I’m sitting in a cushy leather seat at Gate 39 at the Kansas City airport, waiting for a delayed flight to take off to Indianapolis. To pass the time, I’ll answer a few questions from my Twitter mailbag.
Pour me a cold draft in Indy
I’m traveling to chilly Indianapolis today for the NFL Scouting Combine, and I’m not going for the view. In fact, if you park yourself in front of your television set, you’ll have a much better vantage point of what’s happening inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Still, as far as information and access, there’s no finer place to be over the next few days than Indianapolis. I’ll be filing reports around the clock…
Franklin designated 49ers’ franchise player
In a move the 49ers have planned since November, the club today officially announced it has assigned the non-exclusive franchise tag to nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin, who was scheduled for unrestricted free agency. The 49ers have, in essence, taken Franklin off the free-agent market with a one-year, $7.003 million tender – or the average of the top-five salaries at the position. “Aubrayo has proven to be a valuable contributor…
Combine kicks off draft season this week
Draft-eligible players begin arriving Wednesday in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. The NFL draft is two months away. I’ll be heading to the combine tomorrow, and will have full coverage from there for four days, beginning Thursday.
Position profile: Offensive line
With two scheduled draft picks within the first 16 or 17 slots, the 49ers are expected to emerge from April 22 with a starting offensive lineman. The 49ers’ offensive line is almost assuredly going to receive some help in 2010, as that unit was a major disappointment for coach Mike Singletary. He and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye had a vision of featuring a power-running game that could successfully pound…
2010 NFL Calendar, and key dates for 49ers
The NFL offseason kicks into gear this week with the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Next week, the NFL free-agent signing period begins. Here is a look at the key dates for the 49ers on the 2010 NFL Calendar:
Position profile: Quarterbacks
Alex Smith should’ve known what he was getting into when the 49ers made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft. People around these parts grew up with Joe Montana. Even Steve Young did not get overwhelming support until the 49ers’ defense improved enough for the team to win the Super Bowl following the 1994 season. And poor Jeff Garcia . . . all he did…
Position profile: Wide receivers
The 49ers have five players under contract who will be fighting for roster spots/playing time at wide receiver next season. They will unquestionably add some players to the competition – such as a draft pick with return ability and/or some undrafted free agents. The organization seems very happy with the top part of this group with Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan as the starters. The next tier includes Brandon…
Scout’s eye view of 49ers’ draft options at tackle, return game
Arguably, the 49ers’ two biggest needs entering the offseason are offensive tackle and return specialist. The 49ers should have some options at those spots on the first two days of the three-day NFL draft, which gets going this year on Thursday, April 22. Daniel Jeremiah worked as a scout with the Ravens and Browns. He has been in those draft meeting rooms, and he knows the criteria NFL teams…
Scout’s eye view of 49ers’ defensive draft options
If the 49ers liked Tyson Jackson, whom the Chiefs selected with the No. 3 overall pick last year, they will really be smitten with Penn State defensive end Jared Odrick in this year’s draft. That’s the opinion of Daniel Jeremiah, who worked as a scout with the Ravens and Browns. Jeremiah now shares his scouting expertise on his Web site, Move the Sticks, and on Twitter, where, as of…
Position profile: Defensive line
A lot of people talk about how difficult it is for NFL teams to scout, evaluate, draft and develop quarterbacks. What’s even more difficult, it seems, is finding quality defensive linemen in the draft. In the 2008 draft, there were five defensive linemen chosen in the first eight picks: Chris Long (Rams), Glenn Dorsey (Chiefs), Vernon Gholston (Jets), Sedrick Ellis (Saints) and Derrick Harvey (Jaguars). Some have been OK….
Position profile: Outside linebacker/defensive end
Dynamic pass-rushers are difficult to find. Look around the NFL, and you’ll discover only 14 players recorded 10 or more sacks in 2009. The last time the 49ers had a double-digit sack artist was 2002 when Andre Carter had 12.5. But all is not lost in this area for the 49ers. After all, Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks and Parys Haralson combined for 17.5 sacks last season. That’s 17.5…
Position profile: Special teams
The 49ers were very good in all areas of special-teams coverage last season. But their returns were awful. Coach Mike Singletary said he places a lot of importance on special teams. And, he added, “some of the things we’ll do this offseason will reflect that.”
Position profile: Inside linebackers
When the staff here at Instant 49ers ranked the 49ers’ offseason priorities, inside linebacker rolled in at No. 11. That is to say that it’s a need, all right. But it ranks behind offensive tackle and return specialist, and ahead of Candlestick Park public-address announcer on the list of organizational priorities. So, then, why would the same staff cobble together a mock draft that has the 49ers taking an…
2010 NFL Mock Draft (pre-Combine edition)
Completely caving in to public pressure, I’ve cobbled together my first-ever February mock draft. I figured I better hurry and submit this now. After all, the 2010 NFL draft is only 10 weeks from now. Just call this: Dumb Guy Mock Draft 1.0. If nothing else, if will give all of you amateur draftniks an opportunity to make calm and rational critiques of my guesses. You can even…
Position profile: Tight ends
A year ago, the 49ers spent a sixth-round draft pick on a blocking tight end. But Bear Pascoe struggled in camp, and the 49ers’ coaches were not impressed with the way he competed. When the final cuts arrived, the 49ers decided to stick with two tight ends on the 53-man roster. Moreover, they opted for Joe Jon Finley, an undrafted free agent from the previous season, to get the…
Position profile: Defensive backs
Shawntae Spencer started every game at right cornerback. Dashon Goldson started every game at free safety. The 49ers can look at those players and pencil them into the starting lineup in 2010 and beyond. Strong safety Michael Lewis will enter his ninth NFL season. Cornerback Nate Clements begins his 10th season. Those are the spots where the 49ers must start thinking about getting younger players ready to take over…
Young, Rice are eager to help 49ers of today
Hall of Famers Steve Young and Jerry Rice both live in the Bay Area, and they said they continue to closely follow the 49ers. I asked both Hall of Famers if they were willing to share their vast knowledge with the 49ers of today. Their answers were yes and yes.
DeBartolo accepts Rice’s request to present him at Hall of Fame
Jerry Rice was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame today, and he announced that former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo will introduce him at the induction ceremony this summer in Canton, Ohio. DeBartolo just took part in a conference call with Bay Area reporters. He addressed his thoughts about entering the Hall of Fame himself. He also said he plans to travel to the Bay Area in May to…
Rice elected to Hall of Fame on first ballot
Receiver Jerry Rice just moments ago officially became the fourth first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer from the 49ers’ core group of the 1980s and ’90s. Rice joins Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Steve Young as 49ers stars elected in their first year of eligibility. Rice last played for the Seahawks in 2004. He went to training camp with the Broncos in 2005 but did not make it to…
