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Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers (1 Viewer)

Jason Wood

Zoo York
2011 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. This year, we plan to publish more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters.

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Thread Topic: Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers

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Let's face it, so far Mike Crabtree has been a bit of a disappointment. He finished at 36th for WR's last year, a borderline WR 3/flex player. Probably not what you were hoping for when you drafted him in the 4th and 5th rounds last year.

Crabtree's ADP won't be as high this year and although I am not predicting a huge season for Crabtree, he will end up around WR 30, making him a solid WR3 with a little upside.

65 receptions 800 yards and 6 tds

 
I am actually hoping for a bit of a breakout maybe something along the lines of 70 1000 9. The talent is there and I'm hoping that Harbaugh can coax the effort from him.

 
Let's face it, so far Mike Crabtree has been a bit of a disappointment. He finished at 36th for WR's last year, a borderline WR 3/flex player. Probably not what you were hoping for when you drafted him in the 4th and 5th rounds last year.

Crabtree's ADP won't be as high this year and although I am not predicting a huge season for Crabtree, he will end up around WR 30, making him a solid WR3 with a little upside.

65 receptions 800 yards and 6 tds
Um... Alex Smith, Singletary, team mutiny led to 6-10, no WRs opposite... The 49'ers were a complete disaster last year. Give him another year to learn the new system, and look for him to reach 'stud' status in 2012.
 
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Let's face it, so far Mike Crabtree has been a bit of a disappointment. He finished at 36th for WR's last year, a borderline WR 3/flex player. Probably not what you were hoping for when you drafted him in the 4th and 5th rounds last year.

Crabtree's ADP won't be as high this year and although I am not predicting a huge season for Crabtree, he will end up around WR 30, making him a solid WR3 with a little upside.

65 receptions 800 yards and 6 tds
He seemed to take a small step back last year, but like Favre... stated, that wasn't all his fault. Unfortunately, the QB isn't better. I do think Harbaugh should be a huge improvement and could help Crabtree find his potential.BREAKOUT YEAR: 80/1201/8

 
http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/nfl/football?r=1

Ex-scout Dave Razzano believes new coach Jim Harbaugh will "grow tired" of Micheal Crabtree fairly quickly.

Per Razzano, it was a "huge" mistake to draft Crabtree as high as No. 10 overall because he lacks speed, work ethic, and elite talent. "Harbaugh can't make him faster," explains Razzano, suggesting that an "overhyped" Crabtree lacks the quickness to separate from cornerbacks. Razzano goes even further, stating that he likes Rams mid-round rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas "a lot more than Crabtree."

-----------------------

Ouch. How much weight does Razzano's opinion hold?

 
I'm not going to claim that Crabtree will never be a fantasy stud, but he never will be while he's on the same team as Vernon Davis.

Davis gets the yards (~3 more per, with the same number of catches) and many more red zone TD opportunities.

Overhyped as a prospect, sure, but Crabtree doesn't really have to do much to post his best pro season so far.

64-890-5

 
Razzano said it best, he's not fast enough or talented enough to make up for a horrible work ethic. Can someone explain to me what is so good about him when he's not in the ttech spread where they threw 50x's a game? Good hands but that's about it. I'm not sure who made a worse pick, sf with crabs or Oakland with dhb.

60 rec/720 yards/6 td's

 
"Ex" scout? Something about Razzano's analysis seems a bit too personal and filled with sour grapes. While true, Crabtree isn't going to beat you with his feet, he can (and has shown that he can) make the necessary adjustments to be a decent possession WR.

 
"Ex" scout? Something about Razzano's analysis seems a bit too personal and filled with sour grapes. While true, Crabtree isn't going to beat you with his feet, he can (and has shown that he can) make the necessary adjustments to be a decent possession WR.
:yes: while I don't see "elite" potential here, he could be very good with a good QB. The analysis doesn't match my eyes, but I'm not an ex-scout.
 
'moderated said:
Razzano said it best, he's not fast enough or talented enough to make up for a horrible work ethic. Can someone explain to me what is so good about him when he's not in the ttech spread where they threw 50x's a game? Good hands but that's about it. I'm not sure who made a worse pick, sf with crabs or Oakland with dhb.60 rec/720 yards/6 td's
I'll go with the guy who had yet to post 400 yards in a season and only 2 games over 50 yards. (but Crabtree has been a disappointment so far)
 
It seems to me to be a bit early to shut the door on Michael Crabtree. This is only his third season and although he hasn't yet shown greatness, there are several factors to consider. In his first season, he held out and did not attend the pre-season work and yet played solidly in 11 games, averaging 4.4 catches and 57 yards per game with two TDs.

In 2010, his per game averages dipped a little, but he led the team in targets with 101, but only caught 55 for 741 yards. He therefore had 13.5 yards per catch and his TDs went up to six. I don't watch many 49er games, but even with the outlandish behaviour at times by Singletary, the most constant that I heard voiced was the dissatisfaction with Alex Smith at QB. The judgment of Crabtree's play considering the ineffective performance at QB has to be at least considered as a factor.

I think that everyone is expecting improved offense with Coach Harbaugh, even if Alex Smith is back at QB and this should be a positive factor for Crabtree as well. I think that he will have a solid season and if his play is lauded by his Coach, he could be even more effective in future years as the QB play improves in San Francisco.

I think that one of his best attributes is as a red zone target in a more effective offense.

Crabtree 16 gms 120 targets 72 catches 60.0% 1008 yards 14.0 ypc and 8 TDs

 
'netnalp said:
http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/nfl/football?r=1Ex-scout Dave Razzano believes new coach Jim Harbaugh will "grow tired" of Micheal Crabtree fairly quickly.Per Razzano, it was a "huge" mistake to draft Crabtree as high as No. 10 overall because he lacks speed, work ethic, and elite talent. "Harbaugh can't make him faster," explains Razzano, suggesting that an "overhyped" Crabtree lacks the quickness to separate from cornerbacks. Razzano goes even further, stating that he likes Rams mid-round rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas "a lot more than Crabtree." -----------------------Ouch. How much weight does Razzano's opinion hold?
This guys sums it up. Crabtree fooled alot of fantasy owners (and one real owner). He is not big, fast, or quick. I now believe he (if he develops the right work ethic) can turn into a solid #2 wr on a real nfl football squad.
 
He's the best WR on the team and under new HC Harbaugh the Niners will not be afraid to throw the ball in the worst defensive division in the NFL. I also believe Harbaugh is one helluva a coach and that he'll be able to give this offense some fluidity...which is just as important as Crabtree's ability is. The biggest risk here is Crabtree's attitude. If he brings the professionalism I don't think there's any reason Crabtree will not meet fantasty football's current expectations, which aren't very high.

82/1125/7...with some upside.

 
"Ex" scout? Something about Razzano's analysis seems a bit too personal and filled with sour grapes. While true, Crabtree isn't going to beat you with his feet, he can (and has shown that he can) make the necessary adjustments to be a decent possession WR.
I wouldn't knock him for being an ex-scout,atleast that's the impression I got from your post, I could be mistaken as you didn't directly come out and bash him. Perhaps he got a more lucrative gig and/or he got tired of being an NFL scout, I imagine it take a lot of travel. Here's some info on Razzano's body of work:http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:RXvhpl6Wk6wJ:bleacherreport.com/articles/680309-nfl-draft-2011-video-watch-the-10-most-underrated-players+Dave+Razzano&cd=11&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.comDave Razzano is a highly respected NFL scout, Bleacher Report NFL analyst and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and **** Vermeil. He’s been part of five Super Bowls with three wins (49ers, 1989 & 1990; Rams, 2000) and consistently delivers independent unfiltered opinions on college and pro football talent. Mr. Razzano is currently an NFL analyst for Bleacher Report. Dave is also a contributor for Playmaker Mobile.-------------------------------------------------------------I predict 67/950/6 for Crabtree.
 
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'netnalp said:
http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/nfl/football?r=1Ex-scout Dave Razzano believes new coach Jim Harbaugh will "grow tired" of Micheal Crabtree fairly quickly.Per Razzano, it was a "huge" mistake to draft Crabtree as high as No. 10 overall because he lacks speed, work ethic, and elite talent. "Harbaugh can't make him faster," explains Razzano, suggesting that an "overhyped" Crabtree lacks the quickness to separate from cornerbacks. Razzano goes even further, stating that he likes Rams mid-round rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas "a lot more than Crabtree." -----------------------Ouch. How much weight does Razzano's opinion hold?
This guys sums it up. Crabtree fooled alot of fantasy owners (and one real owner). He is not big, fast, or quick. I now believe he (if he develops the right work ethic) can turn into a solid #2 wr on a real nfl football squad.
:goodposting:
 
I think he is far from forgotten and will still go pretty high in redrafts...

That being said, I don't think he has what it takes given his situation and well...his talent. I also think you will see him in trouble this year because he's not going to have a stellar season and he believes he is king of the world. He is a high risk pick in my opinion.

 
Great talent....questionable attitude. Classic high-risk, high reward player. Problem is his QB situation isn't any better with an average at best Alex Smith plus a rookie at QB. A type of guy that I like to gamble on as a WR3, but I think that he will go too early for that. There are still a lot of believers in Crabtree.

60 rec, 815 yds, 5 TD

 
"Ex" scout? Something about Razzano's analysis seems a bit too personal and filled with sour grapes. While true, Crabtree isn't going to beat you with his feet, he can (and has shown that he can) make the necessary adjustments to be a decent possession WR.
I wouldn't knock him for being an ex-scout,atleast that's the impression I got from your post, I could be mistaken as you didn't directly come out and bash him. Perhaps he got a more lucrative gig and/or he got tired of being an NFL scout, I imagine it take a lot of travel. Here's some info on Razzano's body of work:http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:RXvhpl6Wk6wJ:bleacherreport.com/articles/680309-nfl-draft-2011-video-watch-the-10-most-underrated-players+Dave+Razzano&cd=11&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.comDave Razzano is a highly respected NFL scout, Bleacher Report NFL analyst and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and **** Vermeil. He’s been part of five Super Bowls with three wins (49ers, 1989 & 1990; Rams, 2000) and consistently delivers independent unfiltered opinions on college and pro football talent. Mr. Razzano is currently an NFL analyst for Bleacher Report. Dave is also a contributor for Playmaker Mobile.-------------------------------------------------------------I predict 67/950/6 for Crabtree.
Bleacher Report isn't exactly the first place I look for reliable information...
 
"Ex" scout? Something about Razzano's analysis seems a bit too personal and filled with sour grapes. While true, Crabtree isn't going to beat you with his feet, he can (and has shown that he can) make the necessary adjustments to be a decent possession WR.
I wouldn't knock him for being an ex-scout,atleast that's the impression I got from your post, I could be mistaken as you didn't directly come out and bash him. Perhaps he got a more lucrative gig and/or he got tired of being an NFL scout, I imagine it take a lot of travel. Here's some info on Razzano's body of work:http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:RXvhpl6Wk6wJ:bleacherreport.com/articles/680309-nfl-draft-2011-video-watch-the-10-most-underrated-players+Dave+Razzano&cd=11&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.comDave Razzano is a highly respected NFL scout, Bleacher Report NFL analyst and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and **** Vermeil. He’s been part of five Super Bowls with three wins (49ers, 1989 & 1990; Rams, 2000) and consistently delivers independent unfiltered opinions on college and pro football talent. Mr. Razzano is currently an NFL analyst for Bleacher Report. Dave is also a contributor for Playmaker Mobile.-------------------------------------------------------------I predict 67/950/6 for Crabtree.
Bleacher Report isn't exactly the first place I look for reliable information...
I guess I undervalued how much being connected with Bleacher Report kills credibility, here I was putting more weight on the 22 years of scouting experience.
 
"Ex" scout? Something about Razzano's analysis seems a bit too personal and filled with sour grapes. While true, Crabtree isn't going to beat you with his feet, he can (and has shown that he can) make the necessary adjustments to be a decent possession WR.
I wouldn't knock him for being an ex-scout,atleast that's the impression I got from your post, I could be mistaken as you didn't directly come out and bash him. Perhaps he got a more lucrative gig and/or he got tired of being an NFL scout, I imagine it take a lot of travel. Here's some info on Razzano's body of work:http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:RXvhpl6Wk6wJ:bleacherreport.com/articles/680309-nfl-draft-2011-video-watch-the-10-most-underrated-players+Dave+Razzano&cd=11&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.comDave Razzano is a highly respected NFL scout, Bleacher Report NFL analyst and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and **** Vermeil. He’s been part of five Super Bowls with three wins (49ers, 1989 & 1990; Rams, 2000) and consistently delivers independent unfiltered opinions on college and pro football talent. Mr. Razzano is currently an NFL analyst for Bleacher Report. Dave is also a contributor for Playmaker Mobile.-------------------------------------------------------------I predict 67/950/6 for Crabtree.
Bleacher Report isn't exactly the first place I look for reliable information...
I guess I undervalued how much being connected with Bleacher Report kills credibility, here I was putting more weight on the 22 years of scouting experience.
A lot of us watch a lot of football and have for many years. So, just argument by authority doesn't mean a whole lot here. Basically, the guy is saying Crabtree isn't fast enough and doesn't work hard enough. As for the first, I have seen enough of Crabtree to disagree. He has enough speed. You don't need to be a burner in this league. As for the second, I don't know. The guy could be right. But he isn't a team insider. If the HC or OC was saying this, then it would mean a whole lot more. And to be fair, the first year Crabtree didn't have a chance to show a work ethic because he didn't get signed until so late. It wasn't that long ago the Iron Mike, the HC, was saying the same thing about Vernon Davis. Work ethic is one of those things that can sink a talented player if he doesn't have it, but as players mature in the league, some of them do improve at it. I like Crabtree's potential but he hasn't had a decent QB or offense to work with. He's a player I would like to acquire, but I am not willing to give up as much as his owner will probably want because I too still have my doubts. But he can definitely do it--no doubt. He may never be a top 5 WR, but he can be a top 10-15 possession WR, especially in PPR.
 
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Feel like this is kind of a vacuum without a Vernon Davis thread. Like Alex Smith's problem (assuming he's back) was all these different offensive systems, but Harbaugh's new offensive system = godmode? (for those projecting high Crabtree #s)

 
u. And to be fair, the first year Crabtree didn't have a chance to show a work ethic because he didn't get signed until so late. It wasn't that long ago the Iron Mike, the HC, was saying the same thing about Vernon Davis. Work ethic is one of those things that can sink a talented player if he doesn't have it, but as players mature in the league, some of them do improve at it.
Vernon Davis was never accused of having a bad work ethic. He was a hothead but no one said he didn't work hard.Crabtree and Vernon have nothing in common as far as work ethic.
 
u. And to be fair, the first year Crabtree didn't have a chance to show a work ethic because he didn't get signed until so late. It wasn't that long ago the Iron Mike, the HC, was saying the same thing about Vernon Davis. Work ethic is one of those things that can sink a talented player if he doesn't have it, but as players mature in the league, some of them do improve at it.
Vernon Davis was never accused of having a bad work ethic. He was a hothead but no one said he didn't work hard.Crabtree and Vernon have nothing in common as far as work ethic.
I live in the Bay area, and yes, Vernon Davis WAS accused by his HC of having a bad work ethic.
 
Looking at him against others like Calvin and Fitz who also went to poor teams and had mediocre QBs (Josh McCown and Jon Kitna), I see that both Fitz and Calvin had very similar rookie numbers to Crabtree's 2nd year numbers (tossed out the first year for Crabtree).

So, I think "can it be done and a big jump could be looming?" Sure. But I don't think so. Not in this case.

Seeing all three of these guys work in somewhat similar conditions (poor teams, mediocre QBs, old school hard nosed coaches, etc), it appears, to me, to be night and day. The dedication and "want-to" just doesn't seem to be on the same level with Crabtree and the physical abilities are apparent.

So, when a guy that was a scout for 22 years (and with guys like Walsh and Knox, etc) makes an assessment about what he sees physically, I have to think the guy knows what he is talking about.

Sometimes greatness takes a while to develop but you have to want to be great and with already having less talent than what a lot people expect him to be (Remember SO many people saying Crabtree was the next top 5/top 10 at worst FF WR), I just think Crabtree's name will always preceed his production. I see him as a Braylon Edwards type. He will have his moments and anytime he flashes, he will quickly up his stock, but I never expect him to be a guy that we perennially talk about as a top guy (like we do with a Wayne, or Steve Smith back in the day...not the elite of the elites, just the solid top 10 guys).

 
If someone like Hines Ward can still excel as a WR in this league, then at the very least Crabtree should have the jets. THe problem with him is that he seems aloof and overestimates his own abilities. I'm still holding out hope that he can turn this weird attitude into motivation, but IMO he's starting to go down the road of Troy Edwards.

 
Looking at him against others like Calvin and Fitz who also went to poor teams and had mediocre QBs (Josh McCown and Jon Kitna), I see that both Fitz and Calvin had very similar rookie numbers to Crabtree's 2nd year numbers (tossed out the first year for Crabtree).
:goodposting:
 
He's the best WR on the team and under new HC Harbaugh the Niners will not be afraid to throw the ball in the worst defensive division in the NFL...
The NFC West takes the "worst offensive division" title. I'd say the AFC South takes the defensive crown.
 
'Abrantes said:
He's the best WR on the team and under new HC Harbaugh the Niners will not be afraid to throw the ball in the worst defensive division in the NFL...
The NFC West takes the "worst offensive division" title. I'd say the AFC South takes the defensive crown.
Both in 2009 and in 2010 the NFC west and the AFC South were ranked last and next to last in total division defense (but they did flip-flop), I did a post on it last month. If there is a division where a struggling offensive player can find his footing, it's in either of those two.
 
Looking at him against others like Calvin and Fitz who also went to poor teams and had mediocre QBs (Josh McCown and Jon Kitna), I see that both Fitz and Calvin had very similar rookie numbers to Crabtree's 2nd year numbers (tossed out the first year for Crabtree).
:goodposting:
I actually rolled my eyes when I read it, but it's an interesting comparison. Fitzgerald 58/780/8Calvin 48/756/4Crabtree 55/741/6I'll be watching Crabtree closely. The pedigree is there, but will the work ethic come with it? A decent comparison for Crabtree would be someone like Dwayne Bowe. Talented, but notorious for being lazy and/or disruptive. I was very high on Bowe last year because of the glowingly positive reports from workouts and training camp praising him for his effort and attitude. Bowe definitely delivered. If there are similar reports for Crabtree we should expect a mini breakout season.
 
Via Rotoworld

CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco is the latest beat writer to suggest Michael Crabtree and Alex Smith were on "different pages" last season.

It's more than mere speculation. Smith threw Crabtree under the bus on a Week 1 pick-six last year: "I'm thinking one thing, and he obviously wasn't thinking the same thing ... It changed the game." Crabtree responded in kind three weeks later, suggesting Jimmy Raye was the fall guy because the coordinator "can't throw the ball. He can just call plays." Crabtree's targets went down from there, and it's fair to wonder if Smith was freezing him out of the offense at times.

 
"Ex" scout? Something about Razzano's analysis seems a bit too personal and filled with sour grapes. While true, Crabtree isn't going to beat you with his feet, he can (and has shown that he can) make the necessary adjustments to be a decent possession WR.
I wouldn't knock him for being an ex-scout,atleast that's the impression I got from your post, I could be mistaken as you didn't directly come out and bash him. Perhaps he got a more lucrative gig and/or he got tired of being an NFL scout, I imagine it take a lot of travel. Here's some info on Razzano's body of work:http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:RXvhpl6Wk6wJ:bleacherreport.com/articles/680309-nfl-draft-2011-video-watch-the-10-most-underrated-players+Dave+Razzano&cd=11&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.com

Dave Razzano is a highly respected NFL scout, Bleacher Report NFL analyst and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and **** Vermeil.

He’s been part of five Super Bowls with three wins (49ers, 1989 & 1990; Rams, 2000) and consistently delivers independent unfiltered opinions on college and pro football talent.

Mr. Razzano is currently an NFL analyst for Bleacher Report.

Dave is also a contributor for Playmaker Mobile.

-------------------------------------------------------------

I predict 67/950/6 for Crabtree.
Bleacher Report isn't exactly the first place I look for reliable information...
I guess I undervalued how much being connected with Bleacher Report kills credibility, here I was putting more weight on the 22 years of scouting experience.
A lot of us watch a lot of football and have for many years. So, just argument by authority doesn't mean a whole lot here. Basically, the guy is saying Crabtree isn't fast enough and doesn't work hard enough. As for the first, I have seen enough of Crabtree to disagree. He has enough speed. You don't need to be a burner in this league. As for the second, I don't know. The guy could be right. But he isn't a team insider. If the HC or OC was saying this, then it would mean a whole lot more. And to be fair, the first year Crabtree didn't have a chance to show a work ethic because he didn't get signed until so late. It wasn't that long ago the Iron Mike, the HC, was saying the same thing about Vernon Davis. Work ethic is one of those things that can sink a talented player if he doesn't have it, but as players mature in the league, some of them do improve at it. I like Crabtree's potential but he hasn't had a decent QB or offense to work with. He's a player I would like to acquire, but I am not willing to give up as much as his owner will probably want because I too still have my doubts. But he can definitely do it--no doubt. He may never be a top 5 WR, but he can be a top 10-15 possession WR, especially in PPR.
And to be fair, who's fault is that? How much elite talent the guy has up for debate. I think the jury is still out on whether he's for real or whether he's a system product who is rather average in terms of NFL talent.

But there doesn't seem to be much evidence to the contrary that his attitude and work ethic stink. Is there anything we've seen from him that dispels the notion that Crabtree is a prima donna? I don't give him a pass on the year one thing because it's still a symptom of the same problem.

 
My issue with Crabtree isn't his skill level. He seems quite capable and although he lacks elite speed, he has enough and he's very elusive in the open field with great hands and natural instincts. I have two problems with him. Number 1 is focus. He seems to get lost when he's not involved. The other, which is a bigger gripe, is his toughness. His skills seem perfectly suited to a guy who can go over the middle, make the first defender or two miss and turn a crossing route into a big gain. But he doesn't seem to like contact. Well, like isn't the right word as I don't think most guys relish getting demolished. More, he seems to actually shy away from putting himself in that position. QB play is QB play and Alex isn't great by any stretch, but Harbaugh better at least make him better than he's been. I'd forecast 70, 1000, 7 with a lot of range on either side.

 
I appreciate the defense of Razzano's pedigree, however, if scout analysis were any more accurate than next week's weather prediction, we'd have 7 rounds of successful NFL players drafted each year.

 
Finally. Per Rotoworld:

Michael Crabtree has finally reported to 49ers player-organized offseason workouts.Crabtree caught flak for sitting out the first few rounds of Alex Smith-organized activities, but ultimately it was probably an overblown story. We remain skeptical that Crabtree is on the verge of any kind of fantasy breakout. He didn't seem to get better as a second-year receiver, and the 49ers' new offense probably isn't going to help Crabtree's potential for production. Jun 6, 1:30 PM

 
Via Rotoworld

CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco is the latest beat writer to suggest Michael Crabtree and Alex Smith were on "different pages" last season.It's more than mere speculation. Smith threw Crabtree under the bus on a Week 1 pick-six last year: "I'm thinking one thing, and he obviously wasn't thinking the same thing ... It changed the game." Crabtree responded in kind three weeks later, suggesting Jimmy Raye was the fall guy because the coordinator "can't throw the ball. He can just call plays." Crabtree's targets went down from there, and it's fair to wonder if Smith was freezing him out of the offense at times.
There was a lot of hostility between these two. Alex Smith seems like a nice guy but he sucks. Crabtree's stats looked worse than they should have.
 
Via Rotoworld

CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco is the latest beat writer to suggest Michael Crabtree and Alex Smith were on "different pages" last season.

It's more than mere speculation. Smith threw Crabtree under the bus on a Week 1 pick-six last year: "I'm thinking one thing, and he obviously wasn't thinking the same thing ... It changed the game." Crabtree responded in kind three weeks later, suggesting Jimmy Raye was the fall guy because the coordinator "can't throw the ball. He can just call plays." Crabtree's targets went down from there, and it's fair to wonder if Smith was freezing him out of the offense at times.
There was a lot of hostility between these two. Alex Smith seems like a nice guy but he sucks. Crabtree's stats looked worse than they should have.
Crabtree was one of the 26 players – most of them from the offense – at Monday's session. While nearly every receiver on the roster, including another presumptive starter, Josh Morgan, already has had throwing sessions with Smith this offseason, Crabtree has been absent from the workouts despite being in the Bay Area the past two months.

Asked if he thought those sessions are valuable for building chemistry between receiver and quarterback, Crabtree replied, "Who's the quarterback?"

When told it was Smith, Crabtree responded: "He's the quarterback? I'm just asking."

Crabtree later said he would support "100 percent" whoever the starter turns out to be. He also said he would take part in all team activities like the one this week, but he preferred to train by himself.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/07/3681957/smith-takes-command-during-lockout.html#ixzz1OaU0hs8A
I think its pretty clear that there's no love lost between those two.
 
I appreciate the defense of Razzano's pedigree, however, if scout analysis were any more accurate than next week's weather prediction, we'd have 7 rounds of successful NFL players drafted each year.
At this I think point the scouting is less about prediction and almost entirely about what Crabtree has shown on the field in 2 NFL seasons.I am now at a complete loss when I see people hanging on to the "elite talent" label. That shipped has sailed. Can he improve, can he be good or very good? Probably. But stop with the elite stuff.
 
I wonder how many scouts and forum experts thought Crabtree was NOT an elite talent when he was drafted. When I read stuff like "Crabtree managed to fool one NFL owner", I smile condescendingly. If I remember the hype correctly, the last thing people questioned about him was talent. If you have watched him in college and in the NFL, you know the talent and physical prerequisites are there, no question.

But talent only gets you that far in the NFL. The fact that Crabtree is a diva and doesn't appear to work hard will sink his career unless properly addressed. I can't speculate whether he overcomes those issues in 2011, but if he does I expect at least a top-15 finish in PPR.

The feud with Alex Smith is also very bothersome. It's extremely rare for a WR to hit top numbers while bickering with his QB. Ironically, Crabtree's game style is perfect for Alex Smith. So I expect those two to kiss and make up sooner rather than later.

One last point - Crabtree is young for a third-year receiver. Maturation might logically be taking longer in terms of NFL years compared to other kids.

 
I wonder how many scouts and forum experts thought Crabtree was NOT an elite talent when he was drafted. When I read stuff like "Crabtree managed to fool one NFL owner", I smile condescendingly. If I remember the hype correctly, the last thing people questioned about him was talent. If you have watched him in college and in the NFL, you know the talent and physical prerequisites are there, no question. .
Actually there were many who had worries about him. It was hard to evaluate him in the pass happy TT offense who threw the ball 50+ times a game.He is a solid talent but by now it's fairly clear he doesn't have the elite type talent. With a solid skill set but bad work ethic it's almost impossible to become great in the NFL.Even if he does a 180 and works hard he'll never become a cj/aj/Fitzgerald type talent.He's a key Johnson upside guy if he works hard puts it all together, but the odds he does all of that are low.
 
Just based on my anecdotal recollections, the impact of the Texas Tech offense was definitely considered strongly by evaluators both on the FF and the actual NFL side. Crabtree was still seen as a sure-fire top-15 pick with tremendous upside. And that was despite his age and while he was having surgery right before the draft.

So I am not buying the 'there-were-lots-of-early-question-marks' and 'I-told-you-so' talk. Sure, there was a doubter here and there. Even Peterson had doubters coming into the NFL. Yet, the strong consensus was that Crabtree had all the potential to be a stud WR.

I also disagree that what Crabtree has shown so far on the field suggests he is not an elite talent. Even the basic FF player knows to distinguish between talent/potential and production. Crabtree has definitely showed plenty flashes of brilliance to support his draft hype. His first season was very impressive, considering the circumstances. His second season was not as bad, statistically speaking, as some make it sound.

So the issue here is not talent, imo. The issue is: does Crabtree have the intangibles to capitalize on that talent? Dozens of great talents have hit the post-NFL unemployment line because of poor intangibles. So far, I don't think it looked promising, but I have to also consider the fact that Crabtree remains still very young and has some time to mature. I am also buying the expectation that badass Harbaugh will have a strong positive impact once the lockout is over.

So I'd say 75/1060/7 with a large +/- range on both sides.

I'd be surprised if he gets over 9 TDs, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if he approaches 100 catches, given his specific play style, Alex Smith's strengths, and the expected nature of the SF passing game.

 
69 catches for 925 yards and 7 TD.

The following concerns me as far as this season goes...

#1: His work ethic. We can all talk about how talented he is, how great a coach Harbaugh is and that he should make Crabtree more productive, etc. but the onus is and forever will be on Crabtree. If he continues to coast along and presume that his talent will override working hard, he'll never be much more than a productive WR2 with fleeting WR1 spots in various seasons. The poster who remarked in relation to Hines Ward forgets that Ward worked his utter tail off after coming in as a sparely worked WR in college and was a QB for most of his college career.

#2: The relationship with Alex Smith. Alex Smith, if he starts all 16 games, has the football in his hands on every passing play and very easily can freeze out Crabtree in the passing game. Smith can target guys like Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, rookie Kendall Hunter, and the other wide receivers if Crabtree continues to test him and anger him. Smith could target Crabtree 3-5 times a game and make Crabtree get 1-3 catches to satisfy him a little all the while ignoring him otherwise.

#3: John Harbaugh. Tied into point #1, if Crabtree doesn't work hard and the other receivers are obviously working much harder, I don't think Harbaugh has any qualms about starting somebody else and bumping Crabtree down. Don't forget that Harbaugh did not draft Crabtree and that Crabtree was a WR drafted from another regime. If other WRs happen to catch Harbaugh's eyes, I think that could quickly change Crabtree's status both on the team and in relation to the WR depth chart as well. Also his lack of ST versatility confines him only to a WR role so Harbaugh could eventually look for a strong group of WRs who can specialize both as receivers and chip in on ST.

 
69 catches for 925 yards and 7 TD.

The following concerns me as far as this season goes...

#1: His work ethic. We can all talk about how talented he is, how great a coach Harbaugh is and that he should make Crabtree more productive, etc. but the onus is and forever will be on Crabtree. If he continues to coast along and presume that his talent will override working hard, he'll never be much more than a productive WR2 with fleeting WR1 spots in various seasons. The poster who remarked in relation to Hines Ward forgets that Ward worked his utter tail off after coming in as a sparely worked WR in college and was a QB for most of his college career.

#2: The relationship with Alex Smith. Alex Smith, if he starts all 16 games, has the football in his hands on every passing play and very easily can freeze out Crabtree in the passing game. Smith can target guys like Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, rookie Kendall Hunter, and the other wide receivers if Crabtree continues to test him and anger him. Smith could target Crabtree 3-5 times a game and make Crabtree get 1-3 catches to satisfy him a little all the while ignoring him otherwise.

#3: John Harbaugh. Tied into point #1, if Crabtree doesn't work hard and the other receivers are obviously working much harder, I don't think Harbaugh has any qualms about starting somebody else and bumping Crabtree down. Don't forget that Harbaugh did not draft Crabtree and that Crabtree was a WR drafted from another regime. If other WRs happen to catch Harbaugh's eyes, I think that could quickly change Crabtree's status both on the team and in relation to the WR depth chart as well. Also his lack of ST versatility confines him only to a WR role so Harbaugh could eventually look for a strong group of WRs who can specialize both as receivers and chip in on ST.
Alex Smith is fighting for his job, especially since the new coach drafted a QB. I don't think Smith will intentionally cut his own throat by intentionally ignoring Crabtree. He does that and he'll lose the job quick.
 
I don't like Crabtree for reasons others have stated. However, if enough other owners in my leagues also have soured on him, he may drop far enough that I could see myself grabbing him as a flyer at the end of my bench. There is a chance that he gets his act together and puts up respectable wr3 numbers with a shot a low-end wr2 numbers. That is a guy I'd like to have at the end of my bench. But chances are someone will grab him long before I would.

Generally speaking he reminds me of a former 49er who did nothing but tease for years.... Lloyd. Not super fast. Not overly dedicated. Good (in the case of Lloyd, great) hands. If Crabtree shows signs of life at some point this season, I would dangle an offer to his owner.

 

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