49ers sign RB Tim Hightower

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49ers General Manager made an announcement via Twitter this morning:

Hightower is a veteran running back and an important addition to the 49ers, who are trying to make the playoffs as a run-first team. Hightower knows San Francisco’s complicated offense — he played for Kyle Shanahan in 2011. So,  Hightower can help the rest of the running backs learn Shanahan’s offensive language during the meetings. And if Carlos Hyde takes half a season to memorize the names of the plays — they’re long and complicated — Hightower can carry the running game while Hyde gets himself up to speed. This signing will help the 49ers be ready to compete when the season starts.

What do you think of this move?

This article has 216 Comments

  1. Tim Hightower last season ran hard for the Saints, he’s patient and uses his blockers well, he catches the ball well out of the backfield and an has good vision to find the open lanes and enough explosion and speed to out run LB’s to the outside. I like the signing as long as we didn’t give him a Juice type contract.

  2. I’ll have to see the terms of the deal but veteran RB signings in early Spring are usually prove you can still play type additions. Many don’t make it to the final 53. If they draft a RB and Hyde looks good in pre-season then Hightower could be a final cut casualty. At least that way if/when Hyde goes down they can re-sign him since he spent the Summer practicing with us he’ll have an easy transition to stepping right in.

      1. Grant:
        “The 49ers will carry three running backs.”

        ** 9er RB: Carlos Hyde, Mike Davis, DuJuan Harris,
        Raheem Mostert and now Tim Hightower.

        Tim Hightower was signed because he knows KS
        System…Hyde’s the starter, who gets cut?

        1. Probably come down to camp competition. But I think Harris has the best shot at making the team. And maybe a late round pick or UDFA is carried on the practice squad.

        2. That wouldn’t surprise me to much, Hyde doesn’t complete a full season, he is always getting hurt, but he is a good RB, but I have read that Hyde just
          mighty do good in Kyle’s system where things should be more open to run.

    1. Hyde, draft pick, hightower, harris, davis, juszczyk, mostert.

      After they draft one they’ll have 7 RB’s on the roster. No guarantee Hightower will be one of those 3.

      1. They’ll carry three tailbacks. Juszczyk is a fullback/H-back. Hightower probably will make the team.

        1. Probably, I’m not penciling him into the 53 quite yet is all I’m saying. Let’s see who and when they take a RB or two in a few weeks before solidifying that group.

          1. I don’t think they will draft a RB until towards the end of the draft, like you said they have more RB’s than they can use. There are more needs to be had,
            so they have plenty of RB’s.

        2. Yuge-Check won’t be toting the rock too often. I think Wrathman peaked at 100 carries for the season, and I’d anticipate Yuge-Check won’t get more than 60 rushing attempts for the year….

          1. Juszczyk will be targeted with three times as many passes than handed the ball on running plays during the season.

              1. Seems high to me. I’d guess 35 rushes (2/game) and targeted about 70 times (2-3/game). It’ll depend on the number of short yardage and 3rd down situations when he’s in the game.

          2. Who in the hell is Yuge-Check, and you also spelled Rathman wrong, there
            is no W in his name.

        3. I agree. Hightower will make the team because of his solidly consistent performance in their hybrid WCO. We will draft a quality running back as well. Davis and Mostert will be cut and Harris may not make the final 53 due to his erratic play.

      2. Agree with CFC. The only one guaranteed to be on the 53 right now is Hyde. The rest will be competing in TC to see who makes it behind Hyde. If they use a pick on one in the first 4 rounds, that will leave one spot for the vets most likely. Hightower is serviceable but nothing special. His value is in his experience in the system as Grant mentioned but the RB’s are usually able to adapt to a system quicker than any other position.

        1. Hyde may not be a shoe in because of his injury history. They need someone that can stay healthy for the whole season and produce into December.

      3. Since when did Juszcyck become a RB???

        Hightower is #2. Last season he ran for 548 yards (4.1) with 4 TDs and caught an additional 22 passes for 200 yards and 1 TD. He’s tough, reliable, and knows the system. No way he gets cut. In fact, if Hyde has trouble learning the system, Tim starts.

  3. What they are doing is picking players that are proven (Hyde is injury prone) this will make their draft picks so much more valuable. Now they can go for the high impact players on the OL and DL instead of filling in all the holes they have in the draft.
    I like there FA signings so far even though most are only stop-gap players for a year or two.

  4. Prudent move for the reasons stated. Final nail in the coffin for Mike Davis. Shanny tends to draft backs late, and this just increases the odds of that tendency continuing. Aaron Jones had a private workout with the 49ers, and he averaged 8 yards a carry on 1st downs. Projected 6th round with a legitimate chance of winning a roster spot over Harris….

    1. Ditto on A Jones. The situation is taking better shape with a prominent defensive draft and talented WR/return specialist like Carlos Henderson.

  5. Hightower will make the final roster no matter…..back harbaugh coached They Carried Bruce Miller on the roster with three more running backs you are crazy to think that Hightower will not make the roster he is a proven back

  6. I love this signing. We all know Hyde cant last a full season as the bell cow. This is a great veteran signing to come in and spell Hyde for a few plays a game. He had 133 touches last year and ran for 548 yards. I could see him doing the same on the 49ers this year. He will get 8-10 touches a game.

    Also this makes it so the 49ers to NOT need to draft a RB in the first 4 rounds. Freeing up draft slots for other players.

    1.Hyde
    2.Hightower
    3.Harris

    Thats not a backfield I am to worried about barring injuries. Add a late round pick or UDFA to compete with Harris and free up the higher draft capital to fill in other holes on our roster.

    Really really like this signing.

  7. Grant, I worry none of our backs are FAST in the mold of Freeman and Coleman. Which back do you think resembles the two of them most in the draft?

    1. Aaron Jones has an inch in height on Freeman, same weight and speed, similar 20 yard shuttle. Jones had much better 3 cone time, broad and vertical jump. Definitely see Jones in that Freeman type role….

      1. Joe Williams 4.41 Forty/14reps/35Vert/125Broad/7.19Three Cone/4.19Shuttle

        Aaron Jones 4.56 Forty/16reps/37.5Vert/127Broad/6.82Three Cone/4.20Shuttle

            1. Williams averaged more yards per carry than McCaffrey in the same conference :)

              1. Jones finished 2nd place in both explosion drills at the combine. Vertical/Broad.

              2. I think Logan ran a 4.37, but Jones’ 3 cone is second only to McCaffrey. So Jones is more elusive, and explosive. Plus his arms are 2″ longer;>)

              3. Grant, do you honestly see the 49ers being interested in Williams? You make a good case about his off field concerns being overblown and not well understood, but it still seems to me to be a guy that goes against the thinking of what the 49ers are trying to instill right now.

              4. If the Niners don’t have an issue with McCaffrey, they shouldn’t have an issue with Williams, either.

              5. Also, what is he like as a receiver? The RB drafted will most likely need to be a good receiver out of the backfield, as well as a runner.

              6. He was underutilized as a receiver.

                Ha! When you don’t produce after the catch, there’s no such thing as under utilization!;>)

              7. Williams produced. He averaged 11.9 yards per catch last season. Jones averaged 8.3.

              8. If you add the standard hand time, he’s exactly where his electronic time was at the combine of 4.41.

              9. He’s a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. He just needs opportunities.

              10. Grant Cohn says, “Nonsense” with a dismissive tone;>)

                Hand timing (4.85 +/- 0.28 seconds) was significantly faster (p < 0.001) than electronic timing (5.16 +/- 0.28 seconds), producing an average difference of 0.31 +/- 0.07 seconds (6.0 +/- 1.3%) and a 95% CI on the average difference of -0.44 to -0.18 seconds. The correlation between electronic timing and hand timing was ICC = 0.985 (p < 0.001). Practically speaking, electronic timing produces the best measurement of 40-yd dash speed, and using the hand timing produces consistently but significantly faster times.

              11. Teams always use their own hand times, and they don’t add time to Pro Days times.

              12. Jones threatened, and took it to the house on three separate occasions with receptions for 3 TD’s to Williams’ 0.

              13. And yet Jones still averaged 3.6 yards per catch fewer than Williams. Williams was underutilized as a receiver.

              14. Whether they do or not, it doesn’t change the fact that hands times are scientifically faster than electronic times. That’s why Pro Day 40’s are almost always faster than their official Combine Electronic Times….

              15. Teez Tabor’s Pro Day time was slower.

                Players sometimes run slower at the Combine because the Combine is a grind that takes players out of their normal routine. Football is all about routine. That’s why Pro Day times are more useful.

              16. I still think Williams is being knocked for his “Retirement”, otherwise he’d be talked about more if he’s as good as you believe him to be. Right now, he’s looking like a 6th rounder.

              17. If the Niners don’t have an issue with McCaffrey, they shouldn’t have an issue with Williams, either.

                Did you seriously just go there Grant? Williams was kicked off a UConn for stealing, retired for one month, and has ball security issues. How exactly does this come close to McCaffrey?

  8. I think this move (along with some of the other FA signings) are about going into the draft with fewer roster holes. This buys them alot of draft maneuverability.

    Its not the exclusive reason. Lynch-Shanahan want to win games. They have very specific roles in mind for players like Hightower. But a major component is covering your bases so they can draft better younger players.

    1. Yep, that seems to be the MO for a lot of these signings. Fill the holes with at least base level competence, knowing you can’t fill every hole through the draft, giving you the flexibility to draft the best players rather than for need.

  9. This dude was out of the league for three years, 2012-2014. Kyle worked with him at DC in 2011 before he blew out his knee, the 5th week. 4.56 40 speed out of college pre ACL. I think he is a benchmark level guy who can be beat out by a Draftee or FA.. Shanahan now knows his running game will be no worst than Tim Hightower.

  10. Hightower may have an opportunity to play some coverage areas on special teams.

  11. All of these old guys and yes, a 30 old running back is an old guy, are hopefully gone by the time they play real games. This is just a wasted move.

    1. I disagree. The RB position is one of our weaknesses. Hyde is solid but can’t seem to stay healthy. Who else do we really have behind him? Hightower can come in and take some of the load off of Hyde and even capably take over if Hyde gets hurt. When you consider that he didn’t play for 3 years, he probably has a lot left in the tank. It’s possible that Hightower can be a capable backup for years to come. It’s good to have a backup who can play like a starter when needed. If you check out Hightower’s career stats, he’s always played well when given the chance.

  12. A smart signing, assuming he won’t be on much money. Davis has shown nothing in two years and Harris is a guy that teams seem happy to let go, figuring he will be a street FA if they need him. Hightower is better than either of them, and provides a capable backup to Hyde as both a runner and receiver. Depending on who they draft he will likely either be the #2 or #3 RB.

  13. It seems to me Hightower is the actual back-up and Harris is #3 (for now) and ST guy.
    Davis is probably history. A good rookie could unseat Harris.
    WAG

          1. Not if you don’t expect to see him on the field until week 6-8. They shaved the bone on a torn labrum in his left hip, and repaired his sports hernias on both sides. This after just one season. Same question marks with Lattimore, and his hammy’s. I’d want my 2nd pick to score high in constitution as well as production….

            1. If they shaved the bone on his labrum he will never be the same and will only be as good as his pain tolerance.

            2. One year and all those injuries now stepping up to the Pro level? Treading deeply into bust territory

  14. More from Miller:

    Over the last two weeks there has been a lot of quiet talk from scouts that the San Francisco 49ers want to trade out of the No. 2 spot.

    I’ve heard the same, with Carolina attempting to move up to select LSU running back Leonard Fournette or Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas. Since the Panthers own the New England Patriots’ pick at No. 64 overall, they could throw that in and get the 49ers to make a deal they already want to make — moving back six spots and targeting linebacker Reuben Foster (Alabama).

    TomD’s Take: The 49ers will make a move of this sort–Shanahan’s has studied Walsh, and like Walsh, he loading up for the season

    Having signed Hightower, all signs indicate the Shanahan finding a 3rd -7th round gem–a family tradition.

    I’m looking forward to what happens in the 2nd round. Could be a trade back into the 1st or a Mahmomes signing.

  15. San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan, Running Backs and the Passing Game

    by Peter Panacy 3 hours agoFollow @peterpanacy

  16. Replying to @JohnLynch49ers

    RE: Hightower Signing,

    Appreciate the work that you & Coach Kyle are doing! Very pleased so far Steady as she goes #49ers

    Cobra Striking Baby‏ @Vitucci_FSP · 7h7 hours ago
    He’a also a true gym rat…first one in, last one out

    Brad Wills‏ @BradKWills · 7h7 hours ago

    He’s a great leader for the young ones. Very gritty, and still, has plenty of tread left on thewheels. Saint fan, and I’m sad to see him go.

    Dustin Langer‏ @dlanger1974 · 4h4 hours ago

    I don’t like Tom Hightower either. But Tim Hightower is a great pick up. Great veteran backup that knows his role.

    Michael Rescigno‏ @sigspin64 · 6h6 hours ago
    Replying to @JohnLynch49ers

    @49ersPR @Tim_Hightower this is the first year in a while I won’t mind paying for my 49er tickets #49erfaithful #49ers #nfl

    1. I wouldn’t be upset about a running back stable looking like this:

      1. Carlos Hyde
      2. Tim Hightower
      3. Joe Williams (drafted with the 66th pick)

      FB-Juszczyk

  17. I think it means the end of Davis. I think it means they don’t draft a RB earlier than Round 3 and possibly not at all.

    1. While I think Davis is on his last gasp in SF, I’m not sure about drawing too many other conclusions. I see these guys, as someone previously stated, as baseline guys.
      If someone can beat them out…….great.
      I think how the draft plays out (who falls) and what opportunities arise will determine choices. They might not be hunting a RB, but they could pull the trigger on any round. And that applies to all position groups.

      1. It’s a history thing. HIs dad used creative line-splits and so-so, one-cut backs and built a running power-house in Denver with 4th & 5th rounders. In Atlanta Kyle did, pretty much, the same thing by starting a 4th who teamed with a 3rd rounder who got about half the snaps.

        Running back, for that particular scheme, doesn’t take a Barry-Sanders kind of guy. Just a guy who has decent vision, some patience and will make the one-cut and head north.

        1. Patient visionary with the ability to make one cut, and then explode with suddenness into the secondary….

    2. I see the possibility of them still drafting a RB though this signing does give them flexibility. Their needs seem to be pass rush, LB, QB possibly CB and backups to OL especially.

  18. Carson-Newman’s Kevin Snead (6′ 190lbs) ran a reported 4.22/4.26 hand times at the workout. He jumped 37.5 inches in the vert and 10’11” in the broad, all according to Yahoo’s Eric Edholm.

  19. With the Niner history of Chris Borland and Anthony Davis both retiring early, the Joe Williams retirement may be too big of a hurdle to overcome. However, if he is available in the 6th or 7th rounds, the Niners should possibly select him.

    Yet, now that they signed Hightower, draft RB needs are lessened.

    Niners should offer a pool of players like – Mike Davis , Burbridge, Rogers, Bell, Reaser, Iworah. Shepherd, Purcell and a couple more expendable players, and offer to bundle them to a lower tier team for as high a draft pick as possible.

    Some teams with multiple needs would like to get 2 or 3 players for one draft pick. Maybe make it conditional, so if the team makes the playoffs, it becomes a second or third round pick. Niners should be planning on using this draft to upgrade the roster, so trading away players will create room for the additions.

    Teams who may want to do such a trade include Browns, Jags, Bears, Titans, Saints, Colts, Chargers and Jets.

  20. http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2016/11/10/ohio-state-malik-hooker-all-american-safety/93598230/

    “Worse yet, the former basketball star had yet to figure out the answer to an important question: Do I love football?”

    “It was a tough, tough year for him,” Fickell said. “His body language, his demeanor, his attitude … when you’re not in a good place mentally, it’s really difficult to reach any bit of your potential. And you could see the weight on him.”

    “He nearly quit. Coming home in the winter of his freshman year, Hooker told his mother, Angela Dennis, that he was thinking of leaving Ohio State to pursue basketball, maybe walking onto a nearby college program.”

    “We have to figure out how to get around that part of us that doesn’t want to fight,” Dennis said.”

  21. Hyde is not fit for wco he is a draft day trade for a high 3rd round pick. That is where we grab RB of the future.

    1. To me that’s an unusual take. Some of Hyde’s game reminds me of Roger Craig. Roger fit pretty well into Walsh’s system as I recall, and yes, they were running the WCO. So, can you explain why you think Hyde doesn’t fit Shanny’s WCO?

    1. “LEO – Yannick Ngakoue was the LEO for the Jaguars. Neither the Jaguars or the Falcons have a LEO with Cliff Avril’s explosiveness but Ngakoue proved himself to be an effective weapon off the edge with 8 sacks as a rookie and 4 forced fumbles. He was used in a variety of ways, sometimes being on the strong side of the formation in certain 4-3 packages.”

        1. Well my hats off to you because if it’s wrong somehow you are the only person that has the right answer.

            1. I’ve watched hours of it already and commented and posted many times. The person who wrote the above article clearly spent quite a bit of time watching the coaches film. Scooter has as well and guess what, we all see the same thing. You’re in the minority at this point on this particular subject.

              1. He threw down the glove.
                You made the mistake of picking it up. Now you’re gone.
                The choosing of guns or fighting with swords. The choice of weapons is gone.
                He’ll tear you apart as soon as you start. You know you don’t have a chance.
                Ready to start the duel begins.The best man wins in the end.
                A lunge and a feint, a parry too late. A cut to the chest and you’re down.
                Seeing the stain then feeling the pain. Feeling the sweat on your brow.
                The fighting resumes, a silence looms.The swordsman move ‘gainst each other.
                A cut and a thrust, a parry, a blow. A stab to the heart and you’re down.
                The Angel of Death hears your last breath. Meanwhile the reaper looks on.
                OH…OH… Fought for the Honour
                Fought for the Splendour
                Fought for the Pleasure
                OH…OH… Fought for the Honour
                Fought for the Splendour
                Fought to the Death

        2. I’m sure I haven’t studied as much tape as you, but I found that “allowing” the consideration of the SS in either the Sam or Otto positional roles gave me a better feel for the flexibility and intent of the scheme, as well as making the offense’s job harder at reading the alignments.
          Schemes evolve, DCs add their emphases, and coaches adapt to personnel. It won’t be cookie-cutter.
          This writer’s “Bear” look is quite different than Buddy Ryan’s, but still can be understood in that context. #Evolution.

          1. Pete Carroll’s scheme definitely evolved. His defensive ends two-gap now. “Leo” is not a two-gapper.

            1. Yes. And to be clear, your descriptions are very helpful. This one, despite a few differences, only increased my understanding.
              In my experiences of trying to teach things in business settings, I found that if I tried to find more than one way to describe things, some would work for a number of people, but a rewording clicked for others.

              1. Pete Carroll and Dan Quinn don’t use that term any more. Gus Bradley used it when he had Chris Clemons, who wasn’t a two-gapper. I’m not aware of Bradley using that term for a 6T, though.

              2. Interesting how you guys argue over where Leo lines up. Carroll used Seifert’s Elephant when he was DC for the 49ers and changed the name when he moved on. It’s fairly clear to me that Seifert meant the term Elephant to refer to a particular player and not a position. Siefert wanted to use the Elephant to move around and attack any DL vulnerability that presented itself. It was based on taking the Elephant’s unique skills and creating a mismatch to attack the QB. (ie Fred Dean) Chris Doleman was Carrol’s Elephant. Mike Nolan used the Elephant and said “That guy is always the ‘rush’ guy, but he flip-flops sides.” Somehow Grant now appears to maintain that the Leo is a particular position and technique on the field. Not sure where that comes from. I think the Leo can line up wherever the DC wants him to and he’s still a Leo. I’d like to hear what Saleh has to say to clear it up.

    2. Thanks Cubus
      Very good discussion. It amplifies what Grant wrote, including the need at CB.
      The percentages in alignment are helpful for perspective as well. Grant’s writing seemed a bit locked-in on the ‘Over’ alignment, which is a major part of the deal, but not the whole shebang.

    3. If you found this article interesting, I definitely recommend reading the comments. Posters ask a lot of questions that the author answers.

      For example: Grant is not the only one who has an issue with a SS being labeled as the OTTO. Here’s a question that was posted:

      “How do u determine which person is the OTTO on any particular play (especially if a safety can run that spot) ? Who plays that role for Seattle and Atlanta mostly?”

      And this is the author’s answer:

      “It’s essentially who is on the ball. There is normally the four defensive lineman as well as a linebacker or safety lined up on the line outside of one of the ends, to me, that’s the OTTO, other than that they are off the ball”

      I liked this article because it seems to mesh more with the idea that the coaches aren’t so locked into the exact terminology of the defense (4-3, 3-4, 4-3o, 4-3u).

      1. Pete Carroll’s base defense usually has a linebacker and a strong safety on the ball.

        1. Okay, but if Jax didn’t usually have both a LB and SS on the ball but instead one or the other, I’m not sure why there is a problem with calling either one of them the Otto if they are playing on the ball. If both are on the line, then I would agree the LB would be called the Otto.

          To me it seems that these designations are not set in stone. They seem to be used so that labeling the position isn’t so strongly dependent upon whether or not the player is lined up on the strong side or weak side of the line (using the TE to determine the sides). What if the TE goes in motion or what if the offensive play is a no TE set?

          1. Jax usually had both Cyprien (the SS) and Myles Jack (a LB) on the ball in the base defense.

            1. And I believe that in every case where Jack was on the line, the author identified him as the OTTO. The very first photo shows Cyprien (OTTO) on the line and Jack at the SAM position (about 4 to 5 yards off the ball).

    4. Its a great article and debunks some of the narrative around what will be run. For starters, it isn’t just an over front. They mix it up between over, under and bear. Also, as I was trying to convey to Grant the other day, where players line up isn’t set in stone, and the front 7 is very adaptive and multiple. The Otto can play either side. So can the Leo. And the Leo doesn’t have to be in a 9T role to still be the Leo.

      The important thing is the D uses three big DL in base similar to a 3-4, and is capable of altering alignments to adapt to the strengths of its players. And they play 8 men in the box.

      1. The base defense almost always aligns in an Over front, and sometimes shifts depending on the shifts of the offense.

        1. Except when it doesn’t. Which according to this article was more than 50% of the time. They use all three alignments.

          1. Like I wrote, the base defense almost always aligns in an over front and sometimes shifts to a different front after the offense shifts.

            1. So on over 50% of snaps they shift after giving an over look? Even if that is the case, the plan going in obviously isn’t to play an over front all day. Its just the look they give initially.

              1. I put no stock in those numbers. I never said the defense doesn’t shift to counter the offense’s shifts.

              2. “I put no stock in those numbers.”

                Why not?

                “I never said the defense doesn’t shift to counter the offense’s shifts.”

                Are you honestly trying to convince me the D starts in over every base down, with the intent of playing as an over front, regardless of the opponent’s starting formation, and only when the offense shifts it results in the D front shifting? That seems… highly illogical. Even if they start as an over front each play, the shift will be determined by what the offense shows, not just what the offense shifts to. Which of course means they never intend for it to be just an over front. That is just what they show the offense to start with. Basically, the front adapts as needed.

              3. Because the author doesn’t seem reliable.

                Of course the front adapts, because every front has weaknesses. But they use an over front more than any other front, and shift away from it when the offense presents a formation that attacks a weakness of the over front. Still, the over front is their main front.

              4. The author has provided the best breakdown of the D I have seen so far. Including shots of each of the different fronts being used, so we know what he is classifying as what. Seems pretty reasonable to assume he can then count.

              5. He doesn’t even know what an Otto is. I don’t believe he watched every single snap on the coaches film and accurately charted the fronts.

              6. He defined what he was terming the Otto. You can disagree if you like, but he was transparent about it.

                You have 0 reason to believe he didn’t watch every snap. He says it wasn’t every game, but a selection of games. No reason not to believe that

              7. His definition is wrong. An Otto is a linebacker. A selection of games isn’t every snap. He’s numbers mean nothing.

              8. OTTO is a modified SAM but can also play a LEO role, and is more like an OLB in a 3-4.

              9. Otto is an on-ball linebacker who usually plays on the weak side of the defense.

              10. Gus clearly stated when asked, that the OTTO doesn’t just line up on the strong side but the weak as well. So you’re right, Grant.

              11. The Otto tends to line up on the opposite side of the defense as the strong safety, who also is usually on the ball in the base defense. It’s like a 4-4 look.

              12. The point is the OTTO isn’t restrictive, and like I pointed out should have LEO-like qualities in pass rushing situations. I believe Gus used Skuta/Davis/&Holmes, all OLB/DE “tweeners” in that role. More of an OLB in a 3-4 than a traditional SAM in a 4-3 is how I’d look at it….

              13. Otto is a base-defense position. It’s not part of the sub-packages. And Myles Jack played that position as well. Malcolm Smith played it Seattle.

              14. “His definition is wrong.”
                I won’t beat this horse any further, but my reply of 9:30am speaks to a more inclusive context for the scheme versatility rather than this tediously narrow semantic arguement.
                The writer has a fine understanding of how they manage their
                8-in-the-box scheme. For you to dismiss his ‘definition’ (should be characterization) and numbers is arbitrary, and at least so far, unjustified.
                Remember, those who think they are infallible are universally considered fallible regarding their infallibility.
                : -)
                And no, I didn’t just make that up!

              15. I’m almost positive the Otto never refers to the strong safety, but I could be wrong.

              16. I don’t think Myles Jack was used as a typical OTTO, but part of when the Jaguars lined up with Ryan Davis & Sen’Derrick Marks at DT. Davis was lined up where the NT usually goes, but he wasn’t playing the role of NT. It would likely be the more traditional 4-3 SAM linebacker duty than the OTTO duty. Jack’s strength is coverage. You don’t want him squatting on dump offs and outlet passes to the running backs. You want him running downfield with WR’s and TE’s. He’s best served as your 3 down MLB. I think we’re getting caught up in this labeling BS, and it just makes things more confusing than necessary….

              17. I’m pretty sure the Jaguars used him on the ball and did not use him in their sub packages.

  22. Michael Bennett: “Cliff does a great job of that, knowing when he’s in the 6-technique, where he can take his shots, and I know where I can take my shots as a 3-tech or a head-up 4-tech. We’re in a defense where we’re [sometimes] both head-up [directly over the offensive lineman as a two-gap player, as opposed to off to one side as a one-gap penetrator]. That’s hard. If you look at most guys, they’re on the edge. We’re pretty much head-up the whole game. We are two-gapping defensive ends, pretty much the whole game.”

    https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/12/29/all-22-seahawks-cliff-avril-michael-bennett

    1. What do you think of the rumor of the miners trading back to 9 to 23 Rd range? Who would they be targeting? Is it smart for more picks or better to target a difference maker?

        1. Their best shot at a trade bonanza is if one of the quarterback needy teams feels a compulsion to move up in front of the Bears or Jets….

          1. Panthers aren’t looking for a QB in that one rumor, so who knows what intrigue lies in the hearts of GMs?
            Lynch should be friendly when potential offers are floated pre-draft.
            Then lay chilly and see what bubbles up on D Day.

            1. What if the Chargers want Watson? It’d be elementary for them to trade up with us for a King’s ransom;>)

  23. New trade back scenario. Niners trade back with Cleveland because Hue may decide that getting the best defender and best offensive player in the draft may help him get over the top and win. With Fournette, Hue may decide that Osweiler can hand off as well as any other QB. Maybe they want another possible Jim Brown.

    Niners would trade their number 2 pick for the Browns’ picks 12, 33 and 52, along with a 2018 conditional draft pick. If the Browns make the playoffs, it would upgrade to a first round pick.

    The Niners would trade back with the Ravens, who covet a player at 12. For moving back to 16, the Niners would also receive pick number 78, and the draft value chart balances out perfectly.

    The Niners would then trade back with Denver, who wants Ramczyk who is ranked 15. for number 16, the Niners would receive Broncos’ numbers 20, 101 and 126. It almost balances out perfectly.

    The Niners would end up with pick numbers 20, 33, 34, 52, 66, 78, 101, 109, 126, 143, 146, 161, 198, 202, 219 and a 2018 second round conditional draft pick from Cleveland.

    By trading back 18 spots, the Niners would get 4 additional picks in the first 3 rounds, and 10 in the first 4 rounds. Those picks will be the foundation to build upon.

    Using Draftek 300 and trying to pick within 5 spots of the rankings, the Niners could select-

    20- Christian McCaffrey RB. Blockbuster deal. Niners trade Christian McCaffrey to the Denver Broncos for Shaquil Barrett OLB. Broncos would in the end be able to get the best O lineman and a former Bronco’s son, while the Niners get an instant starter and more picks.

    33- Obi Melifonwu SS
    34- Montravius Adams DT
    52- Raekwon McMillen ILB
    66- Taylor Moton OT
    78- Chris Godwin WR
    101- Davis Webb QB
    109- Shaqill Griffen CB
    126- Isaac Asiata OG
    143- Derek Rivers EDGE
    146- Jordan Leggett TE
    161- D’onta Foreman RB
    198- Stevie Tuikolovatu NT
    202- Ben Boulware ILB
    219- Kevin Davis OLB.

    2 OLBs, 2 ILBs, a SS, DT, OT, WR, QB, CB, EDGE, TE, RB and NT. 12 different positions giving good depth to the roster while trying to pick the BPA, since all the glaring holes were filled with FAs.

    Niners benefit, Browns benefit, Ravens benefit and the Broncos benefit. A win/win/win/win situation.

    1. In the Niner/Bronco trade scenario, the Broncos could possibly get Ryan Ranczyk and Christian McCaffrey while the Niners would get Shaquil Barrett, Davis Webb and Isaac Asiata.

            1. sebnynah
              February 20, 2017 at 11:54 am
              KS is competent enough to take Kaep, and turn him loose so he can take the league by storm, again.

        1. Tilting at draft windmills…?

          Guess there’s not much else for Seb to do while recovering from is struggle with a chainsaw.

          1. Wrong, I was back at it, cutting for several hours. However, this time, I kept my feet on the ground.

            1. Hey guys let’s lay off the chainsaw jokes! This could have been a real trajedy and no matter how one feels about Sebs posting no one wants physical harm to befall any poster. Just common decency.

    2. Another trade scenario, but this time, they trade up.

      Niners could trade up with the Saints. They would offer a 4th, 5th and 6th rounders for their third round pick. 3 for 1 deal and it would help the saints because they have 2 third rounders, but no picks in the 4th and 5th rounds.

      Niners would offer picks number 143, 161 and 202 for the Saints pick number 103.

  24. Rotoworld posts a blurb and attributes the source as:
    NBC Bay Area Sports’ Matt Maiocco

    Few seem to care about getting their facts right as long as they’re First!

  25. Another interesting post on NN. Leechan interview both KS and JL about spread offenses. While I realized that QBs from the spread offense have a difficult time transitioning to the NFL, the reverse seems to be true of defensive players. Both KS and JL agree that college defensive players that have played a fair amount against the spread seem to develop faster into NFL capable defensive players.

    http://www.ninersnation.com/2017/4/2/15148748/49ers-draft-evaluation-spread-offense-kyle-shanahan-john-lynch

  26. Okay,

    No more chainsaw jokes.

    So I’ll be serious.

    Seb’s lexicon of gunpacking phrases cleverly placed in his posts during debates throughout the years; climbing into an inferno with a garden hose to save Sebastopol and Santa Rosa from the cinderblock after his son, playing with matches, caught their neigbors fence on fire; now the chainsaw massacre is to coincidental.

    Now Seb’s neighbor, the real victim of Seb’s chainsaw is paying the price for phoning those cities’ nuisance abatement program for, and I quote Seb: “letting my weeds grow to high” in the backyard.

    I’m sure his sanitarium will finally consider revoking his computer priveledges for his disturbing behavior.

    Here’s Johnny! – The Shining (7/7) Movie CLIP (1980) HD
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDpipB4yehk

    I have to believe his

    1. *Seb’s son caught fire to his neigbor’s fence.

      Seb’s Chainsaw accident.

      Is it just me that thinks anytime his accident prone family has one, the entire neighborhood suffers the consequenes.

    2. TrollD, there you go again. Keep my family out of your screeds.

      My son was cutting down weeds to reduce the fire danger, but accidentally had a spark from the muffler start a fire.

      He was not playing with matches, and calling my son an arsonist is about as low as one can get. Go crawl back under your rock, you bring nothing to this site.

      My references to the Niners shooting themselves in the foot caused you to go hysterical, and start claiming things about people breaking into gun safes and creating nightmares.You project your fascination with shotguns on me, who has never fired a shotgun in my life. This vicious calumny must stop, and you are one sick puppy.

      I hope this site would stop the ad hominem attacks, and false claims. Guess I was wrong.

      1. Are you sure the fire wasn’t started because you guys were smoking the laughing lettuce? Hmmmm?

        1. Another vicious family insult. My son does not smoke.

          Attack me all you want, just leave my family out of your hate filled screeds.

          1. Seb,

            We don’t really know if you have a family, or what’s left of it, after those fires, chainsaw and assault rifle arsenal stories, now, do we ?

            1. We do know how mercilessly you’ve beaten the Kap hurricane storm alarm and scatter gunned down anyone who differed from your ‘Kap opinion’.

              Remember, just two days ago, lambasting Cassie for misusing a word ? Your viewpoint was wrongheaded. She was simply jesting, ergo, Prime’s apropos ‘jester’ nickname he labeled you with.

              One example, Seb, in the galaxy prose victims subjected to your Twilight Zone dead end dramas.

              1. ‘Word usage is deficient.’ Oh I lambasted her so much, she is cringing in a corner.

                No, she is still making up songs about me.

                TrollD, you sure like to dish it out, but cannot take it.

  27. With pass rush a priority, 49ers still sifting through DL assignments

    Trent [Baalke] and the guys he brought in, sometimes you come into a situation and I’ve talked to people, I’ve seen it where they were in a 3-4 and they just don’t fit in a 4-3. We feel like all of these guys can play; the guys that are still here, they’re here for a reason. We feel like they can play and not only play, but thrive in what we’re going to do.

    I’m excited to see an Arik Armstead when he’s in attacking posture as opposed to sitting on his heels. Some of the things he was asked– to do, not that they’re wrong, we just feel like his best assets can really be brought out. That goes for a lot of these guys.”

    TomD’s Take: Freaking Baalke’s reading and reacting D, as if their # 1 pick, Armstead was a linebacker is what had him on his haunce.
    Now that both # 1’s will be used properly, in addition to a QB capable of using any weapon during his progressions so the opposition can’t stack the box (it has to cover the whole field) is another reason I’m predicting a 9-7 season.

    http://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/24290/with-pass-rush-a-priority-49ers-still-sifting-through-defensive-line-assignments

    1. 9ers punted 100 times in 2016. I’ll got out on a limb (…) and predict 77 for 2017.

            1. Oh we will. We’ll argue about Artificial Intelligence algorithms and throw each other under the bus for seemingly idiotic opinions.

          1. And will Grant argue that the MAC 2301000 is better than the TESLA 50 L0M0N?

            Will Seb argue that in order to win the Niners should have kept the K4P 2.0 versus upgrading to a new model?

            Wonder if Prime will Iive in a country with real football by then or will he have to watch futbol like the rest of the world and learn that a two line pass does not apply on the pitch.

  28. Cassie, Prime,

    1. The FA kcker they signed wanted less money.

    2. A walk down memory lane with Jim Tomsula:

    Jim Tomsula talks about disappointment in 49ers defensive play:

    Down two touchdowns, 5 minutes to go. Why punt instead of going for it on fourth down?
    The same thing with 3 1/2 minutes left?

    A: Yes, sir. You Can’t be afraid to punt.

    or this coaching classic:

    “Of course, Jim Tomsula was fired after all the bad things we knew would happen to this team DID, in fact, happen. I already miss him terribly. One season is such a brief encounter. I wanted three seasons of Hobo Whiskey making these faces on the sideline…

    And farting in the press conference!
    Oh, memories. Tell me it wasn’t worth losing 11 games to have your head coach openly fart out his dignity in front of a hot microphone. Jim Tomsula was the best show on television, and his bosses never realized it. SAD!

  29. Since 1997 there have only been 3 drafts in which a QB wasn’t taken in the top 5.

    A true lesson to learn from the past 20 years is, if a QB doesn’t go in the top 5 then pretty much avoid drafting the position completely that year. Excluding 2000’s Tom Brady selection in the 6th the QB’s taken in the drafts with no top 5 QB’s were all mostly terrible. It’s a clear sign to steer clear if teams don’t find a signal caller in the top 5. Of course a QB going top 5 doesn’t guarantee you anything but when doesn’t you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a bust.

    Here are the first 5 quarterbacks drafted on the years in which none were taken top 5.
    ’13
    #16 EJ Manual
    #39 Geno Smith
    #73 Mike Glennon
    #98 Matt Barkley
    #110 Ryan Nassib

    ’00
    #18 Chad Pennington (to be fair Chad was an OK quarterback that couldn’t stay healthy)
    #65 Giovanni Carmazzi
    #75 Chris Redman
    #163 Tee Martin
    #168 Marc Bulger

    ’97
    #26 Jim Druckenmiller
    #42 Jake Plummer (some would argue Plummer was a decent QB, I’m not one of them)
    #99 Danny Wuerffel
    #110 Pat Barnes
    #171 Mike Cherry

    1. Stats like this are fun to read but… Just in, no pitcher has ever hit two home runs in one game in the history of MLB. That is until yesterday when one did – our Giant’s Mad Bum set a new record. Just saying. Old saying: People use statistics as a drunkard uses a lamp post – for support not illumination”.

    1. “Would the 49ers take the 12th, 33rd and 108th picks this year as well as next year’s first and third?”

      Is a Bear Catholic? Does the Pope…? 12+33+108+2018 first+2018 third is far more than what I’m hoping for.

      I’d offer the Panthers 146+2018 3rd and take Thomas.

      This leaves the 49ers with Thomas+33+34+66+108+109+143+161+186+202+219+Browns 2018 first rounder.

      But I don’t see anything like that happening at all. The Browns hired the guy that developed the Harvard chart. If a trade went down I’d see something between the Jimmy Johnson and Harvard charts. 2 for the Browns 12+33+2018 2nd. Or maybe 12+52+2018 second. (they have three 2018 2nds)

  30. Pro Football Trade Rumors:

    Carolina would reportedly move up to take Stanford defensive lineman Solomon Thomas or LSU running back Leonard Fournette.

    That final trade listed involves the 49ers sending the No. 2 overall pick, an early fourth-rounder, and an early seventh-rounder to the Panthers in exchange for No. 8, No. 40, and an early fifth-round pick. The difference in draft value comes out to 0.0, meaning it’s a perfectly fair deal for both sides — at least on paper.
    https://www.profootballrumors.com/2017/04/what-would-a-panthers-trade-to-no-2-overall-cost

      1. I would, if my heart isn’t set on Thomas or Fournette. Getting #40 for moving back 6 spots is a good deal for the 49ers. The movement with 3rd day picks is immaterial.

        1. Have to disagree. I’m not giving up King Solomon for anything less than two 2nd round picks of ransom. That’s well below trade chart value, and I would contend more than fair. It’s even fairer if they intend to take Fournette me not due to the lesser value the position represents….

          1. I would try to find another trade partner to get more value if possible. A #40 is nice but I think one can do better. And losing a 4th isn’t a small thing either for a 5th.

    1. That final trade listed involves the 49ers sending the No. 2 overall pick, an early fourth-rounder, and an early seventh-rounder to the Panthers in exchange for No. 8, No. 40, and an early fifth-round pick. The difference in draft value comes out to 0.0, meaning it’s a perfectly fair deal for both sides — at least on paper.
      ——————
      ??? What crazy a ss trade chart did they check that against. According to the one that everybody else uses that’s a 700 point loss for the 49ers in draft value.
      #2 2600
      #109 76
      #212 6.6
      ———
      2682.6

      #8 1400
      #40 500
      #152 30.6
      ————
      1930.6

      Yea, no thanks.

      1. I think the trade chart referenced in this article is far more realistic on actual pick value than the traditional Jimmy Johnson chart. Which from what I have read is not used by many teams anymore. It is much more closely aligned with the Harvard chart which, for example, the Browns now favour.

        Incidentally, or perhaps by design, the trade the Dolphins made with the Raiders to move up and get Dion Jordan matches quite closely in value to the chart referenced here. Picks 12 + 42 are close to the value of pick 3.

        Basically the only time the traditional value chart gets used anymore is when some team is desperate for a QB.

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