49ers likely eyeing these draft prospects

Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

The first round of the NFL draft is Thursday, and for now, the 49ers own the ninth pick.

If they trade up, they could take Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson, North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb or Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.

If the 49ers trade down, they could take University of Texas-San Antonio defensive end Marcus Davenport, Boston College outside linebacker Harold Landry or Iowa guard/center James Daniels.

But if the 49ers don’t trade up or down — if they stay at pick No. 9 — they will probably select one of the following five players.

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This article has 192 Comments

  1. Amazed at how Ward is frequently dismissed as soon as his name is mentioned. When it comes down to the simple question”How many wins does this player buy me?” Ward is right up there.

    1. I agree. Ward is not undersized he’s just not a 6ft plus corner. With his athletic ability he should make it plenty hard on qbs to complete a pass.

  2. Please don’t draft Fitzpatrick. Eric Reid can play safety better. Maybe they can trade down and get players to improve their club.

  3. “That means he’d probably be a weakside linebacker in the 49ers’ defense — not a middle linebacker.”

    As I’ve said before, they won’t draft Smith if they see him as a WILL only LB. A weakside linebacker at #9 is a reach.

    “Edmunds is a legitimate middle linebacker.”

    Thank you. That would be his main position.

    “The 49ers may choose to pass on Edmunds and take a defensive back if they can get a starting-quality middle linebacker in Round 2.”

    “Boise State’s middle linebacker, Leighton Vander Esch, should be available then.”

    He won’t be there that late IMO.

    “But the 49ers may not be in the market for a strong safety.”

    Agreed. No need for a box S.

    “That special corner could be Fitzpatrick.”

    Fitz would be single high S, but would move around.

    Ward? I’ll believe it when I see it. I doubt we would take that risk at #9. We’re taking Meeks and or Kelly in the middle rounds.

    1. When Grant picks 36 different players across 4 mocks and now this how could he not be right somewhere?

  4. http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article209508954.html

    “The victim in the domestic violence case involving 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has hired an attorney, an uncommon move and one that legal experts suspect signals she does not plan to cooperate with the prosecution.”

    “Most common is that they want to explore their right not to testify or do not intend to cooperate with the prosecution.”

    Well then. Looks like Foster will remain a Niner. I wouldn’t be upset if we took Edmunds, but I’m on team Landry now. I just hope (for her sake) they don’t get back together.

    1. I think I heard the DA office has enough to convict Foster without her testimony.

      Regardless, I think Foster should go away for the year and come back a changed man a la Ray Lewis (though he didn’t go away). The Niners can retain him and insert next year. This should cover the NFL suspensions as well.

      It is harsh but I want to keep this guy around but he needs a ‘re-effing-set.’ This dude after testing positive and getting tossed out of the combine, head a draft party sponsored by a vape company… like dude, you arrogant fool. Thank god that was it and he went into the season with the only issues being getting hurt and worrying if this guy is fragile.

      The injuries alone cause for insurance pick at LB. With the rest of the risk… come-on… how is LB not the pick here!!! In fact two LBs should come off in rounds 1-4.

      1. “how is LB not the pick here!!!”

        Because you can get a decent ILB on day 2 or 3 and we just signed Toomer.

    2. You forgot Goodell and the Cowgirls rb from last year. Six or ten games suspended possible.

      1. I didn’t forget. Elliott’s girlfriend was interviewed by the NFL. The league suspended Elliott based on what the girlfriend told them. In the case of Brock, the girlfriend didn’t speak to the NFL, so Brock wasn’t suspended.

        http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/04/21/alleged-victim-in-reuben-foster-case-could-be-planning-to-refuse-to-cooperate/

        “If the alleged victim in this case refuses to cooperate with the NFL, it becomes virtually impossible to find the player to be in violation of the Personal Conduct Policy.”

        “In Ezekiel Elliott‘s case, the alleged victim submitted to multiple interviews with the league, making it easier for the league to harvest evidence that supported his suspension.”

  5. Repost from previous article. My second, final and no doubt 100% accurate mock.

    1. Harold Landry, Edge. Landry for mine is the best pure pass rusher in the draft and worthy of top 10 consideration. He looks an ideal fit for the Leo.

    2. Austin Corbett, OL. Athletic OL that will likely move to OG in the NFL. Alternative could be Tyrell Crosby if Corbett is gone.

    3a. Michael Gallup, WR. Solid all round WR with decent size and speed. Backup and eventual replacement for Garcon.

    3b. Quenton Meeks, CB. Smart and athletic CB with good size.

    4. Tegray Scales, LB. Highly instinctive LB with excellent production.

    5. Mark Walton, RB. Steady all round back that is on the smaller side, but provides a nice backup/rotation guy that can run, catch and block.

    6. Michael Joseph, CB. Very raw and played a low level of competition, but good size, athleticism and ball skills.

    7a. Quadree Henderson, PR/KR/WR. Return specialist that offers some receiving skills from the slot.

    7b. Foye Oluokun, S/LB. Big and athletic guy that can play S and LB that the 49ers had in for a visit. I see him filling that backup SS role and playing STs.

    1. Looks good. I not sold on Walton in this offense. He dances too much and he’s coming off an injury. Still, it would be a good gamble to take in the 5th.

      Well done.

      1. Cheers mate. Yeah, 5th round you don’t get the guys I would ideally like unfortunately! But I think Walton provides a nicely rounded skillset.

    2. I can definitely get behind this mock Scooter, but I think the team needs to draft some depth at OT.

      1. Thanks mate. Maybe if they took Crosby over Corbett? Could play OG this year and longer term play OT.

    3. @Scooter, good job. Some thoughts…

      I think we can trade back with buffalo or someone else if the QB is there and still get Landry

      Meeks might be off the board. Him or the CB from Colorado looks good in the third round

      Like Gallup and the trouble maker from UCLA, Lassley or something like that…

      RB at 5?? maybe Royce Freeman Oregon, he can step in at FB too. But I’d just take an undrafted RB for competition. Man Joe Williams needs to get it together.

      *** I’d like to see 2-3 EDGE and/or SAM LBs drafted

      1. Yeah, a small trade back then get Landry would be ideal. Hope they can swing that.

        I think Oliver from Colorado will be a late first/ early second guy. Meeks could well be gone by early third too though as you say. If that’s the case I think Tarvares McFadden becomes the option, though likely might be able to wait until the 4th to get him.

        I believe they will draft a RB at some point, and given other needs I think they will wait. If Freeman is there in the 5th then I take him over Walton. But I think Freeman goes late 3rd/early 4th.

        2-3 edge guys would be nice, but lots of holes to fill. I think a combo of Landry, Marsh, Attaochu, Harold and Watson is good enough for now.

    4. Looks real good, Scooter. I’d like to see an athletic OT to develop, but you can’t fill every hole. Not big on Walton, but he’s what you get that late. All in all, very nicely done….

      1. Thanks mate. You summed up my thoughts on OT and Walton well there too. Would love to get an OT to develop, but ran out of picks. And Walton isn’t the RB I would like, but in the 5th seems good value to me as a guy that can spell McKinnon and be relied on as a blocker and receiver.

      1. Nope. The TEs are terrible this year. No better than what the team already has.

    5. I like it Scooter. I don’t know much about the last 3 on your list admittedly but your top 4 picks are very similar to what I’m putting in my mock.

      I’d be really happy with a draft like this. Well done.

      1. Cheers mate. The order in which positions they take could easily vary, but I feel pretty confident the positions I have them drafting with their first 5 picks are the types of positions they will target early.

    6. Pettis over Gallup–not even close. Gallup’s just a guy. Pettis on the other is the type of player that can get game changing yards. He’s a chunk player. Walton? Meh. I’d take Roc Thomas over him and you could get him later.

      1. I’ve no idea where you get the idea that Gallup is just a guy. He’s very good. Pettis as a receiver is pretty average. Great return man though. No way I would take Pettis over Gallup.

        Walton is a decent all round RB that seems like a fit for Shanahan. Good value in the 5th.

  6. I actually wouldn’t mind this pick, at all. It would not surprise me if Ward and Ward were our starting CB’s next year.

    Witherspoon just doesn’t seem like he is going to develop into a good football player. People also need to realize that Sherman is coming off a bad injury and is gunnna be a step slower. That paired with the fact that he is notoriously known for holding on most plays does not make for a good outcome. Then you take into consideration the difference between Seattle’s pass rush and 49ers and it’s not hard to visualize a scenario where Sherman plays awful.

    So ya a CB might not be a bad pick. Although I think we get Ridley!

    1. “Witherspoon just doesn’t seem like he is going to develop into a good football player.”

      He’s already a good player.

      1. You think he is good? I think he is okay. I guess it’s too early to tell. But he isn’t a good tackler and his natural build isn’t that of a football player.

        Remember Donte Johnson was a “good player” after his first year too.

        1. Yes I think he’s good. He got better as he got more reps.

          http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article183781791.html

          “Witherspoon answers toughness question with hit on Adrian Peterson”

          Said Saleh: “AP (Peterson) tried to bounce it (outside) and he hit the daylights out of him and flipped AP head first. And so, his ability in the run game, his physicality and the way he’s been playing, he still can go further, but (toughness) is a non-issue.”

          He worked hard to get on the field last year, he’s dedicated. He will learn from Sherman and be even better.

  7. Damn good article Grant! That’s the best 49er draft preview I’ve seen from anyone so far. You nailed it (the right players to move up or down for and the top 5 players if they stay put at #9). ?

  8. Good stuff Grant,

    Definitely wouldn’t mind Ward if he’s that good. We gotta get a game changer at 9 imo. I like Landry but only if we trading back a few and picking up some picks.

  9. So exactly the same list as every other pundit is showing. Riveting stuff (eyes roll).

  10. I generally think you should draft the BPA of your top five positions of need in the first few rounds. The Niners biggest need is a pass rusher., as I think most would agree. So unless one of the other players available at CB, guard, safety (maybe), linebacker or WR is clearer better than Laundry then I agree with our Aussie friend; Landry should be the first choice.
    If he can generate 10 sacks a year he will force teams to game plan against him. This will open things up for the other front 7 and should generate a lot more pressure which is greatly needed .

    1. Timothy McKyer: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1986 NFL Draft. A 6’0″, 174-lb. cornerback from the University of Texas at Arlington, McKyer played in 12 NFL seasons for 7 different teams from 1986 to 1997.
      McKyer is a three-time Super Bowl champion, two victories with the 49ers in 1988 and 1989 and one with the Denver Broncos in 1997.
      McKyer is a three-time Super Bowl champion, two victories with the 49ers in 1988 and 1989 and one with the Denver Broncos in 1997. His best year as a pro came during his rookie season with San Francisco, intercepting 6 passes for 33 yards and 1 touchdown. He was second team All Conference corner for 2 NFL seasons and was named to the “All Madden Team”. During the Carolina Panthers inaugural season, he intercepted a pass and scored on a 96-yard interception run for a touchdown to defeat the Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers…Wikipedia

      I watched that game

  11. NFL DRAFT: Northern Iowa’s Daurice Fountain Trending Upwards Regardless of being snubbed by the NFL Combine, the UNI talent is expected to be drafted in late April. His stock has been rising since being named offensive MVP of the 2018 East-West Shrine Game. Fountain caught three passes for a game-high 61 yards and returned two punt returns for 40 yards for the East squad.

    In four seasons with the Panthers, Fountain caught 150 passes for 2,077 yards with 23 touchdowns. In 2017, he had career highs of 66 receptions for 943 yards with 12 touchdowns.
    https://herosports.com/nfl-draft/northern-iowa-daurice-fountain-trending-prospect-ajaj
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    NFL DRAFT: Northern Iowa’s Daurice Fountain Trending Upwards
    UNI ATHLETICS
    Northern Iowa’s Daurice Fountain (10) has been flying up the NFL Draft charts for several weeks now.

    Brian McLaughlin
    @BrianMacWriter Published on February 07, 2018 at 5:40 PM ESTUpdated on February 07, 2018 at 8:16 PM EST
    Daurice Fountain has felt ‘wanted’ before. As a 3-star high school prospect out of Wisconsin, he was a prime MVFC recruiting battle years ago — one of the more highly rated prospects who signed with an FCS program in 2014. Northern Iowa came out the winner and Fountain went on to become a 2,000-yard career receiver.

    Now, he has NFL teams acting like those MVFC programs did in the winter of 2013-14.

    FCS COMBINE SNUBS: UNI’s Daurice Fountain Is a Glaring Omission

    NFL COMBINE: The 20 FCS Players Who Were Invited

    MORE: COMPARE ANY TWO FCS PLAYERS OR ANY TWO FCS TEAMS
    Fountain, who stands 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, has been trending for months, and then he solidified himself in the eyes of pro scouts with his showing all week in January at the Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. He led all receivers in yardage in the actual game, had two punt returns for 40 yards, and had a very strong week in workouts. In an all-star setting where it’s very difficult to shine — especially as an offensive skill player whose offense had three days to do introductions and become viable — having 100-plus yards of production in an all-star game was a big deal for Fountain.

  12. Better Rivals did a recent podcast (4/18) on the Day 2/later edge players and cornerbacks. In their view, no edge guys after Chubb and Landry are worth drafting. They like the depth at CB though. Here are the players they discuss. I listed where you can find them on the podcast:

    EDGE Hercules Mata’afa, Washington State 2:55
    EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma 7:12
    EDGE Kemoko Turay, Rutgers 13:11
    EDGE Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest 17:15
    EDGE Josh Sweat, Florida State 21:41
    CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado 30:42
    CB Carlton Davis, Auburn 36:36
    CB Quenton Meeks, Stanford 40:22
    CB Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State 45:48
    CB Donte Jackson, LSU 48:34
    CB M.J. Stewart, North Carolina 51:34
    DB Kyzir White, West Virginia 51:34

      1. I’m feeling like it’s gonna be Landry, and then Crosby with the first two picks now.

    1. While I think saying there is nobody worth drafting after Chubb and Landry is hyperbole, it does speak to the dearth of edge talent in this draft. If they miss out on Chubb or Landry then they will in all likelihood be looking to draft an edge guy very high next year too.

      After Chubb and Landry, the only two edge pass rushers I really like are Sweat and Turay. After them you have some OLBs that can contribute a few sacks but aren’t dominant edge rushers, or complementary/ rotational guys. Not good.

      1. Landry’s skill set is the missing link, and he’ll assist in helping the defense get off the field on 3rd downs. That’s where Jimmy comes in and scores again….

      2. “If they miss out on Chubb or Landry then they will in all likelihood be looking to draft an edge guy very high next year too.”

        This is probably an accurate statement. As we know, premier edge rushers don’t hit the free agent market. And premier edge prospects go in the top half of the first round. We won’t be picking this high after this year’s draft. This is our only shot at getting a big time edge rusher.

    2. George,
      Thank for the list.
      I like Landry, but don’t believe that he is a top 10 player.
      He has very good traits as far as speed and bend but he is not a day one starter. He will not be able to consistently turn the corner on NFL O-lineman like he did in college. He couldn’t do it against ND.
      And as many say he played injured and ND also had arguably the best 2 O-line in college. OK, but the NFL is chock full of great O-linemen that will control a speed rusher even if he has a great bend. NFL O-linemen are pros not statues that can be consistently run around on.

      My theory going into Thursday has been that if we are going to pick at 9, we should pick a starter. This is no indictment against Landry. This has more to do with drafting a player that can start on day one. We have drafted three #1’s along the defensive line the last 3 seasons and aside from Buckner, are still waiting for two of them to show up.
      Armstead can’t complete a season and Thomas got swallowed up by O-linemen last year when he pass rushed.

      A very strong likelihood for day one starters are:
      Minkah Fitzgerald (strong likely pick)
      Derwin James (luxury pick)
      Roquan Smith (likely pick)
      Quintin Nelson (no-brainer if he slides)
      Imo, a number 9 pick should carry this value.
      We’ll see where the cards fall on Draftmas Thursday.

      1. AES,

        He has very good traits as far as speed and bend but he is not a day one starter. He will not be able to consistently turn the corner on NFL O-lineman like he did in college. He couldn’t do it against ND.

        This simply isn’t true AES and I supplied a link with video from the game so you could watch it for yourself. Landry was getting great pressure early on to the point they had to start doubling him on the right side and taking shorter drops in the passing game. He didn’t win every battle and got himself out of position a couple of times, but he was a big factor and made ND alter their game plan because of it. He will get a lot of snaps in year one as a situational pass rusher and eventually a full time role.

        1. rocket,
          I also saw the game. And yes, I agree with your take but let’s at least be fair in making reference that Landry was playing against a freshman O-lineman for the better part of the game.
          Now, some have pointed out that this is only cherry-picking a few flaws on one game, but those are significant flaws (which have been mentioned ad nauseam) that could make a big difference at the next level.

          In any case, we have read from our PD family and looked at a variety of links on Landry over the past few weeks and we still don’t know if he is a slam-dunk #9 pick. Worse, how can some say that he is a 10 sack per year player based on what he did in college?
          I will ask you this:
          1. Is Landry a day-one starter?
          2. Will he get 10 sacks in his rookie season?
          3. Will he freely run-around O-linemen in the NFL?
          Personally, this would be my criteria as a #9 selection.
          It’s time to start getting production from our top 10 picks.

          1. 1) Yes he will be a day one starter as a pass rusher in Nickel and obvious passing downs which history tells us will be 70-80% of the defensive snaps.
            2) I don’t know and you can’t predict how any rookie is going to produce so this same question should be asked of anybody they select.
            3) He will beat a number of OL with his speed and bend, but as I have been saying, he’s going to be doing a lot more than that as he gets NFL Coaching.

            I agree that we need production from our top ten picks but these questions you’ve asked are going to be asked of any player they take. Landry is arguably the best pass rusher in the class, it’s a huge need and no other player we select will have the potential to impact the team in year one and beyond the way Landry will.

            1. rocket,
              I respect your view (always have), I just don’t happen to agree with the hype on Landry.
              Anything under 10 sacks for a supposedly elite pass rusher with our #9 pick would be viewed as underachieving imo. No top 10 player should disappear like Armstead and Thomas have.

              I also see Landry getting his share of snaps but only situational at first.
              Of course, if we draft him I will be one of his biggest fans as I would for all our draft picks and UDFA.

              1. How many rookies produce 10+ sacks, even if they are taken top 10?

                The main thing is that he develops into a consistent 10+ sack guy. If as a rookie he gets 6+ sacks and creates a decent amount of pressure he’s going alright.

              2. AES,

                Thank you I appreciate it and I respect your opinions as well.

                I think you are expecting too much from a draft pick in this case because history tells us that kind of production doesn’t emanate too often from a rookie. Having said that I think Landry could approach double digit sacks with the natural talent and opportunity he will have if the Niners select him. Something to think about: would you be disappointed if he wound up with 6-8 sacks but Buckner’s sacks increased?

              3. Yeah, its just not that common for rookies to get 10+ sacks. In the past 10 years I believe only 4 or 5 rookie edge rushers have topped 10 sacks (including 2 in the great 2011 edge class – Aldon and Von Miller). In the past five years only 1 guy has done it (Bosa).

              4. Guys,
                I like Landry, just don’t see him as a top 10 pick. Actually, many NFL analyst (though not swayed by their assessments) don’t see him as a top 10 pick either.

                Here’s my deal with Landry. Because he seems to rely mostly on his speed and bend, other important areas of his game are still lacking.
                A strong push (power) at the point of attack will need to be developed in his arsenal if he happens to face an O-lineman or a TE who can nullify his speed. Many say that Landry is rated right behind Chubb, but that is a sizable distance because Chubb has the strength and hands to fight off O-linemen. Sorry guys, but Landry will get manhandled in phone-booth situations. Also, if Landry has any reoccurring issues with his ankle his speed will do him no good without any other pass rush techniques.

                Any decent O-Cord will quickly find holes in Landry’ game and just as quickly find a blue-print to take advantage of it.
                We need a full-time starter with our number 9.

              5. I’ve been talking to many Bears fans that believe Landry will be the pick at #8.

              6. Aes,
                Is he a starter? Yes. He will be on the field 70 percent of the time or more. Given the way teams rotate to keep players fresh they should have plenty of snaps for him.
                Is he a 10 sack guy.
                If healthy, he’s a 10 sack guy day 1, More importantly he likely adds 15 to 20 sacks to the team just from his presence.

          2. Worse, how can some say that he is a 10 sack per year player based on what he did in college?

            Maybe it was the 16.5 he had in 2016 when he was slotted as the #3 ranked prospect in the country, behind Darnold and Key. He had 5 this year in 8 games played, and so he was on track to produce double digits again. Combine both years, and he averaged just over 10 per year….

            1. Razor,
              I hope you are right if we draft him.
              I’m just not feeling it unless we trade back for him.

              The operative word is College. It’s a whole different breed in the Big show.

  13. Regarding Grants retweets , opinions are like a-holes, everybody has ’em. Except a-holes have more of them (opinions).

    I think McKinnon is going to make a lot people look foolish this year, none of whom are affiliated with the Niners.

    1. That foolishness begins in Minnesota where Mckinnon pillages the Vikings village, and leads his 49ers to victory.

      1. And “Jason.OTC” can stick his “screwed contract structure” straight up his…. opinion

        1. Jason does not understand that McKinnon was hired primarily to exploit and destroy the Rams linebackers, while their expensive corners are forced to make tackles….

          1. Anyone who has ever taken part of an auction bidding war where someone else covets your shiny new toy as much as you do… well yeah you might overpay. But hey that’s the market speaking, even if the market is only a couple other entities. Let the actuaries and other green shade types kvetch about monetary value (see Grant, I’m familiar with a bit of Yiddish too).

            I can’t wait to see the myriad ways shanny is going to fire up the jet.

            1. Zimmer himself admitted he’s worth it. Jason and Grant just need to fasten their seatbelts, put their tray tables away, and return their seats to their upright position, because the Jet is set to take off….

              1. I posted a bold prediction a while back that McKinnon will go for a thousand yards rushing and receiving, a’la Roger Craig.

              2. Gabriel, it wouldn’t surprise me but for that to happen; the offensive line will need to be successful in executing their assignments week in and week out….

              3. the offensive line will need to be successful in executing their assignments week in and week out….

                I think they’re up to it. Like I said, it’s a bold prediction. ?

    2. I haven’t read what was said in the tweets, but the McKinnon contract was terrible and everyone outside of the 9ers has said so. That doesn’t mean the 9ers made a mistake or that they weren’t forced to overpay due to another team being interested, but the bottom line is that was a grossly bloated contract for a player who’s play hadn’t come close to warranting that kind of money. They can afford it and the team along with all of us are hoping he earns that money, but you can’t look at McKinnon’s track record and make an argument that it wasn’t a bad contract.

      1. The Jets (maybe the Bucs as well) were going to give him “that kind of money” If the Niners didn’t. It just shows that shanny really really sees the potential of what this kid can do in his offense that he didn’t get the suits to fold in the bidding war.

        1. No argument. Doesn’t change the fact McKinnon is being severely overpaid for what he’s done to this point in his career.

          1. You don’t get paid in today’s sports for what you did. It’s about what your production will be and the potential to perform is why athletes get paid in today’s modern sports. McKinnon is only 25 years old. Been in the league 3 years. Of course he is getting paid on his potential as he earned it through bein a free agent and what the Niners deem what he will do.

            1. Paying a player who hasn’t done what you are hoping he will do is how you get into cap trouble. It won’t hurt the Niners in this case because they have a ton of room and the deal is front loaded but that is irrelevant to the discussion. It’s a bad contract because they are paying McKinnon more than double what he is worth based on the body of work. We can talk all we want about how there was a bidding war and Shanny really wanted him, but the facts are the facts. It’s a bad contract. Luckily for the Niners it won’t matter long term.

              1. It’s only a bad contract if he does not produce. But you are completely missing the point on the money offered is in relation to what his potential will be.
                If every free agent was paid on what his body of work was, then veteran players would be raking it in. That type of management has changed. It’s a young mans game and guys getting paid are the ones who are young and up and coming.
                The only reason Cousins got paid is because of the value of his position.

              2. Sorry Chris but it’s you who’s missing the point. Older veterans who are on the downside of their careers don’t get paid based on what they did previously that’s true, but young players going into their second contract sure as hell do. No team is going to pay a 26 year old player millions if he hasn’t shown something during his rookie contract.

                Cousins got paid because he’s a top ten QB who got to FA which rarely happens. If he hadn’t played at a high level for 3 years in DC he wouldn’t have.

              3. And that’s my point. McKinnon has not shown the stats to go with the contract the Niners gave, but he sure as heck has shown the versatility,the upside and work ethic to earn that contract. And that’s my point. The NFL owners and teams are rewarding players who are young and have upside. So what you term “severely overpaid” is now the norm all things considering of that I mentioned.

              4. Chris,

                It is not the norm and I have no idea where you are getting this from. Teams give top 5 contracts to players who have shown they can play at a level worthy of them. McKinnon was 34th in yards rushing last year and is now the 4th highest paid RB in the league. Show me another example of a player ranking this low and getting paid in the top 5 of his position. It is not the norm by any stretch. It doesn’t mean it won’t work out as they obviously see McKinnon fitting into their offense and expect big things from him especially as a receiver, but they overpaid big time. Thankfully it won’t hurt them due to the large cap space and it being front loaded, but that doesn’t change the fact it was a bad contract.

              5. Overpaid? You act like it’s your money and in free agency, every team over pays. That’s the norm and that’s what NFL free agency is all about. I could show you millions of examples of teams paying a guy top five money when the previous year he didn’t perform in the top 5. Perfect example, Jimmy Garrapolo. Or how about Allen Robinson. There alone are guys not in the top five in their position and are vastly “overpaid” as you say.
                The point again, that’s free agency. It’s based on what the player will do, not what’s been done.

              6. It’s a comment on a contract Chris. It’s not my money and that is irrelevant to the observation. Your point on Allen Robinson actually makes my argument not yours. Robinson is being paid based on a huge season he had two years ago. Nobody would pay that much for somebody coming off of an ACL injury if they hadn’t shown the ability to play at an elite level previously. Same thing applies for Jimmy G. He wouldn’t have got a deal like this if he hadn’t played so well for the Niners down the stretch. That is the problem with the McKinnon contract. As I pointed out, he has been in the 30’s in rushing and is now the #4 paid RB in the league. I know everyone over pays in FA that is why there are a lot of bad contracts that teams walk away from in a couple of years. I have no idea how you can justify this isn’t a bad contract, but you are entitled to your opinion.

                No team bases a contract strictly on what they hope a player will do. It is based on what they have shown and what the team feels they will be able to do in their system.

              7. Jimmy Garropollo you are telling me got 50 million guaranteed because of what he did in 7 starts or because what the Niners discovered what he has the potential to do? And Allen Robinson got all that money because of what he has shown 2 years ago or what he is capable of for the next 5 years?
                What you are failing to understand is that every team over spends in free agency. Teams over spend because they believe that player will do more for them in the future. Its also a competitive market and if you want a guy, you have to over price him. McKinnon is viewed by the Niners as someone who can improve their passing game, running game, maybe special teams and the attitude he brings to the weight room and beyond. Of course the contract is based on that and not what he did with the Vikings.
                I dont think you fully grasp what free agency dictates.

              8. How did they discover the potential Garoppolo had? They saw him play in games and produce. That is why they gave him the big deal. If you honestly think he would have gotten this type of money without the team seeing him play those games you are sadly mistaken. Teams aren’t going to make a player near the highest paid at his position based on potential alone. It doesn’t happen. They have to see the player play at a level commiserate with the contract. If Robinson hadn’t put up that pro bowl season a couple of years ago, nobody would have offered him anywhere close to the deal he received from the Bears. He would have been a young receiver coming off an ACL with no history of elite play. What is it you have a problem understanding here?

                I don’t know what else to say Chris. You are obviously not grasping what is being said and think I don’t understand something I clearly do. The basis on which teams sign big contracts is a secondary issue, but we disagree and that’s fine. I understand teams overpay in FA ok. That is why so many bad contracts get done. This was a bad contract. Making a bottom of the league RB the #4 highest paid is not a good deal. If you tried to pass that off in the business world you would be escorted out of the building. Even the Niners know they overpaid and only did so because they have the cap room. Everybody outside of a few Niner fans can see this. You can’t and thus it’s a waste of time to continue stating the same things over and over again.

              9. Of course Garropollo got what he got based on what they seen him do. But your comment was players get paid on “their body of work”. So now 7 games determines a pay day of 50 million guaranteed? You have no idea now what you are arguing. Its the potential performance that Garropollo brings that cashed him in at that big money contract. Not his body of work of less than 10 NFL “body of work” starts. Get real.

                You are arguing that McKinnons contract and what the Niners are paying him is a bad contract. But when he leads the team in rushing and adds a new dimension in the passing game will it be a bad contract? You are failing to see that the contract and free agency is based on what the player will do. And that’s make the offense and other players at different positions better. You cannot look at the money or the stats. Its what he does well and what that team will make him do much better.

              10. Of course Garropollo got what he got based on what they seen him do. But your comment was players get paid on “their body of work”. So now 7 games determines a pay day of 50 million guaranteed? You have no idea now what you are arguing. Its the potential performance that Garropollo brings that cashed him in at that big money contract. Not his body of work of less than 10 NFL “body of work” starts. Get real.

                Smh. Chris look back over all of these comments including the ones I made to Cubus, and show me where I said the contract has nothing to do with potential. Of course that plays a part and I haven’t argued against that. What I am saying is you don’t see teams making a player the highest paid at his position without having seen him play at a high level. Garoppolo played at an elite level in pretty near every game he has started. They didn’t give him this contract on the hope he can become an elite QB; they gave it to him because they saw him play like an elite QB and expect it to continue. The Bears gave Robinson that deal because they saw him play at an elite level two years ago and think he can get back to that with them. You don’t see the kind of deals the Niners gave to McKinnon and Jus very often and the reason is teams want to see evidence that the player is worth it before committing to that large of a contract. The contract is based on what the player has shown and what the team expects him to be. It’s not one or the other.

                You are arguing that McKinnons contract and what the Niners are paying him is a bad contract. But when he leads the team in rushing and adds a new dimension in the passing game will it be a bad contract? You are failing to see that the contract and free agency is based on what the player will do. And that’s make the offense and other players at different positions better. You cannot look at the money or the stats. Its what he does well and what that team will make him do much better.

                You just stated why your argument doesn’t stand up. You are basing it on a what if instead of what we know. The only thing we know is that McKinnon has been a bottom of the league runner and part time player. The rest is speculation. The Niners believe he can be good in this system but don’t know until he plays. That is why paying him top 5 money is a gamble and one they likely only took because they have a lot of cap room. They are paying him like he is one of the best RB’s in the league before seeing if he can come close to reaching that level. That is why it’s a bad contract. Hopefully it works out and he’s as good as they hope, but when the player has to make a jump that substantial just to reach the level he’s being paid, it’s not a good deal for the team and one that could fail just as easily as being successful.

              11. It’s not a gamble. Everything to do with McKinnons contract is based on exceptional scouting and the potential that he brings to Shanahans scheme.
                Your original argument was that he should not be paid based on what he’s done. My argument is free agency is based on what the player has the potential to do that’s the point you’re missing. You keep changing the argument which is free agents get signed on what they will do. Not what they have done. All the past performances that a player has done tells us what his skills set is. Then then lure of money and contract is based on what he will do and what the market dictates.

              12. My argument is and always has been that paying a RB who has performed near the bottom of the league top 5 money is not a good contract. You turned it into the potential vs. body of work discussion based on your response to my initial entry on the topic and I’ve told you that both are involved when handing a player a big deal. Of course the team is paying for what’s to come. That isn’t some enlightening statement that is hard to understand. What you aren’t getting is that the the contract offer doesn’t come unless the player has a body of work that makes the team interested enough to offer him that deal. First the team is interested by what they see then they envision what the player can do for them. It’s not an either/or situation. I can’t explain it any clearer to you. Somehow you’ve convinced yourself that giving a big contract for potential alone is a sound investment and you are entitled to that, but good luck finding many people who agree with you.

              13. I’ll try to make this even easier to understand Chris. Look at this list of FA’s or find another one you like, and see how many players on it finished near the bottom of the league at their position group and then signed a top 5 contract.

                http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000905368/article/top-25-free-agents-of-2018-quarterbacks-top-the-board-for-now

                A really good example of what I’m trying to get across to you is Case Keenum. He signed for 2 mill last year based on having had a journeymen career. He then had a good year as the starter in Minnesota and parlayed that into over 20 mill guaranteed from Denver. He didn’t get a big money deal until he showed an ability to do it and most teams don’t give big contracts to players unless they have shown the ability to play at a level worthy of the money being offered. It’s why this McKinnon deal is an outlier and a major over payment. You pay based on what the player has done and what he can do for you in the future. You don’t know if a player can play at a high level if he’s never done it before. Teams draft based on potential, they sign FA’s based on the body of work and the fit within their system. If you don’t get it after that then there is nothing else I can say to get you to understand.

              14. Rocket I don’t think you really understand the NFL and free agency as to how it really works.
                Case Keenum got paid because he showed the league that he could quarterback a team and that he had the potential to lead a team to the playoffs. Nobody knew who case Keenum was before last year in fact he was labelled as a career back up . So yes the reason he got paid was because Denver was convinced he had the potential to be a starter. It’s not solely on the fact he had a good year.
                Look at Kaepernick. He had a stretch of 10-12 good games. But the league never thought much of him because his potential is or was limited.
                Once again free agency is based on players getting paid because of what they’re going to do in the future not what they do in previous years.
                I see on your list you have Leveon Bell. The Steelers are not going to pay him because of what his future potential might be. An aging running back who might be done in 2 or 3 years. Potentially.
                Based on your argument a guy could have a great 8 to 12 game stretch, become a free agent and get paid big money, that’s a bad situation for any team. You’re saying that the body of work determines the amount of money in a contract for a free agent and that’s completely wrong.

              15. Rocket,

                I get what you’re saying about the McKinnon’s contract, insofar as he’s getting more money than you’d expect, given his production in the NFL. Having said that, let me ask you, would you rather the 49ers didn’t sign McKinnon, or are you happier that McKinnon is on the 49ers, even though he was overpaid, based on his NFL resume?

                Also, and this might be semantics, but is it possible to call a contract good, bad or indifferent, until we’ve seen the player play under the new contract? If McKinnon lights up the NFL, I think most people wouldn’t call the contract he signed “bad”.

                Anyway, McKinnon was a back I was really hoping the 49ers would sign, and I’m glad they did, but he got way more money than I thought he would / should get.

              16. Rocket I don’t think you really understand the NFL and free agency as to how it really works.
                Case Keenum got paid because he showed the league that he could quarterback a team and that he had the potential to lead a team to the playoffs. Nobody knew who case Keenum was before last year in fact he was labelled as a career back up . So yes the reason he got paid was because Denver was convinced he had the potential to be a starter.

                It’s not solely on the fact he had a good year

                .

                You contradicted yourself in one paragraph. You gave an argument that he wasn’t known and only got paid because he had a good year in Minnesota and then finished it off by saying it wasn’t soley because he had a good year. Do you think Case Keenum gets this kind of contract if he didn’t have a good year as a starter? I’ll save you the time: No team would have paid Keenum this season if they hadn’t seen him play the way he did in Minnesota.

                Look at Kaepernick. He had a stretch of 10-12 good games. But the league never thought much of him because his potential is or was limited.

                What are you talking about? The 49ers gave him a new deal based on the way he played after he replaced Alex Smith. He’s another example along the lines of Garoppolo where the team saw him play well and decided to sign him long term. Kap played more games and the contract clauses are different but it was the same type of situation.

                Once again free agency is based on players getting paid because of what they’re going to do in the future not what they do in previous years.

                Wrong. You’ve already blown up that argument with what you said above. Players get paid based on playing well enough for teams to want to offer them the deal in the first place along with how the team sees them fitting into their system long term.

                I see on your list you have Leveon Bell. The Steelers are not going to pay him because of what his future potential might be. An aging running back who might be done in 2 or 3 years. Potentially.

                Wrong again. The Steelers offered Bell a long term deal averaging over 12 mill a year and he turned it down.

                The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly made a huge contract offer to Le’Veon Bell before the star running back decided to play the 2017 season under the one-year franchise tender.
                Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Steelers’ offer to Bell included $30 million in the first two years, $42 million over three years and an average annual value of $12 million.

                NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the contract offered by the Steelers to Bell was for five years total.
                Not wanting to risk losing Bell as a free agent, the Steelers placed the franchise tag on their All-Pro running back in February.

                Based on your argument a guy could have a great 8 to 12 game stretch, become a free agent and get paid big money, that’s a bad situation for any team. You’re saying that the body of work determines the amount of money in a contract for a free agent and that’s completely wrong.

                We saw that exact scenario play out with Jimmy G. You don’t have a clue what I’m saying because you either can’t get your head around it or you just aren’t reading. I’ve clearly said that a big FA contract is based on the body of work and how the team feels the player will fit into their system. In other words it’s based on both what he’s done and what they hope he will do for them in the future.

                Now I suggest you read this over and try to figure out what your point is because you are contradicting yourself repeatedly and don’t really seem to know what the hell you’re talking about in general.

              17. My understanding of NFL free agency is paying the player based on what he will bring to his new team. In the case of McKinnon, he is bringing uncanny versatility in the run and pass game. The 49ers are clearly looking at the what he will bring to their scheme exclusively.
                It’s easy to look at the contract and say it’s bad based on what he did in Minnesota from a stat perspective. Or what other RB’s in the league are making. But that’s ignorant. This signing is beyond numbers. It’s based on his work ethic. That alone rubbing off on your young players makes it a great contract.
                The fact that he has big play capability to run and score after one carry or one catch and run for a TD makes it a great contract.
                Free agency has always been about over spending. That will never change in a salary cap league.Players, player agents know exactly how much teams have to spend and use that to their advantage. It’s public knowledge knowing the Niners had over 60 million in cap. They needed a RB and that RB (McKinnon)commanded what he did.
                To judge him and his contract alone on his time in MIN is wrong.

              18. ex,

                It’s been awhile. Good to see you back.

                I get what you’re saying about the McKinnon’s contract, insofar as he’s getting more money than you’d expect, given his production in the NFL. Having said that, let me ask you, would you rather the 49ers didn’t sign McKinnon, or are you happier that McKinnon is on the 49ers, even though he was overpaid, based on his NFL resume?

                I have no problem with McKinnon the player and Shanny obviously wanted him badly so they went and got him and that’s fine. As I mentioned in other entries, this will not hurt the team if he doesn’t work out. They have the cap space to absorb it, but the contract itself when looked at on its own, was a bad deal for the team.

                Also, and this might be semantics, but is it possible to call a contract good, bad or indifferent, until we’ve seen the player play under the new contract? If McKinnon lights up the NFL, I think most people wouldn’t call the contract he signed “bad”.

                We are looking at the deal based on the player and what he was paid before ever having put on a Niner jersey. In this case the negative feedback has come from the fact the Niners gave a top 5 deal to a player with no track record of playing at a level worthy of that kind of a salary. If McKinnon turns out to be what they think he is and tears it up, then sure the contract will have proven to be worthwhile, but the reason it’s being criticized is because they are gambling on a player who hasn’t come close to that kind of production.

                Anyway, McKinnon was a back I was really hoping the 49ers would sign, and I’m glad they did, but he got way more money than I thought he would / should get.

                Yeah I agree. He could be really good in this offense but from what I’ve seen he’s really a receiver more than a RB. I still think they are going to draft somebody who is a better combination of both.

              19. Rocket,

                Good to be back.

                I read down thread that part of your concern is that McKinnon’s and Jus’ signing may be harbingers of things to come. If so, then I agree, that would be a very bad thing.

                In the mean time, if they overpay for a player that helps them win when they have the cap space and costs Jed some extra dough, I’ll look at that as a win-win.

              20. My understanding of NFL free agency is paying the player based on what he will bring to his new team.

                Of course and I’ve never disputed that. What I disagree with is your belief that you pay a player based on nothing but potential and hope. No team is going to offer a player a huge deal without a body of work to refer to. Even in McKinnon’s case they are projecting based on what he did for the Vikings and how he fits into Shanny’s system.

                In the case of McKinnon, he is bringing uncanny versatility in the run and pass game. The 49ers are clearly looking at the what he will bring to their scheme exclusively.
                It’s easy to look at the contract and say it’s bad based on what he did in Minnesota from a stat perspective. Or what other RB’s in the league are making. But that’s ignorant

                No that’s called being smart in a league that has a cap system. If you pay players based only on what you project and hope they will be, you’ll be in a world of hurt because you are going to be wrong most of the time. What you are describing is what takes place in the draft; not FA. Teams have to rely on potential in the draft because there is no pro tape on the player to refer to. In FA they have the production at the pro level to refer to and an idea of how the player will fit in their system because of it.

                . This signing is beyond numbers. It’s based on his work ethic. That alone rubbing off on your young players makes it a great contract.
                The fact that he has big play capability to run and score after one carry or one catch and run for a TD makes it a great contract.

                Ok now you sound like somebody writing his bio in the team press guide. He has been pretty underwhelming as a runner. Low YPC and few big runs. 7 TD’s in his entire 4 year career running the football. His best feature is as a receiver and that’s the key reason for signing him. He’s been mainly a 3rd down back to this point in his career.

                Free agency has always been about over spending. That will never change in a salary cap league.Players, player agents know exactly how much teams have to spend and use that to their advantage. It’s public knowledge knowing the Niners had over 60 million in cap. They needed a RB and that RB (McKinnon)commanded what he did.
                To judge him and his contract alone on his time in MIN is wrong.

                I’m not judging him at all Chris. You still don’t get it and it’s time to move on because you obviously aren’t going to get it.

              21. Great idea, move on because you have zero inclination as to how NFL free agency works.

                When McKinnon leads the team in rushing and receiving yards, I’ll ask you then if you think it was a bad contract.

          2. Doesn’t change the fact McKinnon is being severely overpaid for what he’s done to this point in his career.

            But you will also argue K .Cousins is not overpaid for what he has done to this point in his career….

            Confuse much….

            1. Why are you still spouting off on this topic when everything you’ve said about it has been wrong? You have been clueless about Cousins from the start and this is no different He’s getting paid what a top ten QB gets paid on the open market. McKinnon is getting paid like a top 5 RB when he hasn’t even cracked the top 30.

      2. Yes it was. But it’s not quite as bad for SF as it sounds. They severely overpaid him for 1 year (when they have the excess cap space) and can part ways with after 2 years.
        The Juice contract is still the worst one they have given where they are essentially paying him the same amount as the next 3, highest paid full backs in the league combined.

        1. Shoup,

          Yeah I mentioned the deal was front loaded, but that is irrelevant to the point which is that it was a bad deal in general. The Jus contract is really bad too no argument and it’s ok right now when they have all the cap room, but doing deals like this can really back fire if you do them too often.

          1. It hurts any time you pay players above what they produce. Paying guys to produce like top players at their position when they never have before increases the risk of this happening. So it was very much a bad contract. Not that it matters if he does produce as they hope, but that’s the same with any player after the fact.

            The Juice contract was also overpaying, though I don’t mind that as much. At least he actually is the top guy at his position and had a history of it prior to signing.

            1. Yes, but I agree with what Chris is saying and my point about stocks. Football free agency is not fully following paying based on future potential, but there are examples of it, especially at positions that are hard to find. As much as I love Jimmy G, he is a prime example. With regards to McKinnon, you could argue that RB is not a position that is hard to find. I would agree that that is true in general, but I don’t believe it is true for Kyle Shanahan. He wants complete versatility from his RBs and is willing to pay a premium. In the end it’s really about paying for perceived value.

              One last point about stocks. Even though the current value is typically based on future earnings, one’s interest in a particular stock is often based on how that stock performed in the past (because just like with players one tries to do due diligence and minimize risk). But the price is still based on future potential.

              1. Even though the current value is typically based on future earnings, one’s interest in a particular stock is often based on how that stock performed in the past (because just like with players one tries to do due diligence and minimize risk).

                Typically.

                Except for a frothy bubble of a market. Which is kind of what the compressed free-agency signing period is.

              2. Over at spotrac.com, I see that the 49ers have more 2018 cap space devoted to QB and more 2018 cap space devoted to RB/FB than any other team in the NFL.

              3. Cubus,

                I’m not saying future potential isn’t a factor. I’m saying no team is giving a huge contract without some evidence the player is worthy of it. You can’t blindly throw money around hoping to hit on a player. In Jimmy G’s case they are gambling for sure based on the lack of playing time, but the difference is they have seen him play at an elite level in their system. They have tangible information that makes them feel good about the contract. In the case of McKinnon, they are gambling on a player who hasn’t shown the ability to be a top producer at his position. It was a contract I’m guessing they grudgingly agreed to because Shanny really wanted him. Both the McKinnon and Jus contracts are way over market so it likely means they are willing to do that while they have the cap to do so. I just hope this isn’t something that continues when the cap room isn’t as expansive.

              4. Rocket:

                As the spotrac info that I posted shows, they are splurging while they have the cap space to do it. As you have noted that’s okay because of the very high amount of cap space currently available (even if you don’t agree with the McKinnon contract). But you’re right in that they can’t sustain this type of spending in the future. But with Marathe and Lynch counterbalancing Kyle, I don’t see it as a problem. In fact, if it is a true counterbalance, I see it as a plus. Kyle probably should be the guy saying I want these guys and I’m not too concerned about what it costs. It’s Marathe and Lynch’s job to reign him in.

                It’s often been noted that KS and his father have been able to make almost any RB they’ve worked with (drafted or otherwise) successful and therefore there isn’t much of a need to draft a RB early. I find the McKinnon contract interesting in that the size of that contract seems to be a direct contradiction to this belief (under the assumption that draft capital and salary capital have a direct relationship).

          2. I personally didn’t like the signing at all especially given the depth at running back in this draft. However, I do not feel that the contract should be looked at independent of of the cap situation.
            Overpaying is really only bad if it means you are unable to sign another priority free agent or you are locked into a contract that will prevent you from doing so in the future.

            With that said, I believe this contract is only really a 2 year deal where he gets paid 10.5 and then 4.5 million. The last 2 seasons I doubt he ever sees.

  14. Matt Barrows reporting that Foster’s alleged victim has hired an attorney.

    “The victim in the domestic violence case involving 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has hired an attorney, an uncommon move and one that legal experts suspect signals she does not plan to cooperate with the prosecution. Though rare, victims in domestic violence cases bring on attorneys for several reasons, including wanting someone to give them guidance or help them understand what is happening as the case proceeds. Most common is that they want to explore their right not to testify or do not intend to cooperate with the prosecution.”

    http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article209508954.html

    1. cubus,
      Thanks for the link.
      If Foster’ former GF decides not to cooperate, the DA’s office will likely still proceed without her.
      They have doctors reports, pictures, the car driver that helped as a witness and the 911 phone call, as this reporter noted.

      I’ve been hoping that this whole thing would just go away and we get our LB back, but if the DV charges prove to be true, Foster needs to be held accountable and face whatever punitive actions the court takes.

  15. Grant,
    Like most of us here my predictions are seldom correct but I nailed your prediction exactly 8-8. So what do I win?

    1. Grant’s probably kicking himself for picking that many wins as his post has only drawn 35 comments and not the usual vitriol so far ?

  16. Here’s my guess at the first round up until the 9ers pick which I have at 12 after a trade with Buffalo. First how I think it will go, then how I think it should go.

    Cleveland – Sam Darnold
    New York – Saquon Barkley
    New York – Baker Mayfield
    Cleveland – Bradley Chubb
    Denver – Quenton Nelson
    Miami (Trade with Indy) – Josh Rosen
    Tampa Bay – Derwin James
    Chicago – Roquan Smith
    Buffalo (Trade with San Francisco) – Josh Allen
    Oakland – Minkah Fitzpatrick
    Indy – Denzel Ward
    San Francisco – Harold Landry

    Who I think the top ten teams should pick with no trades:

    Cleveland – Sam Darnold
    New York – Josh Rosen
    New York – Baker Mayfield
    Cleveland – Bradley Chubb
    Denver – Quenton Nelson
    Indy – Harold Landry
    Tampa Bay – Roquan Smith
    Chicago – Minkah Fitzpatrick
    San Francisco – Derwin James
    Oakland – Maurice Hurst

    1. So, did you pick James for the 49ers because they missed out on Landry? Or do you think the 49ers should take James even if Landry is availabl? I’m on board with Landry as the first pick.

      1. Cubus,

        Yes. The second mock is who I believe each team should select and I had Landry going before the Niners selection. James was the BPA at pick #9 in this scenario.

    2. rocket,
      I like your trade scenario mock. But do we get another pick from Buffalo from the trade?
      I would shoot for a 2nd rd pick from Buffalo as well.
      If they really want J.Allen they’ll make that deal don’t you think?
      We still get our man (Landry) and get another pick (before 59) in rd 2.
      That would make me a happy man!

      1. AES,

        We’d get a second round pick from the Bills for the move down. I think the Bills would be looking to move up for whatever QB falls out of the top 5 and moving up to #9 wouldn’t be nearly as costly as a trade into the top 5 would. For the Niners it would be beneficial because they’d still have a good player sitting there at #12 and add another 2nd in a draft that is really solid from the 2nd thru 4th round.

  17. 49ers 2018 draft:
    ** 9ers trade pick #9 & #70 (total = 1590), to buffalo for picks # 22 , #53, #56 and #96, (total = 1606).
    pick #22: OG; Will Hernandez, UTEP.
    ** 49ers trade picks # 53, # 56 & # 184 (total = 727), for Tenn. pick # 25 (total = 720).
    pick #25: LB; Tremaine Edmunds, Va. Tech.
    pick #59: TE; Mike Gesicki, Penn St. (RZ target)
    pick #74: DE; Lorenzo Carter, Georgia.
    pick #96: CB; Quenton Meeks, Stanford.
    pick #128: RB; Rashaad Penny, San Diego St.
    pick #143: OL; Scott Quessenberry, UCLA.
    pick #223: CB; Tony Brown, Alabama (ST Gunner)
    pick #240: WR; Marquez Valdes Scantling,

    1. GEEP,
      Nice piece of work bud.
      If we can land two 1st rd picks it would be a master stroke for Lynch and Shanny. He did it last year, who knows he could repeat the same feat this year as well.
      Hernandez could protect our #1 investment (JG) and help with our run game. Number 2 pick would be a huge get at 25, but I don’t see Edmunds being picked outside of 8- 15 range.
      Still, good stuff.

  18. Razor:
    Thank you. I know you want “dirty Landry,” but I keep seeing mock draft projecting him in the 2nd Round. If he falls that far he’ll be the biggest steal of the draft! Maybe we’ll get lucky and Nelson will fall to us at #9?

  19. AES:
    Yes I agree, Edmunds is likely a top 15 pick. But when I wear my rose tinted glasses, anything is possible…lol He’d fill the hole left by Foster! If Edmunds is taken. I’d use pick #25 for OT Kolton Miller, UCLA. He’d have time to learn under Joe Staley, plus Trent Brown is a big question mark.

  20. I don’t see us going CB in the first two rounds after the Sherman move. It’s Akhello and Sherman and a 4th to 5th rounder in case either doesn’t work out. EDGE is way too much of a premium to pass on. So I don’t see Landry getting past us at 9 (or 12). If he is gone, Tremaine Edmunds is the pick.

    Second round and probably a move up to early 3rd nets us Austin Corbett (OL) and Lazard or Ateman. I think they want to go WR in the 3rd but don’t rule out a RB pick here, such as Chubb.

  21. My final mock.

    49ers trade picks #9 and #74 to GB for picks #14, #45, and #133.

    Rd.1 #14 Edge Harold Landry
    Rd.2 #45 T Brian O’Neil
    Rd.2 #59 G Austin Corbett
    Rd.3 #70 CB Quenton Meeks
    Rd.4 #128 WR/TE Allen Lazard
    Rd.4 #133 CB/S Kameron Kelly
    Rd.5 #143 ILB/OLB Genard Avery
    Rd.6 #184 HB Justin Jackson
    Rd.7 #223 C/G Evan Brown 
    Rd.7 #240 WR/TE Marquez Valdez-Scantling

    1. Nice mock.
      .
      My 3 quibbles are-
      1. Brian O’Neil. One of his weaknesses is his tendency to being walked back into the pocket. Braden Smith is much stronger. With the return of Brown and Garnett, and the signing of Richberg and Cooper, they may not have to draft three O linemen.
      2. Niners should draft an ILB earlier, especially with Foster’s situation.
      3. Why would GB want to trade up? Their biggest need is DB, and there are a plethora of them at 14. Trade backs with Buffalo, Pats or LAC may seem more feasible, since they may all want to select a QB.

      1. Thanks seb. I went with O’Neil for his athleticism. He can get better with improved technique. He’s still a raw OT as a former TE.

        I don’t think Foster will go to prison anymore. Avery is underrated. We already have Smith, Coyle, and Toomer who aren’t great, but they’re not liabilities.

        GB trades up for Edmunds or Smith, whichever they like better. Or Ward if available.

        1. 80, I can see your reasoning for O’Neil, with his 4.82 forty.
          .
          I sure hope you are right about Foster, and the victim obtaining a lawyer may be the first step towards a settlement.
          .
          Maybe the Niners could save the pick number 74 by including Jimmie Ward, if they trade back with GB. I think 74 is in the sweet spot of the draft.
          .
          Cant wait. This draft is crucial for the Niners to succeed. Hope they hit another grand slam.

          1. Where is Colin Kaepernick? The guy who stuck his foot in the dirt and yada, yada, yada yada……..

    2. Nice one #80. Trading back and still getting Landry is definitely the ideal scenario. Hope they can do it.

    3. Good work #80. Like Scooter said, trading back and still landing Landry would be ideal. An extra second round pick would be huge in a draft like this.

  22. So the top 5 targets for the 49ers if they stay at #9 are all defensive players in your opinion. 2 LBs, 2 Safetys, and a CB. Given the state of the defense and the firepower the Rams have accumulated then I think that’s probably a safe bet. Of all the 5 you listed I’m most impressed with Fitzpatrick. He’s a great player but I also think he’s a great leader which the defense seems to need. I also wonder if signing Fitzpatrick would be helpful to Foster, if he finds a way to stay in the NFL, since they were apparently friends in college.

    I realize I’m a naive dreamer but I hold out unrealistic hope Quenton Nelson falls to the 49ers and he is the truckload that puts Aaron Donald on his A$$ 50 snaps a game. If they don’t get Nelson, I would also welcome a trade back where the 49ers also draft more o-line help and get additional picks. Not sure if this is a deep draft for LB’s or Safety’s but if so, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to accumulate picks to help with those positions.

  23. Without redoing my whole mock , post Foster arrest I will change my first rd pick from Davenport to Edmunds. I still like Jason Cabinda as an early 3rd day choice. He reminds me quite a bit of Chris Borland

  24. Lynch on Foster, “The gravity of these charges has not been lost on us,” Lynch said, via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. “We take it extremely seriously. We do feel like patience is the right approach right now. We’re gonna learn things through this legal process. I do want to be abundantly clear that if these charges are proven true, if Reuben did indeed hit this young lady, he will not be part of this organization going forward.”

    1. Best part of Lynch’s presser is that Armstead is confirmed to be switching to big end where he should be. Thomas will play Leo in base then could switch to big end (or DT) on passing downs.

      1. Do you think the phrase “proven true” actually means “proven true in a court of law” or just “proven true to the FO”? In other words, is a conviction required for JL to cut Foster.

        1. I think the FO has done their internal investigation. When they say it will now be determined by what is uncovered in the legal process they mean they will wait to see if it is proven true he hit her in the court of law.

      2. Agreed Scooter. That is the best place for Armstead and having Thomas play the role Armstead was supposed to last year is a better fit as well. I would imagine they will move Thomas inside on obvious passing downs but only if they get the pass rusher they need in the draft. I would imagine we could also see: draft pick/Buckner, Thomas/Attachou on some occasions as well.

        1. Yep. I believe Lynch’s exact words were Armstead will play big end in base, while Thomas could play leo in base and some big end on passing downs. I expect Thomas will be moved around a bit. I also expect Armstead could see some time at DT on passing downs too… like when Thomas is at big end.

      3. Scooter_McG

        I totally missed Lynch’s presser…but if they (HC /GM) have confirmed Armstead at big end…now we’re going to see some REAL D-football….

      4. I found this little tidbit interesting as well, Scooter. Per John Lynch, the #49ers “implemented a new grading scale” this year, since they’re new enough as a regime. Influenced by player traits communicated from coaches.

  25. My advice to all of those professional and fan forecasters of the 2018 NFL draft in the hours leading up to the first round on Thursday: Be careful with the absolute statements. Three of the first four picks are controlled by two men (Cleveland GM John Dorsey at one and four, GM Dave Gettleman of the Giants at two) who could work for the CIA. There’s an inordinate number of teams very high that I believe will want to trade down, and perhaps for only moderate value because of the strength of the second and third rounds and the thinness of the first round.

    “This year it seems like there’s no normal,” San Francisco GM John Lynch said on Saturday. The Niners pick ninth in the first round. “I’m having our analytics guys go over every scenario we could face at nine, and there could be 50 of ’em.”

    1. CLEVELAND—SAM DARNOLD, QB, USC
    2. NEW YORK GIANTS—SAQUON BARKLEY, RB, PENN STATE
    3. NEW YORK JETS—JOSH ROSEN, QB, UCLA
    4. CLEVELAND—BRADLEY CHUBB, EDGE, N.C. STATE
    5. ARIZONA (FROM DENVER)—BAKER MAYFIELD, QB, OKLAHOMA
    6. BUFFALO (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)—JOSH ALLEN, QB, WYOMING
    7. TAMPA BAY—MINKAH FITZPATRICK, DB, ALABAMA
    8. CHICAGO—QUENTON NELSON, G, NOTRE DAME
    9. SAN FRANCISCO—ROQUAN SMITH, LB, GEORGIA
    https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/23/mock-draft-prospects-trades-first-round-mmqb-peter-king

  26. 1. CLEVELAND BROWNS
    QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

    2. NEW YORK GIANTS
    QB Sam Darnold, USC

    3. NEW YORK JETS
    QB Josh Rosen, UCLA

    4. CLEVELAND BROWNS
    DI Maurice Hurst, Michigan

    5. DENVER BRONCOS
    G Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

    6. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
    CB Josh Jackson, Iowa

    7. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
    S Derwin James, Florida State

    8. CHICAGO BEARS
    Edge Harold Landry, Boston College

    9. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
    Edge Bradley Chubb, NC State

    https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-pff-nfl-mock-draft-5

  27. Get ready for a long post:

    Who I would like to see the Niners “eye” based on these current needs:
    • Edge Rusher (LEO)
    • Cornerback
    • Depth at all linebacker spots (unless someone mistakenly believes Harold and Toomer are above average linebackers, and that Foster won’t get suspended and/or jailed)
    • Wide Receiver, preferably a red zone threat
    • Safety depth
    • A backup swing tackle with an eye toward replacing either Staley due to retirement or Brown due to free agency/scheme fit
    • And, to some extent, guard and running back depth (this is relatively low on the scale due to the presence of McKinnon, Brieda, and Williams at the running back position, and the Niners’ belief that there are two starters among the Tomlinson, Cooper, and Garnett hodgepodge; I tend not to agree about the Guard position, but the Niners have made their choice)
    Given those positions, the attractiveness of a prospect appears to depend on where the Niners decide to address each position during the draft. For example, if the Niners decide to go cornerback in the first round, well that rules out Landry/Chubb/Davenport/possibly Sweat as someone who will be available when the Niners next pick; conversely, if the Niners decide to go LEO in the first, this rules out Jackson/Alexander/Ward/Fitzpatrick/Oliver from the equation at cornerback. So, it makes more sense to group available players by where they might go (i.e. 1st round, early rounds, middle rounds, late round sleeper).
    Edge Rusher
    1st round: Really is limited to Chubb (clear favorite), Landry (who I previously mocked and most people on this Board like, even though he would probably be a better 3-4 OLB), and Davenport (ugh).
    Early Rounds (2nd, early 3rd): The two I like the best are Sweat (based on potential) and Turay (even though he mainly played in a two-point stance). Grant insists that Dorance Armstrong Jr. is worth a look, but I don’t see it.
    Middle Rounds: We get into some slim pickings at this point. Arden Key (if he can watch his weight), Jalyn Holmes out of Ohio State, and maybe Rasheem Green of USC (though I’ve seen some mocks with Green going in the 2nd round, which just makes me laugh).
    Late Round Sleeper: Someone very early in this process mentioned Joe Ostman out of Central Michigan, and really he is the only late round selection I think is worth a pick because he has the motor and character to work on his shortcomings to become a serviceable player.
    Cornerback: As an aside, I believe the Niners should come out of the draft with two cornerback picks given the lack of depth (we have Sherman, Witherspoon, and Williams worth keeping at this point).
    1st round: I don’t have a concern with Ward’s size, though it makes him less than ideal in Saleh’s system. I am a big fan of Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson.
    Early rounds: Isaiah Oliver does not make it to pick 59 unfortunately. Everyone seems to agree if we address cornerback in the late 2nd, early 3rd, that Quenton Meeks is the most attractive, and I agree. Carlton Davis is another possibility.
    Middle rounds: There is some depth at the position, and I like Duke Dawson of Florida and Parry Nickerson of Tulane. But the one I like the most, and only if he is a fifth round pick or later to obviate the concern over his character, is JC Jackson of Maryland.
    Late round sleeper: Nick Nelson of Wisconsin is coming off an injury, so you are redshirting him his rookie year, but he has ability. And I believe Tony Brown of Alabama is worth a seventh round/undrafted flier given his measurables.
    Linebacker: I would like the Niners to find two linebackers in this draft; one for the Mike position, and someone who can play the Sam (the next Sunday I notice Harold on the field will be the first such Sunday).
    1st round: I favor Roquan Smith over Edmunds, though Edmunds would fill the Sam better. Of the early picks, I don’t think the Niners could go wrong if they traded back to the late 1st with either Evans or Vander Esch (even with his spine issue).
    Early rounds: There are no linebackers in the second or third round I really love, but if Jewell falls to the 4th or 5th he would then be of value.
    Middle rounds: Everyone on this Board has mentioned Avery, Scales, and Shaquem Griffin (as a Will), but two worth a look are Oren Burks out of Vanderbilt (really more of a Will) and Dorian O’Daniel of Clemson (also a Will).
    Late round sleeper: Someone previously mentioned Nick DeLuca, and I know Frank Ginda was discussed. But I would also suggest Davin Bellamy of Georgia.
    Wide Receiver:
    1st round: I don’t see the Niners taking a receiver in the first round. Ridley runs great routes, DJ Moore is rising up the Board, and Sutton is big, but none I think fit the Niners as a Day 1 pick.
    Early rounds: Anthony Miller is one of the rare 5’11” receivers who can be a red zone threat (a la Jarvis Landry). I really also like Michael Gallup of Colorado State, DJ Chark of LSU, and Daesean Hamilton of Penn State.
    Middle rounds: Simmie Cobbs of Indiana is being overlooked because he doesn’t have big numbers. Equanimeous St. Brown is worth a 5th round look, but no higher. I actually prefer Marcell Ateman of Oklahoma State over both Cobbs and St. Brown.
    Late round sleeper: Everyone has brought up Daurice Fountain of Northern Iowa, so he is not much of a sleeper. But one name mentioned early that everyone has dropped is Jake Wieneke of South Dakota State, who is an exceptional route runner and can win jump balls; just don’t ask him to run fly patterns or go over the middle of the field.
    Safety:
    1st round: I favor James over Fitzpatrick, though both are excellent picks. But given the Niners are looking for depth at safety rather than a starter, I don’t see either being the pick other than in a “best player available” scenario (and I think Roquan Smith ranks right with Fitzpatrick).
    Early rounds: Kyzir White of West Virginia as an in the box strong safety. Jesse Bates of Wake Forest as a safety that can play in the box and center field.
    Middle rounds: Quin Blanding of Virginia as an in the box run stopper. Siran Neal to cover tight ends at the line, and run with them down the field.
    Late round sleeper: Kameron Kelly of San Diego State. Needs work, but has speed to range over the top. Played cornerback also, but is more a safety given his 4.66 speed.
    Tackle:
    1st round: Under no circumstances would I consider Kolton Miller worth a first round selection. I believe he is a reach in the second round as well. Connor Williams is the best, but will probably start at guard and needs to show sufficient recovery from his injury.
    Early rounds: Geron Christian of Louisville is the one I favor among some of the other tackles.
    Middle rounds: Chukwuma Okorafor of Western Michigan and Joseph Noteboom of TCU.
    Late round sleeper: Greg Senat of Wagner is someone who, with time and teaching, could develop.
    Guard:
    1st round: Who doesn’t love Quenton Nelson?
    Early rounds: Wynn, Price, Corbett, and Braden Smith of Auburn have all been mentioned before on this Board.
    Middle rounds: Wyatt Teller of Virginia Tech and Will Clapp of LSU.
    Late round sleeper: Nick Gates of Nebraska shows ability as a move blocker, which is good because he doesn’t set a good anchor.
    Running Backs:
    1st round: Barkley is far and away the best. Guice has now fallen behind Sony Michel in most scout rankings.
    Early rounds: Rashaad Penny and Ronald Jones II have already been discussed on this Board.
    Middle rounds: I’m not going to lie; I think the quality of running backs falls way off after Royce Freeman. I don’t like Wadley, Walton, or Hines for much.
    Other notes:
    • The Niners need a backup center. I like Mason Cole due to his versatility to play other positions, but I fear the Niners will be content with Bradley Bozeman of Alabama as a 7th round/undrafted free agent.
    • Among the Quarterbacks, I think the two best are Mayfield and Rosen. Darnold will succeed so long as you are fine with 15 interceptions and 5 fumbles a year out of him. I think Allen needs A LOT of work (I actually like Lamar Jackson over Allen to the extent he can do more with his legs, even though he has the same accuracy issues as Allen, though partly due to 12 drops by his receivers this past year). Among the later round picks, I like Mike White of Western Kentucky, and I think Riley Ferguson of Memphis can make a career for himself as a serviceable backup (think Matt Cavanaugh/Guy Benjamin; or for those looking for someone more recent, Blaine Gabbert/AJ McCarreon).

    1. Nice analysis Pot. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I agree with a lot of what you have in here too.

    2. My only complaint is it is not long enough. ;p
      .
      Comprehensive and well thought out.

  28. As usual, I’m looking forward to undrafted free agent signings immediately after the draft.

  29. My one and only mock.

    1) Harold Landry Edge – Easy pick for me. Best pass rusher in the draft at our biggest need position.
    2) Tyrell Crosby OT/OG– Athletic OT who can play inside for a year if needed.
    3) James Washington WR – Talented WR who adds another home run threat to the depth chart.
    4) Quentin Meeks CB – There’s a reason he shows up in so many mocks for the Niners. He’s a perfect fit.
    5) Micah Kizer ILB – A true Mike LB who led the ACC in tackles the past 3 years. Insurance for Foster.
    6) Akrum Wadley RB – Perfect RB for a Shanahan offense. Patient runner and solid receiver out of the backfield.
    7) Tarvarus McFadden CB – Good size and plays physical. Speed isn’t ideal but this scheme looks for press CB’s first and this guy can do it.
    8) Tony Adams OG – Love this kids movement skills. Will need to sit for a year as he’s a little raw, but the athletic upside and fit for the ZBS is worth a shot here.
    9) Dominick Sanders S – An undersized S prospect but has great instincts and ball skills.

    1. Excellent. I’ve come to the same conclusion with respect to the first two selections; Landry/Crosby.

  30. It sounds like Lynch wants to trade down, if his over the top draft evaluation is to be believed.

  31. Achilles surgery tomorrow to fix infection damage from November’s Achilles operation. I’m clearly going to miss OTAs, butcould be ready by week one.

    The real tragedy is they will transfer me to another facility on draft day. If Lynch takes a backup long snapper at pick 9, blame the hospital for changing the surgery date.

    In the meantime does anyone know of a rookie visit tracker list for the 49ers? I’m not hung up on exactly what players… Trying to get a picture of the position groups and pick ranges of players brought in for a visit. Might gell me how open Lynch is to trading up or down.

      1. #80 – Outstanding! It looks like the 49ers are interviewing players outside their current pick ranges. Many pegged to go late 20s to mid 2nd.

        Doesn’t mean a trade back is certain, but it shows flexibility on Lynch’s part.

  32. My draft crush if we don’t trade up for Chubb is Ward. Excellent prospect at a building block position.

    It was close. I tip my hat to everyone advocating Landry, Smith, Edmunds, James, Davenport etc. Thanks for putting the work into the mocks. Great fun.

    Pick 9 is in a nice spot. If I were Lynch I wouldn’t consider moving back from 9 for anything less than a 2nd.

  33. If the 49ers don’t end up drafting Landry then I would be fine with getting Avery or Turay in the 2nd/ 3rd round (assuming Sweat is gone).

    I know Avery has gotten some love in some scouting circles, but I think he is still underrated by and large.

    1. Yea, there’s been a lot of talk around here about Fangio grabbing Landry. I’m counting on him falling in love with Smith instead….

  34. That’s good news. I Look for Armstead to have a breakout year. Thomas I expect will only be on the field on run downs and to give Buckner and Armstead a breather or if Armstead gets hurt again.
    If they find an edge rusher then i look for the team sack total to go up by around 15 to 20 sacks.

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