News broke Saturday afternoon that the 49ers are interested in signing Josh Cribbs. Good for the Niners. They absolutely should sign him.
I always have liked Cribbs. He’s a premier special teams player, able to cover and return punts and kicks. He can also stretch the field as a wide receiver, or catch passes out of the backfield. He was a quarterback at Kent State, too, and he’s very knowledgeable of offensive systems. Who knows? Maybe he could be the Niners’ third-string quarterback.
As a wide out, Cribbs needs to work on running better routes. He wasn’t coached that well in Cleveland and the Browns never really could decide how to use him.
He would be a tremendous all-purpose weapon for the Niners. Sign him, Trent.
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Don’t the 49ers already have a receiver that is good at returns but can’t catch a pass?
Cribbs can catch.
A 58% catch indicates that you are correct. He can catch but often decides not to.
In 2011, he was targeted 63 times and he dropped four passes.
The highlight of his career as a receiver was 2011; 43 receptions for 518 yards.
In 2012 he only had 7 receptions. Granted, that’s 7 more than Jenkins and he had Grandpa Weeden throwing him the ball but that’s still pretty horrible.
He’s on the downside of what can politely be described as a lackluster receiving career and he’s lost much of his explosiveness on returns. He could sell his dreadlocks to a wig-maker for more than he’s worth on the field at this point.
msclemons67,
LMAO! Tell me how you really feel about him.
@BigP I restrained myself out of respect for Grant. It’s his blog after all.
Honestly, I’m a bit skeptical on this one as well.
Fumblerooski?
Catch? What a cold?
The dude had very few grabs this past season and no one is threatened by him being out on the field.
You neglected to mention that he’s FUMBLED 17, count em, SEVENTEEN returns in his brief stint as a pro.
I don’t like that kinda party!
Cribbs doesn’t seem very intelligent. He’s accusing his own agent of tampering.
I don’t think the 49ers should even talk to them. I don’t believe he’s an upgrade and I don’t believe he’s smart enough.
What about Danny amendola?
Too expensive.
…and injury prone. Missed 20 of the last 32 games. That’s ridiculous.
Is the fumbling a real problem for Cribbs? If so it gives me heartburn.
When have fumbles on punt returns ever been a problem for the 49ers?
Excuse me, I need to go cut myself.
+1
Grant I can’t help but notice that you’ve seemingly ignored the elephant in the room regarding Cribbs, the boy has the dropsies. Doesn’t that concern you a little? I think all of us are still a little twitchy when it comes to the subject of fumbled punt returns.
I think his fumbling issue can be corrected with good coaching.
If we sign him I certainly hope so. Thanks for the response.
Is josh cribs the same return guy that was supposed to be as good as devin hester a few years back. What happened to him and hester? We have james as a specialist. With all offseason to handle punts he will be great. We dont need cribs unless its just for competition..
Cribbs has been jerked around for years in Cleveland, and always has been told that they were going to find a way to highlight him in their offensive packages, but with 3 different head coaches, nothing ever was accomplished. Sounds like the organization was more at fault than Cribbs.
As a college QB, he also has a pretty good comprehension of offensive shemes and coverages, and also was utilized as a “wildcat” QB occasionally by Mangenius when he was the HC of the Browns.
Not like Cleveland has had good quarterback play.
Oh and in my opinion, when williams comes back healthy he willbe our great deep threat. But that also hnders on if he comes back fully healthy.
I’m not real comfortable with his stats except as a returner Grant.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/9270/josh-cribbs
If he comes cheap then great, but to me he should have more impressive receiving numbers than he does.
Cribbs would be a like for like replacement for Ginn. I wouldn’t see him having that big a role in the offense. Maybe a few snaps at WR a game and the occasional gimmick play.
I agree on that Scooter if he comes cheap but I don’t think he will.
Scooter – No big role is needed. Cribbs has been on a crappy team for years and he lost his mojo temporarily. When you have zero chance at being in playoffs, motivation naturally declines. He just needs a spark of hope (Niners). He’s more of a football player than Ginn, better receiver and stronger physically than Ginn. Better return guy too.
Cribbs is a baller, Baalke knows what he can do.
Going into his ninth year Cribbs is averaging a little over 145 yards receiving per year(padded by his 2011 numbers) and 107 yards rushing(padded by his 2009 numbers). These are not good stats for any type of versatile WR. We might have production in the return game but no much else.
MidWest – Unless you’re Adrian Peterson, your stats will suck playing in Cleveland.
Cribbs 7 catches for 63 yards in 2012
Ted Ginn/AJ Jenkins 2 catches for 1 yard in 2012
Those numbers don’t just stink Crab. They reek of him being overrated. Like I said, if he comes cheap then I’ll be for this move. If not, let him sign elsewhere then either sign and/or draft a cheaper option.
@Jack Hammer Cribbs is seven times better than Ginn and Jenkins combined!
The 49ers really, really need some wide receivers.
That’s like saying orange flavored arsenic is seven times than regular arsenic.
I see that as a rookie he had 1 reception and was targeted zero times.
I don’t care what anyone else says…. thats impressive. :D
Trent Dilfer was the QB in Cribbs’ rookie year. Josh probably caught a deflection off of a pass intended for an opposing cornerback.
msclemons67 says:
March 9, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Trent Dilfer was the QB in Cribbs’ rookie year. Josh probably caught a deflection off of a pass intended for an opposing cornerback.
——————————–
MSC I’m not ready to go pick out His n His towels or anything but I sure do appreciate your sense of humor on here, thx for another chuckle.
@ Coffee
Re: Clemons- That’s just the Merlot talking.
PS-Clem will absolutely KILL me for associating him with that grape!
“No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any f’g Merlot! “
I wouldn’t say I hate Merlot. It’s hard to summon up strong emotions for something so fundamentally boring. Merlot is simply a waste of a perfectly good wine bottle.
News broke today? I read this almost two weeks ago on YardBarker…sounds like a good move for us…apparently he is the Browns number one player on special team and not just because of his return ability…he can tackle too.
Agree. This would be a good move.
Chargers gave WR Danario Alexander an “original round tender” today. In 2012 he had 37 catches, 658 yards (avg 17.8) and 7 TDs. Has ongoing knee issues. I haven’t seen him play. Any opinions on him?
Five knee operations since college is largely the reason San Diego only put only a RFA tender on him. Like Amendola, and now Early Doucet…the 49ers don’t need anymore “fragile” WR’s…stay away from these guys please!
Denario is a badass….if he can stay healthy. I wish we would sign him cheap. I’m actually down to sign other missouri players as well. Like William moore from Atlanta or drafting Sheldan Richardson at dt or tj moe at wr(he is tuff and catches everything) i might be a little biased(i think of it as inside information), but i knew Aldon was worth his pick.
Moore already re-signed with Atlanta…
You still have a job reporting sports?
Jealous or something?
LOL
LOL X 2…
it sounds like cribbs would be a good special teams guy……but i’m skeptical with what else he can do given he only had 7 catches last season. he has fumbilitis too….that scares me.
Signing Cribbs would be an excellent addition to the team as he would definitely be an upgrade over Ginn. He is just a better football player period. I see a lot of people questioning his WR stats. Well first off being a great return man is his forte. Also who were the QB’s that were throwing the ball to him while in Cleveland? Last time I checked they were all average at best. You don’t think he would catch more passes from Kap?
How many times was Cleveland just blown out of the water by teams and played against a prevent defense? I think those numbers are pretty accurate to the ability of Cribbs as a receiver. The question becomes is it worth it to reteach a 30 year old receiver how to run and catch in the NFL or is it better to pick one up in the draft who has more upside, will command a smaller contract, and will be on the team for several years to come.
Honestly, this story much like the Boldin story, the Revis Story, and the Harvin story, sounds a lot like an agent trying to drum up interest and a bidding war for his client. I don’t believe SF has any real interest here.
No one has mentioned the fact that Brad Seely once coached Cribbs….at least that I’ve read.
….and I think Cribbs had his best year as a returner when he was coached by him!
Regardless of whether you think this is a good move or not, I’d say this is one that has a good chance of happening. Seeley loves the guy and Cribbs will love playing for a team that wins. So long as he is realistic in his salary demands, I see this one happening.
The key word is realistic Scooter. He msde $2.69 million last year, so how much of an increase will he want from that?
Made, not msde.
More how much of an increase will he command than how much he wants. I think he’ll get somewhere in the $2 – $2.5 million a year again. He had a down year.
That’s more money than Randy Moss was given last year. Just an Agent’s rhetoric. SF isn’t paying that for an unproven NFL flop.
sorry, Cribbs makes no sence, he’s not a WR
and we have James, Hunter and KW who all look good returning kicks
I’d bet the Niners dont sign him
Spend that cash on a big split end like Barden or D.Alexander
This stat says it all for me: 17 fumbles lost out of 195 total returns.
I vote no.
Want a real receiver? Go after Anquan Boldin.
Want help on pass rush? Go after Osi
Thank you
Here’s a video of Cribbs’ highlights I just found. Most of it is kick returns, but there are some as wide receiver. The video shows a kick returner with good vision and the ability to make very quick cuts. I don’t remember James or Williams ever showing anything like this. The video also shows a fleet wide receiver with fluid moves, very long arms and sure hands. My impression is that if Cribbs can still play this way, whoever signs him will have a solid contributor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzW_pd3jT_c
He’d definitely have to get a new jersey number! lol
Cribbs is an upgrade over Ginn. I’d love the Niners to sign him.
RJF
Goldson
Revis
All Eagles? That’s what I’ve been reading, sounds like another dream team…
It worked well before. One less team to worry about in the NFC especially when Vick is the starter.
Add Louis Delmas to the names who have had their agent contacted by the Niners.
Where did you see that MidWestNiner?
Pro Football Central. Unfortunately I don’t have the link Razor.
http://www.profootballcentral.com/2013/03/09/49ers-reach-out-to-agent-of-louis-delmas/
Delmas can’t stay on the field. I wouldn’t want anything to do with him unless they could cut him at any time without taking a cap hit. In four seasons, he has never played 16 games. He played in 15 games his rookie and sophomore seasons, and then 11 and 8 games during his third and fourth seasons. That is is a downward trend if I have ever seen one.
Delmas was last seen alive in 2010. I’m not sure how much help he’d be.
ms, funny, though, he was still a probowl alternate in 2011 after missing 5 games so I do believe he has talent. But missing 13 games in two seasons does seem a lot. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to let the medical staff check him out during a visit because sometimes players do get past injuries and go on to be productive players.
Grant, on NFL’s list of FA’s that teams are interested in, Cribbs has been there a lot longer than Jenkins or Abraham so the interest may be true. But as a receiver, where do you see him on the WR depth chart? The #4?
As soon as he is signed, Coach Harbaugh will say they acquired another number one receiver….Gobble gobble
On the NFL WR FA rankings, Cribbs is rated one spot above Ginn, so I guess that would be an improvement. Still, old man Stokely is ranked above Cribbs, so maybe the 49ers should take a look at him, too.
Reading rumors of Revis to the Broncos and I gotta say that makes the most sense of the teams I’ve read about. They are in the best position they are going to be for a SB run right now and if any team is in a position to rent Revis for a year it’s them. It would allow Revis to stay in the AFC so he’ll face familiar teams and the Broncos can possibly get the help in the secondary that probably prevented them from making it last year.
Although they’ll severely hurt themselves if they don’t make it with the picks they’ll give up and the spots they’ll still need to fill next season I’m guessing they still think this season is their best chance and they’d be willing to give up a few picks for possibly a guy that can still be a true shut down corner.
Do you think the Broncos would have been in the SuperBowl last year if they had a healthy Revis playing for them?
This is from NFL:
UPDATE: Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post strongly disputes the ESPNNewYork.com report, insisting the Broncos “have NO intention of acquiring Revis.” Ed Werder backed that up, saying the Broncos “are not interested” in a Revis trade.
To be fair, how many teams have actually publicly said that they are interested in trading for him?
Although it does sound like there isn’t much of a story there but I’d still agree it would make sense.
Denver still has plenty of cap space even after signing Manning. If it happens, I guess AS would be seeing him twice a season. But that’s the Chiefs problem, lol.
Revis to the Broncos actually does make sense. They have a ton of cap room and an obvious “win now” mentality.
Actually, come Tuesday when AS is calculated in, we will have more cap space than Denver but like us (Crabs and Kap) future contracts are looming. There is no way they can afford a high priced PM and a high priced Revis. I heard just yesterday on Sirius that they’re asking Dumervil to take a pay cut. Ain’t gonna happen IMO.
No corner back has come back from that injury the same. Has Revis benefitted from some new medical techniques that would make this any different? Remember when we signed Rod Woodson after his injury? He just wasn’t the same and it was obvious his speed was an issue. The only thing that kept Rod Woodson in the game was when they moved him to safety.
oops….in the NFL, instead of in the game
Just read the Denver Post sports section…only Jet they have an interest in is Shonn Greene. As for Cribbs, I’d agree he’s more of an overall football player than Ginn will ever be. And the comments about playing for Seeley are spot on…so, if he’s lobbying for Baalke to sign him, don’t be surprised if he does. I only hope he hasn’t lost his edge…
I don’t think they would sign him if they believed that. There would have to be a workout and medical exam.
Anybody else wondering why there has been no word on the 49ers trying to re-sign any of their UFA’s? I’m starting to wonder what Baalke’s plans could be? There are going to be a lot of positions to be filled if most of them take other offers. Is the plan to use most of those draft picks? Let players test the market and hope they don’t get signed and get them back at a cheaper rate? Mix draft picks with other team’s FA’s at a bargain?
It certainly appears to be the case, looks like Baalke and company are gonna roll the dice that way.
A few things could be going on;
1. Perhaps he believes that this year the type of compensation free agents expect is just not going to be there, and there won’t be as much of the buying frenzy we have seen in the past. So the free agents who won’t bite at what he is offering them will come back. Although I do think Goldson won’t.
2. The draft is rich in good DL and defensive secondary players, which in turn should dampen the value of those kinds of free agents.
3. He thinks he can replace one/more of our free agents with better players. For example, RJF. I like him, but maybe there’s someone better Baalke has an eye on.
It’s probably closest to option 1. Baalke’s made offers, and the players(or agents) are waiting to see what they can get on the open market.
George, I agree about Goldson. He’ll get his money from another team. A lot of teams are interested in RJF because of his versatility and will probably be gone as well. Saints and Eagles are going to a 3-4, so Sopoaga could be an option as a veteran NT even if they draft one. And then there is Walker. At this point in his career as a late draft pick, it’s time to start looking toward his financial future after football and if an opportunity to cash-in as a starter presents itself, he’ll go. So, hopefully, Baalke has his sights on several players – and we’re not even discussing the other back-ups and ST players that would need to be replaced if they aren’t re-signed.
And then when you think of possible cuts, there has to be a plan to replace them as well.
Of all our free agents, Walker seems to me to be the most difficult to replace. If he is offered more than TB’s bid, TB will have a difficult decision to make. I don’t think it’s the same with the others.
Funds are limited and at this time of year prices are inflated. I imagine the 49ers will wait a few days once FA opens, let the dust settle a bit, and then make a play for guys that fell through the cracks.
Pretty much the same strategy as the last two years.
Yep, its the Baalke way.
Scooter, what’s funny though is how a couple of those players like Rogers and Whitner are now being discussed as players that should/could be cut. Though due to injury and no fault of Baalke, MM has also been discussed as being cut with all the discussion of having to draft/FA another #2 WR to take his place.
And there in lies the rub. Those cheap FAs should be 1-2 year stop gaps while guys you’ve drafted learn the ropes or you’ll need to overpay them to keep them (see Carlos Rogers last offseason).
Re Revis: I can’t see there being a market for him. At some point, you price yourself out, and $16 million a year is sheer greed. It’s just too much money for any position except quarterback. Also, saying you want $16 million or any ridiculous amount like that, is essentially telling a GM you don’t care about his ability to put a contender on the field, and telling your locker room you don’t give a flying f–k about their getting a ring. And a GM who goes along with this is telling his locker room the same thing. I see players like Revis as a form of cancer in the game.
+1
Trading Revis is a Jets (crack)pipe dream. Nobody is going to give them the necessary compensation for damaged goods.
I think it is the height of arrogance (not necessarily a bad thing for a CB btw). Not sure he’s saying he doesn’t care about having a good team around him, to me it says he believes he’s so good that he’s the most important player to the team – he can gloss over a couple of deficiencies by taking the opponents #1 WR out of the game.
I don’t mean that he literally thinks that. I think he thinks about himself and so what about the cap, not realizing he will never play on a winning team.
This is a prove it year for Revis. Which is tough because most guys (Purple Jesus the exception) don’t get back to full explosiveness the first year back from an ACL.
Grant, were you joking about Cribbs also being a qb3? It would make sense to me. What are the odds of a qb3 ever taking the field? Probably close to zero. With cap space so valuable, wouldn’t it help if SF did not have to carry a qb3 on its roster?
That’s five positions: kick returner, punt returner, special teams cover guy, wide receiver, qb3.
He has played running back as well….
Clone the guy!
Ray Guy was the Raiders 3rd QB for years behind Snake and Blanda and even Plunkett and Wilson.
Did not know that. Thanks.
A smart rebuilding team (running a 3-4) would be wise to sign some combination of Goldson, Grant and Sopoaga or RJF assuming they have more value on the same squad because they all worked together.
Of course any team that signs both Goldson and RJF would take a big cap so that’s unlikely… but Goldson+Grant+Sopoaga would be a reasonably cap friendly way to re-build a defense.
For teams with very little cap space for, Grant+Sopoaga would be a super cheap way to plug the run for a few seasons.
“…any team that signs both Goldson and RJF would take a big cap hit…”
PFT says Jenkins signed with NYG.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/10/giants-land-cullen-jenkins/
Good to hear. There are better option in the draft.
Margus Hunt . . .
Margus with the #61 pick.
Margus Hunt with the 31st pick. At least according to my second mock draft.
BUST!!!
Have him sit for one year to be mentored by the Cowboy and see if he is still a bust.
Hunt would go against Baalke and Harbaugh’s approach of taking ‘football guys’. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m not that impressed with Hunt, but if he can ever play up to his athletic ability he would be a good player.
Not sold on Margus Hunt either, he sounds like too much of a project when we need someone right now that can contribute.
The thing I like about Hunt is that he has improved with each year and didn’t seem like he was going through the motions until his last year in college like Balmer did. I think he is worth a late first round pick.
Giant just improved their already good DL! 8 Million over 3 years!
At least Seattle didn’t sign him.
How about Julian Edelman?
Funny that he also went to Kent State.
He too was a QB, and broke Cribbs’ records. Also a local guy who grew up on the peninsula and played at College of San Mateo for a year before going to KSU.
Has a PR for TD in each of the last 3 seasons.
I like him more than I do Cribbs. He is a good #2 WR and a better fit for the Niner’s offense.
He is injury prone (missed 15+ games the last 2 years) and is already similar to the quick PR like smurf receivers we have on our roster. he is a slot guy and a pooooor mans wes welker and thats why the pats might keep him around as WW replacement if they choose not to pay wes. Nice ST player but def not a #2 WR
Who said he would be the #2 receiver?
Jack
We r in the market for a #2 opposite of Crab. We have AJJ and KW MM coming off injuries. Unles u think that AJJ or one of the injured would step up to the 2, any FA we sign would be in line for that spot. unles we draft a stud
BOS,
I don’t think anyone on here was suggesting Cribbs would be the #2 receiver, only a replacement for Ginn with returns and occasionally lining up at receiver.
I was throwing out Edelman as another option instead of Cribbs.
Hammer
Oh in that case i’m on board. Aside from his injuries the last 2 years edelman has been productive and would be a definite upgrade over Ginn, and a cheaper younger alternative to cribs
If the Ravens are not bluffing and they release Bolden we must go after him! Bolden and Crabtree supplement with VD, K Williams and Manningham would be a great combination of wide-outs!
I agree.
i’m skeptical of Manningham’s return…..i dont think he will be the same player. but i’m sure the niners will bring in enough competition to fill the position.
dc9er,
You are smart to be skeptical of Manningham’s return, he suffered a horrific injury. I don’t think people realize just how bad his knee got jacked up. Look at this clip carefully, does that look something a receiver would come back from at 100%?
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1916189/kneeburster.gif
Boldin better come cheap. Up until last season, he’s recently looked slow and unable to get open. Admittedly, he was good last year, and great in the Super Bowl, but it’s all going to come to an end soon. He may have one or two more decent years left, but he may not.
Boldin is just too good to ignore. If I’m designing players for the future on a program, I want tall and fast, fast, fast. It would better compliment Crabs (and maybe make him want to stay long term), but who exactly is better than Boldin at our X? Hm. OK, so grab Boldin and draft Hunter.
Boldin would be a good pick up, but can we afford him with our other positions to be filled? Either way we need a quality reciever through FA and the draft.
hunter or d rogers-yes indeed.
Agree he could be pricey, but he might take a bit less from SF rather than accept enforced pay cut; pride thing. At any rate, Trent won’t overpay.
Boldin will be too pricey for our budget, alas.
If we hold at picks 31 and 34, I am starting to lean towards Jesse Williams and Justin Hunter.
I had Justin Hunter in my first mock draft last week (so no change there), but J.Williams is starting to make me a believer the more I see film of him.
They sound like solid picks to me, we could use the help if we want to make a run at the Superbowl.
If the steelers dont get him at 17 JWill might fall to us. He could rotate at the 3 line spots keeping them fresh. His arms are a bit short for a down lineman but we can manage that because we are not expecting him to rush the passer as much as just tying up 1 or more blockers and letting our LB’s do their thing. Plus he has the raw power to be a stalwart at the point of attack. I really hope he falls to us
Two Free Agents that could provide the best bang for your buck…
Desmond Bryant DL Raiders(contract behavior clause)
Aqib Talib CB Patriots(contract behavior clause)
Talib is bad news. Everything u need to know is this : the Pats who have a historicaly terrible secondary are opting to go in a different direction. There were reports in the local media that his work ethic is lacking and that he declined to stay after practice for extra work on several occasions during the season. It could have been a smear campaign to lower his price but the fact that a team desperate for good DB’s and one who is intimately familiar with him is choosing to look elsewhere seems damning to me
Off topic, but I am reposting my second mock draft for those that missed it. It’s not an ego trip but instead an attempt for those who missed reading it to understand my draft choices. Here it is:
Here’s my second attempt at a mock draft:
ROUND 1
TRADE- Niners trade CB Carlos Rogers, the 74th pick(3rd round), and their 2014 1st
round pick to the Eagles for the 4th pick(1st round) and the 186th pick(6th
round).
PICK 4
Utah DT Star Lotulelei
A strong beast that would be a huge upgrade over Soap and RJF.
Second Option: Alabama CB Dee Milliner
Previous Option: None
PICK 31
Southern Methodist DE Margus Hunt
Extraordinary upside that can’t be ignored and will be a key part of the defense after Cowboy is done.
Second Option: Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins
Previous Option: Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins
ROUND 2
TRADE-Jets trade the 39th pick(2nd round), the 72nd pick(3rd round), the 103rd
pick(4th round), the 168th pick(6th round) and the 2014 1st round pick to the
Niners for Parys Haralson, the 34th pick(2nd round) and a conditional
2014 4th round pick.
PICK 39
Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins
Though not fast plays quick and is a good route runner. Is constantly hungry.
Second Option: Florida International SS Jonathan Cyprien
Previous Option: Fresno State FS Phillip Thomas
PICK 61
Marshall WR Aaron Dobson
A speedy and savvy route-runner who would be a great compliment to a possession WR like Crabtree.
Second Option: Missouri Southern State DT Brandon Williams
Previous Option: Marshall WR Aaron Dobson
Round 3
PICK 72
Fresno State FS Phillip Thomas
An underrated safety that could be the next Ed Reed.
Second Option: California C Brian Schwenke
Previous Option: None
PICK 93
Louisiana State CB Tyrann Mathieu
Could be the steal of the draft and an answer to the void at PR if he has finally cleaned up his act.
Second Option: Clemson DE Malliciah Goodman
Previous Option: Clemson DE Malliciah Goodman
ROUND 4
PICK 103
Georgia Southern SS JJ Wilcox
A project that has the capability to become a great SS and eventual successor to Whitner if he is still on the team.
Second Option: Alabama ILB Nico Johnson
Previous Option: None
PICK 125
Stanford OLB Chase Thomas
An effective pass rusher that could spell Brooks or Smith if needed.
Second Option: Southern California FS T.J. McDonald
Previous Option: None
ROUND 5
PICK 150
North Carolina OT Brennan Williams
An athletic OL that could put the heat on Staley and Davis to perform better.
Second Option: Second option: Arizona QB Matt Scott
PICK 157
Iowa State ILB A.J. Klein
Though he won’t be a starter, can be an excellent backup and possible weapon on ST given his reliability as a tackler.
Second Option: Texas Christian WR Josh Boyce
Round 6
Pick 168
UCLA OG Jeff Bacca
Versatile OL who played at T, G, and C in college.
Second option: Kansas OT Tanner Hawkinson
TRADE-Saints trade a 2014 5th round pick and a 2014 6th round pick to the Niners for the 170th pick(6th round), the 211th pick(7th round), and the 221st pick(7th round).
PICK 189
Florida State K Dustin Hopkins
Second option: Florida K Caleb Sturgis
Well this is my second mock. What do you guys think?
That would be a fantastic draft, but there is almost no way those trades will go down….
Yep, which was pretty much the feedback from the last time it was posted. Lots of good players, extremely unlikely trade scenarios.
I like the thinking though – get 6 picks in the first 3 rounds, taking two top DL followed by two good value WRs followed by 2 DBs (3 incl. the 4th round selection). I’m not against double dipping to strengthen current weak areas.
If the compensatory picks work out as expected they will have those 6 picks in the first 3 rounds without any trading.
True, but I chose those trade routes for a reason Jack. It is just a guess, but I think Philadelphia will whiff on the CB FA market for various reasons and trade with the Niners to get a veteran CB to try and avoid having to start from scratch in the secondary after jettisoning both of their original starters at the position. They might also make this trade because of their QB situation. If both Vick and Foles don’t turn out to be the solution, then they can bundle the two first round picks and either trade for a QB or move up in the 2014 draft in order to grab their guy. The Niners in the meantime get a solid starter at DT for the next decade.
The trade involving the Jets is the one I think has a better chance of happening. They need a OLB and Haralson is a guy that would be most likely starting on their team. I also think a QB is going to be around the 34th pick that the Jets will be willing to do anything in order to get him. Enter the Master of Fleecing Baalke. The Jets are desperate and I think they will show how desperate they are.
MidWest,
I understand your thinking, and remember your reasoning from last time you posted it.
The logic is there (in a Madden13 trade sense) but I think the chances of that Eagles trade happening are about as likely as pigs flying.
Like your player choices though.
This mock doesn’t include the compensatory picks since I’m not sure of their precise position Jack, but I can guarantee that it will change after FA and the learning of where the exact location of the compensatory picks will be. Pro days will also be a factor.
Thanks Jack. Who is currently your choice for the first round pick?
I had Alex Okafor at 31 in my mock. I also like Ertz with either 31 or 34 if Walker leaves.
I think Okafor would be a good fit, but I think he will be gone before the team can pick. Do you have a second choice if either of the guys you think will fit are gone?
Hankins, Jenkins, Jamar Taylor, or maybe a trade down into the late 30′s.
As you noted earlier, things will start getting a lot more clear Tuesday afternoon.
I can’t believe all the buzz around RJF. Dude was a 3rd stringer until injuries put him in the lineup and then he couldn’t hold up in the run game. That one is puzzling….
Ok, I need to pay attention a little better.
No kidding on the RJF buzz Jack. Last off-season it was WR Joshua Morgan. Teams must be thinking that they will catch lightning in a bottle or something with a Niners FA.
Jack Hammer says:
March 10, 2013 at 10:32 pm
I can’t believe all the buzz around RJF. Dude was a 3rd stringer until injuries put him in the lineup and then he couldn’t hold up in the run game.
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We can talk intangibles and all the other things that good players bring that don’t show up on stats but here is a realistic bottom line for ya:
2012
TKLS Sacks
Ray McDonalds(1st string) 38 2.5
Ricky Jean-Francois(3rd string) 22 2.0
He had 16 less tackles then McDonald and only 1/2 less sack even though he started 3 games versus Mcdonald starting in 16. So the question is, is RJF better then you think or is Mcdonald not as good?
Answer most likely is a little bit of both.
RJF is a decent backup, but not sure how he’ll go as a starter. Would be nice to have him back as a 49ers but he’s going to get a decent contract somewhere else with a chance to start.
But CfC, you need to stop using those stats to put McDonald down. The guy is a very good DE.
Scooter here is the very reason why I keep posting those stats because here is what an acutaly “good” DE does stat wise
66 tackles 3 sacks Justin Smith and this was hurt and missing games.
38 Tackles 2.5 sacks for Ray MdDonals while playing healthy in every game.
yes McDonald is a good DE with intangibles that dont’ show up in the stats but seriously, the stats do count and when you compare him to a truly good DE his stats don’t measure up all that well.
The job of a DE in the 3-4 is first and foremost to tie up blockers which McDonald constantly does (he is very rarely left 1-on-1). This allows other guys to be free to make plays – Bowman and Brooks benefit greatly from the work McDonald does. This is one of the reasons the 49ers are so hard to run against down that edge.
The second most important aspect of a 3-4 DE is to apply some pressure to hurry the QB in the passing game. McDonald is one of the best 3-4 DEs in the NFL at doing this. He often disrupts the pocket and forces the QB to re-set, which give other guys a better chance to make a play.
Tackles and sacks are great but are not the most important stats for a 3-4 DE.
CFC,
Once J Smith went down the opposition constantly attacked the left side. Why? Because that was the weaker side of the defense, and RJF was a big reason why.
Adding on to my last comment…Even before J Smith went down teams were attacking that side more regularly to test A Smith in the run game, but with less positive results.
MWN,
Why in the world would the Eagles trade there first round pick for Rogers and the 49ers’ first round pick in 2014? It makes no sense for them, none whatsoever.
Don’t get me wrong, if Baalke can swing that trade, or anything approaching it, I’ll be dancing in the street. In the mean time, I won’t be holding my breath.
I also have the Niners trading a third round pick as well. My guess(and just a guess mind you) is that Rogers will have the value of a second round pick to some teams and that includes the Eagles. I am also thinking the options in FA at the CB position will be asking for too much money per year and that Rogers’ salary would be a cheaper alternative. It’s all speculation, but hey that’s what a mock is for right?
Who’s your choice for the 31st pick Exgolfer and why?
MWN,
You’re right, a mock is for speculation, but your proposed trade with the Eagles is pushing the boundaries of speculation, IMO.
As for which specific player the 49ers should pick, I don’t have the first idea of my own. I could go to various mocks and cobble together my “own” picks, but there isn’t any point in doing that, really.
That’s why I didn’t discuss the players you chose.
Although, Margus Hunt is a little old for my taste. It’s one thing to take a chance on a young player with this much raw ability, but Hunt is four to five years older than the typical rookie. If he slid a little further, maybe, but not at 31 or 34.
I do like your Mathieu pick, he would be a high upside choice.
I also should have said regardless of how I phrased my closing paragraph that I truly don’t dislike McDonald I was making the point that RJF shouldn’t be considered all that bad if he can put up numbers similar to McDonald with not nearly as many snaps. I’ve argued in the recent past that McDonalds production isn’t irreplaceable even possibly by a rookie in this draft class and clearly that doesn’t make me sound like a fan but that just isn’t the case. I’m just not as big on him as others are and maybe I should be but I’m not.
midwest,
Love your ideas and player selections but I reside in the camp that sees no way your trade ideas would come to fruition. If the Eagles and Jets were to make deals like that their ownership would seriously have to consider firing them immediately. Appreciate you posting it though it was fun to read.
With Moss gone, two of our WR’s injured and the jury is still out on our mystery first rounder, I’m surprised no one considers a low first round WR pick.
The Niners have two picks in the second round with one as the 34th pick. They can hold off until that pick or grab a WR whose stock is falling with the later second round pick.
I hear you Mid- hypothetically, suppose we see K Allen drop and is there when you are up at 31 -do you pull the trigger -or say J Hunter who seems to be sneaking into first round consideration- would you take a pass on his talent if you think he wont be there in the next round.I’m not saying we do, just curious more consideration isn’t given to that notion.This draft is D deep so it wont exclude picking up key players thru the first 4 rounds.
Grant what do you think of Trufant i think he would help our secondary a lot as cover CB.
All for it. At the right price. I like him at punt returner(NOT james) and he can be a weapon on offense. I think M. Manningham starts the season on the PUP list. Moss gone. Jenkings is a question mark, Ginn gone, and Kyle williams is in his last season under contract. Why not go for him if the money is right.