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There were a wide variety of topics that 49ers fans wanted to see addressed by the staff here at Instant 49ers. Here is our fast-food approach to filling the orders, minus the artery-clogging cholesterol:

--Manny Lawson, who sustained a torn ACL in September, is doing fine. The 49ers were being cautious when they limited his participation in the May minicamp. They felt no need to see him go all-out on the practice field at this stage in the year. The team's medical staff will meet tomorrow to discuss how much Lawson (and others) should be allowed to participate in next week's OTAs. When training camp opens, he is expected to be ready to go.

--Vernon Davis will likely have a big role in Mike Martz's offense. We'll get to see Martz's creative side with his use of Davis' talents. Look for Davis to line up wide, in the slot and in the backfield before going in motion. But don't expect to see him turn into a full-fledged wideout. Davis is so valuable as a run-blocker that it is still imperative to have him line up a lot at tight end.

--There isn't much of a precedent for Martz's handling of starting tight ends with the kind of potential of Davis. So there certainly is not much we can draw on that would tell us how Delanie Walker will be used. But Walker is another unique talent. He is a better route runner than Davis after playing wide receiver throughout his college career. Martz will definitely have the option to create some mismatches with two-TE sets involving Davis and Walker.

--In the first four McCloughan-Nolan drafts, the 49ers have selected six offensive linemen: David Baas, Adam Snyder, Patrick Estes, Joe Staley, Chilo Rachal and Cody Wallace. Estes, a converted tight end selected in the seventh round, was cut and is no longer on the team. The 49ers let Justin Smiley and Kwame Harris leave as free agents. But it's important to note that this regime did not draft either of those guys. Smiley is a smaller, athletic guard. Although he played well, he did not fit the mold of the kind of guard McCloughan and Nolan would have drafted.

--Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky played under Monte Kiffin and Tony Dungy late in his playing career when he was figuring out his next move would be into coaching. He was a volunteer coach with the Buccaneers in 2000 under Kiffin and Dungy. Since then, he has worked under defensive coordinators Bill Arnsparger, Dale Lindsey and Wade Phillips with the Redskins and Chargers.

--My opinion on the whole stadium issue is that Santa Clara makes the most sense. After all, Santa Clara is the team's home for every day of the year - except when they play games at Candlestick. Now, whether Santa Clara happens is another story. Santa Clara hopes to have a financing plan together by July. It has not exactly been clear sailing with the Santa Clara proposal. San Francisco is scheduled to have a June 3 vote on a stadium redevelopment issue at Hunters Point. There have also been reports that the 49ers are speaking with Brisbane. Let's face it: Candlestick is a pit. The horrible location makes travel to and fro a daylong ordeal. This whole thing has been going on for more than a decade. The Yorks appear committed to seeing a stadium built in the Bay Area. But it certainly has not been easy to get it done.

--Ashley Lelie spent his redshirt season re-learning the wide receiver position with WR coach Jerry Sullivan. Lelie, a low-key individual, was clearly frustrated. But at the end of the year, he said he thought he was vastly improved. (Sullivan said the same thing.) Lelie appears to be on the radar screen, so he'll get a chance to emerge in a crowded receiving corps that includes Bryant Johnson, Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill and Josh Morgan.

--I didn't get much of a handle on the chemistry among the receivers. Isaac Bruce, I've heard, is a good guy. But I don't know if he's the kind of chatty type who will sit around and elaborate to the other wideouts on the intricacies of the Martz's offense.

--The 49ers have a lot of defensive backs. But it is impossible to have too many defensive backs. Do you remember 2005? Cornerbacks who started at least one game for the 49ers that season were: Ahmed Plummer, Shawntae Spencer, Derrick Johnson, Bruce Thornton and Mike Adams. In addition, B.J. Tucker, Willie Middlebrooks and Kris Richard also saw time at cornerback. A lot of competition is great at cornerback. Right now, Nate Clements, Walt Harris and third-round pick Reggie Smith would appear to be locks to make the team. Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown, Marcus Hudson and Donald Strickland are all fighting for their roles.

--Of the 2007 draft picks, I don't have much difficulty seeing Goldson (along with Willis and Staley) as full-fledged starters in the future. WR Jason Hill, OLB Jay Moore and CB Tarell Brown have chances if they can elevate their games. DE Ray McDonald probably is not going to be an every-down defensive end in a 3-4, but he can still be a valuable contributor in pass-rush situations. RB Thomas Clayton improved a lot last season as the year went on, but he needs a strong summer to earn a roster spot. NT Joe Cohen might need a year to develop on the practice squad.

--Alex Smith does not have the need for any outside coaching on his mechanics. He now has Martz, who might be the best teacher of quarterbacks in the league today. Lions QB Drew Stanton says he does not understand why Martz changed his mechanics. But it does not look as if Martz wants cookie-cutter QBs. I was surprised to see J.T. O'Sullivan's throwing motion. O'Sullivan drops the ball down around his waist as he's throwing. It's in stark contrast to Marc Bulger and Kurt Warner. Both of those QBs have quick releases and seem to throw from their ears. Martz has spent time working with Smith on a variety of drops.

--As for Martz, here is a statistical look at how he improved the Rams and Lions' offenses.

--On the "ted" linebacker. Why not Tully Banta-Cain or Jay Moore? Both of those guys played defensive end in college. Banta-Cain is considered a pass-rush specialist. Moore is also a pass rusher. You're talking about a whole different skill set him moving them to the strong inside linebacker position.

--The 49ers remain interested in Takeo Spikes. The other candidates for the "ted" job are Jeff Ulbrich, Dontarrious Thomas, Brandon Moore and rookie Larry Grant. None of those players is considered a true "ted" linebacker, whose job it will be to take on guard to allow Patrick Willis the opportunity to make a bunch of tackles. I've always believed a team can get a player near the league minimum to play that role. It's less about athletic ability and more about selfless desire to help the team.

--The 49ers will not go to "throwback" uniforms. However, I'd expect them to adopt a color scheme more similar to what they had up until the mid-1990s when they ill-advisedly changed the shade of red and went with white pants. The club has a lot of its plate, but they appear to be working toward altering the look for the 2009 season.

--Obviously, the future of the 49ers depends on what happens this season. But if I were to look into my crystal ball for the head-coaching odds for 2009, it would look something like this: Nolan 57.1 percent (or higher); Martz 14.3 percent; Singletary 8.7 percent; Someone Not Mentioned 19.9 percent.

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That's it for now.

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Posted May 27, 2008 9:45:42 AM

Permalink: http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2207165

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Comments | Add Comment

Posted By: Nevyn (28/05/2008 8:01:59 AM)
Comment: Matt, Do you think Scot M was being honest post draft when he said they saw Rachal as only a Guard, and that they honestly decided after one minicamp to look at him there? Or do you think he was just trying to avoid further ruffling Jonas' feathers?

Response: The 49ers' stance was that they drafted Rachal as a guard and if he showed them he could play tackle, they'd give it a shot. Apparently, he showed them enough to get it a shot. McCloughan has been very loyal to Jonas Jennings. McCloughan really likes him. If there's someone trying to ruffle Jennings' feathers, it would not be McCloughan. --Matt M.

Posted By: Joe is San Jo (28/05/2008 8:01:43 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt, What about M. Holmgren? In an interview around the super bowl he mentioned leaving Seattle ( which has already been put in motion) and taking a year off and then seeing what's out there, "unless there is something too good to pass up." Wouldn't the possibility of coming back to SF be something he would see as too good to pass up. He would certainly be received with open arms by the fans. ( if a link to the Walsh days and Super Bowls dosen't sell tickets then what would?) He has a direct connection with S. McCloughan, He's had kind words about Jed York when asked, and the Yorks have opened up the pocket books to help build a winner. He wouldn't be GM, but he has a lot of faith and confidenece in McCloughan and givin their history together I'm sure there would be no problem with the two working together. Again givin the history of the two men, it almost seems tailored made for Holmgen to come back. Just interested in what you think about the possibility of that. Keep up the great work!!

Posted By: Mayo63 (28/05/2008 6:29:24 AM)
Comment: Matt, so there not going back to the throwbacks? Why not? I thought the concensus was that they would go back to the 80's uniform. I hope this is not true. What do you think the new uni's will look like? Will they bring back the khaki pants and white strip down the pants and helmet? Man, I hope they do the uniform some justice. Thanks, for the info.

Posted By: NINER EMPIRE (27/05/2008 7:48:48 PM)
Comment: HEY MATT DO YOU THINK ASHLY LELIE WILL BE GOOD TO BE A 2ND WIDEOUT? OR DO YOU THINK BRYANT JOHNSON IS A BETTER FIT FOR THE # 2 WIDEOUT THAN ASHLY LELIE?

Posted By: ninermaniac (27/05/2008 6:05:29 PM)
Comment: Man!! So much potential for all these guys its amazing, too bad Ezra got the slap on the wrists, He better expect a slap in the face from Nolan. I hope to see some Double TE sets and focus on pounding the ball chippin yards. If Lelie can step up I would like to see him being used like Randy Moss, if he can be a threat it will definitely free up the other WR,TE,RB or vise versa. Someone also has to fill Derek Smiths Role, It might have to be 2 guys, 1 who can take blocks, 1 who can pass defend, they also should have the green dot. LDE or UT Sopoaga has to learn this position which also lacks depth. O-Line, lost 2 starters got 3 backups, not including the UFA's. Joe Staley was named starter right away, lets see what these guys can do, LA would secure the LG spot if he comes back. So basically both this years 1st rounders should be impact rookies, like both 1st rounders last year (P-Dub, Big Joe).

Posted By: Greg (27/05/2008 4:08:54 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the reply, Matt. I saw the article right after posting my comment. It's a shame for such a talented kid. He could have blown his chance in the NFL before it really began. In a perfect world, this will serve as a wake-up call and he will get his act together. Unfortunately, the more likely result is that it will prove to be too late.

Posted By: Catch87 (27/05/2008 3:50:20 PM)
Comment: Its funny because I was talking to former pro scout and current Sporting News writer Russ Lande about Ezra Butler a few weeks ago and he said that teams passed on Butler due to his past history with drugs. I told him the 49ers would have ZERO tolerance for this and Lande bet me that Butler wouldn't be able to kick the habit. ..

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (27/05/2008 3:47:36 PM)
Comment: Bye bye Butler. Too bad, the kid had potential...

Posted By: Greg (27/05/2008 3:42:39 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, any word on UDFA Ezra Butler? Could he be in competition for the TED spot? I know he's a bit raw, but he's got great size, speed, and toughness, to go along with experience in the 3-4. What position does the staff see him playing, and what are his odds of sticking on the active roster or PS?

Response: Yes, there is word on Ezra Butler. His future with the team is a bit tenuous right now. http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2207198. --Matt M.

Posted By: oneniner (27/05/2008 3:07:07 PM)
Comment: "According to the Nevada Highway Patrol report, Butler was driving his 2008 Hummer H3 on North McCarran, west of North Virginia Street when he allegedly failed to move over to the left lane while passing by another traffic stop, as required by state law when the left lane is not occupied. The trooper, whose name was redacted from the report, stopped Butler and reported an odor of marijuana. "The driver stated he smoked marijuana 40 minutes ago," the trooper wrote in the report. "I gave the driver field sobriety tests. He showed signs of intoxication. I advised the driver he was under arrest and took him into custody." The trooper reported finding 4.1 grams, about one-seventh of an ounce, of marijuana in a glass jar in Butler's car. Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor."......this kid is a moron.

Posted By: oneniner (27/05/2008 3:04:17 PM)
Comment: FYI......NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in a Tuesday e-mail. "The plan is that the club to be fined will be the club to which the player belonged at the time of the arrest or violation. But it only applies to arrests or violations occurring after June 1."........i guess we won't be fined.....this kid is a dummy, he could have made the team, he his one of those ignorant kids who are really good at football, but lack simple common sense.

Posted By: oneniner (27/05/2008 3:00:05 PM)
Comment: 49ers rookie linebacker Ezra Butler, whose draft stock fell based at least in part on a one-game suspension in 2007 for smoking marijuana, was arrested on Saturday for DUI and possession of marijuana......................no way

Posted By: oneniner (27/05/2008 2:56:06 PM)
Comment: Matt, you must have really enjoyed Disney land......"That's it for now"......."folks".....Can you please write more about how Martz is changing A. Smith mechanics......i have a feeling Martz is trying to prevent his new QB from losing the ball.....like warner and bulger do almost everytime they get sacked.....i think Warner is number 2 in terms of QB's that fumble the ball...

Posted By: oldman9er (27/05/2008 2:44:03 PM)
Comment: Matt... Do you think we should expect (and hope for) a more aggressive defensive approach this season? I would love to see Nasty Nate, Walt, Spencer, Brown, and Reggie Smith play more bump-n-run coverage. We need to play tighter at CB to take opposing receivers out of their routes... giving our rush more time to reach the QB. Most of our CBs seem to have a better skill set for just that type of coverage. Agree, or no?

Posted By: KezarMike (27/05/2008 2:29:03 PM)
Comment: For the life of me, I cannot understand what was wrong with the elegant, beautiful uniforms the 49ers wore until thr 1994 season. The khaki pants, the bright red - remember that the "offical" colors were listed as "49er Gold and Scarlet." Also - prediction: Alex Smith will have a big year at QB as will Vernon Davis at TE.

Posted By: oneniner (27/05/2008 2:27:01 PM)
Comment: Below is an interesting story I wish you will cover....."Franklin spent most of his time this off-season in Atlanta, working out every day with 49ers right tackle Jonas Jennings"......(i was suprised too)................ "We've worked really hard this off-season," said Franklin. "We push each other, just like we do when we are out here on the field. He helps me out because he's an offensive lineman and I help him out because I'm a defensive lineman."

Posted By: Giovanni Carmazzi (27/05/2008 1:54:58 PM)
Comment: Very informative, but somehow lacking any references to Patrick Willis being able to tackle a Wildebeast.

Posted By: BigYellowKahuna (Concord) (27/05/2008 1:50:33 PM)
Comment: Have the Niners said if they have any interest in WR Koren Robinson?

Posted By: Jake (27/05/2008 1:36:47 PM)
Comment: Matt, I agree that Santa Clara makes a lot of sense because it is close to team headquarters but I really like the Hunter's Point idea for transportation reasons. It would be easy to incorporate the rail systems as well as a ferry system to the games very similar to Giant games. The problem with Candlestick is there is no access via BART or any other rail system. If they aren't going to go back to the 80's jerseys full fledge I hope they at least go back to the helmets!

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