Misi meets with 49ers, Raiders

This is get-away day at the NFL Scouting Combine. After today’s round of interviews I’ll be heading to the airport, along with wide receivers, running backs and quarterbacks – and those NFL assistants who coach them.   Those groups are scheduled to work out today in Lucas Oil Stadium, and then they depart Indianapolis after their four-day whirlwind.

Read More >>

Could nose tackle be on 49ers’ radar?

The 49ers placed the franchise tag on nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin this week but it’s uncertain whether they can work out a long-term contract. I think if the 49ers really like a defensive lineman – even a nose tackle – they would not think twice about taking him at any point in the draft.   One player who is gaining the attention of NFL teams that play the 3-4 defense…

Read More >>

McCluster fondly recalls making Willis ‘look silly’

Dexter McCluster of Ole Miss is a running back, wide receiver, punt returner, kick returner . . . and the guy likes to play gunner on punt coverage, too.   The only thing he doesn’t do well is size. That alone will likely drop him into the second round because of his 5-foot-8, 172-pound frame. He said the successes of Percy Harvin and Reggie Bush are helping him as he…

Read More >>

‘Some guy named Tebow’ works his charm

During an elongated press conference, Florida QB Tim Tebow spoke about the adjustment to his throwing mechanics. He will not feature that new motion until his March 17 pro day.   Upon the announcement, “Some guy named Tebow at podium C,” it set off a new Olympics event: Sportswriter Cross. It was every man for himself as the competition to get within viewing distance began.

Read More >>

How the 49ers will stack their draft board

Long before the 49ers make their two first-round selections (assuming they don’t trade up or back), the decision will already be made.   The 49ers will stack their board, in order, with the players they would select at those spots. And then the highest-rated remaining player will be the plucked from the top of the list.

Read More >>

49ers own Nos. 13 and 17 choices in first round

The highly anticipated coin toss took place this morning between the Titans and Panthers at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.   Both teams wanted the Titans to win, but I have confirmed the toss did not involve a two-headed nickel. But both teams got their wish, meaning the Titans get the No. 16 slot in the first round. Because the 49ers acquired the Panthers’ top pick a year ago,…

Read More >>

McCloughan on the record

If there’s one thing that was reinforced in speaking with 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan Thursday, it’s that he likes big players.   He likes big cornerbacks; he likes big safeties; he likes big running backs. And he does not like to make exceptions — especially with high draft picks.

Read More >>

Might 49ers get a change-of-pace running back?

When 49ers coach Mike Singletary and GM Scot McCloughan met with the media at the NFC Scouting Combine last year, they both voiced a preference for the 49ers to add a young running back to the roster.   The 49ers did just that, as they selected running back Glen Coffee in the third round. But Singletary and McCloughan said a year ago they preferred a runner whose style differed from…

Read More >>

Singletary on the record: Part Two

Here is Part Two of Mike Singletary’s media session today.   In this part, Singletary addresses how he approaches the combine, as far as weighing what’s important. He also said the 49ers’ approach does not change with Kurt Warner’s retirement and the arrival of Pete Carroll in Seattle. Singletary said he also hopes veteran tackle Tony Pashos will re-sign with the 49ers.

Read More >>