$ is the key to FA’s since the cap space, even if the move Alex Smith, isn’t conducive to spending big bucks in Free Agency….after the combine, rookie player standing and intangibles will be much clearer, for now it’s a want list.
Yup…
I’ve seen estimates that the Niners likely cap room will be $22M so we should have some dough to spend and sign the rookies. Trading up and going for quality vs volume seems like a good idea too. Only a handfull of rookies will make this roster anyway. Of course we could trade picks into next year as well. Gotta trust TB.
I’d like to see the Niners trade Alex & Carlos and a pick to The Jets for Revis. Imagine if he was on Boldin all SB. Our D would be scary with him and Brown on the corners. Jets get a solid QB to compete with Sanchez and a good CB to fill in for Revis. Salaries would come close to offsetting.
Isn’t Danny Amendola a free agent?? If so, spend the dough and get him for the obvious dual reasons.
Ummmm… No
Ummmmm… Why not??? e’s a hell of a player, small but works what he has.
The problem is he can’t stay healthy. He is extremely productive when able to play, though. He is another Texas Tech guy, like Crabs and Welker.
Amendola is a beast and playing on grass might help him. I like it for the right price.
I like him too…..the price has to be right….but, if for nothing else just so he won’t be a pain in our ass anymore…
I know SC’s Clowney plays DE so I don’t think he fits the Niners D, but it’s very important SF gets a stud DT, ether to start in place of MacDonald or Francois, or come off bench and help. Agree re DB’s, that’s a big concern. Bring back Blake Costanzo with one of those picks too.
He isnt draft eligible but if he was he would most def be the 1st pick!!!
Ngata was a late pick. 26 I think..
Good artical. We could also look at OLBs to backup Aldon and Ahmad. Yes we have Darius Fleming and Cam Johnson, but both are coming off injuries IIRC
Niners are not gonna spend big money on a FA WR. We have a number one in mc. He’s going to get the big contract.
Michael Crabtree is a Top 10 receiver, and a true #1. But as we witnessed after Manningham got injured, teams are going to bracket him. The Niners need another legitimate threat at the other starting receiver position, otherwise our offense will be limited(see Super Bowl). Kaepernick essentially only had Crabtree and Vernon Davis to throw to.. needs more viable receiving targets.
I’d love to get Steelers’ Mike Wallace.. but asking price is too high. I’d settle for Greg Jennings for a decent price, but if I couldn’t get Jennings. I’d go hard after Amendola.. the guy single-handly kept them in both games this season. Runs nice routes, very fast and has great hands.. it strengths our team while weakening a division opponent.
Problem is. All of those wrs will have too high of a tag. Wallace Bowe Jennings will all ask for 8-10 a year maybe more. If the Niners do decide MC is their guy and pay him as such hell receiver that 8-10 mil a year. That being said the Niners wouldn’t have 20 million in cap to go towards two WRs. We will have to go for the lower tier number 2 types.
Wallace is a jerk…
what is a #1 rcvr….
i consider crabtree a possession rcvr that has demonstrated some body strength recently….
His numbers disagree.
Crabtree is a stud. I’d assume the brain trust is already prepared for a new contract for him after next year.
Grant – Given your Fleener draft crush last year, can we all assume you will be ALL OVER Zach Ertz (Who is better, much better than Fleener) if he is available at #31? Especially with Delanie being an unknown?
Ha ha, I was going to question Grant’s lack of love for Ertz. But I think Grant may agree that the D line will take a priority over Ertz.
Grant is a UCLA grad and doesn’t like Ertz ’cause he’s a Stanford guy……
Do Yall think the defense should switch to 4-3?
No. Especially not when your defense is built to be a 3-4 defense and your core players are 4 great to very good LBs.
Cpl bad games and u want to blow up the scheme. All we need is a little more depth to keep our staters fresher.
Ive watched this team get beat over the past four five yrs with no pass rush..so the scheme is not workin..esp in crucial situations..
Wouldn’t be a bad idea to implement that scheme on certain downs again. Didnt Nolan run the 4-3 at times if I remember correctly? A Smith is basically a pass rusher anyways. I don’t think it would hurt. An it could give the front three a little rest.
Vic failed to change his defense to correct it’s defaults after JS’s injury. He never adjusted the front 7. I suggested that he switch to a 4-3 during games or go to a zone blitz every once in a while. He’s not too creative and depended to much on the base formations and the athletic defensive player. Jim mora was our last creative defensive coordinator the made more with less. Remember Julian peterson and what he did with him?
There is a reason Harbaugh did not let Donatell interview for a DC position. He could very well replace Fangio following next year.
I think that Aldon wasn’t totally healthy for much of the home stretch. He wore a non-contact jersey for weeks, nothing was said about it, but it coincided with his drop-off in production.
I’m hoping that’s what it was, anyways….
Vic failed to change his defense to correct it’s defaults after JS’s injury. He never adjusted the front 7. I suggested that he switch to a 4-3 during games or go to a zone blitz every once in a while.
I am having a hard time seeing how switching to a 4-3 after Justin Smith’s injury would have accomplished anything. One of the defense’s most glaring problems is the lack of quality depth on the DL. Smith’s injury left the team even more short-handed on the line. Why would the answer be to switch to a formation calling for the use of more defensive linemen? How many substandard players do you want the 49ers to put on the field at one time? And which LB goes to the bench?
By the way, Fangio did institute zone blitz concepts during the playoffs. Did you not notice those plays when Willis would rush the passer while Aldon Smith dropped back in coverage?
Jim mora was our last creative defensive coordinator the made more with less.
Wow, do we remember Jim Mora differently.
These panicky reactions to the Super Bowl loss slay me. After nearly a decade of futility, the 49ers have been to the NFCCG twice and the Super Bowl once in the past two seasons with Harbaugh and his coaching staff. By all means, they should blow everything up and start over. Smh.
We played more 4-2-5 than 3-4-4 this year as it is. Sope was only in on something like 30% of defensive snaps.
What we need is more than 4 productive linemen, so we can rotate freely. RJF is okay but not special. I would draft a DT type AND a stand up OLB to spell Aldon and Brooks.
I agree with Grant that the Niners are unlikely to draft another TE if they can get Walker back. Celek looks promising. But the Niners do need a tall big receiver in the red zone and with 14 picks, never say never….
Here’s my mock draft..
1st Rd: CB Jordan Poyer, Jr Oregan State (6-0, 182)+
2nd Rd: WR Da’Rick Rogers, Jr Tenn Tech (6-3, 206)
3rd Rd: NT/DT Akeem Spence, Jr Illinois (6-1 305)
3rd Rd: DE/OLB Corey Lemonier, Jr Auburn (6-3, 242)
3rd Rd: TE Jordan Reed, Jr Florida (6-3, 243)*
4th Rd: DT/DE Bennie Logan, Jr LSU (6-3, 295)
5th Rd: CB Micha Hyde, Sr Iowa (6-1, 190)
5th Rd: FS Josh Evans, Sr Florida (6-1 205)+
6th Rd: OT Manase Foketi, Sr Kansas St (6-5, 320)
6th Rd: ILB Kevin Reddick, Sr North Carolina (6-2, 240)
7th Rd: K Dustin Hopkins, Sr Florida St (6-2, 190)
7th Rd: QB Jordan Rodgers, Sr Vanderbilt (6-1, 212)
7th Rd: TE Levin Toilolo, Jr Stanford (6-7 265)*
7th Rd: WR Dan Buckner, Sr Arizona (6-3 215)*
* – Likely compensatory picks
+ – Additions from previous mock draft
You might want to re-evaluate the veracity of your draft blogs because Manase Foketi was a medical red-shirt at Kansas State in 2011 and transferred to West Texas A&M for this past 2012 season. Supposedly, even though a bit rusty this year at a lower level program, he merits a “late” round draftable grade.
Poyer would be a delight to see in a niners jersey. I watched him in every osu game this year and he plays with great physicality but also has amazing football awareness. Always knows where the ball is and what he can do to affect the play.
Poyer and Rogers look good, but have character issues. I wonder if 49ers would take that risk?
Delanie Walkers Aunt and Uncle killed by drunk drive leaving the Super Bowl. The Drunk had minor injuries WTF!!
I know that is so sad..my condolences to Delanie and his family..Suddenly it makes you realize how precious life is..and that superbowl loss isnt so bad..when u think about it from a lifes perspective in the grand scheme of things
Very sad-Delanie played a very good game and then to lose the game and loved ones…So sorry my brother!
Just read this also…really sad stuff.
yea “WTF” was my first reaction
I know a lot of fans want to go after Revis, but since I’m a believer that having a DL that can pressure the QB also helps the DB’s be better, I think the 49ers need to draft a D-lineman first (Margus Hunt?). I also don’t like selling the farm for any single player, especially one coming off an injury.
Trade up or trade back, maybe? The thing with moving up is that the 49ers picks, being late in the 1st and 2nd, don’t add up to to a lot on the draft value chart. It would probably take adding one of the 3rd round picks to move up to around the 20th pick. 49ers could get close to the 12th or 13th pick by adding that other 3rd rounder, but I couldn’t see them trying to move up that far. After that, the later picks don’t offer a whole lot in trade value on the chart. That’s why I think this may be a good draft to trade back into the early 2nd if a player the 49ers like looks like he will be there. There really isn’t much difference between late 1st round talent and early 2nd.
Then go DB in the 2nd. I’m thinking a tall safety like TJ McDonald, USC, who is Tim McDonald’s son that can play both FS and SS, who actually has ball skills as compared to Mays. Then use those 3rd round picks on a corner and a QB to compete with Tolzein to backup Kaepernick. 49ers may get a comp pick in the 4th, so use one of those two on a WR and maybe another DB. Two in the fifth, two in the 6th, possibly three in the 7th including three comp picks. Of course, you can’t trade comp picks, but maybe use the ones they can to move up in other late rounds.
And of course it is TBD on what the 49ers may get for Smith if they trade him as it could be for a pick, or a player and pick or even a future pick, etc.
Is there still a possibility of a compensatory pick in the third round? Is so that’s 5 picks in the first three rounds.
There were alot of pass rushers and receivers on IR… Manningham, Williams and Hunter (out of the backfield) on offense, and Haralson, Dobbs, Johnson and Fleming on defense.
Players the 49ers aquire (draft/trade/FA/re-sign) will vary depending on how well these 7 players recover, as well as the 49ers internal assessment of AJ Jenkins.
If the 49ers think the above players can recover 100%, I’m looking for the 49ers to trade up and draft quality defensive players.
If not, look for the 49ers to duplicate the 2012 draft, heavy on receivers and outside linebackers. A bitter pill, but what else can they do?
One thing is certain. The talented 49ers don’t need 14 rookie players in training camp. Look for them to (try) to trade up or forward to 2014.
I love Whitner’s leadership and spirit, despite his short-comings.
As for Culliver, this is only his second season. Yes, he blows coverage. He has a curious habit of slowing way down when he turns to locate the ball, allowing blanketed receivers to gain separation.
Would I like a better player then Culliver? Of course. But never cut a player until a better one is ready to step up. Quality cover corners don’t grow on trees.
Fixing the depth problem at OLB will hide a multitude of sins in the defensive backfield. Lets not be too hasty.
Culliver has had his struggles, especially in the SB, but the 49ers trusted him enough to put him against some of the best receivers in the NFL this season so I think they believe he has potential to improve and perhaps become a starter. It also took Brown a few years, too, we must all remember.
Culliver is gone — the Pee Cee brigade will see to that…
Absolutely package them as I mentioned yesterday and earlier today. Take top quality over quantity. Most wouldn’t start or even make the team if they just go for quantity. If they go with that plan and they don’t get their guy, then trade down the picks for more next year. If they can package their picks and come away from the draft with 4 quality players – DL, DE/OLB, DB, and big WR, then they are good for the long term. They can pick up a K and QB as an unsigned rookie FA.
They should package their #1 and another pick (perhaps 3rd round pick) to move up and get J Jones (DE/OLB) or Sharrif Floyd (DT). The move up (pick/package) should follow the pick value (of course).
Culliver was one of the best corners in the league for the first 15 weeks of the season, he took a sharp drop off after that and that is disappointing but hes still young and I think can still develop into the guy we want across from Brown. As for the draft I like Datone Jones in the first assuming his stock doesn’t shoot through the roof at the combine, which it probably will, in the second I like a safety like either Eric Reid/Phillip Thomas/Tony Jefferson. I don’t think they should draft a wide receiver as that usually involved a couple years getting acclimated to the NFL and the 49ers are ready to win now. If they don’t think Jenkins/Manningham can be the #2 next year they need to address it in free agency.
tkam,
was Culliver really one of the best corners, or was our dline getting more pressure on the QB thus making Culliver look better?
With less pressure he needed to show more skill. Against Atlanta and Baltimore he was severely exposed.
Getting pressure is key to making any DB look good. 49ers secondary isn’t that bad, despite Whitner and Culliver stinking it up in the Super Bowl. 49ers need some extra talent and depth in the DL and OLB so players can stay fresh during the season. Starting DE’s are great, starting OLB’s are great, the depth is mediocre at best.
Whitner gave up 12 touchdowns and a 130.6 QB rating this season according to Pro Football Focus.
Ouch – didn’t know that. It is obvious Whitner’s strength is run support, but need to be able to defend the pass as well. I’d like to see a safety drafted early that can provide depth and compete with Whitner (and need to keep Goldson).
Whitner’s inability to cover tight ends is well documented by Buffalo fans and media. He’s a great run stopper, but has a history of blown coverages. The niners need to upgrade, I say bring in Tim McDonald’s son.
The D-line and their ability to pressure the QB helps the DB’s with their job….but, if the DG’s are able to ‘blanket’ the receivers and cause the QB to hold onto the ball, it makes it easier for the D-line to get to the QB….hand in hand working together..
Weren’t you touting Culliver as the best cover corner on the team for most of the year? Now you want to get rid of him. That seems like a bizarre strategy for a 2nd year player who had a good season.
Was thinking the same thing Houston…
He’s not going anywhere, he just needs to go back to basic CB skills and not try to do too much. Culliver could make a good safety at some point.
I didn’t say the 49ers should get rid of Culliver. Read more carefully.
GC, no you didn’t.
I thought Culliver was usually in pretty good position this year, but his ball skills were inconsistent. Sometimes he just did not seem to be able to find the ball in the air. I’d throw out the SB game – he had a horrible game; it happens. Coach him another year before you draw any conclusions. He is still learning the position.
@Grumpy i think we need to move Culliver to safety. He will be able to cover TE’s one on one which neither of our S’s can do now. I think he is big enough to support on the run. He would be moving back to his natural position. We could save alot of money on Goldson and we could stop playing cover 2 and expecting our ILB’s to cover TE’s
I would rather replace Whitner than Goldson.
Culliver needs to get better at seeing the field and tracking the ball in the air to be acceptable at EITHER CB or S, IMHO. But he is a young guy still on the rise so I’m not going to get too down on him just yet.
@Grumpy i agree i like goldson better than whitner but whitner is much much cheaper and if we want to add a shut down CB and an effective pass rusher it might cost more than we can afford.
I say we keep Alex for 2 more years than trade Kaepernick for Revis and a 6th rounder. Than trade Crabtree to the Patriots for a 4th rounder. Package Gore,Culliver and our first rounder to Atlanta for Michael Turner. Resign Moss for 5 years guaranteed. Trade Justin Smith and LaMichael James to the Ravens for a 5th and a 7th rounder.
Keeping AS at his current salary stifles available cap dollars for other players. It won’t happen. A likely scenario is they pay him his roster bonus and then trade him prior to April 1 to a team that will assume that salary. It could be a good deal for the 9ers and the team making the trade, but very poor move for AS. TBD
None of my paragraph doesn’t make sense I trying to make mockery of everybody else’s post some of the comments on this blog are mind boggling.
^ None of my paragraph makes sense.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8921470/donte-whitner-says-san-francisco-49ers-win-all-2014
Maybe he should worry about defending a pass, better yet, not being released.
It seems the safeties were so focused on the big hit that they forgot how to wrap up and tackle. Causing TOs are great but not at the expense of poor tackling and TDs.
By Pick #31 the best value will probably be at DL. 2nd best at DB.
After that it just depends who’s there when the pick comes up or someone to move up to get. Moving up after the 1st Round is less expensive.
Get rid of nobody. J smith’ injury was devastating to this defense. Get him a good backup or switch to a 4-3-4. It’s not chance the defense struggled after the NE game.
Draft a speedy TE
Draft another safety
Draft a DE
Draft another LB
Draft another speedy WR
That’s how I see it at least
MD,
Their personnel is best suited for the 3-4. Switching to a 4-3 would set this team back a year or two.
Jack, I agree, the 49ers have built this team since 2005 to be a 3-4 team and switching to a 4-3 would cause some personnel changes after just spending money on a player like Brooks who doesn’t project well as a 4-3 LB. It’s not plug and play when you switch to a 4-3. Much easier to add talent than to make that kind of change.
No need to switch from a 3-4 as a base formation – 49ers have one of the best 3-4 units in the NFL and the ability to go 4 man front on passing downs.
I don’t know if that true Jack…. Yes they’re built for the 3-4… But they have great and smart athletes in this front 7. I apologize for not saying use it sparingly. But I would love to see that more often. The bottom line is this defense shouldn’t hinge on one players triceps. It’s odd to say but I’m more worried about the defense next season more than the offense. I really think the offense will be unstoppable next season if healthy. The defense is going to hinge on J Smith’ return and his arm. That’s scary!
My top 3 areas of need for the 49ers are similar to what most of you have stated, DE, CB, WR. I don’t see the DT spot as a big concern for 2 reasons: 1) they spend a lot of time in Nickle, and tend to use their DE inside there, 2) they have good depth already at that position and don’t need to spend a high level pick there.
If they decide to go DE early a guy like Alex Okafor from Texas is an intriguing prospect. He has the speed and strength to play both inside and out, and did so during his time in Austin.
Their top 3 corners are pretty good despite their struggles down the stretch. Interesting how Culliver, a guy that some around here called one of the best CB’s in the league started to struggle right around the same time Justin Smith got hurt and the pass rush slowed down. Nonetheless, drafting for depth at CB will strengthen the position now, and prepare them to replace an aging Carlos Rogers in another year or two.
The need at WR/TE hinges on what happens with Delanie Walker. They have proven that they can win by targeting Crabtree and Davis, while using Walker and a second WR as compliments. I see them looking to add here no earlier than the end of Round 3.
The one guy that I was really sad to lose was Dobbs. I really thought he would shine when given the opportunity. Wonder how he’s progressing and if he’s in their plans.
Jack they need a safety and a kicker. Also, if you could get a healthy Revis for a year straight up for AS would you do it? I know I would.
No Bay, I wouldn’t do that. His salary number is too high for the team to absorb, especially coming off the knee injury.
Jack,
I hear you. I myself would roll the dice if he’s healthy. We aren’t paying a QB $20 mill yet. Revis’s number is what $12mill? That means he only costs us $4 mill above and beyond what we would have paid Smith.
I hated watching Greenbay, Atlanta and Baltimore be so one dimensional and our defense still couldn’t stop them. We couldn’t guard anyone.
Bay,
That difference is a big deal. The 49ers are up against the cap a bit this year.
When I wrote tackle, I meant someone who could play five-technique and three-technique, and maybe even nose, too.
Grant,
I got that. My reference to DT was in response to other commentors listing it as an area of need.
Got it.
Jack, good read. I only disagree on the DT. IS is not getting younger and I’m not sure RJF is a true stout NT. He may even be a better fit on the outside. A lot to debate and the 9ers may even go in a different direction such as last year’s WR pick.
Hofer,
Both Sopoaga and RJF are free agents, but I see them bringing 1 of them back, probably RJF, and they also have Ian Williams there.
I don’t disagree that they should look to add one, only that it isn’t a top priority in my opinion.
Jack, exactly. That is why I said DT. IW and RJF are ok fillers but starters at NT that can hold the LOS until the LBs arrive to make tackles??
Grant,
Since you seem to have access to the numbers, what is the percentage of defensive snaps played by Sopoaga. Or better yet, can you identify the percentage of defensive snaps out of the base defense?
I can tell you Sopoaga played 395 snaps and the 49ers’ defense played about 1,300 snaps total.
Thanks Grant.
Jack, that was 30.9 % of snaps for Sopoaga.
Yeah I got that Space, which is why I don’t put DT/NT as a priority.
Jack, what’s funny is that every D-Lineman on the official 49er website roster are listed as DT’s No DE’s or NT’s.
Sopoaga was out two games due to injury. He was also dinged up much of the 1st half of the season due to his leg injury. Everyone knows the key to the 3-4 is the NT owning the LOS so the LBs can make tackles. I don’t believe they left IS walk and then turn over the reins to RJF without drafting someone. But hey, anything is possible.
*let*
Hofer, they do have Ian Williams, too, as a possible replacement for Sopoaga.
There is something they like about Williams. They have chosen to keep him on the 53 man the last 2 seasons despite only having him active for a couple games.
Space, I hear you and I’m sure he’ll get a shot but they really do need to beef up the whole line. With the exception of RMc, everything is a crap shoot due to injury and the unknown. I don’t buy the number of snaps answer because IS was injured in the beginning of the year and he saw limited action after recovery.
@ Jack:
There is no doubt that Culliver and others on the defense seemed less effective after Smith’s injury. Everyone sees that and assumes that the pass rush with Smith at full health made ordinary coverage look better than it was. After seeing some numbers regarding the quickness with which Aldon Smith got his sacks, however, I wonder whether it isn’t more accurate to say that the coverage was good enough to make an ordinary pass rush look better than it was, but not good enough to hold up when the pass rush became less than ordinary.
Assuming these numbers are accurate, Aldon Smith didn’t get a lot of his sacks quickly (in less than 3 seconds). In fact, he got roughly 1/3 in under three seconds, 1/3 in between 3 and 4 seconds and 1/3 in 4 or more seconds. Moreover, 5 of his 6 sacks in under 3 seconds came when he was unblocked, but that’s a different discussion. Generally, sacks that come after 3 seconds typically are considered coverage sacks. If so, then 2/3 of Aldon Smith’s sacks could be considered coverage sacks. If the numbers are similar for the rest of the team’s sacks (pure speculation at this time), then perhaps the pass rush wasn’t making things all that easy for the coverage. If that is the case, then finding another pass rusher (or 2) clearly should be the off-season priority.
The issue is obviously more complex than I am suggesting (I have ignored pass pressure that doesn’t lead to a sack, teams that throw quickly, coverage issues unrelated to how long the DB sticks closely to the receiver, etc.), but it’s rarely a bad idea to re-examine assumptions that we have taken for granted.
Claude,
The thing that worries me about Aldon is it seems as though he is at his best working off stunts and twists with Justin. We very rarely see him beat his man 1 on 1 for a sack. This along with the fact he had no sacks lead to my stating that he was less effective once Justin went down, and pointing to that injury as part of the reason.
@ Jack:
I know. I simply was using your reference to Culliver as a springboard for my comment about the relative merits of the pass rush vs. pass coverage and things maybe not being what they seemed.
As for Aldon, I share your concern. I was disappointed and somewhat surprised not to see him develop another move by the end of the season. Perhaps his injury was significant, or at least more significant than we were led to believe.
I agree that NT isn’t that big a need, but I do think it is a position that needs to be addressed at some point. First round I’d be looking for a DE/DT tweener that can get some push – maybe Kawann Short. A pure NT can be drafted later on. I wouldn’t be relying on any of Dobbs, Tukuafu or Williams – if they pan out great, but so far none of them has done anything to suggest they can be anything more than backups.
I don’t think CB is as big a need as some. Safety however needs some attention, especially if Goldson isn’t back. Even if he is, depth at the position is poor. A 2nd rounder on a safety wouldn’t go astray. For the CB position, I’d be looking for a quick guy to play the slot WR, but not as big a need as some other positions in my opinion.
I think OLB is also a need position. A pure pass rusher that can come in and spell Aldon and Brooks. With so many picks I think the 49ers can package and move up to have 3 picks in the first 2 rounds, and take a pass rushing OLB with one of those picks.
A big-bodied, aggressive (i.e., attacks the ball) WR would also be good, but potentially could wait until the 3rd round. With so many picks, 49ers can afford to move up to have 3 picks in first 2 rounds and still have a pick in the 3rd round.
Good stuff Scooter. The pass rushing OLB is a nice to have in my opinion. With Haralson coming back he could spell Smith in the base defense, thus keeping Aldon fresh, similar to what they did in 2011.
@ Scooter:
Without knowing much of anything as to who will be available where, I tend to see things similarly.
Jack, having Haralson back will add nice depth (assuming they don’t release him), but I can’t imagine they will put him in the base defense ahead of Aldon as they did in 2011. Not sure if that is what you meant. Maybe for a breather here and there for both Brooks and Aldon, but not as the starting OLB in the base 3-4.
Even so, I think a pure pass rusher is needed also. Haralson is sound but not a pass rushing threat. Late in the season the 49ers D was on the field more often and really needed a fresh guy that could get after the QB. Having better depth and rotation on the DL and at OLB will help with that.
Scooter, good read. I wouldn’t choose DT/NT first either. In order of priority:
1. DB
2. WR/TE (RZ guy)
3. DE (could be 5 technique with rush skills)
4. DT/NT
I could not disagree with anything you had said Grant, perhaps find a corner that can return punts too, we need a FG kicker, not sure who is available on the pro-level, or are we better off finding one in the draft. If you talk about the draft, you got to bring up Free agents, and I would like Walker to return, he is a good special teams player.
Also give me a break Joe Flacco wants $20,000,000 a year, seeya !!
Kyle williams will be back next year and healthy. He will have return duties down. And he will be hungrier to get better and back to where he watched the superbowl, becaude next year hell
Kyle williams will be back next year and healthy. He will have return duties down. And he will be hungrier to get better and back to where he watched the superbowl, becaude next year hell want to play in it
this auto-refresh sucks!!!!
Absolutely. It’s destroying many of my posts. Can someone contact the PDs webmaster? Starting a few weeks ago the auto refresh started going crazy. Needs to be toned down.
HATE losing my spot while browsing through the comments. Hope they fix it soon!
The good news… There are alot of pretty good beefy 3-4 defensive tackles.
The bad news… On many mocks they are projected to be drafted before the 31rst pick.
It’s trade up time.
3-4 defensive ends/tackles. Nice big bowling ball types that can back up NT was well as 3-4 DE.
Grant,
Do you recall the amount of cap space the 49ers had heading into last offseason/free agency? The reason I ask is that according to what I have read they are already pretty much at the 2013 cap number with the 45 players remaining under contract.
I think they had $5.3 mil in cap room last year and they have $2.1 mil in cap room this year.
Thanks Grant. So they can easily get back to that number by releasing Akers. Any other salary cap casualties that you can see?
The Giants just cleaned house today.
Off the top of my head, the 49ers who could possibly be cap casualties, other than Akers, are Haralson, Manningham and Alex Smith. What do you think?
None of those would surprise me too much. Do you think Goodwin might be on that list as well?
Good call, he would be another candidate.
I don’t think the 49ers cut Manningham or Goodwin. Manningham is on a palatable contract and, I may be wrong here, but I think an injury settlement would need to be paid if they released him? Goodwin is a solid veteran presence on one of the best OLs in the NFL. He may be asked to restructure, but would be surprised if he is gone. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Carlos Rogers asked to restructure as well.
Moving Akers and Alex will free up room to sign Goldson long term and Walker. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Haralson go too – he’s on a lot of money to be a backup. 49ers will probably want to keep one of RJF or Sopoaga, or sign someone that can play the position in FA.
Saw this… http://www.49erswebzone.com/commentary/1083-removing-alex-smith-david-akers-smart-financial-niners/
Justin Smith has a pretty big hit 7.5 or 7.8 million I believe. Any chance they maybe add a year to two and convert the salary into a bonus and spread the damage out over the extended years?
Ok check this, we just had a non trained qb come in and open up a 1 deminsional offense. Next year we will have a trained qb. Crabs, williams, manningham, vern, walker, man people we have good big play
options and they will only get better. Sure draft for depyth at the wr position but not for need in the 1st 3 rounds. When we say need, we need a hell of a pass rush and a shut down corner. As good as aldon was he wore out at seasons end. Our cb are borderline at best n i stil think rodgers was a waste of money. I understand building through the draft but we have the resources to get D Revis. Use them. And we can try And get better at pass rush. Dont know about u guys but i would take our current offense and put it up against any nfl offense with kap at the helm n we will shine. So with mann n williams coming back and a full offseason of kap we will only get better. But i would not say the same thing about our D. We Need a pass rush and a pass defender. Everything else is would be blessed fruit
Ok kap is about to start working out next week in ATL with some of the niner recievers. A couple of ananlyst said he should wait a month or 2 to get his mind off the game, but I side with kap. Jerry rice was also a offseason workout nut. and im pretty sure he didnt take months off. And he created the best wr in history. Not only will kap get better but his recievers will also be better. Jenkins needs to jump on that train. In my opinion kap needs to Train, hit the film room, Train, hit the weight room, Train , Train, and Train somemore. We train to get better. Let that man handle his buisness. and to quote my old drill sargent ” Its time to Train.. Hoooah”
Niners need to draft immediate help at WR – have to assume Moss is gone, and can’t count on MM and KW coming back at top form after knee injuries. Must assume Jenkins is a bust for planning purposes (if he puts it together, that’s great, but the data right now spells bust).
Our pass defense was horribly exposed starting with the Patriots game – in fact, the only team that didn’t torch us was the Cards, who have an inept passing attack. So where do you draft? DLine or CB? My fear is we have to trade up to get a stud DL player – there are lots of busts in the history of Dline picks, and many tend to come late in the first round. Corners tend to not make impacts in their rookie years – with the thankfully notable exception of Mssrs Lott and Wright – so trading up to get a stud corner might be less valuable. By the same token, I’d be willing to roll the dice with Justin S. for another year – the dude is a total stud, and i dont think that goes away in one year if he’s healthy.
tight end wont be a need – DW resigns with us for a lot of reasons
for my money, i’d package as many picks as we had to get 3 picks in the first 45 picks of the draft. Niners have a great roster, but we need impact-type help at three spots, 2 at a minimum. All those 5th round picks aren’t likely to make our roster.
Baalke made a big mistake with Jenkins, but hey, he’s human. He’s helped build a great roster, so i’m going to enjoy watching what he does on draft day.
PS. before the SB, i thought we’d have the luxury to find Frank Gore’s replacement – since KH and LMJ dont have the strength/size to run consistently between the tackles – but the measure of my concerns about the team is that the luxury of finding Frank’s heir doesn’t make the list. That’s how bad things are.
The 9ers have a lot of draft picks but are unlikely to have many openings in the 53. They should emphasize quality (strategic quality) over quantity. In other words – bundle up.
Last year Harbaugh wanted competition at every position. What did that get him other than cutting a bunch of decent players.
My draft list looks like this DE…CB/S…WR…OLB
I’d go with a DE that can move inside in our sub package in the mold of Justin smith then bring back RJF and rotate him Williams and our new DE that we draft that should take 20-30% of the snaps away from smith and McDonald which will keep them fresher…then go CB in the second round that’s big and can cover so we can take whitner off the field when there’s a matchup problem…remember when we had Reggie smith and he would come in as the 4th or 5th db?…then in the 3rd round draft a big fast reciever to replace moss and hopefully Jenkins will develop and I’d bet he does after working with Kap this offseason…then and OLB that can rush the passer cause you can’t ever have enough of those…can’t wait to see how this all plays out
Baby it’s cold outside. Better bundle up and take the best prototypical 5-technique end available. Not possible? Sign Seymour, and use the same strategy to aquire the best OLB/DE or CB. Fill the WR position through free agency with a guy like Bowe. Alex Smith needs to be traded for draft picks. Keep packaging them to get the quality keeping in mind you do not need quanity. This draft is very, very important if the 49ers want to get back to the Super Bowl without laying an egg.
I made a long but comprehensive post about this a couple months back. Instead of recreating, I’d like to cut and paste. Is there a way to find all my own posts via the search function (searching for “Mr. Automatic” didn’t do it)? TIA
Use google
site://http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com ‘Mr. Automatic’
The weakness that was exposed in the Super Bowl was the defensive backfield. Whitner seemed very slow to react. Culliver had a bad game but I think the talent is there and we should be patient. So for me safety and cornerback are the positions to go for. Every other position is drafting for backups so it’s almost BPA, with receiver a secondary priority.
The way to stay on top in this era of the salary cap is to draft well – to find talent who can replace a high-priced veteran. The one exception – and one we should take advantage of – is that the 49ers now look like the team of the future, capable of winning Super Bowls, and Harbaugh is great to play for. Some really good veterans may be willing to take a bit less for the chance at a ring.
Seymour, Bowe, Hester would be adequate.
Hester would be a nice upgrade over Ginn, but you can keep the other 2.
I like the idea of Seymour backing up The Cowboy for the year if he could be had at a bargain. Prudent. Maybe you’re right on Bowe, Victor Cruz anyone?
Razor,
Bowe fits the bill nicely, but unless they can get him on a deal similar to what they did with Moss he will be too expensive.
I was presuming they would come to the 49ers on a discount, for a chance at a Super Bowl.
Bowe is going to ask for over 10 mil a year. Seeing how we have a #1 WR already, we don’t have the cap to pay Bowe. And if you know anything about the guy it’s clear he won’t take a discount to play anywhere
Can Spillman be ready to take over at Safety next year?
Ah man, this is terrible: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000136754/article/delanie-walkers-aunt-uncle-killed-in-car-accident
Positive vibes going out to Delanie and his family.
Cordarrelle Patterson*, WR, Tennessee
Height: 6-3. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
Projected Round (2013): 1-3.
1/12/13: Word on the street said before the season that Tennessee had a great third receiver behind Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers. That receiver was Patterson, and after Rogers was kicked off the team, Patterson took his place as the starting X (split end) receiver.
The junior college product showed off his elite speed and explosiveness when he opened the year by beating David Amerson for a 41-yard score on a go route straight down the field. Patterson also took a carry for a 67-yard touchdown later in first quarter. He had six receptions for 93 yards and a score against the Wolfpack.
Patterson totaled 46 receptions for 778 yards and five touchdowns in 2012. He ran the ball for 308 yards and three scores, too.
Patterson is very fast and explosive. He is raw, but filled with potential and could develop into a first-round prospect. This might be a guy to target .
Cordarrelle Patterson sounds like a good fit for the niners. The 49ers scouting receivers hasn’t been too good though. I hope they get it right this time and draft an impact receiver.
I know others have said that DT shouldn’t be a priority, but I beg to differ. Controlling the line of scrimmage is huge. We need them to stop the run and help get to the Quarterback. We have Marshawn Lynch to stop in this division as well as Steven Jackson, plus whomever is gonna come down the pipe in this draft or FA. Given how much our defensive line plays through the season, these guys need a rest and we need insurance should one of them get hurt. Its obvious that the back ups are not even good enough to come in for rotation, sure maybe Ricky Jean Francois, but at a noticable drop off. I think DT first, CB second, OLB third, WR fourth. Just my opinion though.
by DT I am counting DE in that category too
I think most people saying DT isn’t a priority are referring to NT, and that is based on the fact that the 49ers play less than half their snaps with a true NT on the field. A DT/DE is a priority. Someone they can add to rotate with Justin Smith and Ray McDonald, and generate some pressure. Ideally the person would also have sufficient size and strength to play some NT.
I have noted that a physical/fast WR is a must have. Manningham and K.Williams are good WR’ but they will be held in check by Seattle’s physical DB’ twice a year and that kind of advantage over us gives me concern.
Bowe would be a nice fit if he is willing to come in at a bargain. Also, I would do my best to keep D.Walker on the team, period.
BTW, my thoughts and prayers go out the DW’ family over their tragic loss.
Delanie is our utility-man on the field. He is a tremendous pass/run blocker a good WR and a beast on ST’. He gives us value in too many areas to overlook him.
I still would make some serious inquiry’s about D.Revis. Let the team put out a few scenarios for Revis and see what happens.
Will Walker negotiate a deal to resign or test F/A? If he’s anything like Bowman, he’ll work something out for the team.
He might want to be a #1 TE and paid like one. He is valuable to the 49ers not only on offense but ST.
I think he should test the market if he is smart and see if someone will over pay.
Next a guy like Dwayne Bowe is exactly what we need. He is big, fast, and young. A perfect compliment to Crabtree and Kap.
Dwayne Bowe would be nice, given our needs i doubt they have the cap space to sign him.
This team is on the cusp of greatness. I can see players making concessions on their contract demands for the opportunity at a chance for a possible SB appearance.
D.Revis in particular could make huge concessions given he’s coming back from a major injury. D.Bowe will not win a SB in Kansas City, so he may be willing to lower his price tag at the chance for a SB run wearing the 49er Red & Gold.
Prime,
Please stop pining for Bowe. We don’t pay players in free agency that kind of money. We can’t afford Bowe.
@23jordan is right. We can’t afford Bowe or Revis. Plus neither of them have a “49er attitude”. To much for self. We have Kap, Aldon smith, M. Iupatti, A. Davis, and Crabtree to resign in the next 2 years! We need ALL of them.
Keep dreaming everyone on these high price free agents. I expect the Niners will bundle a couple of their many draft picks to get a higher pick in the draft, perhaps a Justin Smith replacement. Also since their draft picks last year have yet to be great class, don’t think they will take a high risk like they did with Jenkins this year. who may or may not work out.
Datone Jones would be a nice addition to our DL but will probably go mid first round with a good combine-someone like K.Geathers will most likely be available late mid rounds as a DL choice. DB’s which project availability(this is conjecture by the draftnics):Logan Ryan-like this guy;Darius Slay;Duke Williams show real promise.I’m for drafting a K like the aforementioned Dustin Hopkins.OLB? Chase Thomas is high motor guy !Do we take M Lattimore RB …or Rex Burkhead as a RB /ST guy: A QB for our third guy in later rounds? (or package as suggested above).April here we come!
I think we should draft CB in first round. DL 2nd round. RB Bell from Michigan State 3rd round. He is a bruiser. Brandon Jacobs size and release Dixon. 2nd 3rd round pick C. 4th round WR.
SoundFX on NFL Network provides some great sound bites from the Super Bowl.
Crabtree, Willis, and Harbaugh wearing microphones. Of first down illegal formation Crabtree says, “I checked with him to Mae sure I was off the line.”
“It won’t be easy. The losing team has made it back to the Super Bowl only six times, and no team that lost the Super Bowl has returned the next year since the Bills lost four straight from 1990 through 1993.
Moreover, only two teams have won the Super Bowl the year after losing it. The Cowboys beat the Dolphins in Super Bowl VI after losing to the Colts in Super Bowl V, and the Dolphins then beat the Redskins in Super Bowl VII after losing to the Cowboys.
In those days, the the Super Bowl was played in mid-January, and the regular-season consisted of only 14 games. Now, a team that loses a Super Bowl has seven months to recover and reload and relaunch a 16-game season.
So if the Niners pull it off, the feat will essentially be unprecedented.”
Niners are all about unprecedented. First team to beat New England at their place in December in the last 21 games. One of few teams to go to NFC championship and then appear in the superbowl the next year. First team to Run and Pass for 300 yards in a single game. And nearly pulled off the most miraculous comeback in superbowl history. We can do it! Have faith!
DS what up!
D line and LB depth. Cb is a concern. Last year for Carlos(declining play and increased salary). T. Brown is good but final year of contract, don’t know if we bring him back. Have to bring back Goldston. Whitner is a major liability in the red-zone. Culliver good but to aggresive.
Would Baalke pull a Dimitroff and package a deal to move up into the top 10 for DE/OLB/CB?
That would be really the best and most logical considering we have so many picks and pretty much every position accounted for. Why not go out and get that one player in free agency and that one guy in the draft to make us that much better. No longer are we in development mode, once again, its superbowl or bust.
The 49es need quality in this draft, but they have quantity. The Raiders need quantity. I think they should package up a number of their picks and trade with the Raiders for their 1st round pick. At that point they should take the best defensive tackle available.
This would be nice…….being able to move up in the draft would be great. I just hope our scouting department gets it right and selects the right guys with our draft picks.
@ Razoreater, Dennis:
Do either of you have a specific player in mind whom you think is worth that kind of investment, or do you just want the 49ers to make a big move for the sake of making a big move?
One of the following right now that I feel we should target:
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU
Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
*subject to change after combine, etc.
Free Agents I’d target if available for 49er Super Bowl Or Bust Discount:
Bowe
Seymour
Hester
I don’t have anyone specific. I just want someone who will be able to play. They have way too many picks, most of which will not make the team. So rather than waste them I think the 49ers would be better with fewer, higher picks that have a chance to make the team and contribute. So it is better to trade with teams that are rebuilding and need a quantity of picks. I am also assuming the the 49ers will get a second or third round pick for Smith.
For what it’s worth… I don’t know that I would change anything except for taking a QB in a later round (thanks for pointing that out later in the thread, Jack)
Mr. Automatic says:
December 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Gone
Smith, Alex – gonna go win somewhere else
Akers – old and in decline
Jacobs – lol
Ginn – hands-of-stone
Isaac – old and showed signs of declining play
Haggans or Haralson – I don’t think they pay for both
Bakhtiari – journeyman with big heart, marginal talent
Davis, Leonard – big man is just not athletic enough for this line any more
Moss – one and done, especially if when we get a ring
Bubble (depending on draft/free agency)
Brock – hoping for a db in the draft, pushing Brock to 6th on the chart
Boobie – I feel like he has to prove it again come preseason
Grant – lots of talent for a back-up, could start on another team, hope to keep
Gooden – may keep if we lose Grant to free agency
McBath – eh, may keep since RFA next year
Wilhoite – who?
Williams, Ian – hoping we draft a true NT and keep RJF, bit-player
Goodwin – I question if Kilgore is the answer. $3.7M for aging C next year…
Must Signs/Will Keeps
Goldson – must sign long term – he’s earned it
Cox – could fight for nickel role next year, we have him ’till 2014, placing him here just to show I value him over Brock
Walker – Juggs machine in the off-season
Francois – utility on the line, too much talent to let go when Isaac leaves
Off-season Position Targets
Higher priority (starter preferred): NT, WR, K
Middle priority (groom to start or start immediately): RDE, CB, C
Lower priority (depth): OLB, S, TE, OL
I take that back, I wouldn’t change anything about our current players’ dipsositions, but I think our needs have changed for off-season position targets:
High priority: WR, CB, RDE/DT, K
Middle priority: C, OLB, SS
Low priority: TE, NT/DL depth
Would WR still be high priority if Jenkins came back with some bulk and better knowledge of the offense? If that happened, we could live with Kyle Williams and Jenkins until Manningham was ready.
Bay,
I don’t think so. This team rarely uses more than 2 receivers in any formation, opting instead to utilize Davis and Walker. It all hinges on what happens with DW, if he comes back I think they may look at receiver in the middle to late rounds.
We get rid of Ginn and who do we give punt return duties to?
A practiced LaMichael James with Williams as the back-up.
HESTER
Dis anyone else see SoundFX on NFL Network last night?
The Ravens were calling DW, Bobby Boucher after his tackle on the kickoff…LOL!
I’m watching it right now. On Flacco’s 15-yard pass to Boldin on third and one in the fourth quarter, John Harbaugh says, “He’s throwing the damn ball? You’ve got to be kidding me…wow.”
I was thinking the same thing. I don’t know how Rogers could have played that any better, Boldin just makes a terrific play on that one.
Some wacko is killin cops out here in So Cal, he wacked a cop 3 miles from my house in city of Corona. Statewide man hunt.
In golf news: Matt Cain and Harbaugh are paired up together at Pebble Beach Pro-Am today.
Who’s Harbaugh’s caddie?
Aaron Rodgersn Deshawn Jackson Hello, Keenan Allen is a must pick in this year,s draft.
I must respectfully disagree, Jack. I think this team currently utilizes two TE’s and two WR sets because those are the best receivers they have to field. I feel like the team is moving away from the I-formation, power-running game (Alex and Gore’s bread and butter) toward a more Kap-friendly look. I think we do need another bonafide receiver “early” in the draft and here’s why:
For the past two seasons, Coach and Trent have been building this offense to better suit Kap’s strengths – ie, mid-to-deep, accurate throws and HB speed on the outside which has since evolved into, and from, read-option plays. To facilitate this strategy, you need to spread the field with a heavy-armed, speedy QB threat (Kap), speedy HB’s (LaMichael) and legitimate receiving threats (AJ, MM) on the edges.
Imho, Ginn and Moss are gone, one way or another. Even with a healthy MM that leaves us four receivers – Crab, MM, KW, AJ. Honestly, how many of these guys are legitimate receivers defenses have to be worried about? Two? Consider also we started with six receivers this year yet still needed to bring Hall off the practice squad late in the season. We need capable depth and we have the picks to do it.
I still believe we resign Delanie. He’s too valuable in the run and the pass game. But I don’t think keeping him means we have to stay in a 12 or 22 look all the time. We just continue to have that capability, if desired, going forward. Drafting a young buck WR and keeping DW would make the team even more multiple and that’s always a good thing. Then, when we want to go five wide as we did a few times in the SB, two of the receivers don’t HAVE to be TE’s if we don’t want them to be as we’ll have more receiving options to call on in a pinch.
I hate this auto-refresh thing, btw. I’m now having to copy my work every minute or so in fear of losing it AND now I realize I need to make sure I go back and reply to the proper thread (which I should’ve known, but had to experience first, apparently).
The above response is meant as a reply to my thread a couple posts above. Thanks.
“I think this team currently utilizes two TE’s and two WR sets because those are the best receivers they have to field.”
We can agree to disagree on this Mr A. Even with the evolution to the Pistol with Kaep they continued to utilize both Davis and DW much the same as with Smith. They still had DW in as a hybrid H back type guy who can block and run any route on the field. I believe they favor the use of the two TE’s because it creates conflicts across the board for the defense due to their ability to attack downfield in the passing game and still pound the run.
As for the increase in the mid-to-deep throws, that is partially just a result of having a guy who will pull the trigger on the deeper route. Watching them on film, they are running most of the same concepts, the only difference is the deeper option is being utilized more.
All that being said, I do think they will get a receiver or 2, just not by using a high round pick or spending a lot in free agency.
Fangio is Harbaugh’s caddie this year http://instagram.com/p/VcKzPziegO/
Hardly recognized Harbaugh with something other than the black pullover on…
(In Colonel Klinks’ voice) Very interesting.
Lord Fangio’s the caddy this year? lol
Grant,
I have asked repeatedly if there is a way to work around this frustrating AUTO-REFRESH system and have not received any assistance from your IT personnel.
Having my posts lost before they are sent out is extremely frustrating and a waste of time.
I would like to see the Niners make a move to draft Keenan Allen. 6’3 200. He’s got size. And we get him and we can let Ginn go. But Niners clearly don’t like drafting Cal players who should clearly be Niners. So I doubt they’ll do this
We need an explosive guy with size, Allen is more of a possession breed. Someone like Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee would compliment Mr. Crabs perfectly.
Razer,
I like Patterson as well. I’m just not sold on rookie WR’ because of the learning curve and time to develop.
I much rather go after an established pro who has proven himself.
Of the top rookie WR’ entering last year’s draft, only a handful made a significant impact.
The cream of the crop were J.Blackmon and S.Hill and they were hampered or went out with injuries.
Thanks for the reply, Jack. Excellent points, all.
What you’re saying absolutely makes sense to me, especially considering Delanie’s diverse skill set and the team’s proclivity for utilizing running plays with a lead blocker out of the pistol. I wonder if they do so for philosophical reasons or due directly (conveniently) to DW’s abilities to be that swiss army knife that keeps defenses guessing.
I totally failed (blanked?) to consider the full house pistol set in my post (due in part to old age and this damn page autorefresh thing lol) and instead only pictured the 5-wide set in my mind when I was forced to recreate the post for the third frustrating time. (yeah, that seems like a good thing to blame it on :p )
I’m curious to see how their passing concepts change with their personnel if indeed the do happen upon better outside pass catchers in the coming offseason.
GD’IT! STUPID AUTO REFRESH!
Agreed, this AUTO-REFRESH set-up has to go!!!!
The 49ers 3 biggest needs this offseason are Defense, Defense and Defense. Lets put all the offensive talk to rest both coaching and players. #1 we need another pass rusher or fangio needs to learn how to dial up pressure. [did any one else notice how the Ravens were able to create pressure any time they needed it] #2 and #3 to follow
Continuued from my earlier post because of the auto refresher.
#2 we need a shut down cover. [Revis is available trade for him}
#3 we ca’nt continue to play cover 2 and expect our ILB’s to cover TE’s like they are DB’s. We need to find a safety who can cover TE’s and play CF. We need to release Goldson To be cont.
Goldson and Whitners skill set are too alike and Whitner will come much much cheaper. Goldson is a great safety but releasing him and trading\releasing A Smith will take care of what we will need to pay Revis
With a shut down corner, another pass rusher, a safety who can cover TE”s one on one and our offense we could be one of those dominant teams that come around every 10 to 15 years. Go 9ers
If the 2012 49ers had the 2011 defense, I think they would have gone 15-1 and dominated the Super Bowl.
A good pass rush hides a multitude of coverage sins. Many of the contested passes the Falcons and Ravens completed would have been INTs with a little more pressure altering the timing of the throws.
First priority (if one is available) is a good OLB or 3-4 lineman.
That said… if a true shut down corner somehow drops to 31, gram him no matter what the team needs.
I would be happy with a good slot cover guy. That’s where we got burned all season.
I think much of the talk about Culliver being already gone is premature. Average cover corners are like gold. I don’t think the 49ers will cut him unless they were confident that had a better replacement. Maybe Cully won’t be so bonehead in his third season.
Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU
@Brodie i think if he is healthy and available trading for Revis should be our #1 priority. #2 is a pass rusher whether he is a DL or OLB.
coach, even shut-down corners don’t fair well when a QB is not getting pressured. When given time, any above average QB will find a receiver. Besides Justin’s injury, you have to look at the 49er DL and OLB’ and how they saw so little rotation over these last two seasons. They never recovered after the NE game and the fatigue showed in the Seattle game. RJF, after the SB, said that the DL really lost focus at the end of the season, missing assignments. etc. which is what happens to fatigued players. There is always that point when will power stops working. Even well-trained athletes can only take so much on their bodies over a long regular season and into extended work in the playoffs. That’s why I’d rather see the 49ers get some quality DL’s either via the draft or FA so they can give those guys more than a play or two break.
If we were to keep Culliver, Brown and Rogers then adding Revis we would have the Best defensive backfield in the NFL
If we traded for Revis we could move Culliver to safety and he could cover TE”s , support on the run or play CF
0 chance we go for Revis. Most people are forgetting one important thing:
While it may be easier to trade *for* him because of our plethora of picks and Alex Smith dangling bait, there’s no way the Niners are going to want to spend anywhere near to the money he’s going to demand. Plus that would make it nearly impossible to re-sign Goldson. There are a ton of other Niners we need to re-sign.
Need to use the draft picks to trade up / trade down and continue bolstering the squad for the long term.
he’s on a 1 year deal. we going to trade away draft picks just to *rent him for 1 year? That’s madness.
@Raphael we work a sign and trade deal we lock him dowk for a few years we use the money we save on A.S. and D.G.
Anyone know when the NFL is announcing the exact position of the compensatory picks? I heard rumor the 49ers are not only due picks in the 6th and 7th, but also one in the 3rd. That would be great!
Likely not a 3rd. Synder will likely wash with the Manningham pickup, which leaves Josh Morgan. I don’t anticipate getting anything better than a 4th + a 6th/7th.
Last I heard, it was a 4th and two 7th round picks.
Thanks for the info. Even though the comp picks can’t be traded, they can free up other picks to trade up. The bundle to trade up scenarios are numerous with Carolina’s third and Indy’s fifth to play with (not to mention Alex Smith).
Any ideas which teams are in most need to trade back for late round 49ers picks?
I assume most teams with losing records have talent depleted rosters. Exceptions could be teams like the Colts. They made the playoffs, but still need help at several spots.
The 49ers are required to draft the three compensatory picks. I’m hoping the 49ers can trade as many (non-compensatory) 4th-7th rounders as possible.
I don’t see more then 5 players making the squad. What ever scenario that brings the total draft choices to less then 7 or 8 players is ideal. Ideally, we should be packing rounds 2-3 with as many choices as possible.
Brodie, the thing about those teams is that they are in good position in the draft to get players of need. Why trade back to a team with late picks in each round? When you already have early picks in each round, why would they trade with a team with late picks unless looking for quantity. They know they are better off sticking with their picks or trading with teams that have picks of value. 49ers can’t offer what other teams can offer in trade, simply because they are late-round picks.
Spaceborn I’m not expecting to the 49ers to be able to trade a bundle of late rounders to get us first or even second. Just looking for a way to dump picks we know that most will not stick with the team.
According to most trade value charts (for what they are worth), if the 49ers traded all of their (non-compensatory) picks between rounds 5-7, it would gain the 49ers a pick at the end of the third round. I’d be happy to even eat some trade value if it was a high 4th.
My main question was… are their any teams out there in need of alot of training camp bodies? If not, there is going to be alot of deadwood in camp this summer.
Spaceboorn: You make sense.
I’m hoping the trading up can even be done incrementally. Say late in the draft Baalke sees some players falling to the 5th he thinks have 4th round talent. Trading extra 7th rounders to move up to the sixth. Then trade the six rounders to move up toward the 5th. What ever works. The 49ers just don’t need 14 draftees in camp.
I think its going to be tough. Teams know the 49ers need to trade up but will drive a hard bargain.
I don’t think Balke will pay Revis what he wants. I also think the Jets will want a King’s ransome for him.
I also like Goldson alot and would not want to lose him.
An improved pass rush will help the secondary a great deal and that should be the first priority. As Ronnie Lott said in the early 80′s: Having Fred Dean in front of you helped a great deal (or words to that effect).
+1
Grant, I think Cobi Hamilton would be great middle round value pick. I think DB has to be our main focus. I am not sure we can get Goldson back. We made a mistake not getting him locked up while his stock was low. I think Culliver will be fine. He needs to focus and mature.
If the niners got Revis, I seriously worry about his durability and ability to be the corner he once was before the injury. His paycheck really bothers me too, not to mention a me first attitude. Isn’t there another corner to consider during FA or trade besides him?
With all the draft picks they can afford to draft a kicker for the next 10 years high. This guy from FSU is the best kicker they had since Seabass. He is super accurate!
+++ Dustin Hopkins +++
As above-++++
Your analogy of Dante Whitner is laughable! He’s an All-Pro and the 2nd hardest hitter on the 49ers! There’s a ton of Safeties through NFL history and today that were and are the same size as Dante is! He’s a solid player back there with Goldson! They need corners, just like most teams!
The Falcons and Ravens receivers are big, fast, strong and very effective against the 9ers. I think improving the receiving corp should be a high priority. If they don’t get one in the 1st round, who is available? Also, how do you explain their lack of success getting impact receivers?
The 49ers need to do a better job establishing Wrs. For years, we lacked a 1-5. Now we have a 1, let’s get 2-5 lined up. Get rid of Moss/Manningham seriously. Look at Kyle/A Jenkins. Draft 2 WRs and yeah, I would get rid of Ginn too.
move culliver 2 free safety. Draft 2 Corner backs,a hi motor defensive end, and a big 3/4 dt. now,you can concentrate on hey wide receiver and a center. We also need a kicker pretty bad and there is talk of trading for Sebastian janikowski. the Raiders I need a lot of pics and a mid too late round pick might work for Sebastian.
heard the raiders need to cut him cause he’s making too much money
Never draft for need. If BPA and need sync up, great, but BP always trumps need. That’s how GM’s lose jobs.
I would be very happy if the 49ers can draft Zach Ertz of Stanford. Do not let the NY Giants draft him. This is one time we need a Bay Area product on the 49ers team. I would seriously move up and take Zach before the Giants have to pick.
his downside is he cant block, wonder if that will affect his stock
AUTO-REFRESH strikes again! This time while reading some of the posts.
Blood pressure rises everytime this happens. Need to walk away from this site for awhile and catch my breath (lol).
I know tis is about the draft, but, would it bo possible to change Delanie Walker from TE to CB?? He has the speed and the size to match by far most of the receivers me meet.
Just a thought/idea.
Because we need an upgrade on CB.
As far as i can see the first area we have to adress is defence and with in mind, i have a Q. Could it be a solution, converting Delanie Walker from TE to CB?? He has both the size and the speed to match most WR i the NFL.
When this is said, we have 2 things in the draft; 1; the actuall need and 2; the need in the future, and in the last categori we need to se at replacement for Justin and Gore, both are in their final part of their career.
I dont think that we will be a part of SB this coming season but maybee the next.