49ers announce 2018 practice squad

San Francisco 49ers running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (41) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

The 49ers just announced their practice squad for 2018. Here it is:

  1. WR Steven Dunbar Jr.
  2. TE Ross Dwelley
  3. CB Emmanuel Moseley
  4. QB Nick Mullens
  5. DB Tyvis Powell
  6. DL Niles Scott
  7. LB Pita Taumoepenu
  8. OL Najee Toran
  9. RB Jeff Wilson Jr.

It’s interesting the team chose to sign rookie free agent running back Jeff Wilson Jr. instead of former fourth-round pick Joe Williams. His career may be over.

This article has 254 Comments

  1. Hard to believe we didnt resign Williams given the injury to McKinnon. He didn’t look THAT bad to me in preseason action. What did he do in training camp that got him doghoused by Shanahan and Lynch?
    Kinda surprised we didnt re-sign Cole Hikutini as well.

    1. The Joe Williams situation always seemed binary.

      Joe Williams Noodle OK: He’s a draft day steal. The most talented back on the roster.
      Joe Williams Noodle Not OK: Wasted draft pick.

      I’m rooting for Joe Williams as far as his life challenges go. Hope he kicks tail on his personal demons. Finds happiness.

  2. My guess is Joe Williams just didn’t have the desire and passion required to be a professional football player.
    Great college player but could not transfer it to the big leagues.

    1. I know that heart was the knock on him coming out of college. But he’s also still a threat to take it to the house. He must have really shown a lot of apathy for them to totally give up and turn their backs on him. He wasnt having ball security issues in camp was he?

      1. Possibly but in hindsight, Shanny made a mistake drafting him. Should never be cutting 4th round picks after only a couple years.

        1. Agreed. Theres no way have sustained success when you squander the best resource at your disposal. What I do like is they aren’t afraid to beat the bushes and throw a wide net when it comes to talent aquisition. And when they miss on a player, they aren’t afraid to cut the player rather than hang on and exacerbate the original mistake.

        2. On the other hand, every other pick from these last two years is still on the team (I think, right? Now that Pita has been resigned to the PS) and getting unexpected good production from late rounders. That has to be unusual across the league.

          1. Yeah we have been crushing the draft. Everyone agrees that the Niners are a far superior team, talentwise, to what they were 18 months ago. So I guess it doesn’t matter where or when they find them, but that they get the best 53 football players they can get their hands on, regardless of source.

          2. Don’t get me wrong, they done well to retool the roster. My point is Shanny was suppose to be the RB finder in later rounds and it’s clear he missed on Williams.

            Now for what Lynch and KS inherited prior to being hired, I’d say they are well on their way to building a competitive program.

            There’s gonna be some misses but hopefully there are more Trent Taylor, Jullian Taylor, Matt Breida type picks.

            1. I hear you. It’s odd that it was such a big whiff for the RB Whisperer… When he’s otherwise shown to be a pretty good talent evaluator. We will see how future Shanahan draft “table pounding” plays out…..hopefully there isn’t any rift over this 4th round mistake.

        3. Atleast shanny and lynch are honest enough to say they messed up amd cut a 4th rounder. Nobody vets the deaft perfect stuff like thos happens, u have to put the nest 53 out there.

  3. Really glad to see Dwelley make the PS over Wikutini. I hope Wick gets a chance to play. Good blocker and that’s something we need. Who really expects Kittle and Celek to both stay healthy…..?

    1. yo49

      I’m in full agreement with you….I’m hopeful that Cole Wick will get a chance…What totally baffles me is that Celek isn’t on the cut sheet…? Aside from a half dozen blocks a season and two or three catches…he’s been nothing to write home about…I’d rather see Kittle, and Wick and Dwelley in that order ahead of Hikutini…cut or trade Celek…

  4. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a bit more movement in player personnel over the next 48 hrs. Rosters are still getting settled across the league.

    Will be fun to see what Shanahan unleashes on Sunday.

    1. I haven’t checked the news yet this morning, but is it still the case that not a single Niner castoff has been picked up by another team?

      1. Not that I’m aware of. I’d think that agents for a few 9er castoffs may have been contacted by other teams–gauging interest and being asked to ‘stay by the phone’…

  5. Another running backs bottom line: Don’t get the quarterback killed. Lots of talented backs relegated to the bench or outright cut because they can’t pick up the blitz… lr they run the hot routes wrong, forcing the quarterback to take a sack.

  6. Wasn’t the organizational party line something about the sign of a good team is tough cuts and other teams waiting for your table scraps, or something to that effect. Well, so far not one 49er discard has been signed by another team. Will be interested to hear the next roster building mantra…

  7. Grant raised the question that popped into my mind: Why Wilson over Williams AND
    McNichols? I browsed around and Wilson is lighter and slower than McNichols. Not sure about JWs head and heart, but something is up there.
    Wilson’s running style fits Shanny’s scheme, he’s complimented for his vision, he can catch and is called a willing blocker.
    So, I dunno. I thought it would be McNichol.

    1. Flabbergasting to me too.. Not sure what Shanahan is looking at. The whole running game eval is skewed.. Wilson ran well late in Game 2 against all cuts. Morris ran well in Game 3 when the 1’s came out and finally blocked..

      McNichols was totally screwed in game 2 when the 1’s, 2’s, used car salesmen blocked absolutely no one.. Of all the backs I thought McNichols was the best. Quick, strong at point of contact and a nose for the end zone. Got in 3 times for TD’s and added a 2 pt. conversion this Preseason.. Hope someone takes a flyer on him..

  8. So, what did I learn about the final cuts and PS composition?
    .
    Most teams are content to sign their own waived players onto the PS, because they were probably promised a spot, and this provides continuity. Most assume that the own team’s waived players are equal to most other teams, so they want to keep their investment, and the players all know their system. However, the Cellar dwellers added half their PS because they got first dibs, and they grabbed the best available, that were upgrades to their squad.
    .
    Guess KS determined who they were going to select for the PS by creating backup depth on the roster. Those PS players can seamlessly be promoted, if a player suffers an injury. They know the system, and the coaches know the players. Wonder if McNichols is weighing different offers. Wonder if the Niners are sifting through the FA list.

  9. Nick Mullens is better than CJB . I’m gonna keep beating that drum till Mullens ends up somewhere else

  10. Niners are doing it right. They did not desperately overpay for Mack, because first round picks are precious. They are building it brick by brick through the draft. They did spend on free agents, but it was unfortunate that McKinnon became injured. They did not strike it rich with Attaochu, but he just was out competed, so they had to absorb his loss, too.
    .
    It is important to lock in players with rookie contracts, so they can stay under the salary cap. They also spent big time, for JG, but that is fine because he will be their franchise QB for many years.
    .
    It is a credit to JL and his scouts, that only JW is not on the team.
    .
    I had predicted that the Niners would have a tough season, and win only 8 games. I would have been happy with that, because it would be an improvement from last season, and they would avoid a losing season. Then, with seeing the O line play well, and the Niners moving the ball, I thought they might go 9-7, with a shot at making the playoffs. Now that McKinnon went down on the last play of practice, and seeing Mack moving to play for Fangio, I will revert to my original 8-8 prediction.

            1. Nothing made me laugh more than you and Jed going from team to team, only to be humiliated and scorned. Too bad JL saved the day.
              .
              Prime needs to stop trolling. Foul mouthed bullies need to be banned.

      1. Hey, John Lynch, you signed a future opponent. Thanks for following my advice.
        .
        Now, make sure you get some actionable intel from him.

        1. Chris and I have gone at it like cats and dogs. Do not know why he agreed with me, but many others are predicting an 8-8 season.

      1. Well since Seb predicted this. The Niners are a shoe in for at least 10 wins.
        As bad as Grant…. or is this really Grant??

        1. Please, I am verbose. Grant would not deign to lower himself to engage with the peanut gallery.

  11. Give the scouting dept credit for coming up with Richie James & Julian Taylor in round 7 . These guys look like ballers. James has a little John Taylor in him

    1. That’s precisely who he reminds me of. Even the way he walks. James is gonna make a few.plays for us this year.

    2. Richie James is 5′ 9″. John Taylor is 6′ 1″.
      .
      Richey James reminds me more of Freddy Solomon, who is 5′ 11″.

      1. Players can be similar in skill sets and gait without being the same height seb.
        But I do enjoy the elementary football you are apparently attempting to teach me.
        Especially when it comes to the 49ers past.
        Moron

        1. AND he can remind me of any person I d**n well please.
          Like you for example. You remind me of a tick, although you and a tick aren’t the same height. Do you understand now?

          1. Well technically he does have the brain capacity of a real tick. And he’s parasitic. So there.

        2. I watched Freddy Solomon, so if he reminds me of Richie James, my opinion is just as valid as yours.
          .
          Resorting to insults just means you cannot think of anything useful to say.

          1. His name was spelled FREDDIE…..Yeah I watched Freddie Solomon too. Quit acting like you have some special connection to the niners and their history. Just because I recently started posting doenst mean I just fell off the peanut wagon. Every time you say something you just sound dumber and dumber

  12. …….so moving past the practice squad to the 53 roster, there are a few moves they still will b making. Obviously, McKinnon is the 1st move to IR. Do they stay with 3 RB’s plus one on the PS or bring in another. There is Magnuson on the o-line. He is also the emergency center. Right now, there is only 2 on the roster who can play center. That’s pretty thin. And Harris and Gilliam could also be candidates for IR with designation to return. There is still a few more roster moves to b made b 4 boarding the plane to Minnesota.

  13. I think the running game and O line will struggle… You can see they are concerned. Traded for Shon Coleman who went to the 53 and picked up Naji Toran and signed him to the PS. Game 1 at Minnesota already looks very grim..

  14. don and Rich. why don’t you both go to sleep already. and come back tomorrow to this blog, maybe after you rested, you will have something positive to say about the upcoming season.

  15. Well, finally, the football season is beginning. Everything they worked hard for is going to count in the standings.
    .
    I have been saving my thoughts until after the preseason, so now is the time to begin formulating strategies and tactics that might help the Niners win.
    .
    I will begin this edification process with a poem. Some posters might benefit from culture, and hopefully, it will set the tone for this site.
    .
    If, by Rudyard Kipling.
    .
    If you can keep your head when all about you
    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you.
    If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you.
    But make allowance for their doubting too;
    If you can wait but not be tired by waiting,
    Or being lied about, don’t deal with lies,
    Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;
    .
    If you can dream-and not make dreams your master;
    If you can think- and not make thoughts your aim;
    If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
    And treat those two impostors just the same;
    If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
    Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
    And stoop to build’em up with worn out tools;
    .
    If you can make one heap of all your winnings,
    And risk it on one turn of pitch- and- toss,
    And lose, and start again at your beginnings
    And never breathe a word about your loss;
    If you can force you heart and nerve and sinew
    To serve your turn long after they have gone,
    And so hold on when there is nothing in you
    Except the Will which says to them; ‘Hold on!’
    .
    If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
    Or walk with kings- nor lose the common touch,
    If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you
    If all men count with you, but none too much;
    If you can fill the unforgiving minute
    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
    Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
    And- which is more- you’ll be a Man, my son!

    1. Oh Sebbie….so dramatic, so self absorbed, so righteous. Try this:

      Deteriorata – National Lampoon

      You are a fluke of the universe. You have no right to be here.
      Deteriorata. Deteriorata.

      Go placidly amid the noise and waste,
      And remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
      Avoid quiet and passive persons, unless you are in need of sleep.
      Rotate your tires.
      Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself,
      And heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys.
      Know what to kiss, and when.
      Consider that two wrongs never make a right, but that three do.
      Wherever possible, put people on hold.
      Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment,
      and despite the changing fortunes of time,
      There is always a big future in computer maintenance.

      Remember The Pueblo.
      Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate.
      Know yourself. If you need help, call the FBI.
      Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
      Especially with those persons closest to you –
      That lemon on your left, for instance.
      Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
      Would scarcely get your feet wet.
      Fall not in love therefore. It will stick to your face.
      Gracefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan.
      And let not the sands of time get in your lunch.
      Hire people with hooks.
      For a good time, call 606-4311. Ask for Ken.
      Take heart in the bedeepening gloom
      That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.
      And reflect that whatever fortune may be your lot,
      It could only be worse in Milwaukee.

      You are a fluke of the universe.
      You have no right to be here.
      And whether you can hear it or not,
      The universe is laughing behind your back.

      Therefore, make peace with your god,
      Whatever you perceive him to be – hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
      With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal,
      The world continues to deteriorate.
      Give up!

      1. ‘ If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
        Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,’ – RK.

        1. Freakin Seb-skov!!!!!!!!!!!!

          You bring this tired old Kipling bit out every year–as if your going to inspire someone!!!!!!!

          Put the bong away and join us in the real world………..

    1. I’ve reached my 30 day read limit with the SJ Mercury, so I can’t get to the article unless I cough up some coin. I get the point however…through outstanding performance Buckner could be in for a monster contract, with all the drama that can come with.

      1. Wouldn’t be the end of the world if the Niners could trade Buckner to some hopeless, perennially underachieving team for two 1st round picks and other compensation, when the time comes…

      2. Main takeaways from the article — noting earth -shattering:
        Buckner is halfway through his rookie contract.
        He has the same agent as Mack: Joel Segal.
        The earliest a contract extension can come is after this season, and Niners should do it.
        Buckner’s fifth-year option is about $13 million in 2020.

        Niners will extend Buckner, he’s the kind of high character-high performance-low ego players every team wants. especially Shanalynch

    2. Buckner is going to have to get a double digit sack season before he gets that money. Maybe they should move him to edge on passing downs. Because if he stays in the middle and keeps getting near Miss sacks, then he won’t get that money.

  16. Off topic, but keep the people in the MidWest and other areas of the U.S. that are dealing with floods due to the heavy and continuous rains in your thoughts and prayers guys. I myself just had to evacuate from my home because the ground went from saturated with rain to covered with ankle deep waters in less than an hour.

    1. MidWest …
      will do … hope you and your family are ok…

      We don’t have it that bad, however local rivers
      appear to be swollen …

      Stay safe, my friend ..

    2. MWD, I hope and pray you and your family are safe and any suffering is met with kindness and compassion.

    3. Mid,
      Good luck to you and your family in dealing with this difficult situation. Hope the rains will cease soon.

    4. Hey, sorry to hear that Mid. I’m lifting up a prayer for you and the entire area my brother.
      Be safe

  17. Bucky nails it:

    @BuckyBrooks
    The response to the Khalil Mack trade has been interesting.. Some fans are screaming the price tag is too high for an elite player but we are ok with average QBs making $20M.. It’s weird how some teams want to pay the position not the player. Great players should get their value

    1. Both Rams and bears leveraged the QB rookie contracts to load up on the defensive side, like Cowboys, Eagles and Chiefs. I’d like to see how many teams pay $20M+ to both their QB and the sack/QB pressure artist. Currently, if I am not wrong, the teams with established franchise QBs past their rookie deal are paying $15M-$17M for the second-highest paid player.
      https://www.thestreet.com/lifestyle/sports/best-paid-nfl-players-besides-quarterback-14616380
      “It’s weird how some teams want to pay the position not the player. Great players should get their value” — Singletary would probably agree with that. He had said something to the effect that the QB is just another player in the team.

      1. ” I’d like to see how many teams pay $20M+ to both their QB and the sack/QB pressure artist.”

        With the contracts that are being signed right now it’ll be short time before the salary cap is such that it allows that to happen.

        1. True, but it assumes increasing TV and other content-delivery contracts in the next 4-5 years. I think some teams will find themselves in salary cap problems with too many aging, highly-paid players even as their QB comes out of rookie contract. The Cowboys have 8 non-QB players take up 40% or more of the salary cap.

  18. Smart decision by the Bills to go with Peterman to start the season. Bills have a tough start to their schedule and there’s no sense ruing the confidence of their QBOTF by throwing him face first into a buzz saw.

    1. Someone with common sense prevailed here But I will not be surprised if Peterman flounders, and the pressure will be on to get Allen on to the field. In any case, Bills have the worst QB combo in the league, IMO.

      1. No question that Peterman is going to look ugly. If he can get them through the first 1/2 of the season then he’ll serve his purpose. The 2nd half of their schedule save their bi annual meeting with the Pats is pretty light.

        I think we’ll see Allen’s first game on 11/11, which is a week after they play Chicago. His remaining opponents will be; Jets, Jags, Dolphins, Jets, Lions, Pats, Dolphins.

        The real test will be if the front office can hold out that long. Going to be hard to maintain that resolve when they’re looking at 0-6.

  19. Funny to think back about the conversations that occurred concerning Pita as a legitimate option to our pass rush and then see him on our P.S.

    Such a hot commodity. Guess none of the other teams need pass rushers.

  20. It’s great that the Niners are bringing back almost their entire roster from the Super Bowl winning, 2017 season. Oh wait, they didn’t win the Super Bowl.

    Good organizations always try to get better. The Pats are thin at WR and what do they do? They’re out sccoping up Darboh and Hansen,. The Browns claimed five players.

    The Niners got a back up o-lineman from the Chargers.

    Lots of love for scheme and the Shanaleh brain trust.

    1. I really like James’ maturity. I listened to his interview with The Athletic and he came across as a vet, not a 7th round rookie. Last Thursday after the game, he proclaimed confidently that he had created enough game film in preseason to be on the 53-roster of some NFL team, if not the Niners. That’s a savvy way to put pressure on Shanalynch :)
      https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1034890436178046976/photo/1

  21. I think there is a trade in the works. Here is a guess. Niners trade for Ameer Abdullah. Lions have too many backs. Blount, Johnson(second rnd pick), One other back they like. Abdullah is kind of similar to McKinnon. Not quite the receiver out of the backfield but has talent. The compensation won’t be steep and could be a nice low risk pick up.

    1. Rebuild – I would rather the Niners get another RB like Morris because the run game is a staple of KS offense, and at his age, Morris may need some relief. Niners already have some lighter RBs to fill McKinnon’s role. Who in the backfield is pass protecting for Jimmy on 3rd downs because you can’t use scat hot protection all the time and expect to throw hot and to make first downs? When it’s 3rd and 7 or more, you have to protect to throw the ball for the first down rather than lay off to a hot receiver or an outlet and expect them to run for the first down. Fire zone schemes attacking protection schemes will force the ball to come out and then the defense rallies for the tackle short of the chains for the 1st down. Watch what the Vikings will do.

      1. A big part of McKinnon’s appeal was his elite pass pro, and one of the reasons he was signed to such a lucrative deal.

  22. Random thought, if the niners want a receiving running back what do people think a trade for Duke Johnson or Giovanni Bernard cost? And given the choice who would you want?

    1. Well I think those backs are needed with those teams. Duke just signed an extension there. He has there third down back. Gio still gets good snaps behind mixon. Both would be nice but Abdullah apparently has been available for a while. Plus I just saw that the lions are bringing in another scat back pumphrey for a workout. Makes you wonder if they have traded Abdullah.

      1. Interesting takes. I still think there is a good possibility they make a trade for the right price.
        Part of the reason I posed this is because McKinnon shouldn’t be counted on to be the same player after an ACL tear even next year, and his contract makes it easy for the niners to cut him after his 2nd season if I recall correctly. So if the team wants to stay on track they may entertain the idea of trading for someone they also believe in.

  23. I’m really excited about this year’s group of rookie QB’s.

    This league lives and dies by it’s QB’s. One of the reasons I believe it’s popularity has dropped in recent seasons is the waning number of quality QB’s in the league. People tune in to watch their QB win games. Without good QB’s there is no NFL so I get really excited when I see fresh new faces with strong futures at the position.

    Will look forward to the Darnold/Mahomes or Mayfield/Garoppolo battles of the seasons to come.

    1. It’s interesting that the recent crop of first-round QBs (2015-2017) seem to be doing relatively well in the league. I think the honeymoon with running QB is over, and the use of advanced metrics and better game film analysis may have helped in draft valuation (as will more competent front offices left alone to do their job by the owners). Paxton Lynch, the glaring exception, was controversial even before the draft.

          1. Yup. While Toomer did not play last season for the Niners, he did attend the OTAs, Mini Camp, TC and the preseason. Do not think he clapped his hands over his ears and shut his eyes while in the locker room.
            .
            Bet he spills his guts.

            1. I think you are over thinking this whole intel thing. Football is not about secrets, it’s about execution. If you played the game you’d know what I’m talking about

              1. Chris, I do not need to have played the game. Which NFL team did you play for?
                .
                I am just using common sense. Usually, it is easy to do, but seems to be in short supply on this site.
                .
                Guess what? Seahawks poached Dontae Johnson from the Niners. He played all last season for the Niners, and was a starter. If you do not believe Pete Carroll asked Dontae to stand up in the locker room, and give a player by player assessment to the team, I will question your football knowledge.

              2. Hmmm, the Niners just signed Matt Tobin. Didn’t he play in 15 games for the Seahawks last season?
                .
                Hope they get good intel from him. KS should let him stand up in the locker room, and let him give a player by player assessment of all the players he played with. Hope he can detail any weaknesses in the O line.

              3. Of course, the Niners signed Richard Sherman, so he willingly described nuances, weaknesses, strengths and tendencies about every player on defense. Sherman also described the game plan and schemes like he was a coach.
                .
                Matt Tobin probably did the same for the offense, but with less detail than Sherman, who seems very smart.

              4. The question I have is how do you know your intel theory is accurate in helping teams win? The idea sounds reasonable but there is zero evidence of it actually happening.
                Having played and coached the game there are no surprises because coaches at that level meticulously study and prepare for every single detail that has or can transpire. Like I said you are over thinking this

              5. Chris, being a fan of football, I watch many things related to football. There was a coach who asked a former player of an upcoming opponent, to stand up and give a scouting report on every player he played with from the other team.
                .
                Why would a HC not do that? Does he want to win? To me, it is just common sense. That player had access to the locker room, something the HC did not. Even if he only described locker room dynamics, that may make a difference.
                .
                Google- LeGarrette Blount and Chris Long bring Patriots intel to Eagles huddle.
                .
                Additionally, that player may be motivated for revenge against his old team. They cut him, threw him away, and his new team is giving him a chance,
                .
                BTW, guess who won the SB?

              6. I don’t question that it happens in the league. I’m just saying it does not result in a distinct advantage, or there is any evidence that it does present a distinct advantage. Knowing how a guy acts in the lockerroom helps how?

                And you are telling me that the Eagles won the Super Bowl because of Longs and Blount’s info? If so can you prove that or is this just your opinion?

              7. Chris, that game was razor close, and basically came down to Graham causing a fumble. Maybe Long told Graham about the Pats’ O line tendencies, and that intel changed the game.
                .
                Of course, in totality, there may have many critical outcomes that won the game for the Eagles. Maybe Blount knew where to run, because he knew where the weaknesses in the D line were.
                .
                All I know, is that Blount and Long spilled their guts, and the Eagles won. You can call it speculation, I just think it is more than a coincidence.

          2. I wonder if he thinks that when Lynch ‘poaches’ someone for ‘Intel’, if he authorizes Lynch to use waterboarding?
            What if the guy signed an NDA with the previous team?
            Is ‘poaching’ like cattle rustling? Cornerback rustling?
            Linebacker-jacking?

            1. Naw, they do not need to be tortured. The other team is paying his salary. He will enthusiastically spill his guts, because that may help his team to win, so they may pay him even more.

              1. Eel, you certainly have not impressed me with any football knowledge.
                .
                Your screed is specious, because Zimmer just signed Hikutini. Bet he gets lots of intel from Hikutini, because he was on the Niners last season,and all this preseason.

  24. I was happy to see Steven Dunbar make the PS. Waldman was high on him, calling him “a late-round/UDFA sleeper who has what it takes to outwork high-ceiling/low-floor talents” and “a worker with technical skills, strong hand-eye coordination to win the ball in tight quarters, runs good routes at this stage of his development, and he relishes blocking.”

    Link to article with some nice videos:

    https://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2018/04/14/matt-waldmans-rsp-twitter-moments-wr-steven-dunbar-houston/

  25. There is no way Cleveland trades Duke Johnson. Hue loves him. He’s the closest out there to McKinnon in my opinion.

    I don’t think the Bengals will trade Bernard either.

    I’d like to see them bring in Donell Pumphrey recently released by the Eagles.

    Abdullah would be a good trade.

    1. Cleveland has Carlos Hyde and rookie Nick Chubb (who I touted for 49ers) who I believe will overtake Hyde at some point this season.

      The Carlos Hyde signature motion of “feed me” followed immediately by going to the sideline after a good run will grow tiring for the team and fans.
      When the c’boys E. Elliott does the feed me motion after a good run he actually stays in the game for more carries.

      Duke is another player I touted last year. It’s going to be interesting what Cleveland does with him going forward.

  26. Lions are bringing in Pumphrey with a crowded backfield. Makes you wonder if Abdullah as been traded. Niners have a need too. Been quite on the RB front.

  27. I wonder how “aggressively” Lynch went after Mack. I doubt he offered 2 first round picks.

    Niners now have proven schemes on both sides of the ball, young and competent coaches, and a franchise QB. It seems that they are trying to set themselves up for sustainable success for the next 10 years. That should mean no overpaying of free agents at the expense of competence at any position or depth at all positions. Pass rush would be schematic, through coordinated / orchestrated design until they hit on a draft pick in the future. IMO, they will model themselves on the Patriots with regard to personnel management. The Pats traded their draft pick elite pass rusher rather than overpaying him after the rookie contract. (See Jones, Chandler).
    Niners fans often pine for the “elite edge rusher / demon pass rusher” or the “#1 receiver” or the “#1 / bell-cow back”. Not sure if that’s the plan.

    1. I saw a blurb by Peter King wrt Mack deal. He made the point that if you look at the Raiders last 10 1st round picks (besides Mack), which two are a better value than Mack? Amari and who?
      The Raiders haven’t drafted that well, why would they think that their next choices would be so great? And they had to chip in a 2nd. Pfftt!
      I’m fine with Lynch inquiring and then passing, even though Mack would’ve helped.

    2. “Niners fans often pine for the “elite edge rusher / demon pass rusher” or the “#1 receiver” or the “#1 / bell-cow back”. Not sure if that’s the plan.”

      I’ve been thinking about that as well, Mood. I wonder if Chris Kiffin thinks he has a scheme that will allow the team to have a good pass rush with great DL and only marginal edge rushers. If that were possible, it would be a major boon, because very good interior defensive lineman are in good supply and relatively inexpensive compared with edge rushers. There’s been speculation that the 49ers plan to just try to contain the QB in the pocket with the edge rushers and let the interior lineman sack the QB as he steps up. To my understanding, this is pretty much the reverse of the way it’s usually done.

      There’s also the synergism between the pass rush and the ability of the secondary to blanket receivers, which I’m not considering here.

      1. Yes, pass defense seen as a combination of QB pressure and good DB coverage. Niners were pretty good at Qb pressure according to PFF

  28. Looking forward to post game analysis later this Sunday–could be euphoric, apocalyptic, but not boring.

  29. It is interesting. Niners announced 9 PS signings, but did not mention the 10th player. I wonder why.
    .
    Could it be because they poached a player from the Chargers, an opponent the Niners play September 30th?
    .
    Zach Golditch G, did not play for them last season, but he may give a good accounting about the locker room dynamics.
    .
    He should at least detail any weaknesses in the O line, and I hope they debrief him fully.
    .
    Many will just dismiss my assertions as just an amazing coincidence, but they did follow my advice. I commend them for being smart, and trying everything in their power to win. Guess by not naming him, I would not be able to claim they poached a player from an upcoming opponent, who could provide important intel.
    .
    I will do that anyways. Guess they DO read these blogs. ;p

        1. Just keep believing your weird narcissistic takes, Piñata Boy, it’s what you’re good at. “Proven?” Hahahaha.
          F3 = Fact Free Fantasy

          1. I think Sebbie was poached by aliens when he was a child… Aliens got lots of intel about humans by way of Sebbie…

              1. That’s what I’ve been thinking. Aliens were everywhere in the 50s, no? We even made many cool movies about visits from outer space back then. Then very little since Sebbie’s poaching. Maybe Earth has been quarantined–better that than being destroyed outright I guess.

              2. no need for Alien supervised planetary destruction…after “debriefing” “the Legend” they assumed we’d do the job ourselves…we’d kill each other off in a Narcissistic Personality Disorder fuelled orgy of destruction…

          2. BT, I have stated many times that the Niners should poach players from upcoming opponents. When that happens, even though you totally discounted the possibility, it makes me look smart, and you, not so much.
            .
            Burnt.

            1. Yeah …lets not sign players based on talent and need. Let’s do player acquisition based on the “intel”they can provide. Whatever.

    1. Narcissistic behaviour is a result of permissive parenting style and deep issues covering up self esteem and self confidence

      Get help

    2. Remember when Sebbie exited the blog many months ago after his name was exposed? Came on the heels of many weeks of painful Sebbie exhibitionism and self-absorbed antics. He claimed–with tear in eye and hitch in voice–that he wouldn’t return…but he did, just like most of us knew he would.

      He appeared last spring sparingly and behaved comparatively well–offering his thoughts in a restrained (for Sebbie) manner. He went from a comment every few days to two or three daily as training camp loomed. Now Sebbie has returned in full splendor–dozens and dozens of comments daily (many lengthy and choked with righteousness and worn out Sebbie cliches)—classically pious, classically ‘delusions of grandeur’ in scale.

      Today he’s back to regurgitating Rudyard Kipling’s If (see above). To quote Sebbie: “I will begin this edification process with a poem. Some posters might benefit from culture, and hopefully, it will set the tone for this site.”

      Sebbie is back, setting the tone for this site. Here we go….

  30. Attaochu signs with Jets. I wonder if there is an “offset” clause with respect to the amount of money the team payed him.

  31. Worth keeping a close eye on the practice squad. Last season the Niners promoted 6 players from the PS, as noted by Barrows. Two of the replacements in the PS are now in the 53 (Elijah Lee and Mark Nzeocha).

  32. Sunday can’t get here soon enough. All the hand wringing over guys who are 47-53 on the roster is pretty stale.

  33. It is not necessary to announce instances in which Ward won’t play due to injury. By now, everyone assumes that is the status quo.

    Barrows Twitter : Jimmie Ward (quad) was working on a side field and it doesn’t appear as if he will be ready for the opener

    1. Yup, he’s an expensive waste of a roster spot… Injured frequently and not great – or even that good – at any position.

  34. Intel example:

    Sherman to Kyle and Defensive coaches:
    “When Wilson is under pressure, he ducks, escapes to his right, spin moves and reverses field to his left and either runs or hits the receiver midfield also running left “ “Oh, and he sticks the ball out just before he runs out of bounds to pick up another 3 feet”.
    Kyle and defensive coaches to Sherman:
    “Duh”

    1. I’m not understanding this whole intel thing because these little nuances are all based on film study. What a former player tells his new team cannot be ground breaking because more or less, somebody on that coaching staff has studied and or worked with that coaching staff or player(s).

      A couple weeks ago Shanny in his presser mentioned that he did a lot of scouting of a player prior to the draft and then again leading up to a game.
      I mean that’s what these guys do, they research and study everything to it’s finest detail.

    2. Niners should set the edges to contain the smurf, then send a LB up the middle on a delayed blitz, so RW cannot run up the middle for a first down, like Andrew Luck and Geno Smith did.
      .
      Some troll laughed at me, but did not laugh when Geno Smith ran up the middle twice for first downs.

  35. Prime, you do not understand a lot. Guess you cannot help yourself.
    .
    Google- Eagle’s Legarret Blount and Chris Long bring Patriots intel to Philadelphia huddles.
    .
    Reading is fundamental.

          1. Cassie, you certainly are clueless. You are judging me all the time. Your psychological snarky screeds are repetitive and predictable.
            .
            Did I tell you how glad I am that the stench of Baalke is dissipating ? Too bad you keep regurgitating, bringing it all back.

    1. You cannot prove anything you say which makes you look incompetent. Anyone can blather.
      That’s why you are piñata boy!

  36. Regardless of where you sit on whether Seb deserves to be harangued as he is, one thing is indisputable- his presence on the blog makes it significantly harder to find and maintain any decent discussions.

    1. His ideas are preposterous. Then when you ask him to explain or provide reason, his answer is you can’t read, he’s a legend, and that the team follows his suggestions.

      This is why the threads on the blog are not what they once were because it’s all hot air from piñata boy who posts non sense!

    2. Scooter, I have refrained from engaging you, but it seems you cannot resist a snide comment.
      .
      It is just the same set of characters, with their multiple troll accounts.
      .
      I have tried very hard to stick to football, but the unhinged pushback I get makes it very hard to refrain from engaging them. When was the last time you were accused of being abducted by aliens?
      .
      Please do me a favor. Google- Eagles’ Legarrette Blount and Chris Long bring Patriots intel to Philadephia huddles, then tell me it all a fantasy.

      1. It’s always someone else’s fault. Why can’t you simply defend your arguments instead of playing the feel sorry for myself card?

        1. Chris, I feel perfectly fine engaging them, because they just look mean and petty. How is it my fault that they feel so threatened by my presence, they attack non stop?
          .
          When was the last time you were abducted by aliens?
          .
          I Have defended myself, and provided proof that teams seek intel. Why can’t you bring yourself to read that article, and discuss it in a calm respectful manner? Refusing to read that article says a lot more about you than it does about me.

              1. Here the point seb. Players dont get signed based on “intel” …….you need to get that idea out of your head. But I like how you advocate keeping a linebacker in to mirror Wilson. What a great defensive football concept.
                You should call the linebacker a “spy”
                .
                ….wait football at all levels already use a “spy”….. And guess what!!?? They don’t call them “spies” based on Intel. I’ll sit here and wait while your head explodes.

              2. Eel, Hikutini just signed with the Vikings.
                .
                I know, I know, just an amazing coincidence that the Vikings are the Niners next opponent.

  37. Exactly Prime. If you’ll notice, those that push this idiotic intel narrative NEVER mention what intel is being shared, other than silly , vague, general statements like “locker room dynamics”! NFL coaching staffs know everything about their opponents long before players from any of those teams join theirs. That’s what they do. All day. 24-7. Seven days a week. The notion that a player comes to a team and has any important info that they, the coaching staff, don’t already know is blatantly naive.
    I’m still waiting for a descriptive example of intel that a player could share with their new team that would help in even the slightest way beat their former team…………..I won’t hold my breath!

    1. I hesitate to suggest this…. Perhaps Grant could weigh in from his perspective on the intel matter–Grant being Grant and all… How much is fact? How much is fiction? Perhaps he could interview a few ex-players and coaches.

    2. Google- Eagles’ Legarrette Blount and Chris Long bring Patriots intel to Philadelphia huddle.
      .
      Guess which team won the SB?

      1. And victory only came by poached intel……..thorough prep, practice, and film study not so much, correct?

        1. For a close game between to closely matched teams, it could have been the difference between winning and losing.
          .
          Philly won, and Blount and Long provided intel. Of course, you will say that it just another amazing coincidence.

          1. -it could have been the difference between winning and losing.

            But you can’t say that it was or was not. And that’s the issue. Your theory, opinion has zero accuracy or proof.

            1. Chris, your opinion is that when presented with proof, you cannot bring yourself to admit my argument has merit.
              .
              You certainly cannot prove that it did not matter, since they did it, and won.

              1. That’s pure speculation on your part and it has no truth. Sorry guy but you are wrong on this one

              2. You don’t know that was the reason they won. It’s pure speculation and you have no evidence to back your claim

              3. Regardless of whether teams have signed players simply in order to gain intel or not Seb (and of course players have provided intel on their previous team[s] since the beginning of time) it doesn’t change the fact that …

                …. NOBODY IN THE 49ERS FRONT OFFICE OR COACHING STAFF ARE READING YOUR PERSONAL BLOG POSTS ON THE PRESS DEMOCRAT SEBNYNAH, SO GET OVER YOURSELF ALREADY!

                There, that’s settled!

              4. It is better speculation than they did it, and lost, which is your argument.
                .
                I am not going to declare that it was the sole reason, but it may have been a difference maker if the winner could anticipate what the loser would do.
                .
                Sometimes it is gracious to concede a point, and admit another poster’s argument may contain merit. I have done that many times. Being stubborn, just to oppose, and never give an inch, seems churlish.

              5. 49, if I were serious, I would just fire off an email. That would confirm that I think they should read them. I do not.
                .
                I write as if they do dote on every word, but some, like you, cannot handle it.
                .
                I hope they have better things to do other than perusing blog sites. Even if they did, they should never admit it, because that would just encourage more trolls. They should never let you see them sweat. KS should not whine about negative stories because it might hurt a player’s feelings. Players should expect negativity, especially with sub par performances. It is part of the job description. Weak minded people let blog talk rattle them.
                .
                If the Niners are not so thin skinned, they should have just posted all 10 of the PS members. The omission did not speak loudly, that they did not want anyone to know they poached a player from an upcoming opponent, the silence was deafening.
                .
                It is interesting to note that the Vikings just signed Hikutini to the PS. I also think Zimmer is obtaining intel from his next opponent. They are smart to do that. It is done all the time. it is a standard operating procedure, and should be expected. Denying reality says more about you than anything else.

              6. Well, you are certainly correct about these tactics Seb.

                It’s the part where you seem to infer that the 49ers braintrust is somehow taking cues from you, that I have issues with.

                FYI, as you know, we’ve had our differences over the years Seb, and I find your style to be a bit on the egocentric side, with a dash of empiricism. However, I’m not on the Anti-Sebnynah bandwagon, for whatever that’s worth, so keep-on-keeping-on, and …… GO NINERS!

            2. Did you know James Harrison provided intel that helped a team beat another team they’d previously beaten 5 times straight?

              1. Rib, reading more about Harrison, you were right. My mistake.
                .
                He definitely swore that he did not divulge intel of the Steelers to the Pats.

        1. Prime, you stated that no team does that, and it does no good. Here is proof, and you still think it does not matter.
          .
          You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.

          1. Where did I say that teams don’t do it and if you read the article, it states that most teams already have all the “intel” they require.
            Basically every team tries to find and advantage but in most cases it’s just reassurance of the work they already did.

            And for the record, you didn’t provide any proof or link to support your less than knowledgeable claims.

            1. Prime, you scoffed at the very notion that teams try to obtain intel from former players of upcoming opponents.
              .
              Nice try.

      1. Perhaps the Vikings will pay for Grant’s travel. When he arrives Vike coaches can take him to dinner and squeeze intel out of him–just like toothpaste. No need to waterboard.

  38. If you don’t like Sebnynah spamming the blog you need to stop responding directly to him. He feeds off of it.

    1. Jack, you are very astute.
      .
      They should just leave me alone, and let me blog in peace, but like a moth to a flame….

    2. Yes, that’s pretty much what I was getting at, but possibly in too subtle a way. As annoying as Seb’s posts may be, it is the combination of his posts and people feeling the need to respond to him (and the subsequent trading of posts) that creates such a polluted blog.

    3. Jack Hammer
      Thank you for pointing it out: Don’t feed the 500 pound narcissistic buffon on the blog, you only enable him!

  39. We may not understand it, but I imagine deep down Grant enjoys the fulminations generated by the Sebber because it helps put food on the table. I find Seb amusing, but when I find him irritating; I just scroll by. I’ve noticed my index finger has grown quite muscular….

    ;>)

    1. I do sometimes too Razor, but when you log on and see 6 comments from him and 4 from another 1 or 2 folks you know it’s just a bunch of idiocy going on. ?

  40. Well google said it so it must be true! I’m sure they employ a gaggle of folks who actually played sports at some point in their nerdy lives! (Long eye roll) Such naivety. At least the word “could” was used which is code for “I don’t really know for sure”. Lol

    Hammer, I can only speak for myself but I love comedy and Seb is a truly gifted comedy writer. The more you respond to him, the more comedy you get and that means more laughs. The problem with people here is they take him seriously. He’s pure comedy. Read, laugh and enjoy is what I say!

  41. No prob Seb! I’m glad you agree with me! Keep those thoughts coming! Just when I think I’m losing it a little (Getting old ya know) I just read one of your posts, laugh a little and realize there are much worse. I always walk away from reading your stuff feeling pretty darn good. You are therapy. Thank you! ;-)

    PS what years did you play soccer for Cal? I’m guessing early 80’s. Fullback right? Hmmm….

    1. UCD in the 70’s. We had Will Lotter, who was the tennis coach, but moved over to soccer. We knew more than he did about tactics, skills and strategies, but he had a good grasp of leadership and coaching. He absorbed everything like a sponge, and became a real good soccer mind, because he asked lots of questions, and accepted counseling. Some players were de facto coaches on the field, but we all had the mindset to make it work.
      .
      In my youth, I was fortunate. UCD had professors from all around the world. I remember Julio from Brazil, Carlos from Peru, Esteban from Mexico and Gersten, who marked Pele in his youth. We had cascaras, or pickup games, and they let me play to fill out squads, and to basically show off their skills in my eager fledgling playing days. They tried some other Americans, but soccer was new, and they may have been good athletes, but they blundered about and injured those aging professors. I, on the other hand, always kept my feet, and tried to play so they could show off their skills, and have fun. They could make the ball dance. I learned so much, and eventually, they found it harder to dribble around me, so they just passed it around me.

        1. Cassie, I am just having a pleasant conversation with Juan.
          .
          You are the one with the obsession about haunting my posts.
          .
          Maybe you should just stick to football.

    1. Speaking of Kaep, glad his collusion trial is continuing. If he succeeds, it might void the CBA, so the players will no longer be so shamefully exploited.
      .
      I hope it brings down Goodell, something I hope even my detractors can get behind.
      .
      With better medical benefits and more power to the players, I hope Goodell gets replaced by a Hall Of Famer like Tony Dungy, John Elway or Ronnie Lott.

    1. Good timing with Sunday coming up.

      Hope our special teams (ST) are up to the task. Sounds like a cliche (I know), but very strong ST performance could be our edge against the Vikings–getting good returns, preventing good returns, effective punting/kickoffs, and making every kick attempted.

  42. My impression of Seb…blah blah blah..screed blah blah….. diatribe blah blah blah…. reading is fundamental…. blah blah blah attrition…..blah blah blah intel…. blah blah blah…..astute blah blah blah…..you’ve learned your lesson blah blah blah blah blah blah ….observation that any simpleton can make…..blah blah blah blah blah.
    REPEAT.
    I bet when you were in school you took an A$$ whipping on the daily.

  43. When Shanahan was with Atlanta, did he ever put a lineman in the backfield in goal line situations?

    1. Would be interesting if Sheldon Day or DJ Jones could pull that off–lead blocker, ball carrier, receiver.

  44. Sebbie ..
    You do realize .. ( don’t you ? ) .. that the Google article you
    mentioned .. (above )… contains nothing more than one
    author’s …” opinion ” .. .right ? …
    ( and I think you’ll agree with that … right ? )

    Well … the bad news is … “opinions” …aren’t FACTS !
    and opinions are like belly buttons — everyone has one …

    With that in mind … for you to profess someone else’s “opinion” ..
    as ..”proof” .. of your POV .. makes you appear as
    ..”intellectually -challenged “..
    so do all of your screeds on what the Niners ..should do
    in every situation ..
    Broken record … much ?

    Remember … we heard everything you’re saying now …
    last season … (check the archives) …

    (Just a little .. “constructive criticism” .. Sebbie )

    1. You understand that you are arguing with a mental midget, yes?

      His comments do nothing but anger others due to how outlandish and stupid they are. He follows these dumb comments with even dumber retorts, and does so until the other party is fed up with arguing with a mental midget, at which point he thinks he wins, thus upping his smugness. Please help us put in end to this idiocy.

  45. My bad Seb. I thought you were a Cal grad like my wife, who played three sports there in the late ‘70s, basketball, volleyball (full ride), and softball, thinking maybe you crossed paths. She says she remembers a couple of really goofy looking soccer players! ;-}

    We do have two Aggies amongst our children. Good school. Also Loyola Marymount, UC Santa Cruz, and Sonoma State.

    1. Goofy looking soccer players. Great!

      Have offspring at Cal Poly, in-law on Cal swim team in mid-70s… Many great schools!

    2. My son is a Cal grad, like my father.
      .
      I attended the Miracle game, when UCD scored 16 points in 20 seconds against Hayward.

  46. Ingredients

    7 to 8 large (9 cups) tart cooking apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1/4-inch
    3/4 cup sugar
    3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    2 cups all-purpose flour
    2 cups sugar
    2 large Land O Lakes® Eggs
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    3/4 teaspoon salt
    2/3 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, melted
    Ice cream, if desired

    How to make

    STEP 1
    Heat oven to 350°F.
    STEP 2
    Place sliced apples in ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish.
    STEP 3
    Combine 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in bowl; sprinkle over apples.
    STEP 4
    Combine remaining cinnamon, flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder and salt in bowl; mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over apples. Pour melted butter over topping. Bake 45-55 minutes or until lightly browned and apples are tender.
    STEP 5

    Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.

    1. Damn I just made 6 dozen oatmeal cookies from scratch then I read this ^. Not sure in all the years I have been here that I have seen a food recipe on the blog. Cool.

        1. Wow, not sure how that would go, I will stick to ice cream! Be nice to have dinosaur digestive system!

  47. I cant get a good handle on you Grant. At times are eloquent and insightful. Other times you are sophomoric and petty. Whatever the case, it’s always entertaining. I simply cant stop reading your blog day in and day out.
    This was an interesting write-up. I’m so excited for the team that Shanahan and Lynch are building. High character, high football IQ, hard working, team first guys. Regardless of how they are acquired. If you’re not with the program, then you wont be here. I’m so sick of overpaid, loud mouthed, me-first professional athletes that have no concept of the TEAM first.
    This article was a great glimpse into the pulse of the team, thanks Grant

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