We make an effort to keep politics out of this blog. But in this case we don’t have much of a choice, do we? We are going to have to discuss Colin Kaepernick. Again. This week set it in stone: Kaepernick is officially a signpost in history. When historians write important books about these terrible times of flames, violence and anger, there will be at least a chapter on…
Replacing Staley, Sanders and Buckner might be tough. And not for the reason you think
Here’s a thing. Or actually, two things, only one of which is true. One, this might be the kind of observation that not many are making about the 49ers. And it might be something we look back on later and say, “You know, I had a feeling this was going to be a problem.” Or, it might be nothing. And we’d wonder why we spent any time on it at…
Jimmy G is perfectly fine at QB, and other 49ers thoughts
We begin with the bad news. The two witty and knowledgeable writers who have been writing these posts — Grant Cohn and Phil Barber — are not available. So I am going to step in on the 49ers opinion beat. Granted, Cohn and Barber had an advantage. They knew what they were talking about. I have experience — 36 years at the Chronicle, 20 in sports — but that may…
Shanahan and Lynch, unplugged
Here are portions of the official John Lynch / Kyle Shanahan transcript for this afternoon’s Zoom. Because the draft didn’t end after the third round.
First Buckner, now Staley. It’s the end of an era.
The 49ers will move on without Joe Staley and DeForest Buckner, but will be diminished by their absence.
Is this the end for Joe Staley?
Acquiring Trent Williams for a fifth-round pick in 2020 and a third-rounder in 2021 is a bold move for the 49ers. But it almost certainly signals the end of the road for dependable left tackle Joe Staley.
How the 49ers can sneak into Day 2
Can the 49ers find a way to get into the second or third round? Here are some options.
49ers’ draft philosophy is ‘gluttony’
Most NFL teams try to build around the edges of their roster, plugging holes to shore up the overall structure. The 49ers seem to be taking a much different approach.
Brandon Aiyuk: Just put the ball in his hands
What Brandon Aiyuk has is an innate ability to break tackles and run with the football. And Kyle Shanahan does love him some yards after the catch.
Javon Kinlaw: boom or bust
Yes, a wide receiver or an offensive tackle might have made more sense at pick No. 14 (after the 49ers had traded down one spot). But selecting a physically dominant, versatile defensive tackle carries its own logic.
My Socially Distanced 2020 Mock Draft
The show is going on. Here is my 2020 Remote Quarantined Socially Distanced NFL Mock Draft.
Meet the last NFL team to make no picks in Rounds 2-4
If the 49ers stand pat over the next few days, they will become the first NFL team in 13 years not to make a selection between the first and third rounds.
No. 13 overall: Trade it or keep it?
Without knowing the actual trade offers, we can speak only in generalities. And the most general is this: Bad teams are advised to trade down. Good teams should be trading up.
If Gronk can un-retire, why can’t these ex-49ers?
Here are my top 10 ex-49ers to coax off the coach and onto the field. Is Jerry Rice too old?
Evaluating the 49ers draft-week trade rumors
The last few days have placed at least six current 49ers players on the dreaded trading block, if you believe what you read. Let’s take a look at how realistic those scenarios are.
John Lynch’s virtual media draft tour
Monday afternoon, 49ers general manager John Lynch gave some media members a little virtual tour of his 2020 NFL Draft “war room,” which happens to double as his guest house.
The case for offensive tackle at No. 13.
Yes, the 49ers could use a wide receiver in the first round. But don’t sleep on the offensive tackles. The Niners need one, and this draft has some great candidates.
Kyle Shanahan has history of bold draft choices
Kyle Shanahan isn’t afraid to take the guy he wants, whenever he wants to take him. Could he do it again in this year’s draft?
With Jimmy G and 13th pick, is QB such a crazy idea for 49ers?
Let’s read the tea leaves.
Will 49ers break pattern, draft top cornerback?
The 49ers have a chance to do something radical in the upcoming draft.
