The 49ers have their eyes on defensive backs. The consensus top two players in the secondary are Tennessee safety Eric Berry and Florida cornerback Joe Haden. * * *
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.
Multi-dimensional Spiller is intriguing
This probably will not be the last time you see C.J. Spiller’s name mentioned here. He figures to be a popular topic among 49ers fans who make their wishes known for the team’s picks at No. 13 . . . and/or No. 17.
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…
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…
Insiders: 49ers not likely to spend for Sproles
Running back/return man Darren Sproles is expected to hit the open market next week, and the 49ers seem like a logical suitor. But there are some obvious issues that create doubts among league insiders that the 49ers will be much of a player in the pursuit of his services.
Why Sproles would be a good fit for 49ers
In less than a week, Darren Sproles will likely to be an unrestricted free agent. And at 9:01 p.m. (PT) on March 4 – the first minute the move is legal – the San Francisco 49ers should make the arrangements to get him on the next flight to the Bay Area. Moreover, I think it’s a realistic possibility.
‘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.
Dez sez he’ll ‘most likely’ report to camp on time
The consensus top wide receiver in this draft is Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State – just as a year ago the top receiver in the draft was Michael Crabtree.
More prospects for offensive-line upgrade
The last of the offensive linemen spoke with the media on Thursday, so we’re playing catchup. Here are some of the prospects at the position considered the 49ers’ biggest need. * * *
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.
Do running backs measure up for 49ers?
Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers are the next group to weigh in and get measured. Those groups followed yesterday’s gaggle of offensive linemen, tight ends and specialists.
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,…
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.
Parker client takes responsbility for getting to camp on time
The 49ers are certainly in the market for an offensive tackle in the April draft. It is easy to assume that they will use one of their first-round picks to address that position.
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…
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.
Singletary on the record: Part One
Niners coach Mike Singletary met with the media today at the NFL Scouting Combine. Here is Part 1 of his media session with reporters:
Singletary makes strongest statement: Smith as starter in 2010
Coach Mike Singletary said he was comfortable in saying Alex Smith will be the 49ers’ starting quarterback in 2010. Does that mean that Smith, definitively, will be the starter in 2010? “If it’ll stop you from asking again, yes,” Singletary answered.
Tackles are armed for draft scrutiny
Ah, the NFL Scouting Combine . . . a time when it’s accepted – no, expected – to write about the measurements of a man’s arms.