Posted By: TBone (23/07/2008 6:06:47 AM)
Comment: Matt, Regarding Reggie Smith, which position was he playing as a Junior when he made first team All-Big Twelve? More specifically, do you know how many times he started as safety versus as a corner? Just trying to get a better grasp on whether this guy can actually play corner the way the team envisions or if Sooner, rather than later, he will be moved to the crowded safety position.

Posted By: Cleveland Mike (23/07/2008 5:46:16 AM)
Comment: Frozen yogurt???? Try the whipped yogurt that you can buy at the grocery store....it's awesome. The Key Lime pie flavor is like a Montana to Rice TD pass.

Posted By: neener (22/07/2008 10:39:19 PM)
Comment: ALEX SMITH: I hope he is seeing a sports psyc in the off season, because I think his problems are more mental than physical. He was used to being a great QB in college, drafted #1 with all the hype, and instead of getting a chance to learn/season(wait on the sidelines till he was ready to scream...see GB Packers), he was thrown out there as the starting QB in with a weak offensive line and clobbered. Next year, he showed moments of hope, then he was thrown into Hostler's rediculous offense, separated a shoulder, and asked to continue with a hurt throwing arm. He has the skill, the question is does he have the mind for it. QBs like Doug Flutie and even Jeff Garcia had magic. They could take a busted play and turn it to their advantage. I am hopeful that MM's offensive skills will help Alex learn to see/think clearly under pressure, and turn the bad into the good. We NEED a real threat on offense... GORE on rushing, and someone on receiving...ohhh did I mention someone throwing/leading... if HILL can surpass SMITH in training camp, more power to him. He obviously has the leadership skills. May the best QB win...

Posted By: Frank (22/07/2008 10:33:37 PM)
Comment: Given the youth added to the OL and with Snyder and Baas now starters, I'm not sure Nolan can afford to keep Allen on the roster. He'd do so at the risk of stifling some of the development of younger players. It'll come down to a numbers game, and I just don't see Allen fitting in. Besides, his best playing days are well behind him...I hope he simply retires gracefully.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (22/07/2008 9:08:21 PM)
Comment: Big LA at the right price makes sense, and yes, he's certainly not an every down player, but could a Martz quick strike offense actually help him? I do like the option of having him for Chilo and obvious running/short yardage packages and veteran leadership if nothing else. I think our personnel are average at this point given the move of Joe to the left side and Baas/Chilo Jonas/Barry being unsettled for various reasons. Camp will provide needed answers of course, but Larry at this stage still plays mean, and though limited by age, has the nasty demeanor a young Chilo could benefit from. At least he's an option they can consider.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (22/07/2008 9:01:57 PM)
Comment: Scott Ferrell gets paid for making outrageous statements. I would not take his word in evaluating NFL Talent. A.Smith the worst he's ever seen? He hasn't seen much then. Who would you rather have, A. Smith or Akili Smith, Jim Drukenmiller, Tim Couch, Ryan Leaf. Alex isn't an elite QB, but he certainly isn't the worst.

Posted By: http:// (22/07/2008 8:55:23 PM)
Comment: "Scott Ferrell on the radio just said Smith is one of the worst he has ever seen. " Scott Ferrell is a dufus for one, and since you agree.... well... Cmon, worst QB ever seen? Thats a little ridiculous. Ive seen Smith play some pretty decent ball with my own eyes, at the games, as a season ticket holder. Im no huge Smith fan yet, but give the kid a break and grow some nads and come up with something original rather than just repipe some moron wannabee sports radio personalities shock statements.

Posted By: Bud San Jose (22/07/2008 8:44:29 PM)
Comment: Matt thank you for getting back to me on that. Great job Maiocco!!!

Posted By: IL Giacomo The Great (22/07/2008 8:41:58 PM)
Comment: If Allen comes back even part time I feel like we can be pretty happy with the line this year going in to the season. Even if he doesn't come back there are several other lineman who could be servicable.

Posted By: jeremy (22/07/2008 8:35:51 PM)
Comment: This is a fair question. How many QB's have you ever seen that have been worse than Aex Smith? Scott Ferrell on the radio just said Smith is one of the worst he has ever seen. I can't really argue with him. I hope he turns it around this year.

Posted By: Mike in Sac (22/07/2008 8:05:38 PM)
Comment: The Allen situation probably hinges on Bass and how fast he can heal. If Bass is ready for opening day = no Allen. Bass out longer, then having Allen around becomes a good insurance policy. Snyder probably could easily slip over to the right side, heck it seems like he has played everywhere. If Bass is healthy there is no way you can afford to burn a roster spot for him as a promising young interior guy would have to go. Personally, I do not want Allen at all. His days are numbered and regardless of the Bass situation I think Wragge or Rachel would be fine.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (22/07/2008 7:01:21 PM)
Comment: Thanks!

Posted By: Mike in SF #1 (22/07/2008 6:44:51 PM)
Comment: Mike in SF #2, MM and Jon in SoCal...I believe all 2nd round picks and later are limited to a max 4 year deal. (this was one of the reasons that the revised draft pick value chart gave for the dropoff from pick 32 to 33)

Posted By: Rich, DE (22/07/2008 5:55:58 PM)
Comment: Time for the young guys on the O-line to step up. Guys who are in shape and participate in the OTA's and Training camp are a good thing. They seem to be able to play in the game without sucking wind so bad that they look like they're going to fall over.

Posted By: Cruxis (22/07/2008 5:48:36 PM)
Comment: The fact that Allen considers himself a starter is no surprise. What bothers me is that Warhop might feel the same way. Larry is a great downhill blocker in the run game, but just doesnt have it anymore in pass protection, and isn't that whats going to be emphasized this year, in the Martz system? I hope bad personnel decisions don't plague the Niners again this year. Lets get the right people in the right positions, that fit the system.

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (22/07/2008 5:46:19 PM)
Comment: MM and Jon in SoCal - I don't know the exact rule off the top of my head but I'm certain there is a limit to the number of years a drafted rookie can sign for. I believe the first 15 picks in round 1 can sign for up to a 6 year max. After that (16th pick and beyond) the max length of a contract is 5 years. I'm not sure if that 5 becomes 4 years at any point later in the draft. MM - can you please confirm?

Response: My apologies. That is correct on rookie deals. I was thinking more about vet contracts. --Matt M.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (22/07/2008 5:13:07 PM)
Comment: I know that the 9ers try to sign their higher picks to longer contracts. Long signed for a 5-yr with an option. I realize there is a balance between player and team with regards to length, but I was wondering if there is a league rule regarding length of contract. Also LA is a backup

Response: There are only league rules on the number of years in which the bonus money can be prorated for cap purposes. --Matt M.

Posted By: Benji (22/07/2008 4:40:29 PM)
Comment: "Smith (6-1, 200) was the No. 75 overall pick in the draft. He earned All-Big Twelve Conference first-team honors as a senior." I think you mant as a junior, Matt...

Posted By: StonerLab (22/07/2008 4:24:10 PM)
Comment: 1 more down & 2 to go!

Posted By: 49ER FOR LIFE (22/07/2008 4:22:47 PM)
Comment: Thanks Matty. How close are the other 2 draft picks to signing?

Response: My guess is they're 2 to 2 1/2 days away from both being done. --Matt M.