Arnaz Battle - Do the Niners View Him as WR1? (1 Viewer)

[Beaumont]

49ers | Lloyd re-signing does not appear imminentThu, 29 Dec 2005 08:44:40 -0800Roger Phillips, of InsideBayArea.com, reports the re-signing of San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Lloyd to a new contract does not appear to be imminent. Asked whether the 49ers were interested in locking up Lloyd as they did WR Arnaz Battle, head coach Mike Nolan said, "We've talked with all the agents. It's a mutual thing. Some of them are more serious about getting something done. Some of them aren't. Some of them want to test out the market." The 49ers will have to decide whether to use the low or high tender to Lloyd before he becomes a restricted free agent after this season.The low tender would mean that the 49ers' compensation if they chose not to match an offer to Lloyd would be a fourth-round pick because he was a fourth-rounder.I find it interesting that they lock up Battle long-term but not Lloyd, even though they are in the same position (RFA after this year).Sure, it may be (is probably) just because Lloyd wants more money. But historically we have discussed how (when he was available) the 49ers wanted to use Battle at the Flanker position, historically the higher scoring position in the 49ers offensive scheme ... indeed, it appears to me that when Battle was reasonably healthy he scored at a slightly higher rate than Lloyd.But if Lloyd signs elsewhere and the 49ers don't match, Battle (who performed reasonably well when healthy) may be the better target (for dynasty purposes?) than Lloyd, although most rankings discuss Lloyd as top 40 and not Battle ---Opinions? Frankly, I would still rather have Battle than Lloyd if both are with the 49ers ... but if Lloyd signs elsewhere, maybe he escapes the offensive morass that is the 49ers?

 

[5Rings]

Lloyd has angered the staff and team with some of his half-arsed alligator arm attempts at passes this year, most notably in the game vs. Chicago when the sight of Mike Brown made him stop his slant pattern on a potential TD (rare) pass. His comments blaming Cody for throwing the ball "too soon" were ridiculous. He's also been blasted by teammates for spending too much time with his off the field pursuits (horrible rap album) instead of improving his game.IMO, Lloyd is one of those ESPN highlight type players, who will make the one handed grab down the sidelines, but will not willingly venture over the middle or provide the RAC that the 49ers version of the WCO requires.BL would be an ideal #3, or #2 WR on a team with a good #1 and TE.Simply put, BL is not a Nolan favorite while Battle is.Nolan and McCarthey have lamented the loss of the "move-the-chains, RAC type" of WR that Battle was when healthy this year. Coupled with his incredible blocking and ability to get downfield, it was not surprising to see them lock him up longterm. Now can he be a #1? On this team he might have to be, seeing as how the draft and FA options are lacking #1 options. IF he can stay healthy, and IF he can continue learning the nuances of the position, sure. But those are two big IFs right now.In a dynasty league, I'd much rather have Battle than BL.

 

[derek19]

Lloyd has angered the staff and team with some of his half-arsed alligator arm attempts at passes this year, most notably in the game vs. Chicago when the sight of Mike Brown made him stop his slant pattern on a potential TD (rare) pass. His comments blaming Cody for throwing the ball "too soon" were ridiculous. He's also been blasted by teammates for spending too much time with his off the field pursuits (horrible rap album) instead of improving his game.

IMO, Lloyd is one of those ESPN highlight type players, who will make the one handed grab down the sidelines, but will not willingly venture over the middle or provide the RAC that the 49ers version of the WCO requires.

BL would be an ideal #3, or #2 WR on a team with a good #1 and TE.

Simply put, BL is not a Nolan favorite while Battle is.

Nolan and McCarthey have lamented the loss of the "move-the-chains, RAC type" of WR that Battle was when healthy this year. Coupled with his incredible blocking and ability to get downfield, it was not surprising to see them lock him up longterm.

Now can he be a #1? On this team he might have to be, seeing as how the draft and FA options are lacking #1 options. IF he can stay healthy, and IF he can continue learning the nuances of the position, sure. But those are two big IFs right now.

In a dynasty league, I'd much rather have Battle than BL.

 

[helix]

SF's #1 WR is not currently on the roster. Maybe Reggie Wayne? We will see.

 

[Bri]

Battle(the guy that's barely played) looks like a polished vet. It's real odd. I don't know if they view him as the #1 but he's the only sure thing they've got. Yeah he may get hurt but otherwise, he's the only WR guaranteed to be good for them next year.Morton could play like an old man. Lloyd well...above.They have some young former QB (Rasheed Mathis?) that they rrrrreally like and probably wanted to develop to pressure Lloyd and Battle but he's still real shakey. I think most teams would take Lloyd for a 4th. That'd be a mistake for the niners IMO.

 

[zamboni]

I agree with others that about really liking him coming into this season, but injuries derailed seeing what he can do.Based on team comments and his being signed to a long contract, clearly team brass knows what he's capable of.

 

[EBF]

I don't think so. My hunch is that Mike Nolan is trying to craft this team in the mold of the Patriots. He's not interested in having high profile superstars as much as he is in having solid players who give good effort. Battle doesn't really have WR1 skills, but he's a quality player, he works hard, and he's versatile. He has the potential to be to this team what David Givens is to the Patriots. I don't think the extension is proof that the staff sees him as a #1 WR, but rather that they think he can help them win games.As for Lloyd, he's somewhat overrated. Everyone knows about the highlight plays, but he's not particularly big, fast, or consistent. On top of that, I don't think he has the type of selfless attitude that Mike Nolan is looking for.

 

[zamboni]

I don't think so. My hunch is that Mike Nolan is trying to craft this team in the mold of the Patriots. He's not interested in having high profile superstars as much as he is in having solid players who give good effort.

Battle doesn't really have WR1 skills, but he's a quality player, he works hard, and he's versatile. He has the potential to be to this team what David Givens is to the Patriots. I don't think the extension is proof that the staff sees him as a #1 WR, but rather that they think he can help them win games.

Fair points, although it sounds a lot like how Hines Ward was viewed by the Steelers. In no way am I implying that Battle will turn out as good as Hines has, but sometimes a receiver that doesn't appear to have WR1 skills can emerge in that role.In any event, it will be interesting to see which WRs the Niners bring in the offseason to pair with Battle (if Lloyd is indeed gone).

 

[tasmansea]

I'm guessing that former 1st round pick Rashaun Woods doesn't fit in the Niners plans for the future. Has Nolan addressed his future at all? If not, any speculation on him or others to lineup with Battle. I'm thinking that the Niners will look for another veteran type WR in the offseason. It will be interesting to see how everything unfolds this offseason, i.e. retain Lloyd, dump Barlow, draft ??, free agency, etc.

 

[Thumper]

I'm guessing that former 1st round pick Rashaun Woods doesn't fit in the Niners plans for the future. Has Nolan addressed his future at all? If not, any speculation on him or others to lineup with Battle. I'm thinking that the Niners will look for another veteran type WR in the offseason. It will be interesting to see how everything unfolds this offseason, i.e. retain Lloyd, dump Barlow, draft ??, free agency, etc.

Battle is in for a big day this week vs Houston.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

what's the latest on Battle ?

I hear Nolan is high on him,

and will insert him as starter

once his knee is better.

Q: When will his knee be better ?

 

[gorf]

what's the latest on Battle ?I hear Nolan is high on him,and will insert him as starteronce his knee is better.Q: When will his knee be better ?

dude, you're no dr. seuss.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

what's the latest on Battle ?I hear Nolan is high on him,and will insert him as starteronce his knee is better.Q: When will his knee be better ?

dude, you're no dr. seuss.

But I DO like Greens Eggs and Ham,I really do like them,Sam I am.

 

[Beaumont]

Who knows how bad Battle's knee is? Brian Gilmore is a sneaky pickup in really deep leagues ...

 

[wraith5]

2005 Game Summary:

Week 13 - Despite being targeted ten times, Gilmore only made one catch for six yards as he replaced the inactive Marty Booker.

He's my super, double-dog secret probation sleeper.

 

[switz]

The answer to the question is NO!

Which is why the 9ers acquired Antonio Bryant.

 

[switz]

article

MOST VALUABLE (OFFENSE): It's only the preseason, but Antonio Bryant looks like a great addition and is clearly the 49ers' best receiver since Terrell Owens.

Nolan said Arnaz Battle remains the No. 2 receiver, followed by Bryan Gilmore, even though Battle has been slowed in camp by knee problems. "He's a lot better now than he was," Nolan said of Battle. "I thought today was the best he's looked. I'm pretty optimistic about where he's headed." Still, Nolan was unsure how much Battle will play in Dallas. ... Nolan avoided answering whether Eric Johnson or rookie Vernon Davis will be the starting tight end. He is able to avoid an answer because most of the time, they are on the field at the same time. ...