Posted By: Frank, Modesto (25/04/2008 3:06:47 PM)
Comment: " If I'm taking an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft..." Hey Matt, this is the 29th pick our of 31! I remember the Patriots picking up Fresno State's Logan Mankins at a similar position...well ahead of most projections...and that turned out very well for them. Gosder Cherilus was dominant as a junior RT. He struggled at LT with a new coordinator's system and 3 line coaches over 12 months. He is our Mankins.

Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (25/04/2008 5:32:25 AM)
Comment: Johnston is FIND Marc...doesn't get invited to combine as small school write off then kills em' at Pro Day (after he was treated as a footnote)-So Jordy .Johnston and the other sleeper I forgot to mention is Cory Lynch (FS) from Appalachian-this guy could be a steal in later rounds!!!!!!

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (24/04/2008 8:29:52 PM)
Comment: Buzz, Johnson appears to be a good fit also, so my theory about extra picks still stands. Agreed that a Blue Chip guy at 29 should be taken if there, but I would pass on the 4th or 5th best OT in Rd 1 for additional need picks in the 2-3-4 range. The pick may be worth more as trade bait, we'll see?

Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (24/04/2008 6:39:52 PM)
Comment: 16280-glad someone else has tuned in to my two fav's (1)Jordy Nelson(WR) and(2)Brian johnston(DE/OlB)-who is my dark horse hands down sleeper pick this year!

Posted By: Mike W (24/04/2008 1:38:34 PM)
Comment: oneniner you could be right, but I recall quite a few scouts expressing concern about Kwame being soft. Trust me (BC fan), no one ever accused Cheilus of being soft!

Posted By: 16280 (24/04/2008 1:24:13 PM)
Comment: Trading down may be the right thing unless the guy they really want is there. Lots of interesting picks in the mid rounds 2-5 aside from the previously mentioned favorites. Kirk Barton OT 6'5'311, 4.95 40, BP 34 reps from big time program OSU projected rd 3-4. Jordy Nelson WR, the guy gets open, rd 2-3 Mike Pollack C, best in the nation, rd 3 Cliff Averil, Lawrence Jackson, Marcus Howard, Brian Johnson, Pass rush DE/olb/ elephant, rd 2-3, Secondary possibilities in rd 3-5, Terrel Thomas, Antoine Molden, Jack Williams 4.33 40, vert 41", BJ 10'5", Orlando Scandick 4.32 40, vert 38.5. Should be exciting and we should pick up more talent and depth.

Posted By: oneniner (24/04/2008 12:19:27 PM)
Comment: Mike W ..= "stud RT his junior year and exactly the type of smash-mouth run blocker Gore needs " =....2 words.... Kwame Harris

Posted By: oneniner (24/04/2008 12:19:27 PM)
Comment: Mike W ..= "stud RT his junior year and exactly the type of smash-mouth run blocker Gore needs " =....2 words.... Kwame Harris

Posted By: Mike W (24/04/2008 11:57:42 AM)
Comment: I'd be bummed if we passed on Cherilus. With all due respect to Matt, he was a stud RT his junior year and exactly the type of smash-mouth run blocker Gore needs to return to '06 levels. If we trade down, would love a CB like Brandon Flowers or one of the WRs that slips.

Posted By: KezarMike (24/04/2008 10:15:37 AM)
Comment: Mike Lombardi, on NFL Access, quoted Bill Walsh as saying not to worry about which round you pick a player you want, as long as you feel that IS a guy who can play. I remember on the America's Game about 1981 team that Walsh was saying that other people on the 49ers did not want him to "waste" a draft pick on Dwight Clark, that he could have been gotten as a free agent and Walsh said he wanted him as a good player, so draft him. So...the MOST important thing in this or any other draft is to IDENTIFY the really good players. The teams that do (49ers in past, Patriots now) win a lot. Those that don't, lose a lot. Walsh rarely found a great player in the first round (though when he DID identify one he really liked, like Lott and Rice, he got them). Usually he traded down and was able to get REALLY great players like Michael Carter in the 5th round and Charles Haley in the 4th. And many many others (see 1984 and 1986 drafts). You hardly EVER get a receiver worth the pick in round one (not never, but hardly ever). Go for the OL and the LBs (ones you think can rush the passer), as well as DBs and DL. And TRADE DOWN and then take a flyer on a QB in a late round for the future (Brennan?). And do whatever you need to do to get Martz to be around for more than one year to really get some stability in the offense. Someone wrote on a blog that A Smith needs to produce no matter what and that is certainly true, BUT almost always the great QBs have had one really good mentor for a number of years (Montana, Elway, Aikman, Bradshaw, Brady, Manning, Young, Favre, etc etc etc)

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (24/04/2008 9:49:26 AM)
Comment: Even if we get multiple picks, I hope McCloughin will pick PLAYERS, not Nolan's best athlete availible approach. We have a lot of late rounders that we try to switch positions 'cuz they run fast and jump high. We don't have the talent (or the money) to take fliers on BAP. Get the BPA who has produced.

Posted By: oneniner (24/04/2008 9:04:36 AM)
Comment: if we do pick an O-line in the 1st round I pray it's T Carl Nicks

Posted By: oneniner (24/04/2008 8:49:12 AM)
Comment: Marco - if the consensus is that the draft is deep at OL, why not wait and draft an OL-man later, since whoever we draft is not going to be required to start on day one....

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (24/04/2008 8:36:31 AM)
Comment: Unless someone exceptional drops to 29th we must take OL or DL. Those are our two two glaring weaknesses. The best 3-4's have excellent D lines. Justin was a definite impovement, but it is still it is poor to average d-line. It is foolish to believe otherwise despite this drive to get LBs. Our O-line has been one of the worst in the NFL at protecting the QB, what makes anyone believe they have gotten better on the O-Line? Who is new? It's the worst mistake McNolan has made with this team. They failed to build a good O-Line.

Posted By: oneniner (24/04/2008 7:48:08 AM)
Comment: my guess would be Quentin Groves...maybe Hardy would be available in the mid second round.....it looks less likely we will draft the only receiver in the draft that could help improve A. Smith.

Posted By: StonerLab (24/04/2008 7:34:39 AM)
Comment: Ya know the more I think about Saturday's draft the more likely I think there will be a trade by either Miami or Atlanta for pick#29. The 49ers will get the additional picks that they need in order to REALLY shore up the roster. When that trade goes down it's going to be CHA-CHING! I'm with you Buzz but even better, my wife is taking the kids to Marine World on Saturday & I'll be barbacueing some beer brawts in the Voodoo Lounge (my backyard) with a cocktail & swimshorts, taking dips in the pool between 49er picks!

Posted By: Indiana Jim (24/04/2008 6:44:33 AM)
Comment: Niners trade down, take Groves, Baker, Mike McGlynn, Harry Douglas, a corner, a defensive lineman.

Posted By: Da Niners (24/04/2008 5:59:59 AM)
Comment: I like the thinking on many of your players, but the fact remains the Niners will take Groves before Cherilus (if the other top 4 OL are gone). Unliely, but two other players with first round grades who may fall down to 29 are Kentwan Balmer and Jerod Mayo (who may be top 15 now). Adib Talib could slip, but there are serious character issue there...not sure Niners touch that. Malcolm Kelly a 4.6 guy in a Martz offense...don't like it either.

Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (24/04/2008 5:33:33 AM)
Comment: I hope the way I phrased that didn't sound come of as if I was casting aspersions at Tgflynn- on the contrary I was scratching my head about the whole matter -wondering how "Tgflynn is gay" poster could be so "inappropriate" and toward Tgflynn who always seems so reasonable...wierd(by the way i got the reference about who you think might be)!As far as the rest of it goes wait and see is all we can do till Sat.-I warned the wife I'll be in den- looking forward toward further posts w/ you guys the weekend-Oh by the way Marc have you checked out Brian Johnston yet-check his pro day #'s -Whoa!

Posted By: brahdah (24/04/2008 2:15:37 AM)
Comment: I'll go with 1.Groves(OLB.),2.Lofton(ILB.),3.Nicks/Brown(OT.),4.Rubin(NT.),6.Colvin or Johnson(WR.),7.B.Keith(OT.)

Posted By: Medford (23/04/2008 11:35:48 PM)
Comment: Matt im glad u said something about Gosder Cherilus he almost sounded like another Kwame Harris. The one thing we dont need is a OL man who is giving up more sacks and penaltys. Mel Kiper had us picking that guy also lets cross r fingers we dont...

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (23/04/2008 10:37:08 PM)
Comment: Buzz - tgflynn was responding to the clown that posted as TGFlynn is Gay, some homophobe who writes amazingly similar to another infamous poster, we all know and love, as being defiantly ignorant of other posters' opinions. I guess when you are challenged to add anything intelligent to the debate, it's easier to cast aspersions on those that do. We all have our opinions and dream selection scenarios, but the reality is, we have no control. The enjoyment comes in watching it play out this weekend. Something strange is always possible and will probably happen sooner rather then later. Add shortened selection times to the mix, and trades may really play a big factor. Less time to recoup after a guy gets pulled from the board, so savvy GMs can confuse a new regime that hasn't worked together in the pressured war rooms for example. Scot seems pretty well prepared, I'm anxious to relax and enjoy the festivities this Saturday.

Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (23/04/2008 10:12:41 PM)
Comment: TgFlynn-what was that all about?Suffice it say that we always reject what we" see" in other people- the very qualities we can't stand about ourselves... putdown about "best Abs''has particular resonance for Boobman-I'm sure! Jon in So cal -nice draft-however-the one piece I see missing is the absence of WR pick-and this draft has numerous good picks at that position this year -really feel it is obligatory to draft at least one!I'm of the trade down school( we need more picks!) and no one jumps out as a 29th lock for me -if Groves is picked I won't snivel and if Dan Connor is picked I won't bemoan the lack of excitement some feel befalls that choice(he is a solid first rounder!)...this is a work in progress still and don't believe one or two draft pickups will push us to the upper echelons yet(although with the right picks this year and Coach Martz and Manusky -I am optimistic about it being much more exciting to watch this year!)...this is my short list right now (not a mock per se) of candidates:Sam Baker; Kerry Brown; Red Bryant;Ezra Butler; Dan Connor ;Jerome Simpson; Brian Johnston(!);Jordy Nelson(!!);Owen Schmitt(!)Roy Scheuning;:Tom Zbikowski-as many as possible -thank you Santa!

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (23/04/2008 10:05:11 PM)
Comment: There is also the "new" trade value chart, with less points being awarded to picks 1-10. I think that even with the points issue, teams won't adhere to the suggested value if there is competition for the pick. For example, if 29 is worth 640, teams may overpay to jump ahead of other teams who want their QB. That's what is going to happen. We should sit tight and wait until other teams panic. That's what Walsh loved to do

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (23/04/2008 10:01:05 PM)
Comment: Mike in MD, I caught some of the Senior Bowl replay also and was reminded that we should spend a Draft Pick on Pitt's Mike McGlynn for OL. Not sure where he grades, but he hits everything that moves. He's played OT/OG and does LS as well. Pick Him! Kendall Langford too, he's versatile as DT or DE.

Posted By: Razoreater (23/04/2008 10:00:28 PM)
Comment: You're 2nd guessing yourself Matt, Groves is the pick barring any surprises. Then u take Laws followed by Duane Brown in the 3rd round.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (23/04/2008 9:51:57 PM)
Comment: Let's remember the Trade Values for pick 29. 640 Pts. Not too shabby, very desirable for all reasons mentioned about a QB who may go in the Top of Rd 2. If Atl gets Dorsey at 3, QB should be a need for them in Rd 2, so either they jump up to insure they get him or risk someone else looking to do the same. 640 pts for example, gets us both of GBs 2nd round picks, but I'd doubt they spend them. Good option for GB is whether they would like to pick 29/30 in Rd 1 by dealing their 2s to us. Point I'm trying to make is the value of 29 could be sold for as much as 2 extra 2s, possibly more if you get later rounds into the mix, and, if there is no clear 1st round value at 29, extra 2s or 3s, even 4s, may provide options to fill more needs in a thicker area of value. Groves is not rated at 29 on any major publication I've reviewed, so why reach? If a 1st Rd DT/CB/LB is there, why not? The barometer of grading the talent is what the name of the game is all about. 29 is Low One, 39 is High Two. Bunch a few 2s together and I think we fare better. As for all the talk about Willis last year, we didn't have to watch 28 other picks in front of him. Easier to shoot the fish in a shallow barrel.

Posted By: real ninerman (23/04/2008 9:43:04 PM)
Comment: hey ninerman...if your gonna poach the handle at least do it justice dude..your takes look like you added to much oregano to the sauce bubba?...Cherilus AKA Kwame will get beaten like a rented mule in the NFL..Pass..Groves is hard to pass up given the shear need of a sack master and Nicks looks like a man child body wise in my book and Mayo looks like the real deal...Lord knows who falls where and in what particular order but no doubt 2 starters + depth need to come from this draft...come saturday we shall see

Posted By: Cody Pickett (23/04/2008 9:27:15 PM)
Comment: Mike in Sac - I've done a weighted average of my 3 favorite "Big Boards", updated to today, and the lineup goes: (26) DL Balmer, (27) LB Connor, (28) FS Phillips, (29) CB Cason, (30) OLB Groves, (31) WR Hardy, (32) RB Jones.

Posted By: Mike in Sac (23/04/2008 9:03:49 PM)
Comment: Sam - like your lineup. Hope it comes true. Personally, does anyone have a clue who the highest rated dude available will be at 29? Assuming RB, QB and TE are off the table who is the highest rated guy available at 29? All I am saying we have to take the best player. No doubt we need (in no order); OL, DL, CB, LB and maybe WR. Lets face it Hill might be the next great thing and Bryant might be a keeper. I feel real good about our WR situation becasue Martz is going to tell Sullivan what the hell to do instead of the other way around like last year. Bottom line, trade or no trade, our first pick MUST BE A QUALITY STARTER THIS YEAR.

Posted By: ninerman (23/04/2008 7:37:46 PM)
Comment: why cant we just take groves at 29 then move back at 39 and pick up 1 more pick like a 5th rd. really how many holes do we have to fill we dont need that much depth we need 2 starters.

Posted By: ninerindallas (23/04/2008 7:06:51 PM)
Comment: Sam----if maimi trades up into the 1st round it will be cause they traded jason taylor, hence needing someone to replace him...and i believe miami would take groves in the end of the 1st. 2nd maimi would never trade that many picks{as they have that many holes to fill} nor does your trade pan out on the trade chart. 3rd nicks will be gone by middle of round 3 if not towards the end of rd two. dixon will get picked up in the 6th rd at some point as well {prolly like carolina or even detroit}. just my thoughts though....is anyone else actually going to the draft?

Posted By: Sam (23/04/2008 6:41:29 PM)
Comment: Here are my mock draft for the Niners on Saturday & Sunday. 1st Rd. 29th Pick traded to the Miami Dolphins for their 2nd Rd. Pick the 32nd pick overall, their 5th Rd. Pick 129th overall, and their 6th Rd. Pick so the Dolphins can get either Chad Henne or Joe Flacco before Green Bay does. With the 1st pick of the 2nd Rd. the 32nd overall the 49'ers chose Quentin Groves LB Auburn who can play the OLB/Elephant position) in the 3-4 defense ala Fred Dean, Dwaine Board, and Charles Haley) and with their 2nd 2nd rd. pick the 39th overall they select Trevor Laws DL Notre Dame. (will play and at least for the season backup both Issac Sopoaga & Justin Smith) In the 3rd Rd. the 49'ers select Carl Nicks OT Nebraska (Niners loved him at the Senior Bowl, and I see him at the 3rd rd. because of some off the field issues) 4th Rd. Niners select Harry Douglas WR Louisville (Not a speed guy, but very sound route runner and great hands who can play the slot ala Steve Smith from the Giants, & Bobby Engram of Seattle. 5th rd (from the Dolphins) Niners select Jacob Hester RB LSU will be the Short Yardage guy for the Niners. 6th Rd. (from the Dolphins) Niners select Phillip Wheeler LB Georgia Tech was coached hard by Mike Singletary at the Senior Bowl. 2nd 6th rd. pick Niners select Dwight Lowery CB SJSU (with health issues surrounding Terrell Brown, and Shawntae Spencer good value, very sound reminds me of Don Griffin & Eric Davis) 7th rd. their last pick of the draft Niners select Dennis Dixon (why not take a chance on a player who was a heisem trophy candidate before he got hurt).

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (23/04/2008 6:15:46 PM)
Comment: I think everyone has the same idea, trade back a bit...if we can and grab value. Look also for Roy Scheuning (OG)

Posted By: ninerindallas (23/04/2008 5:48:53 PM)
Comment: ok people here is my mock draft {some of you are gonna poo over this i know} #29{640 points}---trade to maimi for #57{330 points} and #64{270 points} #39--curtis lofton--ilb #57--sam baker--ot #64--red bryant--nt #75--mike pollack--g/c #107--tony hills--ot #113--TRADE to jets {either ulbrich or moore + 2009 5th rounder}--eddie royal--wr #174--bryan kehl--olb #215--jack ikegwuonu--cb or something like that!!!!

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (23/04/2008 5:42:16 PM)
Comment: Anyone remember Six_Parnassus? He posted here a number of times a couple years ago. Well, I was in town today on Mt. Sutro, and as I was waiting around I saw a city bus drive by. It was "6 Parnassus". Maybe I'm the last to know that, but anyway, I'd always wondered about where he got "Six_Parnassus".

Posted By: StonerLab (23/04/2008 5:08:37 PM)
Comment: Jon in SoCal, Your last take would be the perfect scenario as we've talked before about this. This draft has alot of depth between rounds 2-4 so if the 49ers can somehow find a deal mate then more power to us!

Posted By: Steve Young (23/04/2008 5:05:31 PM)
Comment: Fresno 9er - you are the idiot. You think Jackson is going to be good because JR is working with him??? Anyone who knows Jerry knows there is a reason he is working with Jackson and it has NOTHING to do with thinking Jackson is good and worth his time. Its all about MONEY. Its a business decision as Jerry is partnering up with Eddie D's company that represents Jackson. Jackson has connected with Rice through DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment, the management firm run by former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo. One of the firm's perks was up-close contact with Rice, who's still close with DeBartolo after winning three Super Bowls together. It didn't matter what receiver signed with them, JR was going to be made available. Also - When one of these 7 players is NOT our first round pick on Saturday, I expect you to be the first post appologizing to Matt for being such an idiot. Please show me another 169 pound reciever that has had any sucess in the NFL. Our very own Nate Clemments will eat him alive in pracice and hurt him before he even plays in the NFL. The guy was always hurt at CAL for a reason. SIZE.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (23/04/2008 4:54:42 PM)
Comment: What ever happened to Mike in SF #1? Groves can be had at 39, everyone in between 29 and 36 will be looking at QB's x-pt for Balt. I think our 1st rounder is a good position to trade back for a couple of picks for a team looking to get back into the end of round 1 to get a QB (Brohm, Henne, Flacco will still be on the board). Look for us to drop a couple of slots and still get value with an OL and pick up an extra pick. Pick 1, rd2 OL (Nicks, Rachel, Baker) Pick2, rd2-Groves; Pick 3, Rd 3-Red Bryant; Pick4, rd3 OC(Pollack/Justice) Pick5, rd4 Brandon Flowers CB; Pick6, rd6 Philip Wheeler OLB; Pick 7 rd7 Dennis Dixon QB. Now that I have said this, they are going to go with a QB in the first.

Posted By: LADALE (23/04/2008 4:51:03 PM)
Comment: IF THE 49ERS ARE INTENT ON WINNING THE NFC WEST, THEY BETTER DRAFT SOMEONE WHO CAN PUT PRESSURE ON THOSE FORMER NFC WEST DIV. PRO BOWL Q.B'S!!! THERE IS NO SENSE IN HAVING ONE OF THE MOST HIGHEST PAID DEFENSES', AND YOU CAN NOT GET THE BALL OUT OF THE Q.B.'S HAND IN A TIMELY MANNER AND CONTINUE TO BE WORST IN THE LEAGUE IN 3RD DOWN DEFENSE. COME ON!!!

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (23/04/2008 4:47:13 PM)
Comment: P.S. My other late round lock - Jacob Hester LSU. Nolan was in love with this guy at the Senior Bowl. If we still had our 5th rounder I would call it a 100% guarantee. It will be interesting to see if we consider him in the 4th.

Posted By: Fresno 9er (23/04/2008 4:47:09 PM)
Comment: Matt,what the hell were you thinking?!This is a list of the players the Niners will be calling at 29 if there still there.Sometimes you try to act to smart for your own good.You acted like you knew what was going on with the Nolan situation...you didnt now this might be the most ludacris names of players the Niners wont take.Well who are they going to take over any of these guys?!!!Sorry Matt but your really starting to worry me.Dou you think Jerry Rice would work out with Jackson and praise him if he wasnt going to be any good.Sometimes you need to use common sense instead of trying to outsmart everyone when sometimes the answers are right at the end of your nose....and yours is getting pretty long Matt

Posted By: StonerLab (23/04/2008 4:39:51 PM)
Comment: Matt, I have to agree with mayo's take in that how he compared the 49ers thinking in picking Willis last year to this year picking Groves. It's got to be Groves at #29 in a slam dunk easily. And as for Groves last college season, you can't just look at a college player's last year without looking at the whole body of work thru out the player's college career. And that goes for Cherilus as well, his natural position is RT. I'm affraid though he'll be gone by #39 so the 49ers go after either DT Laws or OT Baker.

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (23/04/2008 4:14:14 PM)
Comment: Mike in MD - I hear you. Cherilus makes me nervous for all the reasons previously stated. A guy with his size should have been more dominant as a LT in college on sheer numbers alone. He is bigger than everyone else. Groves makes me nervous after reading Mike Mayock's take on him. I hear with Groves its going to be boom or bust. Can the Niners afford that at the 29th pick? The good news is that McNolan seem to hit well on their first round picks, at least as of late. I'm prepared for at least 3 posts calling me an idiot because the jury is still out on Alex, Vernon, and Manny. Good money has the later two breaking out this season and I still think Alex can be a good QB in this league. More importantly the Niners front office thinks that as well and they are more qualified than I am. This weekend will be exciting. I try not to fall in love with a player because when you pick 29th ANYTHING can happen. I can assure you a highly rated receiver, corner, LB, or OT will fall to us at #29. My sleeper pick is WR Cameron Colvin from DLS in the 7th round. I remember seeing him play at DLS and he was an absolute beast. On raw god given talent alone many DLS alums/coaches put him up there with DJ Williams and Mo Drew. Everyone agreed he was more talented coming out of high school than Demetrius Williams (high school and College teammate) and Demetrius is starting to have a good career in Baltimore. Let the games begin-

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (23/04/2008 4:13:20 PM)
Comment: At 29th it is impossible to know who will be there. You need to identify needs 1) OL 2) DL. 3) receiver. If a great player drops to 29th that is not a need you take him. Otherwise it will be OL & DL. The two weak areas on the team. I am looking forward to the Blogging.

Posted By: ninermaniac (23/04/2008 4:11:04 PM)
Comment: Seems like the Dolphins set the trend to pick the safest player that would have an immediate impact which are mostly OL and DL guys.

Posted By: tgflynn (23/04/2008 4:00:00 PM)
Comment: Well, boob, man I'm sorry if you have a problem with Greeks and Gays, but I think it would be a little more manly to use your own name. I guess I'll have to be more careful but I can't imagine anyone would think anyone else, male or female, would think Sam Baker is sexy. Hell of a player but one of the slumpiest all-americans ever.

Posted By: mayo (23/04/2008 3:39:49 PM)
Comment: Matt, your explanation doesn't make sense. Because everyone has Groves going at #29 you feel it's too much of a concensus, so you decided he's not going to be the pick? Where's the logic in that? Last year everyone and his mother knew we wanted Willis at #11 and all the mocks has us getting him. Why didn't you use this logic last year? If Groves is there he's going to be the pick not just because everyone thinks it's what the Niners will do, but because it's the right decision to make. BTW, I agree with your assessment of Laws. Another AA.

Posted By: mike in MD (23/04/2008 3:32:56 PM)
Comment: Mike in SF #2...I'm no expert. I follow ESPN, read the scouting reports & follow up on Niner news as much as possible like the rest of us. Cherilus has to have some talent to be rated the #5 OT & ahead of Sam Baker. So you'd pass him up @ 29 if he was there? Where's he on your board? 2nd Round, not at all? So be it. When Mark Schlreth talks about info about the OL I listen because he knows OL play. I was suggesting could there be more time needed in learning when switching sides maybe more for others & is this a reason for concern with Cherilus since all we're looking for is for him to play RT? Schlreth pointed out a Probowler LT teammate couldn't make it on the opposite side. For 3 years Cherilus was dominant on the right. So maybe he's not our guy. But about Staley it was a bad comparison on the pro DE vs college DE competition faced by Cherilus. Whatever OT we choose we need to get it right because we can't afford to miss.

Posted By: david in portland (23/04/2008 3:27:27 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt - newsflash the niners wasted a 3rd round pick on brandon williams 2 seasons ago - not exactly a large guy. If jackson is still there at 29 they'd be downright idiotic not to take him. Oh and Groves is OVERRATED, so I hope you're right on that one.

Response: I look at it the other way. If they did not have success with a little WR in the third round, why would they be so eager to take a guy who's even smaller in the first round? --Matt M.

Posted By: Alex Smith (23/04/2008 3:19:40 PM)
Comment: I love Frank Nunley

Posted By: ninerman (23/04/2008 3:17:18 PM)
Comment: Oh by the way matt who did everybody say the niners were gonna get last year Levi Brown, Pat Willis, A.Carriker,A.Branch. If i remember correctly brown was there 1st choice followed by willis. Sounds pretty simple #1 Cherilus #2Groves #3 tradedown.

Posted By: ninerman (23/04/2008 3:05:01 PM)
Comment: the niners will take groves because he will be the best player on the board at 29. Mayo cannot play outside in a 3-4 he is more like a Patrick Willis Jr. This draft is to deep at wr to take one early so rnd 2 should be OL/DL and no u idiots Groves is not a DL he is a OLB and a 10 plus sack guy every year. Imagine willis,Lawson,groves,d.thomas as our 4 linebackers thats really f***ing good.

Posted By: Matt (23/04/2008 3:03:54 PM)
Comment: Matt, I think the niners grab two guys you listed here, even if they trade back. I think they go Groves and Laws with the first 2 picks and then oline with the next two. Oline is more an issue of depth than starters at this point whereas DL and OLB need starters. -Matt

Posted By: Matt (23/04/2008 3:03:53 PM)
Comment: Matt, I think the niners grab two guys you listed here, even if they trade back. I think they go Groves and Laws with the first 2 picks and then oline with the next two. Oline is more an issue of depth than starters at this point whereas DL and OLB need starters. -Matt

Posted By: Jim in Walnut Creek (23/04/2008 2:48:06 PM)
Comment: I notice that you didn't include the following on your list: Jeff Otah, Kentwan Balmer, or any of the TOP CB's. Jay Glazer, who has proven to have pretty good backroom sources, today forecast Limas Sweed on KNBR. This is fun!

Posted By: Cody Pickett (23/04/2008 2:41:27 PM)
Comment: McNolan's April Surprise (You heard it here first): OLB/ILB Jerrod Mayo (Tennessee), 6'1-1/4", 242 lbs, 4.54/40. Early declarant, who played OLB as Soph & ILB as Junior, showing high level of LB skills (including blitzing from OLB + covering receivers & open field tackling) at both positions. Lowest downside risk of any guy in this portion of draft - And fills a glaring need.

Posted By: tgflynn is gay (23/04/2008 2:33:59 PM)
Comment: Ha HA, "Im a Sam Baker Guy". I have to say your guy's draft analysis is so homoerotic. TGflyn is a Sam Baker guy, Like im a "boob Man" or a "legs man" we got draft junkies saying they are Sam baker men" How incredibly gay. Grown men drooling over 20 something draft prospects. It cracks me up every draft season. Greek culture is alive and well in the United States. I will leave this one with you gays to ponder which guy in the draft has the best abs???? ha ha, see you later gays (p.s. there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, to each is own and each draft blog his own gay facination). See ya later TGflyn......

Posted By: Jed (23/04/2008 2:32:34 PM)
Comment: Well done, esp. Laws. Worst are hunches about Nolan reaching at gutty over-achievers for sentimental reasons. If no one special falls to 29th, start with the solid, comparable players who will still be there in 3rd, 4th rds. RT, ILB, OG. Then we can think about combos 10 slots apart at 29th and 39th. SF probably did that in 2006 when trading up: LB Hawk and TE M.Lewis, or TE V.Davis and LB Lawson (or Carpenter). Groves is sounding like a dot-com stock, and most GMs are no less emotional than us fans.

Posted By: tgflynn (23/04/2008 2:24:06 PM)
Comment: Let me say right off I'm a Sam Baker guy. I'd be happy to grab him at #29. But I'll admit it looks like he could be had cheaper. So #29 is perfect to trade to one of the many teams needing a QB and not wanting to use their #1 pick on one. With Flacco, Brohm and Hennie all setting there someones going to get nervous and move up to get the one they want. I'd get a good 2nd and 3rd round choice for #29. With two 2's and 3's I'd try for four of the following Sam Baker, Curtis Lofton. Jordy Nelson, Eddie Royal, Chilo Rachal, Jeremy Zuttah and Bruce Davis.. Hoping for the guys in Bold.

Posted By: Nevyn (23/04/2008 2:18:59 PM)
Comment: Berger, Matt has asked that in the past and the answer he always gets is that they play both, and that when evaluating people they worry about talent and not what scheme they fit into. Which I consider total BS, of course. But as to the NT thing, its not like the niners have passed up many golden opportunities at a NT in the McNolan tenure. So I suppose the real answer is they'll get a better nose tackle when a good one falls into their lap. And if his last name happens to be Sims and he's chosen in the first 2 rounds this year, I won't be shocked.

Posted By: Niner Dog (23/04/2008 2:16:50 PM)
Comment: DRAFT COMMENT: For sure, the Niners cannot afford to make a mistake, so they will take a player that's SOLID! Some of the names mentioned are not solid!--some have ??? and some have negatives. I think it's a tough choice, especially if they pass on WRs and targeted players are off the board. I see a minor trade--save money and pick up an extra pick!

Posted By: sean in PA (23/04/2008 2:13:50 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt I think its Groves in the first at 29 he is a machine if he didn't get hurt he would have been a top 10 pick. He has dominated the SEC for a couple years just like another LB we know and love. Think about it the Niners would have 3 linebackers with 4.4 - 4.5 speed. The people that think Groves will b there at 39 are crazy no way he would get passed the dolphins. There is no possible way that Nolan can go into next season with banta-cain as their top pass rushing linebacker lets face it, if that happens they might as well just switch to the 4-3 now. At pick 39 I see them taking the highest rated DT, WR, or OL on the board and which ever one they don't choose in the second round they take in the 3rd. I know the O line is thin but its not necessary for them to take one early because they dont need one to start right away. Dont b surprised if Limas Sweed or Malcom kelly is there in the 2nd either.

Posted By: PDX Mike (23/04/2008 2:03:16 PM)
Comment: Matt--It seems as though you have removed most everyone that has been realistically projected as the pick at #29. Do you anticipate that someone will fall in the draft to #29 that the 49ers will snatch up? I agree about Cherilus. Though Staley played very well at RT last year and LT is his natural position; there is still a chance that he will struggle at the new spot. With that in mind, SF needs to draft a tackle that can play both sides. Cherilus is a risky pick for that. As for Groves; keep in mind that most everyone knew that SF was targeting Willis last year and Davis in '06; both of which came true. With all due respect, that seems to support the pick of Groves at #29.

Posted By: mike (23/04/2008 1:59:33 PM)
Comment: Quick question. Who would you rather have running the country. York or Bush?

Posted By: CT 9ers (23/04/2008 1:58:04 PM)
Comment: I love when the Mikes duke it out with 49ers analysis, I wonder who is going to win this one. Hopefully Mike in MD can come back with some good analysis.

Posted By: jeremy (23/04/2008 1:57:24 PM)
Comment: Off topic.... Was I dreaming yesterday when I saw a Bay Area sports franchise actually win a game when it mattered? Oh wait, Zito got shelled, and the Warriors were watching the playoffs (again) so it must have been real.

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (23/04/2008 1:44:51 PM)
Comment: Mike in MD - as I said on the last Roger Craig blog thank god you do not run the 49ers. A first round lineman picked that high in the NFL draft is supposed to dominate on the college level. Some of the best defensive lineman he faced in college will not even make an NFL practice squad. Joe Staley dominated D lineman in college on both sides of the line. To compare his sack count as a rookie in the NFL to Cherilus in college is beyond comical. As Kiper said, Cherilus BETTER have dominated in college at either side of the line otherwise he is going to get eaten alive by all pro defensive ends.

Posted By: Berger (23/04/2008 1:38:59 PM)
Comment: Matt- You'll probabably get a smoke screen answer but I would be curious of how he answers this question. Could you ask Scott if we are we a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. If he says 3-4, ask him when he is going to get serious about getting a top notch NT. If he infers Franklin is the guy, I give up.

Response: I think you'll be giving up. The 49ers might get a nose in the draft, but I don't think they're down on Franklin. --Matt M.

Posted By: vdix (23/04/2008 1:37:28 PM)
Comment: Not too thrilled with Groves, after the success we had with our last Steeler-fan pick. :-)

Posted By: http:// (23/04/2008 1:29:40 PM)
Comment: I deal has been struck and Matt Walsh will be presenting his evidence to the Leauge in May, after the draft.

Posted By: mike in MD (23/04/2008 1:26:13 PM)
Comment: Kiper says Cherilus should've dominated at LT. Mark Schlreth who was w/Denver on the other hand said it's not an easy switch pointing out Gary Zimmerman who was a stud multipro-bowler at LT was horrible & had to be pulled when they tried to switch him to RT. Now our Joe Staley allowed right around the same number of sacks as Cherilus @ RT but got solid reviews. One thing I didn't like was Cherilus' 7 penalties (no, deja vu Kwame mental lapses I know. Cherilus s/b fine.) We're looking for a RT anyways where Cherilus got very good grades. We'll see what happens, come on SATURDAY...bring it on!

Posted By: Ben (23/04/2008 1:16:45 PM)
Comment: I agree with Big E and Mike. I think they take Groves at 29, if they keep it. I think they might trade it for a 2nd rounder and a late rounder. If they miss out on Groves, I like Cliff Avril. I also think they like Nicks over Cherilus. My favorite names for later rounds: WR Royal and FB Schmitt (Norris didn't block as well last year, and Schmitt helps in short yardage, a weakness last year.

Posted By: Brad (23/04/2008 1:15:41 PM)
Comment: I'm going with 2 of the guys on your list for the Niners first 2 picks. Cherilus in the 1st round and Groves in the 2nd. Then possibly DT Red Bryant from Texas A&M in the 3rd. (Margin of Error: +/- 100%)

Response: I see what you're doing. You're using my theory against me. Now, because I'm saying the 49ers WILL NOT take these guys, you're figuring they WILL. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. --Matt M.

Posted By: mike in MD (23/04/2008 1:05:24 PM)
Comment: It's a copycat league right..the Fish talked only to JLong & pulled the trigger. Maybe we'll do something similar. There's been a lot of talk about Groves as our pick. Coming from the 3rd NFL Conference the SEC with good numbers there (except last year, injured) & at the Combine I'd be happy w/t pick & taking that chance. BTW just saw the NFLN replay of the Senior Bowl & Cherilus looked good, the man's got some serious beef & he moved well. Did a good job. Yeah he could gone by 29. I also like Carl Nicks.

Posted By: Eric (23/04/2008 12:57:31 PM)
Comment: I think a pass rusher and a pass rush protector as the most glaring holes to be filled in the first 2 picks. More rush will translates to turnovers, and we needed 4 quarterbacks last year to withstand all the beatings. Groves is an exciting option, but his poor sack production last year is troubling, regardless of how many toes were working. Excellent point about Cherilus, it would be nice to get a tackle that finished great on the field (versus combine numbers).

Posted By: Big E (23/04/2008 12:53:12 PM)
Comment: I think you're wrong about Groves Matt, If he is there at 29, he IS the pick. I just have this overwhelming feeling of that. We desprately need a pass rush and he provides it instantly.

Posted By: 9R (23/04/2008 12:46:57 PM)
Comment: First

Posted By: casey (23/04/2008 12:44:09 PM)
Comment: first!