Niners offseason thread (1 Viewer)

[derek19]

Is there a consensus on whether Alex Smith has a legit shot to compete in camp? Also, will they draft a QB in the 1st? I ask because the position seems to be one not talked about much but is imperative with the young receivers.

As derek19 said, Hill supposedly has not looked so great. I know Andy and others have done mocks with San Francisco taking a qb but with so many holes I just don't see that happening.Imo this is Alex Smiths' job to lose. The Yorks want to get something resembling their money's worth. And again, imo, there is some vague, very slight, but real reason to still have some hope for the kid. But with their o-coordinator I'm very skeptical.

I have trouble seeing this. How will fans/observers/teammates react if Smith gets off to a bad start (again)? Hill has led the team to strong finishes each of the last two years. I think it'd be hard to justify at least not giving Hill the first crack at the job. Smith won't have enough credibility with the team to come in until it's been proven Hill can't do the job.

In 2007, he started 2-1 before he getting smashed by a 400lb doughnut. Seemed to be a good start to me.

 

[drummer]

Is there a consensus on whether Alex Smith has a legit shot to compete in camp? Also, will they draft a QB in the 1st? I ask because the position seems to be one not talked about much but is imperative with the young receivers.

As derek19 said, Hill supposedly has not looked so great. I know Andy and others have done mocks with San Francisco taking a qb but with so many holes I just don't see that happening.Imo this is Alex Smiths' job to lose. The Yorks want to get something resembling their money's worth. And again, imo, there is some vague, very slight, but real reason to still have some hope for the kid. But with their o-coordinator I'm very skeptical.

I have trouble seeing this. How will fans/observers/teammates react if Smith gets off to a bad start (again)? Hill has led the team to strong finishes each of the last two years. I think it'd be hard to justify at least not giving Hill the first crack at the job. Smith won't have enough credibility with the team to come in until it's been proven Hill can't do the job.

In 2007, he started 2-1 before he getting smashed by a 400lb doughnut. Seemed to be a good start to me.

 

[Bri]

from SF chronicle

Three former starting players will not be participating in this week's two-day minicamp on Friday and Saturday, an indication that they do not figure in the 49ers' plans for this season even though all three are under contract. They are:

-- Tackle Jonas Jennings, whose middle name might as well be "Oft-injured," continues to rehab from a shoulder injury early in the 2008 season. He has missed 42 games since coming to the 49ers as a free agent in 2005. Waiving Jennings would save the 49ers $3.1 million against the salary cap.

-- Free safety Mark Roman, a starter since coming to the 49ers in 2006. He has not had an interception the last two seasons. Third-year player Dashon Goldson is expected to take Roman's place in the starting lineup. The 49ers have told Roman he is free to seek a trade. He counts $1.425 million against the salary cap this season.

-- Wide receiver Isaac Bruce, 36, has not decided whether he will return for a 16th season in '09. This is the last of a two-year contract Bruce signed with the 49ers in 2008. His salary cap number this season is $2 million.

If Bruce decides to retire, the 49ers might take a look at another former Rams wide receiver in Torry Holt, released by St. Louis last week. There is some interest in Holt on the 49ers' part but only at the right price.

 

[AnonymousBob]

I'm sure the preseason will determine which qb wins the job but if Hill keeps looking as terrible as he has in practice and Smith looks respectable I'm confident Alex would be the starter...Hill has done a good job but not so good a job he should be the automatic starter to begin the year...

 

[drummer]

I'm sure the preseason will determine which qb wins the job but if Hill keeps looking as terrible as he has in practice and Smith looks respectable I'm confident Alex would be the starter...Hill has done a good job but not so good a job he should be the automatic starter to begin the year...

Then that would be the first mistake of McSing.

 

[thecatch]

I'm sure the preseason will determine which qb wins the job but if Hill keeps looking as terrible as he has in practice and Smith looks respectable I'm confident Alex would be the starter...Hill has done a good job but not so good a job he should be the automatic starter to begin the year...

If Hill hasn't done enough to earn the spot, then Smith doesn't deserve to be on the roster. When he's played, Hill has been far better than Smith ever has been. I think it'd be a huge mistake to bench Hill based on poor practice performance again, when Hill now has enough NFL starts under his belt to show that he's a capable starter.

 

[derek19]

I think Alex Smith has a higher ceiling than Hill.

Also, here is the video from singletary speaking at the '49ers state of the franchise'

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80ec9b64

 

[derek19]

Niners getting new uni's in 2009.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers...g%20and%20Q%26A

Rumor is they are going to go back to the old school colors. The winning colors..

 

[AnonymousBob]

The Niners brought in Marvel Smith...there are rumors he's already failed physicals for other teams.

There is also a rift between the FO and the coaching staff...though it seems it's an assistant that's having a problem and not Singletary himself.

 

[drummer]

The Niners brought in Marvel Smith...there are rumors he's already failed physicals for other teams.There is also a rift between the FO and the coaching staff...though it seems it's an assistant that's having a problem and not Singletary himself.

Oddly enough, Warner just had hip surgery, even though the 49ers made an "offer" to him supposedly after a physical in SF. The "rift" stems from some assistants being left in the dark over FA's signed, like the recent scrub at WR. Oddly enough, when Singletary was deciding on his new OC, he asked his assistants for input. You will see more continued buffoonery in Santa Clara this season. That's what the 49ers get for having such inexperience in the FO.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Niners getting new uni's in 2009.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers...g%20and%20Q%26A

Rumor is they are going to go back to the old school colors. The winning colors..

Sweet.

 

[AnonymousBob]

The Niners brought in Marvel Smith...there are rumors he's already failed physicals for other teams.There is also a rift between the FO and the coaching staff...though it seems it's an assistant that's having a problem and not Singletary himself.

Oddly enough, Warner just had hip surgery, even though the 49ers made an "offer" to him supposedly after a physical in SF. The "rift" stems from some assistants being left in the dark over FA's signed, like the recent scrub at WR. Oddly enough, when Singletary was deciding on his new OC, he asked his assistants for input. You will see more continued buffoonery in Santa Clara this season. That's what the 49ers get for having such inexperience in the FO.

The alleged rift seems to be over the fact the coaches (or this one coach?) wasn't told about Huard being brought in nor did they think Jones was worth the money we paid...the popular guess for this whiny coach is Jerry Sullivan, the wr coach and a Nolan holdover.I think SF knew they had a very slim chance to land Warner and were mostly driving up the price to AZ.This hasn't been an amazing season for FA's but if they're going to bring in a lineman I would've liked to see them pony up the cash for Barnes...a decent player at worst but injuries are not a concern with the guy and he's still only 26. He'd help the team more than Marvel and give us more draft flexibility imo. Who do you guys want to see us draft in the first round?I'd love to see them grab Raji if he fell, and if he's not there go with Andre/Oher/Crabtree.

 

[derek19]

I'd like to see 1. Crabtree 2. Ray-ray 3. Andre smith

From what I've been reading from the beat writers, McSing didn't tell anyone they were planning on signing brandon jones because they didn't want it to leak out what they were going to do at the start of the FA. But who knows. 49ers has many leaks. Someone leaked Nolan was going to be fired after the Seahawks game, so they had to do it before. Someone also leaked Singletary was planning on getting rid of Martz.

 

[derek19]

Lots of talk about the new, more intimidating grass hill that is being contsructed at the 49ers' facility. The hill - perhaps 25 feet high and pretty darn steep - is Singletary's brainchild and is part of the "excellence through hard work" message he is pounding into his team this offseason. Asked if he had a name for the hill, which is two weeks away from being ready for use, Singletary said: Pain.

LOVE IT!!http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers...g%20and%20Q%26A

 

[derek19]

some more mini camp updates.

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/0...t-minicamp.html

Good to see Davis stepping up as a leader.

 

[AnonymousBob]

The Razor (I forget his real name) had an interview with Singletary...he kept asking about Warner and other things...Singletary absolutely owned him. Mike refused to talk about the past and flat out told the Razor he doesn't care about Warner, he only wants to talk about certain things.

I've listened to Razor quite a bit over the years and he's an obnoxious, annoying idiot. It was GREAT to hear Singletary dominate him.

Here's the link for those that want to listen.

http://www.knbr.com/common/global_audio/201/5608.mp3

 

[AnonymousBob]

The Niners have given Bruce a deadline of April 1st to decide whether he'll retire. If he does retire Josh Morgan is expected to have a great chance to become the #1 wr.

Alex Smith was just cleared to practice and while both qb's are expected to be a bit rusty at this point, Smith is missing the wr's deep and Hill is just floating everything.

The Niners made an offer to Marvel Smith...he's currently mulling it over.

 

[drummer]

The Razor (I forget his real name) had an interview with Singletary...he kept asking about Warner and other things...Singletary absolutely owned him. Mike refused to talk about the past and flat out told the Razor he doesn't care about Warner, he only wants to talk about certain things.

I've listened to Razor quite a bit over the years and he's an obnoxious, annoying idiot. It was GREAT to hear Singletary dominate him.

Here's the link for those that want to listen.

http://www.knbr.com/common/global_audio/201/5608.mp3

Barbieri asked him relevant questions, ones that still hang over the FO. Those questions need to be answered from somebody in the hierarchy, and since Sing is the Head Coach, as well as what other powers he holds (which was one of Razor's points), I for one as a fan of the team would have liked to hear Sing's point on all of it. To avoid them is bullcrap. For a coach who is supposedly tough, he refused to answer tough questions, as painful as those questions may be.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Marvel Smith did sign with the team so *if* the line can stay healthy we actually have a solid o-line!

Alex Smith has been struggling in camp. Of course he's expected to be rusty coming back from surgery but sources have said he's been throwing wobbly ducks.

There was a rumor the Niners were interested in Quinn, but the SF brass recently came out and squashed any whispers.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Here's fuel for the Niner stereotypes but it's something that makes me proud as a fan:

Diversity/Journal Ad at the Commercial Closet Association's Images in Advertising Awards ceremony. The ad, which ran in the GLAAD Media Awards books, states "The San Francisco 49ers are proud supporters of the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards."

"In addition to our sponsorship of the GLAAD Media Awards dinner, we are also proud sponsors of the San Francisco Pride Parade. And our 49ers Foundation financially supports the San Francisco LGBT Center. Each year, the owners of the San Francisco 49ers, over the past four seasons, have created a special LGBT fan appreciation event in San Francisco" said Lisa Lang, vice-president of communications for the San Francisco 49ers.

As a side note, the 49ers have been offering same-sex domestic partner benefits to all their associates since 1997, making them the only NFL team to do so.

Commercial Closet Association advocates for advertising that respects the diversity of all, specifically gender identity/expression and sexual orientation, for a more accepting society and better business results.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Old man Bruce did decide to return to SF for one more year.

 

[AnonymousBob]

I snipped this from a Niners forum...Our roster thus far:

QB:

1 Shaun Hill

2 Alex Smith

3 Damon Huard

RB:

1 Frank Gore

2 Michael Robinson

3 Mark Clayton or (Draft ?)

FB:

1 Moran Norris

2 Zak Keasey

TE:

1 Vernon Davis

2 Delanie Walker

3 J.J. Finley

WR:

1 Issac Bruce

2 Arnaz Battle

3 Josh Morgan

4 Jason Hill

5 Brandon Jones

6 Dominique Ziegler

7 Mark Bradford

8 Micheal Spurlock

9 Maurice Price

T:

1 (L) Joe Staley

1 ® Marvel Smith

2 (L) Adam Snyder

2 ® Barry Sims or (Draft ?)

5 ® Jacob Bender

G:

1 ® Chilo Rachal

1 (L) David Baas

2 Tony Wragge

C:

1 Eric Heitman

2 Cody Wallace

OLB:

1 Parys Haralson

1 Manny Lawson

2 (Possible Draft?)

3 Jay Moore

4 Mark Washington

ILB:

1 Patrick Willis

1 Takeo Spikes

2 Jeff Ulbrich

3 Ahmad Brooks

CB:

1 (L) Nate Clements

1 ® Walt Harris

2 ® Shawntae Spencer

2 (L) Tarell Brown

3 Marcus Hudson

FS:

1 Mark Roman

2 Reggie Smith

3 Jimmy Williams

SS:

1 Michael Lewis

2 Dashon Goldson

3 Lewis Baker

(**Goldson will likely be the starter barring a draftpick)

DE:

1 Justin Smith

2 Kentwan Balmer

3 Ray Mcdonald

4 Demetric Evans

NT:

1 Aubrayo Franklin

2 (Draft ?)

3 Isaac Sopoaga

****************

What do you think we need the most help with? A case could be made to take Sanchez but I think the biggest need is a NT. I'd be downright giddy if we were able to land Raji. We do have a lot of holes to fill but imo this is our single biggest need.

I could see them trading down in the draft, but I really don't see them moving up to take anyone.

 

[sentr]

I snipped this from a Niners forum...Our roster thus far:QB:1 Shaun Hill2 Alex Smith 3 Damon HuardRB:1 Frank Gore2 Michael Robinson3 Mark Clayton or (Draft ?)FB:1 Moran Norris2 Zak KeaseyTE:1 Vernon Davis2 Delanie Walker3 J.J. Finley WR:1 Issac Bruce2 Arnaz Battle3 Josh Morgan4 Jason Hill5 Brandon Jones6 Dominique Ziegler7 Mark Bradford8 Micheal Spurlock9 Maurice PriceT:1 (L) Joe Staley1 ® Marvel Smith2 (L) Adam Snyder2 ® Barry Sims or (Draft ?)5 ® Jacob BenderG:1 ® Chilo Rachal1 (L) David Baas2 Tony WraggeC: 1 Eric Heitman2 Cody WallaceOLB:1 Parys Haralson1 Manny Lawson2 (Possible Draft?)3 Jay Moore4 Mark WashingtonILB:1 Patrick Willis1 Takeo Spikes2 Jeff Ulbrich3 Ahmad BrooksCB: 1 (L) Nate Clements1 ® Walt Harris2 ® Shawntae Spencer2 (L) Tarell Brown3 Marcus HudsonFS: 1 Mark Roman2 Reggie Smith3 Jimmy WilliamsSS:1 Michael Lewis2 Dashon Goldson3 Lewis Baker(**Goldson will likely be the starter barring a draftpick)DE: 1 Justin Smith2 Kentwan Balmer3 Ray Mcdonald4 Demetric EvansNT: 1 Aubrayo Franklin2 (Draft ?)3 Isaac Sopoaga****************What do you think we need the most help with? A case could be made to take Sanchez but I think the biggest need is a NT. I'd be downright giddy if we were able to land Raji. We do have a lot of holes to fill but imo this is our single biggest need.I could see them trading down in the draft, but I really don't see them moving up to take anyone.

D line is a must- we can either go end or tackle, but D line is an absolute must. BTW, Hill should be the opening day starter and let him have a chance to continue what he has started. I'd rather see us struggle with him than give Smith another snap on the field- the guy is gutless and scared. No amount of experience or additional playing time is going to change who he is...he just doesn't have what it takes to be a quality pro. Period.

 

[thecatch]

Goldson is slotted as the starting FS, not the SS, I believe.

 

[thecatch]

DE: 1 Justin Smith2 Kentwan Balmer3 Ray Mcdonald4 Demetric EvansNT: 1 Aubrayo Franklin2 (Draft ?)3 Isaac Sopoagaquote]D line is a must- we can either go end or tackle, but D line is an absolute must.

I'm not too convinced of this. They could definitely stand to upgrade at NT, but they should be set at DE and Franklin played decently down the stretch.

 

[Fanatics]

I agree our defense needs DL help but the biggest needs for the niners for the past few years has been obviously offense. When you have a castoff player, years from his glory days, leading the WR corps (and he is better than everyone else by a mile), you need help at that position. Then QB must be addressed some time but recent 1st round QB history worries me.

Also, you can improve your defense by sustaining drives and that is something the niners have had trouble doing the past few years, they were better with Hill at QB late in the season. But, get another weapon or two on offense and this could just improve the defensive QB pressure due to fresher legs. It has seemed for the past two seasons for sure, the niners defense starts games very strong but 2nd & 4th Quarters are a nightmare.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Goldson is slotted as the starting FS, not the SS, I believe.

You are correct. Nice catch.

 

[AnonymousBob]

I agree our defense needs DL help but the biggest needs for the niners for the past few years has been obviously offense. When you have a castoff player, years from his glory days, leading the WR corps (and he is better than everyone else by a mile), you need help at that position. Then QB must be addressed some time but recent 1st round QB history worries me.Also, you can improve your defense by sustaining drives and that is something the niners have had trouble doing the past few years, they were better with Hill at QB late in the season. But, get another weapon or two on offense and this could just improve the defensive QB pressure due to fresher legs. It has seemed for the past two seasons for sure, the niners defense starts games very strong but 2nd & 4th Quarters are a nightmare.

Crabtree would be a great pick for us but I don't know I'm that comfortable with any of the other guys going that early.

 

[JAA]

niners need to stay away from the 1st round Rashuan Woods ...

 

[Fanatics]

I agree our defense needs DL help but the biggest needs for the niners for the past few years has been obviously offense. When you have a castoff player, years from his glory days, leading the WR corps (and he is better than everyone else by a mile), you need help at that position. Then QB must be addressed some time but recent 1st round QB history worries me.Also, you can improve your defense by sustaining drives and that is something the niners have had trouble doing the past few years, they were better with Hill at QB late in the season. But, get another weapon or two on offense and this could just improve the defensive QB pressure due to fresher legs. It has seemed for the past two seasons for sure, the niners defense starts games very strong but 2nd & 4th Quarters are a nightmare.

Crabtree would be a great pick for us but I don't know I'm that comfortable with any of the other guys going that early.

I agree and I do not believe he will be there, I know stranger things have happened, but I don't see that happening. I believe they should try to trade back if Crabtree is not available and maybe pick up an extra pick or two. Although, I do like Jeremy Maclin's speed and 6'1" frame...they do need a WR that can stretch the field a bit. BTW, I am not crazy about drafting OL in the 1st round as it usually takes 3-4 years to groom them and then they are free-agents, I would rather sign the adults and let some one else raise the kids.JAA, I agree with you and you can also throw in JJ Stokes, who I believe was a #10 overall pick.

 

[sentr]

I agree our defense needs DL help but the biggest needs for the niners for the past few years has been obviously offense. When you have a castoff player, years from his glory days, leading the WR corps (and he is better than everyone else by a mile), you need help at that position. Then QB must be addressed some time but recent 1st round QB history worries me.Also, you can improve your defense by sustaining drives and that is something the niners have had trouble doing the past few years, they were better with Hill at QB late in the season. But, get another weapon or two on offense and this could just improve the defensive QB pressure due to fresher legs. It has seemed for the past two seasons for sure, the niners defense starts games very strong but 2nd & 4th Quarters are a nightmare.

Crabtree would be a great pick for us but I don't know I'm that comfortable with any of the other guys going that early.

I agree and I do not believe he will be there, I know stranger things have happened, but I don't see that happening. I believe they should try to trade back if Crabtree is not available and maybe pick up an extra pick or two. Although, I do like Jeremy Maclin's speed and 6'1" frame...they do need a WR that can stretch the field a bit. BTW, I am not crazy about drafting OL in the 1st round as it usually takes 3-4 years to groom them and then they are free-agents, I would rather sign the adults and let some one else raise the kids.JAA, I agree with you and you can also throw in JJ Stokes, who I believe was a #10 overall pick.

That's why I say defense with the early pick - it just seems that it's a harder miss than some other positions- (WR's that early kinda' scare me). While it's not impossible and I would certainly admit that there are no guarantees with any player, D line seems to hit more than miss once the work is done. I have always been more of a proponent of taking the more proven players, and letting someone else pay huge sums to a Rookie in that guessing game. The Smith pick a few years back really hurt, and that was a terrible draft to be saddled with the #1 overall pick. I remember our draft party in Orlando that year and me screaming at the TV to not pick Smith....anyone else woudn't have set us back so far. He, along with our front office at the time, have done a lot of damage to the franchise and it's time we start to move the other direction.

 

[JAA]

JAA, I agree with you and you can also throw in JJ Stokes, who I believe was a #10 overall pick.

Thanks for the non-flame reply, though my comment was pretty tongue in cheek. I say that because I thought Woods was an excellent prospect. IIRC I had him rated the 1st or 2nd best WR in the class. Hi sbody of work, measurables, all there. In the end, he didnt work out. I think the same thing is happening with V Davis. I dont remember Stokes in college, though I know he was a bust.Not a niners fan, but you guys need some 'football players'. Not knowing Mike S that well, but I think hes the right guy for the job and is going to find some good players for you.please beat dallas

 

[facook]

After looking at that depth chart, here's my wish list:

1. WR Crabtree

2. DT Raji

3. DE Maybin

4. DE Orakpo

5. RT Andre Smith

6. RT Michael Oher

Admittedly Crabtree should be gone (though I heard McShay make a compelling argument today as to why Crabtree might make it to 10). Raji almost HAS to be gone. Which probably leaves us with Maybin. I'd be happy with him as the rush end opposite Manny Lawson. Pretty swift pass rushers off the edge.

I wouldn't cry if they somehow drafted Sanchez, but just doesn't seem like what the 49ers need is to be staring at ANOTHER 4 years of rebuilding.

 

[AnonymousBob]

I agree our defense needs DL help but the biggest needs for the niners for the past few years has been obviously offense. When you have a castoff player, years from his glory days, leading the WR corps (and he is better than everyone else by a mile), you need help at that position. Then QB must be addressed some time but recent 1st round QB history worries me.Also, you can improve your defense by sustaining drives and that is something the niners have had trouble doing the past few years, they were better with Hill at QB late in the season. But, get another weapon or two on offense and this could just improve the defensive QB pressure due to fresher legs. It has seemed for the past two seasons for sure, the niners defense starts games very strong but 2nd & 4th Quarters are a nightmare.

Crabtree would be a great pick for us but I don't know I'm that comfortable with any of the other guys going that early.

I agree and I do not believe he will be there, I know stranger things have happened, but I don't see that happening. I believe they should try to trade back if Crabtree is not available and maybe pick up an extra pick or two. Although, I do like Jeremy Maclin's speed and 6'1" frame...they do need a WR that can stretch the field a bit. BTW, I am not crazy about drafting OL in the 1st round as it usually takes 3-4 years to groom them and then they are free-agents, I would rather sign the adults and let some one else raise the kids.JAA, I agree with you and you can also throw in JJ Stokes, who I believe was a #10 overall pick.

They already have two guys that can stretch the field in Jason Hill and the Titans wr they signed. Those two run 4.3 or so. Teams just don't let top quality o-linemen hit the FA. Generally speaking, if you want an elite tackle you have to draft one. Which is why I'd love to see us get Smith or Oher. I don't believe Marvel will hold up for the whole season.I'd love to see them land Raji, Andre Smith, or Oher. If those three are all gone and we can't trade down, I wouldn't mind them reaching on somebody like Rey. It seems Singletary likes the kid and while Spikes has been solid enough, it would be an upgrade imo. Haralson, Willis, Mauluga (sp?), and Lawson would give us a lot of flexibility.I'm not wild about any of the non-Crabtree wr's, and maybe I just haven't seen enough film but Orakpo doesn't wow me. We desperately need safety so maybe Jenkins could work.

 

[AnonymousBob]

I agree our defense needs DL help but the biggest needs for the niners for the past few years has been obviously offense. When you have a castoff player, years from his glory days, leading the WR corps (and he is better than everyone else by a mile), you need help at that position. Then QB must be addressed some time but recent 1st round QB history worries me.Also, you can improve your defense by sustaining drives and that is something the niners have had trouble doing the past few years, they were better with Hill at QB late in the season. But, get another weapon or two on offense and this could just improve the defensive QB pressure due to fresher legs. It has seemed for the past two seasons for sure, the niners defense starts games very strong but 2nd & 4th Quarters are a nightmare.

Crabtree would be a great pick for us but I don't know I'm that comfortable with any of the other guys going that early.

I agree and I do not believe he will be there, I know stranger things have happened, but I don't see that happening. I believe they should try to trade back if Crabtree is not available and maybe pick up an extra pick or two. Although, I do like Jeremy Maclin's speed and 6'1" frame...they do need a WR that can stretch the field a bit. BTW, I am not crazy about drafting OL in the 1st round as it usually takes 3-4 years to groom them and then they are free-agents, I would rather sign the adults and let some one else raise the kids.JAA, I agree with you and you can also throw in JJ Stokes, who I believe was a #10 overall pick.

That's why I say defense with the early pick - it just seems that it's a harder miss than some other positions- (WR's that early kinda' scare me). While it's not impossible and I would certainly admit that there are no guarantees with any player, D line seems to hit more than miss once the work is done. I have always been more of a proponent of taking the more proven players, and letting someone else pay huge sums to a Rookie in that guessing game. The Smith pick a few years back really hurt, and that was a terrible draft to be saddled with the #1 overall pick. I remember our draft party in Orlando that year and me screaming at the TV to not pick Smith....anyone else woudn't have set us back so far. He, along with our front office at the time, have done a lot of damage to the franchise and it's time we start to move the other direction.

We still have the same front office. Our GM is no Pioli.

 

[dongarisano]

What the Niners desperately need is for all of Vernon Davis' potential to finally pan out. Physically, the guy is a monster, and should be the best all-around tight end in the game, he just can't put it together on the field. Frank Gore is nasty, but outside of that, the offense lacks punch at all. They need some playmakers badly. Tip to the Yorks: SPEND SOME DAMN MONEY! The Niners have some solid pieces on defense. They have good corners that would be much better with a good safety over the top, and they happen to have the best defensive player in the game in Willis. They just need a quarterback not names Shaun Hill or Alex Smith.

 

[JAA]

Why arent the niners in the running for Boldin, Edwards, CJ? I see maybe not Boldin since hes with the Cards, but the other FA WRs?

 

[thecatch]

They already have two guys that can stretch the field in Jason Hill and the Titans wr they signed. Those two run 4.3 or so. Teams just don't let top quality o-linemen hit the FA. Generally speaking, if you want an elite tackle you have to draft one. Which is why I'd love to see us get Smith or Oher. I don't believe Marvel will hold up for the whole season.I'd love to see them land Raji, Andre Smith, or Oher. If those three are all gone and we can't trade down, I wouldn't mind them reaching on somebody like Rey. It seems Singletary likes the kid and while Spikes has been solid enough, it would be an upgrade imo. Haralson, Willis, Mauluga (sp?), and Lawson would give us a lot of flexibility.I'm not wild about any of the non-Crabtree wr's, and maybe I just haven't seen enough film but Orakpo doesn't wow me. We desperately need safety so maybe Jenkins could work.

Although I think Maualuga is probably a luxury they can't afford unless he grades out as by far the best player available. Orakpo strikes me as a Quentin Groves-type player, but maybe I'm way off on that.

 

[AnonymousBob]

What the Niners desperately need is for all of Vernon Davis' potential to finally pan out. Physically, the guy is a monster, and should be the best all-around tight end in the game, he just can't put it together on the field. Frank Gore is nasty, but outside of that, the offense lacks punch at all. They need some playmakers badly. Tip to the Yorks: SPEND SOME DAMN MONEY! The Niners have some solid pieces on defense. They have good corners that would be much better with a good safety over the top, and they happen to have the best defensive player in the game in Willis. They just need a quarterback not names Shaun Hill or Alex Smith.

Who do you think SF should have spent money on this offseason? They landed a couple quality pieces (Evans, Marvel) that imo were great signings. Who else should they have gone after??There weren't any top quality safeties available to sign. Should SF signed Housh? Meh, maybe, but we already have an older version of him in Bruce. I do wish we would make an offer to snag Boldin, Braylon, or OchoCinco. Vernon is a bust. Singletary will likely get all he can out of the guy but he just cannot put it together on the field - he's scared of getting hit. His hands aren't terrible but they're not that great and he gets spooked if he hears footsteps. The funny thing is, he's an incredible blocker. I mean this kid is good. IIRC, he's even said a few times he believes he could play Tackle.His combine bench press rated much higher than a lot of offensive linemen so maybe if he packed on a few pounds that wouldn't be as crazy a statement as it sounds.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Why arent the niners in the running for Boldin, Edwards, CJ? I see maybe not Boldin since hes with the Cards, but the other FA WRs?

Good question.

 

[thecatch]

Vernon is a bust. Singletary will likely get all he can out of the guy but he just cannot put it together on the field - he's scared of getting hit. His hands aren't terrible but they're not that great and he gets spooked if he hears footsteps. The funny thing is, he's an incredible blocker. I mean this kid is good. IIRC, he's even said a few times he believes he could play Tackle.His combine bench press rated much higher than a lot of offensive linemen so maybe if he packed on a few pounds that wouldn't be as crazy a statement as it sounds.

Allegedly he's shed some muscle this year to try and improve his flexibility so he can be a better receiver. I'm a little worried this won't improve his hands and will make him a worse blocker, though.

 

[RUSF18]

Vernon is a bust. Singletary will likely get all he can out of the guy but he just cannot put it together on the field - he's scared of getting hit. His hands aren't terrible but they're not that great and he gets spooked if he hears footsteps. The funny thing is, he's an incredible blocker. I mean this kid is good. IIRC, he's even said a few times he believes he could play Tackle.His combine bench press rated much higher than a lot of offensive linemen so maybe if he packed on a few pounds that wouldn't be as crazy a statement as it sounds.

Have they ever tried using him in more of a FB/H-back type role?

 

[AnonymousBob]

Vernon is a bust. Singletary will likely get all he can out of the guy but he just cannot put it together on the field - he's scared of getting hit. His hands aren't terrible but they're not that great and he gets spooked if he hears footsteps. The funny thing is, he's an incredible blocker. I mean this kid is good. IIRC, he's even said a few times he believes he could play Tackle.His combine bench press rated much higher than a lot of offensive linemen so maybe if he packed on a few pounds that wouldn't be as crazy a statement as it sounds.

Allegedly he's shed some muscle this year to try and improve his flexibility so he can be a better receiver. I'm a little worried this won't improve his hands and will make him a worse blocker, though.

I share your concern. It seems they've taken away from what he excels at for the gamble (and a lousy chance imo) that it will somehow equal improved catching ability. I don't know how reduced muscle mass will help him hold onto the ball when he's about to get hit but if Singletary is pushing for it I'll hope he really does know what the Hell he's doing...

 

[AnonymousBob]

Vernon is a bust. Singletary will likely get all he can out of the guy but he just cannot put it together on the field - he's scared of getting hit. His hands aren't terrible but they're not that great and he gets spooked if he hears footsteps. The funny thing is, he's an incredible blocker. I mean this kid is good. IIRC, he's even said a few times he believes he could play Tackle.His combine bench press rated much higher than a lot of offensive linemen so maybe if he packed on a few pounds that wouldn't be as crazy a statement as it sounds.

Have they ever tried using him in more of a FB/H-back type role?

Not that I'm aware.

 

[Loopdog]

pictures of their new uniforms leaked. Looks like the Giants red jersey. Another boring choice. Who designs these NFL uniforms anyway? They keep getting worse and worse.

http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/thread.p...&start=1305

 

[AnonymousBob]

The 49ers quarterback situation just got a whole lot more interesting. But it has nothing to do with Kurt Warner, Brady Quinn, Michael Vick, or even Jeff George.

Shaun Hill has announced he is considering growing a mullet.

The online faithful over at Niners Nation caught a remark at the end of Shaun Hill's recent 49ers.com online chat. A fan asked if any of the 49er players planned to continue donning throwback moustaches, as they did the last season's Week 17 win over the Redskins.

"I think we should leave that up to a fan poll! I think people would probably be open to it," Hill responded. Then he drops the bomb.

"I’m considering a mullet – but it takes a lot longer than a ‘stache – even for me."

That is absolutely the best news of the 49ers off-season by far. If Hill is serious about growing a mullet, he should be given the starting quarterback position automatically. Can you imagine Hill out there in this year's neo-retro throwback uniforms, with the 'party in the back' portion of a mullet flopping down past the shoulder pads, Polamalu-style? Are you getting goosebumps envisioning a guy with a no-apologies mullet out there blowing in the Candlestick wind as he bootlegs, play-actions, and quarterback-draws? Would you give just anything on earth to see him "revenge scramble" for seven yards on third-and-three against some hotshot linebacker who had previously pulled him down by his hair? Me too.

 

[AnonymousBob]

I think Alex Smith will win the starting job, but if Hill is going to start rocking the mullet, I'm pretty sure he should be given the job. Mullets, in addition to being totally awesome and kicking major ###, should be good for 1-2 wins a year.

I guess since SF couldn't sign Kurt they decided to have Shaun channel Brenda.

 

[AnonymousBob]

pictures of their new uniforms leaked. Looks like the Giants red jersey. Another boring choice. Who designs these NFL uniforms anyway? They keep getting worse and worse.

http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/thread.p...&start=1305

Meh, they don't look great but I'll wait to judge until I see the whole deal and how it looks on our guys.

 

[Blue-Kun]

The Niners need anyone that can stop people from destroying the QB on a consistent basis. When your teams passing plays end in a sack or interception 12.3% of the time, that's pretty awful. A new WR weapon would help, but I really don't know who would be worthwhile to go after.

 

[Fanatics]

Just posting for anyone interested...

From Matt Maiocco's Blog

The 49ers have nine scheduled picks in the draft. GM Scot McCloughan promised the team will not trade up from No. 10, but they might trade back to acquire more picks. But, then, the 49ers might also trade up later in the draft.

Anyway, let's just assume they will have nine picks. The 49ers are not loaded at any position. Every position group can use some help this weekend:

QB: The top two QBs will be gone, but perhaps some team will want to jump up to No. 10 to get Josh Freeman. The 49ers won't take him at No. 10. The team should get a QB, but they can wait until the mid-rounds. Nate Davis (Ball State) came in for a visit. They did all their homework on Stephen McGee (Texas A&M). Down the road, Tom Brandstater (Fresno State) has NFL size and an NFL arm and might be worth investing a couple years to develop.

RB: It would be a surprise if the 49ers took a runner with the No. 10 pick because this is one of those positions that will yield good talent, probably, into the fifth round. But, let's just say the 49ers were to think about a runner. They would go with Knowshon Moreno over Chris "Beanie" Wells. More realistically, the team will address this area later. Both Mike Singletary and McCloughan told me at the combine that they'd like to get a bigger back to complement Frank Gore. Shonn Greene (Iowa), Andre Brown (North Carolina State) and Rashad Jennings (Liberty) are names that come to mind. If the 49ers want to go with a change-of-pace breakaway threat, there will be some options, too. The 49ers checked out background stuff when they brought in Kory Sheets (Purdue) and Mike Goodson (Texas A&M) for visits.

WR: This is very intriguing. I have every reason to believe the 49ers love Michael Crabtree as a player. (Who doesn't?) Would they take him at No. 10, if he were available? Yes. There might be another receiver the 49ers would consider, too. Jeremy Maclin and Darrius Heyward-Bey have the speed that McCloughan said he covets. All three should be able to help the 49ers in the run game. Crabtree is a good blocker. Maclin and Heyward-Bey can stretch the field to prevent teams from putting an eighth man in the box. But, like in the past, good receivers can be found later, too. Deon Butler (Penn State), Mike Wallace (Mississippi), Johnny Knox (Abilene Christian) and Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers) are all mid-round picks who have no shortage of speed.

TE: The early-round need here is not high. Singletary has very high opinions of Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. But the 49ers lost blocking specialist Billy Bajema in free agency. While they could fill that spot with a castoff from another team, they might also turn to a late-round pick, such as Fresno State's Bear Pascoe, whom I mentioned on Twitter a while back. With a name like "Bear," the man has to be able to block.

OL: From early on, the tackle position figured to be the spot that would interest the 49ers the most with the No. 10 overall pick. Does the acquisition of Marvel Smith change that? Absolutely not. The 49ers put themselves in a bind in recent years because Jonas Jennings could not be relied upon and they really had no great backup plan. The 49ers can't put themselves in that spot again with Marvel Smith and his cranky back. Andre Smith (Alabama) and/or Michael Oher (Mississippi) could be there at No. 10. I think they'd be happy with Smith. He would compete at right tackle in Year 1, then the team would consider whether he'd be better-suited for the left side in the future. Oher is a gifted athlete who could become the best tackle in this class. While I would not at all be surprised if the 49ers took Oher at No. 10 (he's the guy I targeted several weeks ago on the NFL Network), I'm hearing rumblings that it's not automatic. The 49ers spent a lot of time with Oher in the lead-up to the draft, and I'm not sure if that's good or bad. If not in Round 1, the 49ers could find someone for the right side later with Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma) or Robert Brewster (Ball State).

DL: If the 49ers don't take an offensive lineman, they very well might take a defensive lineman. B.J. Raji, right? Not necessarily. Raji has been removed from some draft boards around the league. McCloughan said he has not removed any player from the 49ers' board. But there are enough off-field questions that make me believe the 49ers would not automatically select him. It probably won't come to that, though. Raji, a versatile nose tackle, might not be available when the 49ers select anyway. Keep tabs on defensive end Tyson Jackson (LSU). He has all the attributes the 49ers seek in a player and person. He would strengthen the team's defensive line. He would also help the pass rush in creating a lot of OLB-on-RB matchups. He could play left end, with Isaac Sopoaga bumping inside to the nose. There is a lot of talk now that he could be the Chiefs' pick at No. 3. He's not getting out of the top 10, that's for sure. Instead of Raji or Jackson, the 49ers could go with nose tackle Ron Brace (Boston College) or end Jarron Gilbert (San Jose State) in the second round.

LB: Sure, the 49ers need help at outside linebacker, but just I don't see the 49ers getting a one-dimensional player in the first round when they can select from a bunch of guys in the second, third or fourth rounds. Brian Orakpo (Texas) is a long shot at No. 10, and you can forget about the 49ers taking Aaron Maybin (Penn State) or Everette Brown (Florida State) that high. I'd go so far as to say the 49ers would take inside linebacker Rey Maualuga (USC) -- or even Brian Cushing -- ahead of Maybin or Brown. The 49ers should get an outside pass-rusher and an inside linebacker at some point in the draft. As for the outside guys after the first round, Connor Barwin (Cincinnati), Lawrence Sidbury (Richmond), Cody Brown (Connecticut) and Clint Sintim (Virginia) come to mind.

CB: The 49ers should always be on the lookout for help at corner. They can pick somebody off in the mid-rounds. I don't see Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State) being a real option at No. 10. Jenkins lacks the top-end speed, so he'll be great in certain schemes that play a lot of cover-2. That's not a good fit for the 49ers.

S: Dashon Goldson is slated to start at free safety. If the 49ers don't trade Mark Roman, McCloughan said Roman would be back in training camp to compete for a job. They would like to add a safety to the mix. Darcel McBath (Texas Tech) is a playmaker who should be available in the third or fourth round.

ST: No needs here with Joe Nedney, Andy Lee and Brian Jennings on the job, but players at other positions will be asked to contribute on special teams. They might even get a receiver who can add something in the return game.