Posted By: StonerLab (26/04/2008 10:02:26 AM)
Comment: Matt, Duane Brown?....Huh? He's not even rated in the top 10 in most scout's views. Not going to happen.

Posted By: mayo (26/04/2008 7:19:04 AM)
Comment: If Groves, Mayo, Connor and Sweed are gone at #29 then trade down.

Posted By: mike in MD (26/04/2008 7:17:12 AM)
Comment: I like Lofton, I would be happy w/that pick too. He'd be a permanent fixture next to Willis. Pull up YouTube this guy can hit. I agree Matt I think he's better for the Ted than Mayo. Mayo's naturally 230 & added over 10 lbs for the combine to get to 242 & will probably lose a lot of it after TC. Lofton's a natural 240 & could probably bulk up more if needed. Mayo's slightly faster 4.5 vs 4.6 @ the 40. On video Lofton is a playmaker. Trading down would be awesome because I believe we can still get Lofton/Groves (unless Miami's still @ 32)/or another blue chipper + another pick. Like Marc in NJ & other's pointed out Miami(32), Atlanta(34), KC(35), or even NY(36) could be trade partners trying to get their QB. C'mon Scotty, time to go to work. GOOD LUCK 49ERS!

Posted By: Medford (26/04/2008 6:33:59 AM)
Comment: Matt I say we will trade down a couple of spots and pick up Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame. I really belive they will trade down or try really hard to do so and have Trevor Laws move to play DE. What u guys think?

Posted By: niner fan in israel (26/04/2008 4:26:06 AM)
Comment: at what (approximate) time is the niners first pick coming up?

Posted By: ninerindallas (26/04/2008 12:59:25 AM)
Comment: just one side note for everyone on how much combine times can project-----jerry rice 40 time in the 1985 combine.....4.59......picked at #16 in 1st round.....go figure

Posted By: ninerindallas (26/04/2008 12:39:50 AM)
Comment: we should be really happy if we can steal sam baker in the 2nd rd sometime.last year had he come out of the draft, he would have been the 2nd rated tackle in the entire draft right behind joe thomas...so lets steal him

Posted By: Ronnie - Fresno (26/04/2008 12:12:51 AM)
Comment: This whole process amazes me. I like your approach Matt. This whole process is a circus, and egotistical talking-heads who seem more interested in propagating their reputations like Mel Kiper have way too much influence on the hype that seems to drive much of this process and contributes to mistakes many teams make. I wish the combine were held a week after the BCS game, and the draft a week after that. Rant done ... I am very happy with the last three drafts. I have complete faith in Mcloughan and Nolan's approach and execution of the scouting and pre-draft preparation. My gut tells me that Quentin Groves is the guy for our first pick. Either we'll get him at 29 or we'll move back if the right offer comes, and we can still remain high enough in the order to get him. The other names you mention will in all likelihood be long gone. The only guy I can see taken ahead of Groves is Lofton. He's going to be a real winner. I don't think you will ever see Mcloughan draft a wide receiver before round 3. History tells us that wide receivers are a huge crap shoot, especially those drafted high. Mike Nolan has the right idea in that he places a higher value on players the closer they line up to the ball. Unless a knockout surefire steal of a wide receiver is there for the taking in the first two rounds do I see the team going that direction. I laughed when I saw Dr. Z had us taking Desean Jackson at 29. No way. While I agree with your point about Gosder Cherilus and that he should be dominant in college regardless of position in order to be worthy of a 1st round pick, but sometimes one just has a natural position, and RT seems to be that for Cherilus. It should be a moot point anyway, he should be off the board by the time 29 rolls around. I'd love to have him though, I think he'd lock up the right side for years, giving us our best tackle combo since Barton and Wallace. I imagine we'll continue to draft Best vailable Player as opposed to reaching for Need ... so even though we need O Linemen, I have a feeling all the value picks will be gone by the time we pick until perhaps the second day. My gut tells me inside linebacker or Defensive End with the second pick, and either an O-Lineman or possibly a wide receiver in the 3rd. I see the first three picks going this way: 1st (Either 29 or moving a few spots down): Cherilus/Groves. 2nd: Sam Baker/Lofton/Calais Campbell. 3rd: Andre Caldwell/Early Doucet.

Posted By: John V. (26/04/2008 12:06:04 AM)
Comment: Folks let me introduce our pick at #29...Curtis Lofton. Check his video, he's got some major sticks on other players in them. Quentin Groves is a smokescreen, he's a nice player but my guess is they'll say he's a little too one-dimensional. Again check the player footage at rivals.com

Posted By: ninersnerd (25/04/2008 11:15:29 PM)
Comment: Matt, I am shocked that you think there is a possibility that the niners would take Malcom Kelly with a first round pick. He's got some good skills, but don't you see him as a big time character risk player for a first pick?

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (25/04/2008 10:42:54 PM)
Comment: Jon, nice find on the NFL.com screw up. Maybe that's the combo-bio of Willis and Staley? LOL.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (25/04/2008 10:28:21 PM)
Comment: You have to figure the teams are all talking tonight about possible trade scenarios as the time on the clock is reduced. Backing it up to 3PM ET also affords plenty of prep time for Rd 1 fireworks. Guys like Lito Sheppard, Chad Johnson, Jeremy Shockey, Jason Taylor, etc are also being positioned for deals as well. How about J.P Losman? Got lots of 'What Ifs' waiting to be finalized, and someone in the Top 10 will screw the pecking order big time. Who will be this years' Ted Ginn pick?

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (25/04/2008 10:12:28 PM)
Comment: Jon in SoCal, I factor it this way. Ryan goes either to Atl/NYJ/Balt with KC being a longshot. I'm hoping Jerry (AHole) spends his 2 picks on RB/CB and doesn't play deal breaker for us at 28. That leaves, (hopefully), Henne/Brohm/Flacco sitting in fron of GB. I want Atl to remain in the mix for a QB because that threatens GB/Miami/and anyone else left from my scenario who didn't get their QB in Rd 1. I know I'm beating my point to death, but, Atl/GB have the ammo I want, 2s and 3s. Not to mention (again), Jonas as an add in for Atl to help him with his family concerns, us with our cap number and his persistent production issues, and Atl for immediate lineup insertion on the field. It should be an interesting 1st Day of shortened pick times and movement I hope. Look at the list of players in the Top 100, paying attention to the names between 25-50. Plenty of quality guys there. Unless Aqib Talib, Mayo, or a surprise OL talent falls on us at 29, move back, plenty of options left in the Top 100. I think the talent after pick 20 seems to bunch up a little. Here's where the Scouts earn their coin, and Senior Bowl duty pays dividends. Scot has his head screwed on straight, he knows the value and should have suitors knocking at 29.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (25/04/2008 9:51:52 PM)
Comment: BTW. Go to NFL.com and read the article on Joe Staley. Pretty Vanilla, until you look at the "player card" on the right. I didn't know Joe was a linebacker...or a brother. I LMAO. http://www.nfl.com/draft/story;jsessionid=799B17394F2D9CCB377FCA7A2C99450C?id=09000d5d807f50df&template=with-video&confirm=true

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (25/04/2008 9:49:40 PM)
Comment: Even if ATL takes Ryan at three, the following teams are looking for QB's at the end of round: MIAMI-Beck wasn't drafted by the big tuna and may not be the man. CHIEFS- Brodie Croyle? Really? They might spend their second 1st rounder on a QB. JETS - Pennington is the only guy who gets hurt more often than Jennings and their top back up couldn't cut it for the Raiders. RAVENS - McNair retirement only puts more pressure on them.

Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (25/04/2008 9:40:45 PM)
Comment: oops- my prepositions are on strike again!

Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (25/04/2008 9:36:53 PM)
Comment: Round three is loaded with very promising WR's and that is why trading down and getting one there is essential-we are cut and paste at that position and need start the work in process with some new blood...and Billy yeah- Jordy is the Bomb (been saying this repeatedly for weeks now!) not to do so would be as short sighted as not bolster OL and Pass attack!

Posted By: Razoreater (25/04/2008 9:09:43 PM)
Comment: Me & my beer & NYDiesel will be at the ready baby along with plenty of pizza. Let's get this party started!!

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (25/04/2008 8:57:10 PM)
Comment: We need StL to take Chris Long, leaving Dorsey for Atl. If Atl is forced to pick QB at 3, we likely lose some clout with 29. IMO, GB may want to spend a pick on QB at 30 so we need 29 to create some QB interest from the other suitors, and perhaps force GB to pony up their 2 2s. I agree on Balmer being overrated, he too could be on the board and generate trade up interest. I have no problem using the pick if we have to, but we can't (and I'm sure Scot won't) reach for someone at a position of need that isn't valued there. I've thought for sometime now that a CB could get overlooked in the feeding frenzy on linemen earlier in Rd 1, so we'll see who'd hanging around. Mayo seems to be rated very well, I've never seen him play? Avril over Groves, (Rd 2), Andre Caldwell/Lavelle Hawkins/Jerome Simpson for me if we spend a pick on WR in Rd 3. I want extra picks, can't wait to see it play out. 2s and 3s in plentiful supply would cure a lot of empty roster slots.

Posted By: brahdah (25/04/2008 8:54:37 PM)
Comment: My last prediction ...The Niners sign Spikes before or during the draft.Select 1.Groves,2.Trade down middle 2nd. get extra 4th.select Nicks 3.Rubin,4.Zuttah,4.Ikegwuonu,6.Brennan,7.Colvin.

Posted By: ninermike (25/04/2008 8:29:22 PM)
Comment: I hope the 49ers trade back, and pick up and extra picks in the in rounds 2-4! They desperatley need a receiver that can provide some much needed "RAC" yardage-Earl Bennett will make the biggest impact in this rookie WR class. On the D-Line, in addition to a pass rushing DE, we need a NT that can break down the pocket(ie-Micheal Carter); Lawrence Jackson (DE-USC),Red Bryant(DT-Texas A&M), Marcus Harrison (DT-Arkansas), would be excellent additions. Also, if Brian Brohm is drafted into the right system, he'll be an All Pro!

Posted By: Mike in Glendale (25/04/2008 7:58:41 PM)
Comment: Argh, the PFT page on our draft needs looks ridiculous. I tried writing the following as a comment (although comments are screened there, so I doubt it will be posted): "Wow - I know more about the Niners than the other teams, and I now hope that the other "needs" articles aren't as blind to a team's actual schemes and roster depth as this one is. For one, it seems to believe that the 49ers are playing a 4-3, with Sopoaga still playing as a DT; it's likelier they'll be playing in a chameleon scheme based from the 3-4, with Sope starting opposite Smith as the other end, Aubrayo Franklin manning the middle, and Michael Lewis jamming the box as the equivalent of a fifth linebacker (his specialty is hitting, not coverage). In such a scheme, the opposition cannot tell whether the Niners are in a run or pass package, especially with the return of Manny Lawson at one of the outside spots (he was developing nice coverage skills before he was hurt), because the personnel involved are flexible enough to play against both. They still need BETTER depth along the line, particularly at NT; as far as end is concerned, they invested a third-rounder in McDonald last year. They will probably draft a DT sometime in the second or third round (probably the latter). I would be truly surprised if the Niners draft an end higher than a tackle. If they do, it probably means that someone fell into their laps unexpectedly. Along those same lines, their chameleon scheme means they need another ILB next to Willis. Takeo Spikes still may sign with them, but they may also target a Lofton/Mayo type in the draft if he passes on the opportunity. They will target an OLB as well, largely because their OLB corps is almost uniformly injury-prone or unproven - but offensive line depth is possibly a greater concern at this point. That's where the article really messes up. It doesn't notice that Baas is already injured; it makes no mention of Staley's switch from right tackle to the blind side (and Jennings's corresponding move rightwards), or of Snyder's full-time elevation to the lineup (even if Allen comes back, it would likely be as a backup). The 49ers are VERY thin at offensive line, and their draft will feature one - possibly two - OL prospect(s) in the first four rounds." The article even talks about the Martz offense as though it's predicated on deep routes instead of on quick cuts - were Furrey, Curtis, and McDonald deep threats???? Sigh. Crossing my fingers for better luck tomorrow!

Posted By: Mike in Sac (25/04/2008 7:53:19 PM)
Comment: Oh yeah, if I see a WR taken in the first three rounds I will want to string somebody up. WR's rarely contribute in year one, so why do we need to do this now? We have potential bloomers in Hill and is it Bryant? We need linemen (O and D), at least one good corner and some LB's. Trade the pick at 29 if the QB's fall and someone wants the slot. Personally the ILB can be found in the later rounds. He just needs to be a lowly human battering ram. I would suggest this is not a big money guy.

Posted By: Mike in Sac (25/04/2008 7:47:59 PM)
Comment: Hey all you high and mighites...so, if you screwed up and got arrested for something stupid would you deserve to lose your job? I don't think so, nor would I want you to lose your job. Athletes are not role models, PARENTS are role models. Give Strickland a break. Do you really think the majority of NFL players are the most levelheaded dudes in the world? Heck no, they get paid to beat the living garbage out of each other once a week. You clowns kill me, what, you want these guys to win politeness awards and then be the meanest F&*k#rs on Sunday?

Posted By: NJ - Mike (25/04/2008 7:45:10 PM)
Comment: My gut tells me McNolan wants that 5th round pick back... I wouldn't be surprised if they keep the top two picks to find immediate help, but then trade back deeper into R3 to get that extra pick done. No one is talking about this, but I'll go on record saying I expect SF to take a DB with #39. Harris is getting long in the tooth and Roman can be upgraded. It would be classic "Poker Face McNolan" to say nothing about this and then pull that sort of trigger... Do not be surprised if Reggie Smith from Oaklahoma gets snagged in that #39 spot after Groves goes at #29. Then and only then do I look for two more O linemen later in this deep O line draft -- for example, someone like McGlynn, Greco, Radovich -- or an intriguing guy like Reinhart late. I have a hunch Hester gets selected if they get that extra pick in R5/6 and, as much everyone thinks SF goes wideout early to mid, my guess it's much later -- for example, someone like Grice-Mullins in R7 who can fill the slot and get RAC yards in a Martz offensive scheme. Bottom line: I've disected this thing a thousand different ways and have no clue. Nor does anyone else, really. But it should be a lot of fun this weekend seeing how it all plays out. My beer and chips are ready.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (25/04/2008 7:24:40 PM)
Comment: I watched that thing, Tony Nathan looks like Kimbo Slice

Posted By: Ashley Lelie ? ? What ?? (25/04/2008 7:11:03 PM)
Comment: All right some may laugh at this, but I say we don't go wideout in the first round because the team is confident that they have enough talent at that position as it is. With Martz running the show, they can do some serious damage to some defenses next year as the roster stands. Go to sf49ers.com and watch the offense doing reps. I never thought I would say this but Ashley Lelie looked really good. I am not a Lelie fan the least bit but he looks impressive. I know it is still shorts and helmet practices but I am predicting Ashley Lelie not only earns some playing time but that he actually does a good job for us this year and helps us win some games. I still agree we go WR somewhere in the draft and if Royal, Dexter Jackson, Lavelle Hawkins is there at 75 im all for it. The only way I see us go WR in the first round is if Desean Jackson somehow falls to us at 29. Im not a big fan of him either but Martz could really do a lot more with the offense if we had someone with that kind of speed to spread out the field.

Posted By: billy (25/04/2008 6:51:27 PM)
Comment: The Niners need to draft Jordy Nelson. That guy is the man!

Posted By: ninermaniac (25/04/2008 6:41:10 PM)
Comment: Strickland, just put it behind you. SJ Cops are like that. So go crazy on ST and show me why your here, and take a starting position at the end of the season. Now go kick some as!!

Posted By: ninermaniac (25/04/2008 6:05:54 PM)
Comment: man I hope some team drafts a QB in the 1st round, and hopefully the stupid Raiders will pick Darren McFadden (bust). So Scot & Nolan have a better chance

Posted By: pokergod (25/04/2008 5:54:51 PM)
Comment: seems to me OL should be priority one in the draft and with a shortage of picks i'd love for us to trade out of 1st round maybe pick up an extra 2nd and 3rd rounder for it. That way we could go O-line twice in first three rounds and still have chance to add a promising WR, pass rusher, and/or linebacker in early rounds as well. Baker from USC, Avril Purdue, Nicks Nebraska, Schuening Oregon St. Hope to see one or more of these names in Red and Gold

Posted By: Winer Fans (25/04/2008 4:37:34 PM)
Comment: Are some of you retarded? When you ask Matt if there is "any chance so and so falls" to us at 29 do you REALLY think HE has the answer? What on earth is wrong with some of you people. Matt doesn't know any better than McNolan knows and any better than anyone else for that matter. It's a poker tournament guys. That's the beauty of the 29th pick-. Anything can and WILL happen that you didn't predict.

Posted By: Demian (25/04/2008 4:23:36 PM)
Comment: Matt, any chance Mike Jenkins falls to us ? Seems like he would thrive next to Nate Clements and we all know Walt Harris is not getting any younger. Just throwing it out there, however, I do like this kid a lot.

Posted By: Toby (25/04/2008 4:16:11 PM)
Comment: Nice work on KNBR, both in the morning and with Ralph and Tom. Hope to see you at the 49er draft party tomorrow.

Posted By: Demian (25/04/2008 3:59:16 PM)
Comment: Matt, I am assuming that when you said Lofton would be a better selection to play the ted than Connor, the reasons behind this are that Connor is more of a sideline to sideline guy who may not be strong engough to take on guards in the NFL consistently, while Lofton is a much stronger player who may be able to hold his ground at the point-of-attack better ? Is this assumption even remotely correct ?

Posted By: northbay (25/04/2008 12:55:39 PM)
Comment: Any consideration of picking up Adarius Bowman WR in the 3rd or 4th? How about Calais Campbell DE in the 2nd?

Posted By: Matt in SR (25/04/2008 12:51:48 PM)
Comment: Hi Matt. Let me just reiterate that we really appreciate you keeping us super informed on the draft. I feel a trade down coming, do you? I really like Doucet as a guy falling into the second round.

Posted By: Rule of Thumb (25/04/2008 12:28:14 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt - you are the man!! Thanks for writing all this good stuff and keeping us Niners Fans informed. Have you ever considered being the Niners GM?

Posted By: Kevin (25/04/2008 12:20:07 PM)
Comment: I hope the team is looking at Lance Leggett out of Miami (FL) for a late round WR pick. 6'3 4.4 speed and also ran track at Miami. The 9ers need a deep threat who can at least keep defenses honest.

Posted By: WizardofOz (25/04/2008 12:16:01 PM)
Comment: Matt, Balmer, Brown and Kelly are talented but under achievers who will frustratee us until they are cut. If Merling was available at #29, I pick him in a second. If he isn't there and all top tier tackles are gone, trade back to get more picks. Then select a right tackle who can start soon and inside linebacker like Lofton, Mayo or Connor. I agree with you on getting either Caldwell, Avery or Hawkins with the 3rd round pick. With the fourth round pick, go after a offensive lineman who can play several positions such as Chad Rinehart, Mike McGlynn, Chilo Rachal, John Greco or Digger Dujnoch. As for Groves, my brother-in-law and his son are Auburn alums and hard core fans. They laugh at me when Groves name is linked to the 49ers. They say great motor, tackler but is dominated by large, quick tackles such as Chris Williams of Vanderbilt. No thanks!!!

Posted By: matt (25/04/2008 12:01:08 PM)
Comment: Once again we have people punishing someone before they even know the whole story. If he was drunk and he ran I dont think thats a dismissable offense. Those that bring up AB forget he had many previous issues. Read a little about Strickland and you'll realize he gets a bit of a second chance, good guy that did something stupid. Also,I dont think anyone ever died from a RUI(running while intoxicated).

Posted By: brahdah (25/04/2008 11:27:51 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt,about the Spikes situation on waiting after the draft and Scotty comment about selection an ILB. ,we might see a Spikes signing during the draft before the Niners pick.

Posted By: ChuckMtyBay (25/04/2008 11:23:35 AM)
Comment: Agree 100% with 16280, and I hope Nolan sticks to his word about not being married to either the 3-4 or 4-3. Based on the personnel in place now, it could go either way, so if it just so happens that best available pass rusher's best position is 4-3 end, that he does not get bypassed simply because he does not fit in a 3-4. If that BAPR is a 3-4 OLB, I'm OK with that, too, just as long as they get that BAPR!

Posted By: Niner Dog (25/04/2008 11:21:40 AM)
Comment: ONCE AGAIN. OTs will be gone. Mayo will be gone. Probably Groves is gone. WRs--No. CBs-too risky. So, the best option is trade out for additional picks. If they can't do that, then Curtis Lofton or maybe Lawrence Jackson would be the choices??? Really, between 29-32 + THE PLAYERS ARE OF SIMILAR VALUE. Nicks and law would be a nice combo in the 2nd or Avril and Brown?? Who knows. Let the Games begin.......

Posted By: 16280 (25/04/2008 10:51:59 AM)
Comment: The more I think about it the more I believe we should take the best available pass rusher with our #1 pick. We definitely need depth at O-line and that should be there at #2. I think our O-line is better than last year. They were actually supposed to be a strength not a weakness. Pathetic coaching and game planning has something to do with that. Martz will fix that problem and direct the assistants. Hill had a good QB rating and we were moving the ball better once Tolner stepped in. Smiley and Allen were weak and are gone. Just find someone to replace Jenkins at #2. We must get more pressure on the QB. Improved O with Mad Mike and a better pass rush (=turnovers and getting off the field on 3rd down) and we'll be in the hunt and much more entertaining. Then just go for BAP with the remaining picks.

Posted By: SonocoNinerFan (25/04/2008 10:49:11 AM)
Comment: Hopefully Brohm and Henne drop to #29 . . then we're in business. We'll get a good offer for #29, hopefully from Atlanta with their glut of second rounders. With GB making noise about selecting a QB somebody will want to make a deal.

Posted By: Ben (25/04/2008 10:47:05 AM)
Comment: Jon for SoCal, re Strickland being caught. I too was concerned about his closing distance speed, but the official story is he ran and fell due to his drunkenness. It doesn't sound like the worst offense to me, not on the level of a DUI. He's mostly a threat to himself (proven by the running and falling). Drunk 20 year-old running around in the middle of the night is hardly worth noting.

Posted By: Cody Pickett (25/04/2008 10:30:18 AM)
Comment: # 29: 49ers gotta trade down, cuz there are no really good choices at # 29. DL Kentwan Balmer has reputation of taking plays off, lotsa them, meaning IMHO he is NOT a McNolan type guy. WRs Malcom Kelly & James Hardy are big & athletic, but also soft, slow & not quick out of breaks - I doubt if McNolan-Martz would spend a first rounder on either. Jerrod Mayo & Dan Connor -- each plays both OLB & ILB -- would be safe picks who figure to start as rookies, but neither is likely to drop to # 29. So that leaves pass rush specialist Quentin Groves, who will try to transition from DE in college to 3-4 OLB in NFL. I personally don't like Groves -- too many unanswered Qs re whether he can do LB things, like covering receivers and tackling in open field -- but if # 29 is not traded, Groves seems inevitable. Other possibles: OT Gosder Cherilus (has pass blocking problems [like Kwame Harris] & obviously is not among McNolan's "4 or 5" first round OLs), CBs Antoine Cason & Aqib Talib (but CB is NOT a high priority), & FS Kenny Phillips (but isn't Dashon Goldson our FS of the future?). . . . # 39 (+ any pick from trade down): Lotsa good value picks will be available: DL Trevor Laws (Very strong, super quick, just makes plays [113 tackles from 3-4 DE position in 2007]), WR Malcom Kelly (see above), ILB Curtis Lofton (solid guy who fills pressing need at ILB, but could drop to # 75), WR Andre Caldwell (Vastly underated WR; productive in college, solid WR skills, ran 4.37/40 at Combine, scored 2 TDs for Nolan-Martz in Senior Bowl), KR/RB/WR Chris Johnson (Super speed [4.24/40 at Combine], solid RB skills despite lack of size, can play WR [super open field runner after catch], & most important, super punt & KO return guy with skills like Devin Hester & Dante Hall), possibly (if he drops) OT Sam Baker (supurb pass blocker, OK run blocker). . . . # 75: Someone of real value will drop: OL Chilo Rachal, WR Eddie Royal, DL Dre Moore, NT Red Bryant, possibly even OT Carl Nicks or WR Donnie Avery. . . . If 49ers can trade down from # 29, I forsee a very good draft.

Posted By: Jeff B (25/04/2008 10:27:00 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt! ESPN ran an article a few days ago featuring Cameron Colvin (WR, Oregon) and Colvin was quoted in the article saying that the scouts/Niners personel approached him following the local pro day and said they have 6 picks in this year's draft and they want to select him with one of them.

Posted By: You Hypocrites (25/04/2008 10:23:51 AM)
Comment: You guys are absurd. For two weeks you sing the praises of Jarred Allen and wish the 49ers would have done anything to have signed him, a two time CONVICTED DUI offender. But you turn a blind eye because he is a pro bowl quality player that could have made an immediate impact on our defense. Now that a back up in Strickland gets in trouble for his first offense, which he is yet to be convicted of, you want him off the team and will not watch the 9ers in protest. Oh I get it-- you just want to have your cake and eat it too!!!

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (25/04/2008 10:14:32 AM)
Comment: I don't know if Jordy Nelson can be called a sleeper. He is a big guy with good hands and runs nice routes. He caught everything at the senior bowl. He doesn't have elite speed or elite quickness or elite anything, so he isn't considered among the top prospects in a weak wr draft class. He is big and actually has decent vertical speed, once he gets going. The negatives are that he was THE guy at K-state, so his numbers were inflated (don't understand that, if you're the man, you're the man). He'll probably go in the 3rd or 4th round. He adjusts well to the ball and catches everything. I think Nelson is going to be a good pro, not great. But for a possesion guy who'll move the chains, run consistant routes and catch everything, he's your man. He won't get a lot of press because he doesn't have elite speed or quickness.

Posted By: 16280 (25/04/2008 10:05:42 AM)
Comment: Jordy Nelson is a player. Not a burner but one of those guys who gets open and makes catches. He'd do great under Martz. He should last until mid rounds. WR is one of the riskiest picks as we well know so finding a gem in rounds 3-4 would be great. I hope we beef up the trenches on both sides of the ball where we are weakest with the first few picks.

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (25/04/2008 9:59:59 AM)
Comment: Just let it be someone who comes in, legitimately wins a starting job, and plays every down...

Posted By: I agree (25/04/2008 9:55:27 AM)
Comment: I agree with the writer "Me". What a joke. They got rid of Antonio Bryant for getting a DUI. Strickland needs to go! I also think Lavelle Hawkins is going to be a better pro then D Jackson from Cal. I would like to see them take a DE or ILB with the 29th and then a OG/OT with 39. Then in the 3rd if Hawkins is still there take him at that point.

Posted By: Sam (25/04/2008 9:55:15 AM)
Comment: So, I was looking over that arrests site and found that Justin Smith got himself a DUI in 2004. It appears to have been an isolated incident but, I'm a little surprised that I didn't read anything about that when the Niners were signing him as "character" is such an issue these days.

Posted By: Bud San Jose (25/04/2008 9:47:58 AM)
Comment: Does anyone have any info on wr Jordy Nelson? I hear this kid could be a nice sleeper pick.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (25/04/2008 9:40:12 AM)
Comment: Rather have Hawkins than Jackson, rather have OL than WR. Is it just me or is it a bad sign when a NFL CB can get his butt run down in half a block by an cop wearing 85 lbs of equipment, even if he is drunk. He certainly won't be returning kicks.

Posted By: SFO (25/04/2008 9:38:52 AM)
Comment: Brown is the next best OL? I would have to strongly disagree. He is not even close to being worth a 1st round pick. If those guys are what they are looking at then I hope they do trade down into the early part of the second. Also I see a lot of Def listed, I have a bad feeling about our OL next year and please don't tell me we can just address it in the 3rd and 4th round "because this draft class is so deep at the position", we need starters first. If anything we should have tried to trade up this year to get a top OL.

Posted By: Merton Hanks (25/04/2008 9:37:33 AM)
Comment: And Rob Deluca, I like where your head is at but I'm thinking more along the lines of Mayo/Lofton then maybe Baker or Brown. I'm also firmly on the Lavelle Hawkins bandwagon though.

Posted By: Merton Hanks (25/04/2008 9:34:59 AM)
Comment: Matt, just wanted to say thanks for the solid reporting throughout the entire offseason. It can get pretty (read: very) boring for Niners fans sometimes, but then I'll come here and check the site to see some entry you've posted that asks and attempts to answer some very valid questions. Our team may not be at the top right now but as far as press coverage is concerned I HIGHLY doubt there are better beat writers than you in the whole NFL. You're the man now, dogg!

Posted By: Me (25/04/2008 9:13:14 AM)
Comment: If Strickland is kept on the team, I will refuse to watch any game this season. As peace officer, the last thing we want to deal with is to medically retire due to fighting a simple drunk person. Many officers are medically retired due to injuries that occure on the field. I will be keeping an eye on this situation.

Posted By: rob_deluca (25/04/2008 9:11:14 AM)
Comment: yup i think they'll take dan connor #1 and sam baker #2 !!!!! i want balmer but think he'll be gone i want to trade down if he is i want lavelle hawkins w/ #3 and dre moore

Posted By: rob_deluca (25/04/2008 9:08:33 AM)
Comment: i hope k balmer lasts untill we pick and we take him but i think he'll be gone i hope we trade down if this happens ! also i think the 9ers might pick the ilb at # 29 and the ot from u.s.c with pick #2 i hope we get lavelle hawkins at #3 and dre moore at # 4 !!!!!

Posted By: Ben (25/04/2008 8:54:28 AM)
Comment: Good call on Lofton. All the other ILBs mentioned don't fit next to Willis. Two other 2nd day possibilities at ILB are Jameel McClain from Cuse and Rodrick Johnson from Oklahoma St. Avril is also a good call.

Posted By: DMC (25/04/2008 8:43:26 AM)
Comment: Matt, just trying to pick your brain on why you think Lofton would be a better Ted than Connor ?

Posted By: Razoreater (25/04/2008 8:03:47 AM)
Comment: Duane Brown is our offensive lineman. No way he goes 1st round.

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (25/04/2008 7:55:54 AM)
Comment: Matt - if released - how does Donald Strickland inflated salary this year (didn't they defer a bunch of cap to next season) effect the books?