Greg Cosell broke down the draft’s top tight ends Friday on Yahoo’s Shutdown Corner Podcast. Here’s Cosell’s breakdown.
On Norte Dame’s Tyler Eifert
COSELL: He’s my favorite tight end in this draft. I think his athleticism and movement is No.1 in this draft. He’s really a deceptively smooth athlete. He shows the ability to run vertical routes from split wide receiver positions versus corners. He’s more athletic than when Kyle Rudolph came out of Notre Dame. I think Eifert is a better prospect than Zach Ertz – he’s more athletic with better overall receiving skills. I think in today’s NFL, this kid is a first round pick.
On Stanford’s Zach Ertz
COSELL: I think Zach Ertz has a similar physical baseline as Jason Witten when he was coming out of Tennessee. I think he has good hands. He catches the ball well. He does have deceptive route quickness with the ability to separate versus man, but he’s not quite the athlete that Tyler Eifert is.
On San Diego State’s Gavin Escorbar.
COSELL: He’s a very big kid. He’s long. He’s lanky, even though he probably weighs 250 or so, just because he’s so tall. I like Escobar. He was 6-5 and seven-eighths and 254 pounds at the Combine. Guys like that, they’re not purely fast, but their stride length is what’s interesting. Once they get moving, they cover an awful lot of ground. I remember watching a lot of him last year as well. He’s a very intriguing prospect in this new age NFL because of his size. I think that he can be a joker. He can line up all over the formation. I think he’s a very intriguing prospect if used properly, who can be a little bit of a matchup issue for some teams.
On Rice’s Vance McDonald
COSELL: He has very deceptive athleticism. Not a vertical speed guy, but I think he can work the seams and the short to intermediate areas. One concern with him is he had some trouble catching the ball at times. He’s an athletic tight end. He’s very fluid for a man that size. In Rice’s offense he lined up all over – in the slot, split. He just had erratic hands. There were times he showed really strong hands and made great catches. There were other times he let too many balls get into his body and he dropped them. I think he’s a really intriguing prospect. You could argue that this kid is a smoother mover than Jason Witten.
On Cincinnati’s Travis Kelce
COSELL: Kelce is a very good athlete for his size. He runs well. He can accelerate. He’s a fluid guy. He’s a little nasty. He can get on the line of scrimmage and block, which some of these guys can’t do. I think he has deceptive run-after-the-catch ability. I think he’s a wild card in this draft. I think he could get drafted higher than you think.
On Florida’s Jordan Reed
COSELL: He’s not quite Aaron Hernandez, but he has similar traits. He’s only about 235, 237 pounds. He’s not an inline blocker. Look at how Bill Belichick uses Aaron Hernandez. I think Hernandez is a little better at what he does, but I think Reed is a very similar player. I think he has the athletic ability and the movement to be effective on the perimeter. He ran wide receiver routes. A kid like this, I think Chip Kelly could use him in a way that would be very hard for defenses to match up.
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Eifert would be a nice addition.
Escobar has a pro day soon and will I’ll be interested to see if he runs a better 40 than at the Combine.
It was the 19th, he ran a 4.73 and the 49ers met with him. Could be a good pick up but I think I prefer Vance Mcdonald
I really like Escobar. He runs with a nasty attitude and intent. He could be available with a 3rd – 4th rd. pick. There are a few draft links that project the 49ers taking him as well.
G.Escobar improved his 40 time a couple of days from 4.84 (combine) to 4.70. Not mind blowing when compared to VD’ freakish 4.3, but GE is a ‘baller’ who will make a team better.
GE interviewed with two scouts after his pro-day workout, one was a 49er.
couple of days *ago*
I wouldn’t be surprised if we drafted a TE named “Zach”, but it may not be Ertz…
I like where your heads at…what do you think Colin?
I have to admit that Eifert is my “hope he slides to #31″ pick, but that’s doubtful. Escobar does sound intriguing, though, because of his versatility.
Some good choices, Thank you Grant for info!
Picture Levine Toilolo and Margus Hunt, both 6’8″, on our field goal blocking unit. Both have leaping ability.
49ers having three 6″8″ players would have to be an NFL record, wouldn’t it? I wonder if could be put in the Guiness Book of Records?
I sure hope the 49ers aren’t drafting guys based on their height and leaping ability so they can block kicks… I truly don’t understand the infatuation with physical freaks that haven’t shown much in the way of football talent or instincts. Give me football players every time.
Scooter, these two “freaks” may turn out to be better than you think.
I agree with scooter
You two owe me a beer if SF goes after either one of these players, and I like to drink it in Munich.
C’mon, Scooter, just having a little fun. I know you don’t like Hunt, but I’ve watched every bit of film I could find on him and I saw a football player. Yeah, a bit raw, but I see a player that gets off the snap and into the backfield with combined speed and strength.
Heck, besides ST, I would bring him in on passing downs as a situational pass-rusher and turn him loose on OT’s. And any TE trying to get a chip on him is going to get swatted aside. Have you watched any film on him or have you just dimissed him as a combine wonder and not bothered?
I’ve watched film on him. As you say he is very raw. Can he be coached up to be a good player? Maybe. I’ve said before he could well end up being a great player. But he is extremely raw and is 10 times the athlete that he is a football player at this point in time. To me, you simply don’t use an early round pick on a guy that is such a projection pick. Especially a projection pick that is already 26.
If the 49ers take him the 3rd round I’m ok with that. If they take him in the 1st or 2nd they have over drafted him.
I agree Spaceborn. Assuming what we see in Hunt is what they see, he makes too much sense — situational pass rusher, successor to JSmith, and special teams weapon.
Scooter, well, I guess it’s just one of those disagreements we sometimes have, lol. I don’t know that I would take him at #26 or #31, but definately would at #34 if he’s there because sometimes being 10x the athlete compensates when only asked to play certain roles until experience is gained. The draft is always a gamble anyways, Scooter. If you don’t take any risks, you’ll never get rewarded with the big prize.
If Hunt was 21 years old I’d probably be ok with taking him a bit higher. But at 26 years old… not so much.
But yeah, I should couch all this with saying that I agree he has great potential based on his athletic ability alone, and if the 49ers take him I’ll be rooting for him. Obviously it is a risk no matter who you take – nothing such as a guaranteed prospect. I just think you can get other great talents in rounds 1 and 2 that have proven college production, are younger, and are more NFL ready.
Niners drafted a 26 year old defensive lineman from Angelo state in 1988 and he turned out all right.
@Domingo
Remind me. Pierce Holt?
Yep, in Holt they selected a 4-year starter at defensive tackle (1984-1987), 3-time all-conference and 2-time Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and 2-time All-American. He was also named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Decade for the 1980′s. They selected him in the 2nd round.
That’s a somewhat different resume to Hunt’s…
One tough hombre.
I want Margus Hunt. 6ft 8in dude will block 5ft 10in Russell Wilson’s vision, block his passes and fill our need at 3-4 Defensive End.
49ers resign McBath
http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Re-Sign-S-Darcel-McBath/66ca06b7-32b2-46a5-be21-934bd43b79d3
These current signings seem to target more of a special team moves rather than starter pick ups. I wouldnt be surprised to watch them compete with the rookies for a roster position.
They signed him for a year. Donatell coached him in Denver and was there when they drafted him. A second round pick with high hopes. There was a lot to like about him when he came out (below). I guess they figure either he blooms this year or becomes mulch.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/darcel-mcbath?id=71391
thanks George, hopefully he blooms in our defense.
McBath has similar measurables and college stats as Phillip Thomas.
+1
Thanks Grant good to know, Ive read up on Thomas and like what he’s done. I’m surprised McBath hasnt caught on.
Looking ahead to the 2013 season, I think SF is going to focus on fast defensive backs and a pass rusher in the draft.
SF plays these teams at home: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams
On the Road: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars (London), Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams
I know one things for sure, Seely has all the weapons he needs for his special teams to be much stronger this year. Now he needs one last piece to make it special….Honey Badger.
That dude can be this years Pacman Jones, don’t want him anywhere close to our team. Plus the niners don’t draft these kind of players, just remember what coach said when they drafted Jenkins last yr hes a good character guy. Gold helmet guy.
We’ll see….
niners need to move up to draft Jesse Williams, a one or two year nt and then replacing J. Smith. I realize the niners need cb, safetys, wide receivers and tight end but to be super bowl winners the main goal is upgrade on the defensive line. With the wide receivers already signed another has to have punt return skills!
This draft has a lot of good projects on the D-Line. Even B Logan from LSU who by all accounts from these so call experts was projected to be a first round pick is not even mentioned on any of these mocks to the 49ers in the mid rounds.
If we are looking to replace Walker, intelligent multiple footballer, would be look at someone like Kyle Juszczyk, Harvard? He has the smarts and the multiplicity and the history of the game to be an interesting low round pick or UFA, as he doesnt have the impressive stat lines.
Or maybe Jake Stoneburner, Ohio St, a guy who has played TE, HB and WR for maybe a low round pick, again as his stats arent off the charts but seems to be able to play?
I like that guy, I also like Kelce from Cincy he’s a nasty blocker that can free up VD so he can go out and make plays. I much rather spend the early picks on a bigger need CB or SS or even NT.
I’d be happy seeing the 49ers take Juszczyk in the later rounds. He’s got good hands and loves contact. Kind of guy I think would be a standout special teams player from day 1, and could develop into a really solid HB/FB type.
But I’d also draft a true TE like Escobar.
Problem is Id take four TEs: The two Stanford guys plus the two I listed and I get drawn into measurables – probably should draft for the Bungles or the Faiders lol
OK, so here’s the plan:
Step#1/ Trade for Revis and pay him whatever he asks for
Step#2/ Sign Jermichael Finley to anything he asks for
Step#3/ Sign Vince Young & JaMarcus Russell to compete for back-up QB
Step#4/ Trade all remaining draft choices this year for draft choices next year and try to target one guy who everybody else is targeting.
So, I don’t really agree with any of those ideas, just trying to kick start the blog this morning; its ground slowly to a stop.
Josh Johnson is expected to sign with the Bengals. I guess the conspiracy theorists would have had a field day if he came back to SF and signed.
I fully expect SF to trade draft picks this year away for picks next year when they have more cap room. That being said, I think they pick up one blockbuster 1st rounder and then sink away quietly.
Any chance Boldin restructures his deal?
I don’t know about blockbuster 1st rounder. I see Trent only trading up a few spots in Rd#1 if someone is falling to them. They’re most likely to stay at #31 I think, although trading back a few makes sense if the right offer comes through.
I’m not planning a party at my house for day#1, too strong a chance we wait until#31 and they trade it and say “goodnight, seeya mañana.” Day#2, that’s where it might get entertaining.
While I wouldn’t mind seeing Boldin extend his deal, I hope they don’t restructure it, if such restructuring would serve to create additional cap room this year at the expense of future cap room. With Justin Smith’s contract expiring after this season, and Kaepernick, Aldon Smith, Anthony Davis, Iupati, Crabtree and Brown in line for extensions next year, I’d rather the team not push any 2013 cap obligations into the future.
Fortunately, Marathe/Baalke seem to take an appropriately medium/long term view of the salary cap situation.
“Sign Jermichael Finley to anything he asks for”
That would be cool if not for him being under contract still with GB.
Grant,
Do you have an updated list of possible draftees that the 49ers have met with?
The Niners had dinner with Gavin Escobar and a private workout with Duke Williams.
Wonder how high escobar will go…. I like him.
Hmm, Duke Williams 5’11″ 201 lbs ran a sub 4.5 in the 40. There are several teams interested including the Redskins and Seahawks. Slated to go somewhere in rounds 3-5.
So far the only DL prospect they are reported to have met with is Sheldon Williams…
That’s right. Tomsula must love those Missouri d-linemen.
Duke Williams is projected a 6/7 rndr-at Nfl draft Scout -he is a guy I mentioned in my first mock here awhile back -ran a 4.32 40-kind of a standout for the Wolf Pack. Bring him and please can we get Coach Ault involved in some capacity- really think it would be advantageous.
Gavin Escobar compares to Jimmy Graham, I predict.
More importantly, the 49ers will face many tough passing teams like GB, ATL, and others. They must draft a speedy, gritty defensive back first then get a defensive line to be a heir apparent to Justin Smith.
Branch reports that Niners slipped from #1 to #15 in ST on Rick Gosselin’s list. Seems like FA was primarily directed to getting better in the that area with the signings: McBath, Dahl, Dawson, Skuta, and Moore. They’re paying 2.85M for kickers this year including the Akers dead money. (Of course, keeping Akers and it would have been 3M). Seems the Niners have indeed invested a lot in kickers this year when you include dead money. I think the brains trust expect lots of close games in the division, and not put rookie kickers in those game-deciding situations.
The importance of it is that a good kicker would have beaten the Rams twice and given us breathing room with a 13-3 record.
Regardless we need to attempt to match what we did in 2011 defensively. If we get that type of defensive output, we will destroy teams this year.
Duke Williams
B+ Tackling
C – Pass Coverage
4th – 5th rd IMO.
Tank Carradine at 31 anyone?
Tank is dinged up but very intriguing,a guy I’ve got my eye on Metalhead is Cornelius Washington 4/5 th rnder 6’4” -4.55 40, miscast in college on DL could be a real sleeper at DE.
I don’t like drafting No.2 pass rushers – like Manny Lawson – or No.2 CBs – like Mike Rumph or Darius Slay.
He’s ranked 48.
http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=12&nid=83&lnid=124&yr=2013
Have to agree with you there Grant. The complementary players at college shouldn’t be guys you target early.
Some think he was the best defensive lineman on the team, and that he is the best pass rusher. Top 10 pick before the injury….
It worked with Kevin Fagan, but I think he was 2nd/3rd Rd. I’ll be interested to see if they take a flyer around Rd#5 on an Irvin-type speed rusher on the cheap.
Fagan was taken at the end of Rd 4 with pick 102, but would have gone a lot higher had he not been injured his senior season at The U.
That ’86 draft was won of the best of all time, and featured the 49ers trading back twice in Rd 1 before finally selecting Larry Roberts at #39 in Round 2.
8 of the 12 players selected played major roles on the Super Bowl teams of the late 80′s, early 90′s.
I think I would rather take Brandon Jenkins in the 3rd. Prior to his injury, he was the best pass rusher on that team, if not the entire country.
Brandon Jenkins ran around the 5.0s mark in his 40 at his pro day. Maybe his leg is still a problem, but that is a very low 40 time for an OLB…
I’d been looking at him as a potential mid round selection before that.
@ Scooter:
Yeah, I saw that. He may still be working his way back from the lisfranc injury. In addition, for some stupid reason, Florida State had the players run and perform drills on wet grass that day instead of moving inside. Jenkins slipped on his first attempt at the 40 and Rhodes slipped during the 3 cone drill.
Obviously, the 49ers would need to evaluate and clear Jenkins medically, but pre-injury he showed special pass rush ability. Besides, for a pass rusher (that may be all he can do well in the pros), I don’t care much about his 40 time. I think his 10 yard time is much more relevant, and I would bet his is very good.
Good points Claude
Carradine DE
Elam S
Escobar TE
Wheaton WR
Mathieu CB/PR
That’s a good draft.
Amen, Dan!
Recently took a second look at hightops last mock. I must admit that it is a very good one.
Love Jesse Williams. I would use a package of draft picks to get him. This guy is a Justin Smith clone. Enough said!
I did not have JW in my last draft because I went with the assumption that the 49ers don’t make any moves.
But if we do make a move to get inside the 15-20, I take JW, period!
Thanks again AES- without banging my own drum it was the best stab at it I’ve come up with -would have liked more feed back -maybe it being St Pats on the 16th (anyone got the time to look at it would be happy to hear your feedback).Just for the heck of it.
They might not need to trade up for him.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/mock-drafts/daniel-jeremiah/170650
That was an interesting one. I noted it had the Cards & Bears showing common sense and going OL; not sure that will come true. Star L. seems to be rising back up a lot of boards.
Niners looking at Idonije:
http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2013/03/source-49ers-looking-at-bears-free-agent-idonije.html
George – Idonije looks big and ferocious in that photo but I never heard of the dude. That’s what Google is for right? :)
Draft visits so far courtesy of waltersfootball.com:
Offense:
TE : Zach Ertz – Stanford
Gavin Escobar – San Diego St
Travis Kelce – Cincinnati
WR: Robert Woods – USC
Keenan Allen – Cal
Quinton Patton – La Tech
RB: Zach Line – SMU
OL: Luke Joekel – Texas A&M
Jeff Baca – UCLA
Defense:
DB – CB – Melvin White – UL Lafayette
CB – Terry Hawthorne – Illinois
S – Zeke Motta – ND
S – Eric Reid – LSU
S – Phillip Thomas – Fresno St
S – Shamarko Thomas – Syracuse
S – Duke Williams – Nevada
LB – Gerald Hodges – Penn St
Sio Moore – UConn
DL – Sheldon Richardson – Missouri
This list is sure to grow over the next month leading up to the draft, but it is good to know who they are talking to so that the draft discussion can be somewhat realistic.
I think there’s a chance they’ll draft a safety.
It doesn’t say they’ve met with Eric Reid, just that they’re “very interested in him,” and they’re getting that from Eric Branch’s article last week.
I find it interesting they haven’t met with Reid, Jonathan Cyprien, Margus Hunt, Datone Jones, Johnathan Banks, David Amerson, Jamar Taylor or Markus Wheaton.
They will probably bring in Reid prior to the draft. They have been doing a lot of research on him from what I have read.
Can Reid cover receivers in the slot one-on-one occasionally?
How many of these guys that visit do they draft and how many are part of a high stakes poker game?
Razor,
Many. Put it this way, if they don’t meet with them they aren’t drafting them.
Officer Hammer, Byham had very little contact with the 49ers and did not visit, yet he was drafted in the 6th Round I believe in 2011….
The question I have is how many meetings do they have of which the media and public are unaware?
@Deputy Balls
You mean the clandestine kind? Where they meet in a secret bunker under the old U.S. Naval Observatory?
@ Razoreater:
Or in a downtown DC parking garage.
Razor,
He was a 6th rounder. Also, nice pull from this Barrows piece.
http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2011/04/what-pre-draft.html
Given the continued interest in filling the DL holes through FA (Idonije), and the apparent little interest shown in DL draft prospects, I’m starting to think DL won’t be a draft priority this year after all. There are only so many DL positions that will be carried into the season, and Smith, McDonald, Dorsey and Williams have 4 of them. Still room for one rookie, but not convinced the 49ers are seeing it as a priority (apologies Jack, I know you said this weeks ago!).
Safety, TE and WR appear to be areas they are focusing on. Doesn’t need a super sleuth to figure these areas will likely get attention early in the draft.
Scooter, as much as I hate to agree with you, you make a good point. Kind of suggests they will spend all their picks on 6’8″ stiffs for the field goal protection team, doesn’t it?
I don’t believe they met with Jenkins last year and the year before I remember that while they were at the Missouri pro day most people thought they were looking at Gabbert and not Aldon. I don’t think I’d read too much into it.
George – ha, well played, well played
@ tkamB
I do believe they did indeed meet with Jenkins prior to drafting him.
They did Razor…
Scooter, I couldn’t resist. You’re a good sport!
Scooter, in thinking more about your comment, I don’t know that they don’t see defensive line as a priority. Something Sando said recently that I think is probably true: on defense they value the front seven more than the back 4. Also we know that JSmith and McDonald can’t last forever and that this is a good draft for DL. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to trade up for Richardson. Even if they bring in another free agent, there’s room. Will T and Dobbs are not set in stone.
George, I hope you are right and they do look at drafting DL early – I personally think it is a need position too.
Boom, who’s the only guy on here to put Hawthorne in their mock?
<===This guy
Course knowing me I probably traded next years first round pick for him.
Is this something new that you expect them to start doing this year?
No, they did this last year. It’s a function of their 4-3 Under base defense. Offenses can force the free safety-slot receiver matchup in 21 or 12 personnel with the tight end on the defense’s left side and two wide receivers to the defense’s right side. In that formation, Goldson picked up the slot receiver one-on-one. The Rams did it to him last year.
Here’s a picture: http://oi48.tinypic.com/2lnbwcy.jpg
Goldson ended up biting on the play fake and giving up a 11-yard completion to Chris Givens.
It’s the same formation the 49ers used in their first series in Seattle last season: http://oi45.tinypic.com/k1oobl.jpg
Earl Thomas can cover, so the 49ers didn’t attack that matchup. They used it to suck Earl Thomas close to the line and get Manningham one-on-one deep against Browner’s backup. Kaepernick overthrew him.
Nice Grant. A picture is worth a 1000 words. I was thinking you meant more of a tight coverage.
I think this matchup could be particularly crucial next season. The Seahawks can force the 49ers’ free safety to cover Percy Harvin one-on-one.
Do you have any pictures of how Minnesota attacked them last year? My NFL Rewind is messed up.
Not right now. I’ll have some later this afternoon.
Love the insert picture of Palin…..
Grant, do you see any of the safeties in this years draft as being able to cover 1-on-1 consistently? Its a good deep class, but I don’t really see any of the safeties standing out in this area.
Some research on Israel Idonije:
Nigerian-Canadian
University of Manitoba
Never invited to NFL Combine
Undrafted free agent
Plays DT and DE
Has also played gunner on punt coverage
Profootball Weekly scouting report:
Positives: Great size and length. Strong at the point of attack and will hold his ground. Flashes power. Very sound tackler. Smart, hardworking and disciplined. Will not quit on plays — battles to the whistle. Good closing speed. Has the versatility to move inside. Has long arms and leaping ability to block field goals. Durable. Outstanding character.
Negatives: Lacks elite burst and suddenness. Consistently faced one-on-one matchups playing opposite Peppers and got neutralized too often. Not the most creative pass rusher. Has limited moves and countermoves. Not a top-tier producer. Plays too upright at times and loses leverage.
Risk factor: He’s on the wrong side of 30 and is not an elite pass rusher, but Idonije should be an attractive option for a team looking for a solid, dependable D-lineman with the ability to play multiple positions up front in a 4-3 defense. Teams know what they’re getting in Idonije, and the risk factor here is very low.
“Our position is unique and real positive,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “We have 14 picks in the upcoming draft. It’s an opportunity to really have an inflection point for our organization.
“So (general manager) Trent Baalke has to be on his ‘A’ game. This could make you. You could be the next Bill Polian, the next Ozzie Newsome. It all hinges on this draft. So it’s exciting. Every one of those picks is going to be crucial.”
Exactly what I’ve been saying.
Rotoworld blurb on Nnamdi:
Nnamdi Asomugha – DB – Free Agent
The Saints are “thought to remain high” on free agent CB Nnamdi Asomugha, but talks are in a “holding pattern.”
Asomugha is apparently deciding between the Saints and 49ers, and isn’t known to have made any other visits. His drawn out decision-making process suggests neither team is offering beaucoup bucks. Asomugha will likely settle for an incentive-laden, one-year deal.
NinerNations Jewel of the Griffin
David Bass, DE Missouri Western: Bass put up record-setting numbers at this Division II school. In his college career, Bass had 39.5 sacks and 56 tackles for a loss. At 6’5″ 275 lbs, he could potentially be converted to 3-4 outside linebacker. Bass is an interesting player to consider in the late rounds, possibly emerging as a hidden gem.
Cool name and logo.
Free agency and some preliminary pre-draft visits has started to show what the 49ers are thinking – must be time for my updated mock draft! Apologies, this is a long post.
First off, I’m assuming that the 49ers don’t feel DL is as big a need as I do. So I’m going to go away from taking DL early. Instead, FA signings/ interest and pre-draft visits suggest safety, TE and WR are being given serious consideration.
I’m also going to assume the 49ers are somewhat active with draft trades. Common sense suggests a stacked roster means not many picks can make the roster this year. But I’m seeing some uncertainty regarding the depth behind presumptive starters at a number of positions, including FS, SS, CB, WR, TE, DL, OLB, ILB, OT and QB. I think there is a very real possibility a large number of draft picks can beat out current backups. But even if they don’t, we know Harbaugh loves competition, so they won’t be against using later draft picks on guys that don’t end up making the roster. So I’m more inclined to think they will trade down rather than up with the 31st or 34th pick. I’m going with the following 4 trades:
- trade down: 2 (34) + 5 (164) traded for 2 (39) + 4 (106)
- trade down: 2 (39) traded for 2 (52) + 3 (83)
- trade up: 3 (93) + 4 (128) traded for 3 (84)
- trade up: 6 (180) + 7 (227) traded for 6 (170)
1 (31): Zach Ertz TE, Stanford. 49ers offensive staff know all about Ertz and what he can bring to the table. With Walker gone, 49ers will want to bring in a TE that provides Kaepernick with a reliable target and red zone presence.
2 (52): Markus Wheaton WR, Oregon State. I’m thinking 49ers will surprise a few people and look to keep adding weapons for Kaepernick and Roman to use. Wheaton did it all at Oregon State – he’s a reliable WR at all levels of the field and is also dangerous as a runner out of the backfield.
2 (61): Philip Thomas SS/FS, Fresno State. I think Thomas is the best safety in the draft but experts seem to disagree. Good – that works out well for the 49ers as they get a guy that could potentially start from day 1, and longer term will take over from Whitner at SS.
3 (74): Corey Lemonier OLB/DE, Auburn. Lack of production in the back end of his 2012 season, and some concerns about his ability to break down in space has Lemonier considered a 3rd rounder in most circles. There is talk he could go higher than this though. I think he’d be a great rotational fit for the 49ers if he’s there at 74.
3 (83): Aaron Dobson WR, Marshall. 49ers have Boldin, Manningham and Williams coming off contract after 2013, and Manningham and Williams have question marks following knee surgery. Adding a 2nd WR early may seem over-kill, but I think the 49ers like the idea of surrounding Kaepernick with as many talented weapons as possible. Dobson and Wheaton are both good WRs at all levels of the field, and Dobson provides additional height for the red zone. Some may question whether he lasts this long, but the WR position is stacked this year. Someone will fall, and I think it will be Dobson.
3 (84): Matt Scott QB, Arizona. 49ers need a another QB now that Smith is gone, and Scott is the sort of QB I think Harbaugh would like to work with.
4 (106): B.W. Webb CB, William & Mary. Webb will play nickel early in his career and provides the feistiness and speed needed for the role. Concerns regarding coming from a small school, but he showed at the Senior Bowl he can mix it with better players.
4 (131 comp pick): A.J Klein ILB, Iowa State. Grant and Gooden may not be back, and despite adding Skuta there is a spot available for an ILB. Klein is a solid player and can contribute on special teams.
5 (157): Duke Williams DB, Nevada. The competition at safety in training camp is going to be fierce. Williams is an athletically gifted player that has shown the ability to hit as well as cover TEs and slot WRs. Worth a look.
6 (170): Ricky Wagner OT, Wisconsin. His stock is falling after a rough Bowl game and Senior Bowl, but Wagner is a guy that could be a solid backup at both OT positions.
7 (237): Caleb Sturgis K, Florida. Signing Dawson relieves the need for a kicker to be drafted, but nothing wrong with adding some competition in camp.
7 (246 comp pick): Nicholas Williams DE/DT, Samford. Williams impressed at the scouting combine and is a player on the rise. Good length and strength for the position. If he’s available, he’s worth bringing into camp.
7 (252 comp pick): Walter Stewart DE/OLB, Cincinatti. Serious health concerns but plenty of upside. Worth bringing in for a look at the small cost of a comp pick in the 7th round.
For those I haven’t put to sleep, enjoy!
I credit you and the others who have tackled this project for their dedication to the game and their guts to take the heat.
You think Webb lasts that long? Nice draft though Scooter, thanks…
Wow, so you have us drafting 13 picks. I don’t think we take that many. I feel like we’ll either trade up or stockpile some extra picks for next year.
I do like your effort though. I think we throw in the honey badger with one of those picks. We need help in the slot and punt returns.
Yep, 13 picks – as I said, I think there is some question marks over the quality of the 49ers depth in many positions and Harbaugh loves competition. Each of the players I have included I think has a realistic shot at making the 53 man roster or the practice squad.
Keep in mind that the 2 comp picks at the end of 7th aren’t likely to net sure-fire roster guys. Those are picks you use to get a leg up in taking guys you would otherwise target as undrafted FAs.
Also, you don’t get much in return for trading 5th, 6th or 7th round draft picks. You can use those picks to move up a few slots here or there, but its hard to get much value from trading out of those picks.
@Scoot
Nice work. I can’t agree with every single detail, but that’s not the point. May I suggest that you save this to file and bring it out after the draft for post mortem dissection, just for the fun of it. One initial reaction I had was the four trades seem ‘busy’, but I acknowledge that the choices at hand make for some opportunities.
As to the DBs available this year, I saw a mock where X.Rhodes fell to #31; tempting. Anyway, we’ll see I guess.
If Rhodes or Trufant are there at #31 they’d be worth taking. As I said in reply to CfC, I wouldn’t go hard for any CBs this year (ala Grant’s mock where he has the 49ers trading up to the early teens for Rhodes), but Rhodes and Trufant are two of three CBs I think are worthy of first round grades (Milliner the other). I think they both should be late 1st round picks (20s onwards) but will likely be gone before #31.
Great mock good job! Gives me a lot to think about. A couple thoughts but not criticisms;
4 of your first 6 picks are on offense. I’m not sure if this is faith in the later round defensive players or a feeling that the better offensive player makers will be gone early.
Added two relatively high pick WR’s to a group that will most likely only be able to add one to the active roster given the group it already has. Do they want to use a high pick on a guy they will have to risk stashing on the practice squad?
I’m surprised that you feel Sturgis will still be available in the 7th. I’ve given up on the idea of drafting a kicker but if that scenario was available I’d snag him there for sure. That would be incredible value and would make Dawson expendable possibly.
With all of the offensive players especially early I’m a bit surprised to see no RB. The team has made no attempt to hide their affection of Lattimore, might be draft smoke but I’m kind of thinking not.
Overall I really like it for some originality and again it gives me some things to think about on my next version.
Thanks for the feedback CfC, and understand your queries.
Regarding adding offense in the first 4 rounds, I agree it seems at odds with the general consensus of needs, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Baalke and Harbaugh look to make the offense a real strength by adding some serious weapons around Kaepernick. Adding 2 WRs, I wouldn’t expect to see either stashed on the PS. Manningham could well end up on PUP to start the season and if they drafted 2 WRs then I’d expect either Manningham or Williams to be let go. Looking beyond 2013, Ertz, Wheaton and Dobson, combined with Crabtree, Jenkins and Davis, would provide Kaepernick with talented pass catchers for the next few years.
Lattimore was a consideration, but in the end he didn’t fit into the selections. Definitely a possibility though.
As for defense, I don’t think any of the CBs this year are great, so I wouldn’t go hard for any of them. Not convinced the value is there for an early CB this year. Mid rounds the CBs will likely provide better value in my opinion. Webb could be a good nickel back. Safety is adequately addressed with Thomas and Williams. I tossed up between Okafor and Ertz in the first, but went with Ertz and Lemonier in the 3rd. Could easily swap Ertz for Okafor (or a different DL) and take Escobar at 74 instead.
I was not paying much attention the the TE conversation or draft needs, but I was checking out some CK highlights and sparked my memory DW was all over the place in the pistol formation. He essentially was a starter. I wish him luck b/c always wondered how good he can be as a full time starter. He deserves it.
Who can replace a TE/H-back with speed??? Someone on the roster (Boldin/Celek), Draft (this article I have yet to read), FA(too lazy to look), Trade (Tebow).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPzVojz0JsE
Looking at the FA the niners have brought in, most of them seem like an insurance policy in case who they want in the draft are not there or dont make it out of preseason. Wouldnt be surprised to see the niners trade back and gain 2014 picks either.
i hope we draft a big TE at least 6-5 those guys should be considered after the 1st round by our FO: Escobar, Kelce,Otten and Sudfeld(former Nevada)
I like the fact that the 49ers seem to be more enamored with players who can actually play the game vs players with great combine numbers.
We whiffed on Taylor Mays when the Org became mesmerized with his combine numbers and drafted him.
Last year Vontaz Burfect took a nose-dive on draft boards because of his combine numbers. Then he went on to have a very good rookie year with the Bengals because he can actually play football.
Speed is vital in the game of football. But it means nothing if the player does not know the nuances of the game.
I used to have major issues with the scouting standards of our previous regimes. I believe that the Org has turned the corner in this area over the last few years.
Thank goodness!
EVERYBODY on Notre Dame is overrated!! Ertz is twice the player in blocking and pass catching! Anybody that saw the Alabama game can see Notre Dame players looked like a Div. II team. They were a media hype because 50% of fans hate them and 50% like them!
Search for the next great tight end during March Madness or the D-League: A short but stout PF who played high school football.
Darn Seahawks picked Darren Fells 6’7″ 280 lb pro-basketball player who was a former All State TE for California.
I would reach out again to26 year old D league player Paul Harris. I remember he was a physical but undersized forward/guard on Syracuse. I think he was supposed to try out for the combine last year, but I’m not sure if he actually did. Guy was a beast in college 6’3″ 8 rebs/game as a guard on Sycracuse, the Big East, big time college hoops.
Rakim Sanders guard on the Warriors summer league team was also a big undersized guard, who 6’3″ 230 is another possibility.
Trent Baalke needs to contact the Warriors scouting department.