Grant and Larry break down the 49ers draft and offseason possibilities on The Krueg Show

Posted By on February 27, 2019

Antonio Brown arrives at the 61st annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Check out my latest appearance on The Krueg Show with Larry Krueger. We discuss the draft, free agency, Antonio Brown and more.

This article has 269 Comments

  1. I agree we need an alpha playmaker in the secondary.

    Jaguars will sign Foles.

    Trade offer with Bosa off the board is a no brainer. The only thing Allen offers over Polite and Burns is proven ability to drop into coverage.

    I like the value Devin Bush presents if there in round 2.

    I agree that Guard is being undervalued by Shanny, specifically due to Donald.

    Good call on McLaurin, Grant. I like him.

    1. I agree. Now that the Eagles will not franchise tag him, he is free to go to a team of his choice.
      .
      Washington is now in play, but the Jags may be his best landing spot.
      .
      I disagree with you about Bosa, and agree with Grant and Larry. However, I disagree with Grant, and hope the Niners trade back, and miss out on both Bosa and Allen.
      .
      I like Grant’s strategy to draft a versatile lineman, so he can play guard, then move to tackle next season. I think you like Oli Udoh. Hope Elgton Jenkins is available in the second or third round.
      .
      Terry McLaurin is a good prospect, but Keelan Doss is a future Hall of Famer. ;p

    2. I wholeheartedly agree that John Ross would be a good fit for the 49ers. Count me in as a supporter of your idea of trading Thomas for Ross.

      The Solomon Thomas pick was a colossal mistake. At least Ross is a guy with big play potential. Thomas is simply a warm body to me. He could be named Joe Schmoe for all I care, as I rarely even notice him when he’s on the field. There’s no getting around the fact that he was a bad pick. ShanaLynch absolutely deserve every bit of criticism for drafting him where they did. Drafting an undersized interior lineman with the 3rd overall pick, was simply a poor evaluation, and a major missed opportunity. That said, he might bring more value in a different system.

      Also, thumbs down on Lamarcus Joyner. He’s extinctive, but he’s small, he’s slow, and he was a defensive liability for the Rams during the postseason.

        1. Agreed. However I’d rather use him in exchange for draft picks to move up in the draft.

            1. A fourth rounder? Not sure the Niners will be offered more for their mistake.

            2. Boy Grant, our man Greg Little, the big OT out of Mississippi you had slotted to the 49ers with the 2nd round pick of your latest mock draft, sure had a forgettable showing today at the scouting combine … am I right? And for the record, I was initially on board right along with you, to the Niners at #36.

              For starters, the big boy isn’t as big as originally reported. He measured in at 6’5″ and 310 lbs at the combine, considerably smaller than the 6’6″ and 325 lbs, his team measurements had indicated. He failed to participate in the bench press which isn’t the end of the world, but he did post a less than impressive 5.33 in the 40. However it got worse from there. His 25″ Vertical Jump, a much more indicative number in terms of lower body strength, or should I say lack thereof, was a major disappointment, as was his 113.0″ Broad Jump. But perhaps most disappointing of all was the way in which Greg laboured during the on-field drills, providing more questions than answers when it comes to potential as a Left Tackle prospect at the NFL level. For comparison, RT Mike McGlinchey bested Little’s vertical Jump by more than 3″, and despite coming in at nearly identical weight, 309 lbs, and measuring 6’8″ a full 3″ taller than Little at 6’8″. And unlike Little, McGlinchey participated in the bench press, posting 24 reps, and more importantly, big Mike looked more athletic, and moved much more fluidly during the on-field drills as compared to Greg Little. Now … it is worth remembering that the Oklahoma Sooners’ big OT Orlando Brown Jr’s. absolutely abysmal showing was one of the bigger stories of last year’s combine, and Greg Little looked rather light on his feet today when compared to Orlando Brown Jr. last year, and Orando did end up having a solid rookie season starting at RT for the Ravens. But Orlando Brown is also a much, much bigger man than Greg Little. Brown measured in at 6’8″ and 345 lbs at last years combine, putting him much closer in size to the 49ers former 7th round pick, big Trent Brown, as compared to Little. And the rookie played RT for the Ravens, where he’s likely to stay. Of course at 6’8″, he’s not really suited to play on the interior, which just may be where Greg Little ends up playing in the NFL.

              And that’s the thing. I still think Greg Little has a chance to be a solid NFL Offensive Lineman, and after today’s performance, he could very wall fall to the 2nd round. However, even though he played well at LT for Ole Miss, his lack of length (although he does have reasonably long arms) would suggest he’s probably much better suited for RT, or perhaps as I suggested, maybe even a move inside to OG, while the taller, more athletic McGlinchey would seem to be much better suited as an eventual successor for Joe Staley at LT, if he continues to develop with the 49ers, both technically and physically.

              1. I’m moving Greg Little down my big board, and out of consideration with an early 2nd round pick. Instead, I’m going with another Ole Miss player ……

                WR Phenom – DK Metcalf: This is the offensive playmaker I’m easily the most excited about. He needs to be the 2nd player the 49ers target in April, even if ShanaLynch need to make a move back into the backend of round 1 in order to get him. If DK tests as well as I expect he will, we could be talking about the next Julio Jones! Even given Metcalf’s rare size/speed combination, along with his length and body makeup, I can’t imagine seeing anything more impressive from him athletically tomorrow, than what is already so clearly evident on tape. To put it frankly, I am absolutely smitten over this physical specimen of a WR.

                (Side note: In an interview for Metcalf’s new Under Armour endorsement, his father said he was bench pressing 50 lbs and squatting 100 lbs at the age of five years old. He could reportedly power clean 350 pounds as a 19-year-old. Ian Rapoport reported that DK Metcalf, who’s physique has gained himself social media fame, measured in today at 6 foot 3 & 3/8 inches, and 228 lbs, with 1.6% body fat. For what it’s worth, DK Metcalf was one of five WR’s the 49ers interviewed today.)

                DK Metcalf looks to have all of the tools we talk about when it comes to the prototypical game breaking #1 WR. While his route running needs refinement, something which is hardly unusual for draft prospects in this day and age, everything about DK’s game screams future all-pro ability in the not so distant future! That said, His technique is nuanced, yet he simply cannot be contained by way of press coverage. His hand usage is violent at the line of scrimmage, a legal technique which allows him to constantly knock defensive backs off balance early in the rep. His ability to vary releases and footwork at the line of scrimmage is also top-notch, combined with his exceptional burst and long speed, he has the natural tools to separate (a quality Kyle Shanahan puts a premium on) allowing him to create early vertical separation off the line of scrimmage on a consistent basis. And then comes DK’s second gear, eating up huge chunks of yardage with eye-popping long strides. His use of a second gear to detach when the ball is in the air was on display all season long, consistently accelerating away from cornerbacks in almost every game, until a neck injury ended his 2018 season prematurally.

                Unfortunately this wasn’t the first time an injury derailed a Metcalf season. He took a medical redshirt in 2016 after breaking his right foot versus Wofford, but he came back from that injury stronger than ever, and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team. While the injuries may be a bit of a red flag, they haven’t been the kind of injuries that one would consider serious enough to question whether a player can return to form, and he’s expected to be 100% healthy in for his rookie season, a in reality without his injury history, he would certainly be out of reach for the 49ers with their 2nd pick in the draft.

                Getting back to his athleticism and ability to separate early and often, you can bet that his impressive ability to separate will likely become elite in the near future, as he continues to develop his route running and diversify his route tree. As it stands right now though, his ability to separate is only one of his most impressive attributes, as his high-point ability is already at that elite level. He understands how to use his frame to box out and simply outreach most defensive backs and he’s rarely even bothered by contact as he soars high for the football. If that weren’t enough, his YAC ability is just as impressive, as he has the strength to run through arm tackles, the burst to destroy pursuit angles, and his long speed on film, looks fast enough to run away from the secondary with every step, as he takes it to the house! He is constantly physical and competitive post-catch, and works hard to maximize every touch. Obviously has the size and physicality to be a difference-maker in this area, and it’s an area where this current crop of 49ers WR’s is sorely lacking. DK doesn’t physically back down from anyone, and he’s always looking for opportunities to remind opposing cornerbacks that he’s simply not the typical receiver they are accustomed to dealing with. DK Metcalf is a big receiver who plays like a big receiver, and he would provide the 49ers budding superstar of a QB – Jimmy Garoppolo – the redzone WR target he almost certainly covets as he continues his rehabilitation, and readies himself to lead the Niners into the next phase of his career. This is the year the 49ers storied franchise returns to form, and reclaims not only its position at the top of the NFC West, but also a deep postseason run with an eye on their 6th Lombardi trophy!

                GO NINERS!

              2. Little’s broad jump was eight inches farther than McGlinchey’s, and Little’s arms are 1.25 inches longer, which is significant.

    3. As the NFL draft draws closer, I think it’s time to lay out the case for how I’d like to see ShanaLynch approach their draft strategy. As far as I am concerned, this is the year the 49ers must take a significant step forward in order to validate and justify the new regime’s process of rebuilding and retooling their roster. While injuries derailed what I believe would have been an excellent opportunity to get back into the postseason while establishing themselves as a young, dynamic contender, it has also presented them with an opportunity to draft at least one blue chip defensive player, as well as multiple impact players who may not have been available otherwise, had they entered the draft with a better record. The 49ers have an excellent opportunity to address a few pressing needs, vital to putting together a roster capable of competing in a tough division, while providing the necessary depth to compete on a weekly basis. And what better place to start than with a position which may not only be their biggest need, but also a position which happens to line up perfectly with where they are slotted for their first pick of the 2019 draft …. A dynamic EDGE RUSHER! Therefore, I am going to make the case for both NICK BOSA & JOSH ALLEN, in two separate posts.

      So … here we go!

      THE CASE FOR DRAFTING NICK BOSA:

      “And with the 2nd pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the San Francisco Forty Niners select NICK BOSA, Defensive End, the Ohio State” – The 49ers have been searching for a dominant pass rusher for far too long, IMO. It’s a position they’ve been sorely lacking in recent years, and it’s certainly a weakness which has haunted Robert Saleh’s defense since the new regime’s arrival. For whatever reason, ShanaLynch have failed to address one of the most critical roles in their defensive scheme, the LEO position. Perhaps the stars simply haven’t lined up for them, and they haven’t felt comfortable with the value of the pass rushers who have been available for them to draft. And perhaps they felt like there were better opportunities to address the position through free agency, rather than early in the draft. Whatever the case, the stars have finally aligned for addressing this position through the upcoming draft. It’s expected to be a very strong draft class when it comes edge rushers, but there are two blue chip pass rushing prospects who have clearly separated themselves from the pack. It’s not very often when two of the best players in the draft also happen to fill arguably the team’s biggest need, but here we are, and it’s beginning to look like the 49ers may very well have their pick between the two of them. New defensive line coach Kris Kocurek will make small tweaks to the scheme along the defensive line, and Kyle hinted that one of those tweaks would be a greater use of the schemes “Wide-9 concepts” moving forward. Enter DE Nick Bosa, a dynamic, blue chip pass rushing specialist who appears to be also be a fantastic fit for this young defensive front, and who also happens to be a guy whom many scouts believe might very well be the best all-around player in the draft.

      Presumably measuring in at 6’4” and weighing in at 263 lbs (school measurements) Nick Bosa is a Pit Bull of an NFL edge rushing prospect. While he’s not as big as his older brother Joey, whom many analysts have understandably compared him to, he looks like the more dynamic pass rushing prospect of the two. And pound-for-pound, he might even be the stronger player as well. In fact, in terms of his all-around measurables and skill set, Nick Bosa may very well be the most complete player in the 2019 draft class! What he lacks in length, he makes up for with his explosive get off, perhaps the quickest first step of any defensive end in recent memory, with an unbelievable knack for timing the snap of the football as well. In a flash, more often than not, he’s got a step on every opposing Offensive Tackle, and after a dominant first couple steps, it’s at this point when he really does his best work. Nick has a preverbal treasure chest full of moves and techniques designed to control his blocker. He uses a combination of strong hands and techniques in order to disengage, and prevent offensive lineman from controlling him as he sets his sights on the QB. Nick may not be considered a speed rusher in the traditional sense, but it doesn’t really matter. He may not have the prototypical length, the longest arms, or the gumby-like bend we see from some of the more wiry pass rushers in the game, but he more than makes up for it with his footwork, (whether it’s a quick inside feint, spin mover, or lateral sidestep) and his handwork. Nick has some of the strongest hands I’ve seen, and he uses his powerful hands to swat the hands of the opposing blocker who is lucky enough to get their hands on him, while simultaneously throwing him off balance so that he can quickly get outside of him, around the edge, so that he can bury the quarterback.

      Nick Bosa is not just a pass rushing specialist though, he is also a very good run defender. Strong at the point of attack, he is more than capable of setting an edge as he uses his leverage exceptionally well, while again using an array of strong hand placement techniques, where he extends to control the blocker allowing him to locate the football, and7 read and react to the play. He’ shows himself to be very instinctive as well, with a very high football IQ, quick to diagnose against the run or the pass.

      And that’s one of the things a love about Nick Bosa. Sure, his motor runs non-stop, and he’s physical and explosive at the point of attack, but he’s also an absolutely fantastic football player. Some guys are great athletes but only average football players. Some guys are great football players with limited athleticism. Nick Bosa is both an exceptional athlete, and a very smart football player. He’s honed his craft, and it’s his fundamental understanding of his position, and highly developed set of skills and techniques which really help set him apart from his peers coming out of the college ranks.

      When it comes to what the 49ers need, Nick Bosa checks all of the boxes. Some scouts even believe he could be one of these rare, generational talents. However, there are questions about his durability. I’m personally not overly concerned about his durability, and I wouldn’t shy away from drafting him because of this question, but with two season ending injuries on his young resume already, it’s fair to ask whether he can stay healthy at the NFL level, and keep himself on the field. As the saying goes for all athletes, “the best ability is a player’s availability”, so the only question in some eyes will be ….. does Nick Bosa’s injury history make him too much of a risk for a #2 overall pick?

      We’ll see!

  3. Not sure if anyone else is experiencing this, but I am having a hard time hearing Grant during the interview.

  7. Ian Rapoport
    ✔
    @RapSheet
    Sources: The #Chiefs have had trade talks centered around star pass-rusher Justin Houston. With Houston’s cap number and the potential to franchise tag Dee Ford, Houston appears to be a rare top pass-rusher available. Teams have been calling with real interest.

    3,165
    9:07 PM – Feb 27, 2019

    1. “Chiefs are simply trying to drum up interest, and that a trade is likely only if the compensation isn’t significant.

      Houston is due to make $15.25 million in base salary this season. A trade or a pre-June 1 cut would result in a $7.1 million cap charge. Keeping Houston would cost $21.1 million against the cap.”

    2. If Justin Houston is such a star pass rusher why would the Chiefs be willing to deal him? Their defense is terrible. Why get rid of one of your better players? Something doesn’t sound right here. Either locker room or health issue? Whats up?

      1. Maybe they are taking up the Patriot model. Trading away a player before they become a FA, and get very expensive. Also, they may be worried about this year’s salary cap.

      2. 1. He hasn’t been able to play in all 16 games since 2014 but has been effective when he has played.
        2. He is 30 years old.
        3. He would count $21 million against the salary cap for the Chiefs.
        4. The Chiefs are probably trying to sign Ford to a new deal instead of tagging him and still be active in free agency.
        5. He may not be a fit for Spagnuolo’s defense.

  8. Grant,
    Good stuff on the radio side.
    I enjoy your video breakdowns and hope they continues throughout the season.
    If a picture says a thousand words, a video can say much more.

    I’m hoping Deebo falls to us in rd two, but I doubt that he does.
    I’ll be watching McLaurin with more interest at the Combine.

    Also, I’d like to see the PD send you to the Combine as well. It’s time for your company to step up and start playing ball with the big boys.
    I’ll be the first to request for the PD to have you represent this site at the Combine.

  9. Grant, I like your video breakdowns and analysis of schemes. I certainly am learning a lot.
    .
    While the Mark Carpenter interviews are nice, you and Larry seem to have some synergy. You both can quickly transition, and your analysis seems spot on. It was 55 minutes, and I could have listened for another 55.
    .
    However, I do not want to be accused of being a sycophant, so I will give a little constructive criticism. In your video breakdowns, since you are trying to move on from your Mr Negativity label, maybe you should end on a positive note. Watching Richberg step on Mullens foot, is just a downer, and it is the last thing one remembers. End with a play that scores, and describe why it worked, so posters will be left with a good last impression.

    2. I was actually okay with that being the last video. In Grant’s previous two installments, he did show how the 49ers could do better or utilize a certain concept in the future, but I am not sure how he could have done that with the most recent installment.

  10. Grant / anyone
    * NFL Combine: Thur 02/28/2019…Am I correct that today group 1, 2 and 3 (O-lineman, RB and Special team players), test for bench press?
    * Razor: Are you attending the Combine? If so, would appreciate your assessment of O-linemen BP results.

    1. Geep, I could only get invitations to Fri and Sun so I won’t be attending. I think bench press starts today but I’m not certain. Lynch presser today at 1 ET.

  11. Trae Waynes, Jordan Howard, Nelson Agholor, and Justin Houston are all on the trade block.
    .
    The Niners should bundle players and picks to acquire them. Trade back 3 times to stockpile picks, then use them to get veteran talent that could help right away. Those players would fill positions of need, and be major upgrades.

  12. A.J. Brown just under 33″ arms. 9 3/4″ hands.

    Butler 35 1/4″ arms. 10 3/4″ hands.

    McLaurin 31 1/2 ” arms. 9 1/8″ hands.

    Samuel, Ridley, Isabella, Renfro have yet to be measured.

    1. Razor,
      Now if there was a way to measure heart/courage that comes close to Frank Gore and Jullian Edelman teams might not be so enamored with the measurables.

      1. Only way to measure heart/courage is through the interview process, talking to team mates, and developing an instinctual discernment skill through experience. What we do have in the combine is a piece of the puzzle, and it’s up to us to fit everything together as best we can, with what we have.

        Ridley 6′ 200 lbs. with 32 5/8″ arms, 10 1/4″ hands.
        Samuel Just under 6′ 214 lbs. with 31 3/8″ arms, 10″ hands.
        Isabella Just under 5′ 9″ tall 188 lbs. with 29 3/4″ arms, 8 3/8″ hands.
        Renfro 5′ 10″ 184 lbs. with 29 1/8″ arms, 7 7/8″ hands.

  13. Now it looks like the Jets are officially looking to trade back. That just made the Niners position even stronger.
    .
    Kyler Murray is only a half inch shorter than Russell Wilson, so his draft stock just rose.

    1. Makes sense their big need is at edge rusher and Bosa and Allen will likely be off the board baring a trade. I would fish for offers as well but state the deal is only in place if said player or players are off the board(Bosa or Allen).

      1. Jets should seriously look towards protecting Darnold. Their best move may be to take the best O lineman in the draft, so their franchise QB does not keep getting bludgeoned.

  14. My nightmare draft.
    AZ drafts Kyler
    Niners trade back with Miami who move up for their qb of the future. Swapping firsts and giving SF next years first this years second and third and one more late round pick.
    Picking at 13 the following 12 players are gone.
    Murray, Haskins, Bosa, Allen, Q. Williams, J. Williams, Ferrell, Burns, Polite, Oliver and White are off the board.
    Gary and Sweat both remain but at this point if I wouldn’t touch either one of them.
    Best player available would easily be at DT… which SF doesn’t need. I would probably go with a CB here (or trade back again)… Baker? and hope to get Ferguson in the second, along with Lindstrom.
    Then in the 3rd address wideout along with FS.
    What is your nightmare draft and how would you address it.
    Does anyone else have a worst case scenario draft?

    1. That is a huge win for the Niners. Getting an additional first round pick would certainly help rebuild the roster, and help propel them into the playoffs.
      .
      However, with so many QB needy teams, the Niners could trade back a few picks, a couple times, and garner additional second and third round picks. A trade back with Oakland, then the Jags, could garner picks yet still allow the Niners to draft the player they covet. With a third trade back with Miami, the run on QBs may still allow the Niners to draft Ferrell or Polite.

      1. I disagree…
        It would give them an extra first next year…
        this year their edge rush would still be a major question as would their secondary.
        I don’t know that there defense would improve much.
        Their line would certainly improve. But their is a high probability that next year that would be the only spot with significant improvements.
        Additionally if the season doesn’t go well Lynch and Shanahan may not have next year.

        2. Getting an second and third round pick, plus a later round pick, would give the Niners 10 picks in this year’s draft.
          .
          Niners would end up with picks- 48, 78 and 188.

    2. Draft worst case scenario…

      49ers draft Nick Bosa. Bosa gets a really bad haircut before the draft so he looks super goofy walking up to shake Goodell’s hand. Bosa goes home and is embarrassed about his draft experience. He signs his contract and then decides to shut it down for a year to repair his brand. Joey ends up with a hangnail during OTA’s so he shuts it down as well. Joey, Nick, and Daddy Bosa spend the year fishing in Cabo until their collective Q rating exceeds 30. After which time, both Bosa’s decide to leave football to star in a reboot of The Suite Life of Zach & Cody called Nick & Joey On Board. In a landmark legal decision, the crazy 9th Circuit rules on appeal in favor of Nick Bosa’s claims and the 49ers are forced to pay Bosa the full $35M Guaranteed salary based on a new standard that mental anguish can be used to refuse to abide by the terms of a contract. So even though Nick Bosa never practiced a down with the 49ers they end up with a $35M cap hit in one year.

      Thats my worst case draft scenario. In other words, I have no freaking clue. No one will know how this draft turns out for another 4 years.

        1. Yeah, for sure. Year 3 is crucial which makes me think the 49ers will be active in FA again. You can see the beginnings of a good nucleus but they really need to shore up some areas quickly. I can see starting caliber Safety, Edge rusher, WR, Guard, and RB coming through FA. That would dramatically alter the draft needs.

        2. I like the versatility and playmaking skill of Bryon Murphy, CB/FS/NC, Washington. I’d like to start him at FS.

    3. My nightmare scenario. Niners give up their first, second, third and 4th round picks to get the number one pick. While on the clock, Paraag dithers so much, trying to make a clever deal, time elapses and the Cards swoop in and selects Bosa, the player the Niners coveted. Razor goes apoplectic.

  15. Looks like Jason Witten is leaving the Monday Night Football booth to play for the C’boys again.

    Good move, Witten often seemed lost in the booth and I felt that McFarland was more descriptive and seamless in his comments.
    Hope they take McFarland off the boom and put him in the booth.

    1. Tony Romo has raised the bar on football color commentary. From now on, all color commentators will be compared to Romo.

      2. I know I’m in the minority but Romo annoys me. Can’t stand games when he calls them. I still like Colinsworth and I like Aikman.

        1. What is it you don’t like about him? I like his ability to put me in the heads of the quarterback and the coach. He reminds me of Giants color commentator Mike Krukow, a former pitcher who can put you in the mind of the pitcher.

          1. Romo is knowledgeable. He predicts plays. All that is true. He constantly talks over the play by play guy. He comes across as that kinda dumb friend your teenage son has who won’t stop talking and gets super excited about hearing his own voice. If he could control himself and be more of a partner than a 1 man show he would be better and the broadcast would be better. If he could “smarten up” his dialogue and not use grammar you expect from a kid then the broadcast would be better.

            1. I like Romo. If he is over talking his partner, the partner need to be better. He needs to match Romo’s energy, and enhance his partner, like Romo is doing for him. Romo is insightful, shrewd and calling plays is an art form, that few can manage, or excel at. You are entitled to your perspective, but Romo just started, and you want him to be a grizzled pro. Believe it or not, broadcasting is a tricky business. Romo will get better, because he will study the tapes, and learn from his mistakes. Then he will never repeat his mistakes, and we can all be happy. The kid will grow up quickly. However, with his charisma, politics may be a logical pathway for him to do the most good.
              .
              I agree with the Krukow analogy. Very informed perspective that only a savvy veteran can impart. Luckily, Kruk also has lovable Kuip, for a tight tandem. One of the best in the business.

  16. Agreed. Romo’ football IQ is amazing.
    He reads offensive plays before the ball is hyked. And is seamless in explaining strategy.
    Helps that he comes over as a great person as well.

    1. If Romo can develop a Maddenism, like Boom! He could very well be our next legendary commentator. I like him much better than Gruden.

    2. That’s the key — you can relate to him. He has personality. A lot of former quarterbacks have his knowledge, but not his personality. Witten has neither.

      1. Romo….was annoying at first and still is but it’s hard not root for his hard work at his job …….he is no J Madden……

    3. Romo has a face for television, has a smooth voice, is quick with the quips, explains in layman terms and is prescient.
      .
      Romo, in other words, is the full package. He should run for office.

      1. The thing with Romo is that he is authentic.
        Unlike many TV personalities, he does not change when the camera come on.

        I never forget the story of him stopping to help a person with a flat tire. His good natured personality is natural and organic.
        If he wanted to, Romo could make a lot of extra money as a QB consultant because he an encyclopedia of football knowledge.

        1. Romo is the real deal. He has total command of the playbook, and his intelligence shines through.
          .
          I agree. He is a natural.

        2. I’ll get some flak for this, but Romo made me root for the Cowboys while he was playing (not big time, and not if it would hurt the Niners, and I wouldn’t make a special effort to watch them, but in games otherwise meaningless). My Brother is a Giants fan, so naturally I liked seeing his team lose to them. One of my favorite QBs, honestly.

  17. Really loving TDN’s Draft Machine. Most realistic without trades available for mine.

    2

    Josh Allen

    , EDGE
    Kentucky

    36

    Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

    , S
    Florida

    67

    Joejuan Williams

    , CB
    Vanderbilt

    104

    Jace Sternberger

    , TE
    Texas A&M

    176

    Mecole Hardman

    , WR
    Georgia

    212

    James Williams

    , RB
    Washington State

    2. Using The Draft Network’s machine, I came up with the following:

      2. Josh Allen, Edge Kentucky
      36. Dalton Risner, OL Kansas St.
      67. Rock Ya-Sin, CB Temple
      104. Sean Bunting, S Central Michigan
      176. Jahlani Tavai, LB Hawaii
      212. Jalen Hurd, WR Baylor
      243. Keelan Doss, UC Davis (that one was for seb)

      I really like the names I ended up with; Tavai is my dark horse linebacker candidate, Hurd has freakish athletic skills that requires time to learn the receiver position (he’s only played it one year after transferring from Tennessee as a stud running back), and Bunting can handle FS. The others have been discussed ad nauseum.

    3. Razor:
      *  I like the draft picks except for no OG and the TE draft pick #104. Are you expecting Lynch to sign
      a free agent OG, go with the O-lineman already on the team, or trade for one?
      * Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger would be a steal in round 4! I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s
      drafted in the late 2nd Rd or early 3rd?

      1. I’d definitely sign a vet OG to compete with Garnett, and during my draft the IOL/OT that were available didn’t represent the value that another player did. For example, at the top of round 2 I could have taken Risner, as POT…KETTLE did, but instead I chose CJG because I had him higher on my board, plus he fills an open roster spot at FS. I’d bring in UFDA’s OT’s too and give Coleman competition.

        Yea, at the top of round 4 I was about to go with WR, McLaurin but the team right before my pick took him. That left Sternberger at the top of my board, and felt Shanny could get creative with dual TE sets in the Red Zone.

        JoJuan Williams in the 3rd was too good to pass up. Prototype CB in this defense. Felt as though I fixed the secondary in the first 3 picks. More pressure and better coverage.

        Merole Hardman is a poor mans Marquise Brown or DeSean Jackson that could be a dangerous weapon that I felt Shanny might like.

        Williams, RB outta Washington is insurance for McKinnon. One of the top receiving backs in the draft.

  18. Grant, this was a good interview.

    I listened to all of it and then went back and listened to some sections a second time. I found the discussion infomative and interesting, but I especially appreciated your candor about things you got wrong and what you would like to change going forward.

    I have been a long-time reader and had great respect for some of your predecessors, including Kevin Lynch, Matt Maiocca and Eric Branch. (Sorry, never paid much attention to Lowell Cohn until I discovered that you are his son). However, I do credit you with bringing some really good things to the PD. Your periscopes seem a jump ahead of some other 49er sites, or at least more accessible and frequent, and you do garner a lot of discussion.

    I have not been a fan of your style, although it is probably the driving force behind the amount of discussion generated. I have wondered if your aspiration is to become the next Skip Bayless as you’ve got a face for television; however, he proved that snark will do just as well, and you have provided plenty of that.

    On occasion you have turned out some very good journalism. I await your reports during the rest of the off-season, which I believe is an area where you really excel. I am looking forward to “kinder, gentlier” reports (if I may misquote President Bush, Sr.) on Lynch, Shanahan and the Niners.

    1. Razor (or anyone), seeings as Jonah Williams apparently was excellent in interviews, do you think he becomes a realistic option at #2 (or after a small trade back) if Bosa is taken #1 and they add some edge guys in FA? McGlinchey apparently wowed the 49ers with his interview, but in terms of overall athleticism and film probably wasn’t really a top 10 prospect, and 49ers didn’t really have an immediate need for him. I personally don’t think Williams is a top 10 player either, but wonder if the 49ers might go that way, assuming they address edge in FA…?

      1. No, and the simple reason is because I still think Q. Williams will be the first pick of the draft. This is also a bad year to trade up for a QB, which I think is playing a strong in Manning returning to the Colts in 2019.

        1. Yeah, so the whole premise of my post was ignored then. IF Bosa is taken #1. Its a scenario. Just because you don’t think the scenario likely doesn’t mean it won’t happen. If it does, and the 49ers address edge in FA, do you think Jonah Williams becomes a legitimate chance for the 49ers?

          1. Again, the answer is no. Unlike last year, the 49ers are not addressing what they see as a mismatch on the OL, and there has also not been any indication that a option surpassing Bosa is going to be available in free agency. Even if the team did find their LEO in free agency, I believe the possibility of J. Williams being an option with the second pick is highly unlikely.

            1. Thank you.

              “There has also not been any indication that a option surpassing Bosa is going to be available in free agency.”

              No, there hasn’t, but if Bosa goes #1 I’m not sure how that is relevant. The whole point of my post was if Bosa is taken before the 49ers pick. Then it comes down to whether they feel the next best edge rusher is worth taking over Jonah Williams (or someone else). In that scenario I think Jonah Williams may well come into the conversation if they get a good edge player (or 2) in FA.

              1. I doubt he would regardless of whether the team is able to find their LEO in free agency. His performance against Clemson hurt his stock to the point that I do not see him being an option until the fifth pick at the earliest, and even then I do not think he will be taken.

              3. No. 11-20 range maybe, but I think the 49ers would be more likely to consider Adderly, Metcalf, G. Williams, Polite, Sweat, or Baker before they did J. Williams.

              4. Based on past history of taking Thomas and McGlinchey with high first round picks, two guys that interviewed very well and were considered very mature, I am thinking they rate that very highly in their evaluations, especially for top 10 picks. Makes me think that a guy like Williams might get a bump up in grade for the 49ers.

              5. He might Scooter, but where would Williams fit? There really isn’t a spot for him on the OL unless the 49ers are unable to find a free agent OG to challenge Garnett.

    3. In response to this link, as I have said a few times before, I am definitely a proponent of trading back to pick up extra picks this year. If that means they miss out on Bosa, so be it. Though that would be a tough decision – he’s the one guy I would be conflicted about trading back or not if he was available.

      1. Bosa is explosive off the line, and he eats up yards with each step. He may not be as athletic as Garrett, but he’s more refined. You’d have to offer me two firsts this year, and a 1st next year for me to give him up.

        As for Jonah Williams, I not so sure he’s the best in the class, (Jawaan Taylor) but his maturity jumped off in his interviews, and he’s capable of playing both OG and OT. If they took him with a trade down, I’d be surprised but I could understand it. As you say, similar to McGlinchey….

    4. “Cards take Bosa, we trade with a Murray believer. Cards trade with a Murray believer, we take Bosa.”

      Or Cards take Murray, trade Cutler Rosen to the Giants (who chortle that they got their FQB and FRB in successive drafts, “as planned”), and Niners take Bosa.

    1. “Odell, here’s what I do. I flip (the number) two and six (draft picks). So you move up to two, I get six. Whether you want to take a quarterback, whether you want to [expletive] get (Nick) Bosa, you do whatever you want. I also give you pick 36. So now you have pick two, you have pick 36, I got pick six and Odell Beckham.”

      That sounds like a really good deal for the 49ers, right? Wait, Middlekauff wasn’t done.

      1. Sounds like Middlekauff has been taking full advantage of legalized marijuana.

        If the Niners were one player away from contention, and OBJ were that player, then maybe. But they’re perhaps 5-10 players away from contention. Not a good idea to dig faster when you’re already in a hole.

  21. John Lynch on ‘disruptive’ 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead: ‘We think very highly of him’

    The team picked up his fifth-year option last April and will be committed to his 2019 salary of $9.046 million should he be on the roster on March 13.
    Armstead will be on the roster after the deadline, according to Shanahan.

    Arik was really important,” Lynch told reporters. “We’re going to exercise that fifth-year option with him. I think Arik really came into his own and there’s always a process when you come in as a new staff with a new scheme, finding out exactly where and how people best fit.

    “We started him initially at the outside LEO spot, always knowing that he could move inside and rush. We played him at some big end, who plays over the tight end more. At the end of last year, he was playing the nose tackle, which we never thought he’d be.

    via 49er Webzone

  22. With the emergence of DJ Jones, and the rehabilitation of Kentavius Street, the 1T may be covered. There is also Ronald Blair, Sheldon Day, and Julian Taylor may surprise posters. With Armstead and Thomas, the D line is solid, and they could also add players in Free Agency, so it might be possible to capitalize on the depth.
    .
    I think that either Armstead, Thomas and/or Sheldon Day could be traded away to a team who needs their skillsets. Whitner thinks Solomon Thomas is better suited for a 3-4 defense, so a coach like Fangio might want to obtain him. Of course, the Niners need adequate compensation, so it is a win/win for both sides.
    .
    If the Niners could trade Armstead for a pass rusher, I think they should carefully consider various scenarios. Maybe Arik Armstead and Trent Taylor for Justin Houston. Or Armstead and a DB, for Houston.

    1. Seb

      I do not understand why you would trade a 24 year old Dlineman (Arik Armstead) who has fought through injury in 2 of his 3 years, established himself as the second most productive Dlineman on the team, for a 32 year old MLB whose best years are behind him (Justin Houston) who gained his noteriety (sacks) on a top defensive team. If you’re betting on lightning to strike twice…I will certainly caution you…In case you have forgotten, when AA was drafted, our Dline was reminiscent of Hogan’s goat… Just like Alex Smith…he became a starter as a rookie. Now, with Buckner, Street, Jullian Taylor, DJ Jones, and Ronald Blair lll, our Dline finally looks strong. Do the right thing…draft Allen, trade Solomon Thomas, and let’s get onto the Offense…

      1. Justin Houston is only 30, and is a 4 time Pro Bowler.
        .
        Armstead is too tall to be a 1T.

        1. He’s not too tall to be a 1T in the nickel defense during pass-rush downs. He’s quite good in that role.

            1. None off the top of my head. But Armstead is perfect for the role on third down when he doesn’t have to worry about angle blocks taking out his legs on run plays.

              1. I like Armstead. He can drive his blocker back in the pocket.
                .
                However, he can also be too focused on the player in front of him, and not disengage to tackle the ball carrier.
                .
                He did get 3 sacks last season, but I think they were coverage sacks.

              2. You’re right, but he also got 12 QB hits, which is pretty good for a nickel nose tackle.

              3. Yes, I am glad they gave him that 5th year option. 9 mil for his production is money well spent.

            2. Seb

              Ernie Ladd…at a legitimate 6’10″…and his side kick Buck Buchannon also 6’10” for the Chiefs…

  23. OT, but Bryce Harper signed with the Phillies . 13 year, $330 mil.
    .
    Dang. Giants offered 12 Years, $320 mil, so at least they tried hard to get him.
    .
    On to play B. Japanese National Player? Older home run hitter?

    1. No, No, NO. I want Kaep to sign with the Patriots, because I am intrigued with what Belichick could do with Kaep. Win 3 more SBs?

        1. Every team wants their backup to be capable of winning a SB, and 42 year old Brady cannot play forever.

          1. Not at $20 million Seb. Go ask any sensible fan or owner of a team and be prepared to be laughed at from now until the day you die.

            1. Be prepared to be laughed at for surmising Brady will retire within the next couple of years? How do you know that Kaep would not take less to be a backup on a SB team? It would be his best way to win a ring.
              .
              Just like you will be laughed at for thinking they will keep Hoyer?

              1. He’s asked for $20 million when the AAF and XFL came calling Seb. No one is going to offer Kaepernick that type of deal.
                You’re also making a poor assumption on Brady just so you can see Kaepernick in a Patriots uniform. That is beyond laughable.

              2. Beyond laughable? When Chris Carter mentioned Kraft signing Kaep, there were howls of laughter. Then when Geragos confirmed it, those laughs subsided. Now, I expect Kaep to be quietly trying out, and we will see who has the last laugh.
                .
                Poor assumption on Brady? In the history of the league, there has been only a handful of QBs playing into their 40’s. Considering the average career in the NFL is 3 years, this is a young man’s game. I did not initiate speculation that Kaep would play for Belichick, but if he wants Kaep, he may want to win another SB.

              3. No Seb, you did not initiate that line of thinking, but you sure as heck latched onto it. Give it up. Kaepernick is done as an NFL QB unless he can prove that he can be a QB and not an athlete posing as one. He might pave a way back if he plays in the AAF or XFL, but he needs to lower his ridiculous asking price of $20 million.

              4. Mid, if Kaep does start for a team, 20 mil is a median figure. Sure, if he is only a backup, 20 mil is excessive, but considering the drek QBs who played last season, They proved that Kaep was being blackballed.
                .
                Butt Fumbler is superior to Kaep? THAT is beyond laughable.

              5. Point me out one of those guys who chose to tick off the Cuban American populace, wore socks that represented police officers as pigs, causes a deep divide between a fan base, played horribly, and wanted a $20 million deal from start-up leagues. If you can provide evidence one of those backups (including the Butt Fumbler) has done all of that or worse, then you will have a valid argument; otherwise, you are just simply blowing out hot air.

              6. Techy, techy, techy. So sensitive. The NFL condones women beaters, but heavens forbid a player is the least bit political. The shirt was about Malcolm X, a martyr for the cause of justice for black people in America. The pig socks were about the thin blue line, that refused to convict rogue cops for brutalizing and killing civilians. Thankfully, a policeman was finally convicted for emptying his gun into a young black man’s back. Kaep helped create a movement, and social justice will prevail.
                .
                Please grow up.

              7. Stop making excuses that don’t justify the actions Seb. His comments on the Cuban education system, and the fact is he wore a shirt with Fidel Castro on it (along with Malcolm X or the Easter Bunny) when he is supposed to be against oppression, and it did not set with the Cuban American populace.
                Your response also shows you are purposefully missing the point which is that actions have consequences, and mixing those actions with poor to mediocre play will usually bring about the result of more severe consequences.

              9. And maybe you should focus on your duck and cover when the truth is thrown at you. Oh wait, you do! Carry on.

          2. Seb’s Right.

            After all, Trent Dilfer won a Superbowl………..and if Dilfer was pissing about “Fair play for Cuba”, well……

              1. I thought Kaep would play again because the blackballing was so unfair. Now that he has settled with the league, it looks like the blackballing will stop. Kaep would never have settled, without assurances the blackballing will end. I look forward to Free Agency.
                .
                Many thought Kaep would never play again. Many hoped he would never be allowed to play again. I think he will be given another chance, and take the league by storm, again.

              3. Seb never did get on his soap-box about that poor gal who was gunned down in S.F….just walking along with her Dad.
                But the guy who pulled the trigger? He’s a victim.

                Makes you think only SOME people are worthy-not all of humanity. I wonder what the determining factor is?

              4. Saw. I never said that, and I have addressed the situation before. He did not point the gun directly at her. He claimed it went off accidentally, ricocheted off the pavement, then struck her. It was not first degree murder. Some blame should go to the officer who did not secure that firearm. If he had secured it properly, this never would have happened.It was a terrible tragedy, and she was another innocent victim of more senseless gun violence.
                .
                I have not ever heard you address situations like Oscar Grant. He was lying face down handcuffed, surrounded by cops, and was shot in the back. What about your silence on rogue cops emptying their guns at unarmed civilians? You take one incident, then ignore the fact that in 2017, 33,977 people died from gun violence.

              5. Yes, Seb-you did address this a bit ago………gave me some lame justification for it that some “white”-your words, not mine- jailbirds don’t work as hard as the Hispanics do–therefore, in the big scheme of things, it’s OK. Of course they don’t work hard! On their best behaved, most civil day they’re looking to cut corners. They take that sentiment to the extreme and they end up in jail. Whats the mystery?
                Guns don’t go off accidentally, Seb-especially a cop’s service revolver. Those guns are in perfect order, top of the line machine. You have to pull the trigger on them very deliberately.

                Your going to keep having problems with people if you keep judging people by the tint of their skin, rather than by their deeds. These people are good, those people are bad etc. etc. You judge a tree by the fruit it bears, not by the color of it’s bark. All of humanity counts, Seb-not just the one’s the uber libs deem worthy at this milli-second in history.

                If your going to “bleed”, then you have to bleed for everybody. You owe that to all of your neighbors you share the planet with-everyone you meet.

              6. Saw, my experiences with ‘white’ jailbirds were real and poignant. They got jobs digging ditches because they could get no other jobs. Yes, they were lazy, and thought they deserved things they did not own or work for. No wonder they came from jail. I had to keep a daily inventory of all the tools, otherwise, they tended to disappear.
                .
                In contrast, the Hispanic workers worked hard all day, never complained, and never insisted on taking smoke breaks that lasted half an hour, when they were entitled to only 15 minutes.
                .
                How cute. being a bleeding heart for jail birds. I am surprised with you. People of your ilk tend to vilify and persecute jail birds, calling them the scum of the earth. I gave them a second chance, and did not judge them harshly. Once they worked enough to get some money, they moved on, because the work was too hard for them. In contrast, I had never ever had a Hispanic worker complain about the low pay. They wanted to work, They were grateful for the work and worked hard all day.
                .
                Heavens forbid if one of the others got a blister. That would bring tears to his eyes, and he would want to claim worker’s comp. The Hispanic worker would wrap his hand with a cloth, keep working, and never said a word.
                .
                You can whine and cry, whimper that I am being mean, but sometimes the truth hurts. You hate socialism, but hold out both hands for social security. I dislike corporate socialism. All those tax breaks and handouts for the rich may enrich the elite, but it is the working people of this country that has made it great. There should be a means testing for fair taxation, and a cap on receiving any government help for corporations, not just people. Why are you not decrying corporate welfare, too? That is where the big bucks go.
                .
                Yes, guns kill people. it has become a bloody carnage, and we do it to ourselves. Thankfully, there has finally been some sane gun regulations voted on and passed in the House. Some day, we will decide that having a Vietnam War casualty count, less than every 2 years in the America, is not worth the heartbreak.
                .

    1. Typical of Baalke. Fixated on scrubs, so he can cut them on the team bus. Maybe Baalke will coach up the DBs.

  26. I don’t know about this Ross. Anyone who has seen “Bullit” knows what happened the last time a Johnny Ross ended up in SF.

    (Grant, that was before your time, ask your pops about it)

      1. No cigar, Catfish. “King” Solomon can’t hold a candle to the King of Cool ? (Grant, ask your dad who that was ?)

        1. His motorcycle scene in The Great Escape was done without stuntmen, and was epic.

        2. Yeah, I was thinking of “Bullit” Bob Hayes-finished his career with the Niners.

          King of cool?? Here I sits!!!!!

  27. Interesting. I predicted Kyler Murray would shoot up in the rankings, and now he might go number one.
    .
    Still think that if Bosa performs in the Combine like Razor thinks he will, the Cards will almost be forced to take him. They would get excoriated if they passed on the best player of the draft, while they still had Rosen.

    1. Sounds like JL is trolling. He exclaims he is very ‘excited’ watching film on Kyler Murray, pumping up draft speculation.

  28. Looking at the salary cap numbers. Buffalo may be the most likely landing spot for Foles.
    .
    Jags have a half mil, and Dolphins have 11 mil, so even if they jettison Bortles and Tannehill, they do not have much. Buffalo, on the other hand, has 82 mil in cap space, so they may sit Josh Allen, and let him sit and learn behind a veteran.
    .
    Bridgewater, and Tyrod Taylor are the next most competent QBs available. Then, Keenum, Dalton Bortles, Tannehill and Stafford may become available, depending on the direction of their teams. Out of those candidates, Washington and Miami must choose a QB, unless they go the draft route. They should do both. Sign one and draft one.
    .
    Looking at the draft, Kyler Murray is getting lots of interest. Haskins, Lock and Jones may be drafted in the first 15 picks. Rypien, Stidham, McSorely, Grier, Finley and Jackson may go in the first 4 rounds. The 40 times of Murray and Haskins will be very important for their draft stock. Glad the Combine is starting so the rankings can be adjusted.

  29. Interesting thought,
    With the 49ers set to employ the wide 9 defense more often, how will it affect the teams draft board in terms of edge rushers?

    I think this hurts players like Ferrell. Ferguson and Sweat but helps players like Allen,Polite, and Burns maybe even Gary who’s explosive but tight hipped imo.

    1. Shoup, I didn’t even consider it, but I think you’re right. Doesn’t it also make a player’s weight less of an issue?

      1. Absolutely George, weight means far less in the scenario. I think speed or at least get off, is emphasized. Additionally the wider stance might make bend less important and speed to power more important.

    1. They don’t make em’ like Matt Millen anymore.
      He was the epidemy of a true football player.
      Heart
      Tough
      Passionate
      Leader
      Winner.

        1. Red,
          Good catch. Let’s go with epitome.
          My word correct app isn’t always well, correct.

  35. Grant, how cool would it be if you did a combine post everyday, and break down the top 5 that Shanny should have interest in and maybe what round they figure to go….

    3. Also, which players KS may avoid. Nate Herbig with a 5.4 forty, may be off his short list.

  36. Based on these drills, Froholdt, Bates and Nate Davis are IOL that I need to go watch more film on.

    1. Good read. I’m starting to warm up to the idea of Allen at #2, but I want to compare the numbers against Burns and Polite.

        2. My hands are bigger than Allen’s! I’ve got 9″ hands and his are just under 9″. Burns with the big 10″ers. Both have over 33″ arms.

          1. Grant Cohn
            @grantcohn
            I’m not concerned about Josh Allen’s hand size, because he won’t have to grip, carry or catch a ball for a living.

            No but everyone is Kung Fu Fighting in the trenches. You don’t want tiny weapons in there. If his hands were hamburgers, they’d be Whopper Jr’s.?

            1. Conversely, Bosa’s hands are a whopping 10.75″ and he’s technically superior with them. They’re weapons of mass disruption!

              2. Yea, .5″ longer. When you add Bosa’s extra 1.88″ of hand length, Allen comes up short.

              3. Hand length is irrelevant for pass rushers. Allen is taller and longer than Bosa.

              4. Hand length and strength are critical when in combat, and also when reaching out to grab the QB to drag him down. Allen is an inch taller than Bosa.

                BIG HANDS beat up little hands.?

              6. Gonna be tough overcoming those hand shakes when he meets with teams. Nothing worse than having your hand engulfed during the shake. Leaves a lasting impression.?

            2. Arm length is more critical for a pass rusher than hand size, and Allen has longer arms than Bosa.

    2. Grant,
      Nice piece.
      I feel that Nick Bosa will need to have a “wow” combine if he wants to retain the concensus #1 pick.
      That said, I see him making a strong showing to calm his doubters.

      1. Bosa is not having a “wow” combine.
        Height: 6-3 6/8
        Weight: 266
        Arm: 33

        Solomon Thomas
        Height: 6-2 6/8
        Weight: 273
        Arm: 33

        Chris Long:
        Height: 6-3
        Weight: 272
        Arm: 32 4/8

        2. Grant,
          All he has to do is show that he can easily get by blockers on his way to the QB.
          That’s his specialty and I expect to see him “wow” in that drill.

          Also, I don’t believe Arizona gives up on Rosen after one season for Murray.
          But they may go with J. Allen over Bosa if Bosa underwhelmes this weekend.

        3. How do those weigh-in numbers provide any indication one way or the other as to whether he is having a “wow” combine? So far so good – he checks the height/weight/length thresholds.

            1. What were Fred Dean’s measurables? I’m thinkin they each get it done in their own way……………

            2. 33″ is pretty much the threshold. Not short arms. Average. And nothing on film suggests he has issues with length.

              1. Grant pulled the same thing last year with Thomas citing 33″ arms were short. I pointed out to him that Khalil Mack’s arms were only .25″ longer. It seems we’re destined to hear it from Grant every combine from here on out….

              3. He’s a hand-fighter who hill have trouble getting his hands on lots of NFL offensive tackles. If he had more speed, his lack of length wouldn’t be an issue.

              5. I just don’t think he’ll have any issues from “lack of length”.

                But wow, hearing all these offensive players rave about Allen… I am being converted. Assuming he tests decently (and I see no reason he won’t) I am now comfortable with him at #2.

              6. Yea, I’ve warmed up to Allen at #2 as well after reading the accolades showered on him by his peers.

    3. Yeah, I was seeing this come up on twitter a lot yesterday Allen was the best player I faced last season. That’s something that has to make you take notice.

  39. Hey Sebbie!

    Did you catch Bill Polian’s remarks concerning the AAF? Bill was on the NFL Network Combine broadcast.

        1. Go ahead, tout a scrub league with empty stadiums and Pee Wee play. I will not.
          .
          Hope you give us your assessments of every snap. That will just mean you like to waste your time.

      1. Polite 258 lbs. Didn’t expect him to weigh that much. Just under 33″ arms. 6′-2.5″ 9.75″ hands.

        1. I think a few guys have been on a fast weight gain diet leading into the combine, Polite and Burns being two of them. Oliver also.

          Will be interesting to see if they are all still as athletic as their film suggests at what looked a lower weight.

  41. Sweat with the longest levers at 35.75″, and Sutton Smith is the T-Rex of the group at 30.75″.

    1. Nice, he is one of my favorites. Lindstrom did well in the Senior Bowl practices.

  43. The Real McCoy with the best forty at 4.9 flat. He may not last until round 3.

    2. McGlinchey and McCoy sounds like a demolition company. Now, if they can add McGovern…. Oh well ?

    3. McCoy demonstrated his athleticism and strength at the combine, backing up his film. Quite a few of the interior OL really looked good at the combine. Great year to take on day 2.

    4. In the drills I saw, Dalton Risner showed well in regard to smoothness and anchoring ability. Some tackles looked good, including Kaleb McGary.

  44. Q. Nelson stories. Interview with 49ers, when asked about the play where he ran to the otherside of the line to pick up the blitz against Georgia, he explained that he recognized it from tape and went over and took care of it. Then he looked at John Lynch and said he’d do the same thing to him! Ha!

    Another team pressed him about his forty, and Nelson said, all I do is put people in the ground. If you can’t figure that out by my tape, I can’t help you.

  45. Kyle: “I love Jimmie Ward,” Shanahan said. “I really hope to have him back. We all know he’s struggled a little bit to stay healthy. But he’s a guy, as a person, I’ll go to war with every day. I really trust and believe in, and I love him as a player, too.”
    Strong feelings here. Lynch is more restrained. The safety market is flooded in FA. Won’t be surprised if both sides can sign an incentive-laden contract to get Ward back if the ET thing doens’t pan out….

      1. Yea, let another team name a floor in their hospital after him. Time to check out.

    2. Jaguars…..dolphins……..even Broncos. – I know same division blah blah…. but I won’t put it past elway….dude is 100% clueless on who should be their QB

  48. Ryquell Armstead is having a good combine. 5′ 11″ 220 lbs, ran a 4.45 forty with 22 reps.

      1. RB Miles Sanders made himself some money as well.
        Good size
        Good cutting ability
        Good hands
        Good stats after replacing Saquan at Penn St.
        He opened eyes today.

  49. I scanned the posts and realized there is too much bull$hit, so stopped reading. Nice going fellas.

    1. Lighten up, Francis. Everyone is waiting for more Combine results. Go back to NN.

  51. I am totally in on these top two edge rushers. So can’t wait to see results from combine and interviews.

    HOWEVER

    The more I think about how far away we are with talent the more I would listen to trade offers from…WASHINGTON!!!

    Would to trade Bosa or Allen for pick 15 this year as well as Wash’s #2 #4, #5 and next years #1 and #3.. blau blau blau… you get the gist???

    1. While I have postulated many trade backs, I have never seriously considered Washington. KS remembers what they did to MS, so they do not want to do Snyder any favors.
      .
      Miami, however, also needs a QB, and if they would offer a boatload of picks, the Niners should seriously consider them. At 13, the Niners may be able to select Ferrell, Gary, White, Williams, Sweat, Polite, Taylor, Baker, Murphy or even Metcalf.

      1. If he took Metcalf, it’d be the first time he’s ever spent a 1st rounder on an offensive player other than a QB or an OT. As much as I’d love to get him, I don’t see him doing it….

        1. With his measurables, he might be the next Calvin Johnson. On KNBR, some one speculated that no DB would want to tackle that dude. He has 1% fat, and a chiseled physique.

  52. Nice breakdown & interview Grant. Agree and disagree with some points as usual.

    But this is the first time that I’ve heard you being effusive on your praise for Fred Warner. Maybe you can do a piece on the rookie (as part of your re-branding). :p

  53. Already talking about new treatment involving stem cells for Gurley’s knee. Gonna be interesting to see how high the Rams draft a running back.

  54. The 49ers have met with Isabella, and are due to meet with A. J. Brown. The former looks like a 3rd round casualty, while Brown could be there at the top of round 2, depending on how fast he runs.

    1. More usual suspects, as they have also met with Ridley and Samuel. Ridley, Samuel and Brown are all kinda bunched together in that late 1st early 2nd or as I like to call it, sweet spot. They also met with Metcalf, but he’ll be long gone if he runs a 4.4 flat or faster….

      2. All guys that fit the Garcon mold, outside of Isabella. And all guys that are looking like late 1st/ early 2nd picks. Exactly where I expect them to take a WR, and the type of WR I expect them to take.

        1. Scooter, you don’t think Isabella can play outside? I know the Patriots use Edelman outside quite often.

          1. Actually I do think he can play outside. But not as a possession WR/ Garcon type. That is what I meant. Brown, Samuel and Ridley are all guys that would play the possession WR role for the 49ers.

              1. That’s a definite for me. Ridley, Samuel then Brown. But any of the 3 would be just fine.

  55. Unfortunate (for fans) Murray won’t be participating in drills. Would have been fun to watch.

  56. OT, but Larry Baer is in the news. He grabbed a cellphone out of his wife’s hands and she fell to the ground. Looked violent, but I did not see him strike her.
    .
    Now they say it is a family fight that lasted 20 minutes, with lots of arguing, and 19 seconds of physicality. Guess she is not pressing charges, but the optics are bad.

  57. As much as I like Jachai Polite as a prospect, it is looking like he won’t be a consideration for the 49ers even if they trade back. The chatter about character and maturity concerns is getting louder.

    1. Yea, my thoughts as well. He could slide down to the Seahawks who have made a living on cashing in on questionable character players….

  58. Oli Udoh may have moved up to the second round. 6′ 5″ 323 lbs, 35 ” wingspan, and ran a 5.05 forty.

    1. Udoh did the best of all the Olinemen against Sweat during the Senior Bowl practice week.
      He definitely got my attention.

  59. Would be really interesting what people would be saying about #97 from Ohio St if he had a different last name. Think it would be a lot different.

    1. Why? What is it about his film you think people would feel differently about?

    4. A player’s name means jack to me Jack (no offense or pun intended). What I care about is if he is a fit for the 49ers and be a playmaker.

  60. 4 O linemen with sub 5 forties. They may all be draft targets in the first couple rounds.

    1. Greg Little has bust written all over him unless his coach is Scarnecchia. Perfect fit for the Giants.

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