*** Official 2011 San Francisco 49ers Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[thecatch]

I have a couple friends who are UNC homers who say they have trouble imagining Quinn playing OLB. I suppose it depends in part on how he tests at the combine in terms of speed and quickness, but he might not be the best fit. If Von Miller is strong enough to get around NFL linemen at his weight, he seems like he'd be a great edge rusher and a solid pick.

In any event, most draft scenarios out there have one of the top 2 3-4 OLBs or CBs available at #7, and I think those are the directions they need to go in.

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

All Niners fans are aware of our QB situation. Smith obviously has not worked out so what are our best options? I've seen and heard all about the interest in Kevin Kolb and he will surely require at least a high 1st round pick to get him. There's several other QB's available in FA or trade. McNabb,Orton,Palmer, V Young(ugh) of which I'm not enamored with any of them. My question is and I'd like to hear you guy's opinions, would the 49ers do justice for themselves by offering up a 2nd round pick for the Packers Matt Flynn? He only played one full game in 2010 against the Patriots and did a decent job. He's only 25.Considering what we've had lately I think he'd be worth taking a shot to get him. We can get an impact defensive player with the 7th pick, either CB, LB(Von Miller), DE(Quinn,Dareus).

So, if we draft defense with the 7 pick would giving a 2nd rounder for Flynn or maybe drafting Andy Dalton in the second be the better way to go for the Niners? We definitely need to search out our QB for the future and I like the Flynn & Dalton prospects. Interested in what you guys think about it.

 

[chinawildman]

I have to be honest, as a longhorn homer, I'm still not opposed to the acquisition of Vince Young. He will come much cheaper than Kolb or Flynn and with low expectations accordingly. It's a worthy gamble much in the way of Mike Vick. I would be interested to see what Harbaugh can do with him. At the least, Young will instantly upgrade the run game AND we would still retain our draft picks. No, I can't really picture him as an effective WCO QB, but before this season, how many people were saying that about Vick? I would be pretty happy with Peterson/Miller/Quinn at 7. Although in the days leading up to the draft, there may be significant buzz about QBs, most likely Cam Newton. I'm hoping some of these QBs will be taken in the top 6, meaning the niners will almost be guaranteed a marquee defensive prospect at 7.

All Niners fans are aware of our QB situation. Smith obviously has not worked out so what are our best options? I've seen and heard all about the interest in Kevin Kolb and he will surely require at least a high 1st round pick to get him. There's several other QB's available in FA or trade. McNabb,Orton,Palmer, V Young(ugh) of which I'm not enamored with any of them. My question is and I'd like to hear you guy's opinions, would the 49ers do justice for themselves by offering up a 2nd round pick for the Packers Matt Flynn? He only played one full game in 2010 against the Patriots and did a decent job. He's only 25.Considering what we've had lately I think he'd be worth taking a shot to get him. We can get an impact defensive player with the 7th pick, either CB, LB(Von Miller), DE(Quinn,Dareus).So, if we draft defense with the 7 pick would giving a 2nd rounder for Flynn or maybe drafting Andy Dalton in the second be the better way to go for the Niners? We definitely need to search out our QB for the future and I like the Flynn & Dalton prospects. Interested in what you guys think about it.

 

[Wingnut]

All Niners fans are aware of our QB situation. Smith obviously has not worked out so what are our best options? I've seen and heard all about the interest in Kevin Kolb and he will surely require at least a high 1st round pick to get him. There's several other QB's available in FA or trade. McNabb,Orton,Palmer, V Young(ugh) of which I'm not enamored with any of them. My question is and I'd like to hear you guy's opinions, would the 49ers do justice for themselves by offering up a 2nd round pick for the Packers Matt Flynn? He only played one full game in 2010 against the Patriots and did a decent job. He's only 25.Considering what we've had lately I think he'd be worth taking a shot to get him. We can get an impact defensive player with the 7th pick, either CB, LB(Von Miller), DE(Quinn,Dareus).So, if we draft defense with the 7 pick would giving a 2nd rounder for Flynn or maybe drafting Andy Dalton in the second be the better way to go for the Niners? We definitely need to search out our QB for the future and I like the Flynn & Dalton prospects. Interested in what you guys think about it.

You want us to give up a 2nd round pick for a QB that was taken in the 7th round because he looked good in his only NFL start in 3 years? Slow down, man...

 

[kface]

All Niners fans are aware of our QB situation. Smith obviously has not worked out so what are our best options? I've seen and heard all about the interest in Kevin Kolb and he will surely require at least a high 1st round pick to get him. There's several other QB's available in FA or trade. McNabb,Orton,Palmer, V Young(ugh) of which I'm not enamored with any of them. My question is and I'd like to hear you guy's opinions, would the 49ers do justice for themselves by offering up a 2nd round pick for the Packers Matt Flynn? He only played one full game in 2010 against the Patriots and did a decent job. He's only 25.Considering what we've had lately I think he'd be worth taking a shot to get him. We can get an impact defensive player with the 7th pick, either CB, LB(Von Miller), DE(Quinn,Dareus).So, if we draft defense with the 7 pick would giving a 2nd rounder for Flynn or maybe drafting Andy Dalton in the second be the better way to go for the Niners? We definitely need to search out our QB for the future and I like the Flynn & Dalton prospects. Interested in what you guys think about it.

You want us to give up a 2nd round pick for a QB that was taken in the 7th round because he looked good in his only NFL start in 3 years? Slow down, man...

Jumping the gun a little here.I think the target, if he's available, has to be Orton. He's still got a couple of good years in him. He's proven himself and he can be had cheaper than kolb who quite frankly has had many games where he doesn't look very good. That way the 49ers can draft someone young, have orton play for 2-3 and then have someone ready to take over. The 49ers can be competitive with Orton...more so than they can be with any of the other qbs listed.Flynn is a pipe dream...just wait another 2 years until his rookie contract is up and sign him cheap if they are so interested...

 

[5Rings]

All Niners fans are aware of our QB situation. Smith obviously has not worked out so what are our best options? I've seen and heard all about the interest in Kevin Kolb and he will surely require at least a high 1st round pick to get him. There's several other QB's available in FA or trade. McNabb,Orton,Palmer, V Young(ugh) of which I'm not enamored with any of them. My question is and I'd like to hear you guy's opinions, would the 49ers do justice for themselves by offering up a 2nd round pick for the Packers Matt Flynn? He only played one full game in 2010 against the Patriots and did a decent job. He's only 25.Considering what we've had lately I think he'd be worth taking a shot to get him. We can get an impact defensive player with the 7th pick, either CB, LB(Von Miller), DE(Quinn,Dareus).

So, if we draft defense with the 7 pick would giving a 2nd rounder for Flynn or maybe drafting Andy Dalton in the second be the better way to go for the Niners? We definitely need to search out our QB for the future and I like the Flynn & Dalton prospects. Interested in what you guys think about it.

You want us to give up a 2nd round pick for a QB that was taken in the 7th round because he looked good in his only NFL start in 3 years? Slow down, man...

Jumping the gun a little here.I think the target, if he's available, has to be Orton. He's still got a couple of good years in him. He's proven himself and he can be had cheaper than kolb who quite frankly has had many games where he doesn't look very good. That way the 49ers can draft someone young, have orton play for 2-3 and then have someone ready to take over. The 49ers can be competitive with Orton...more so than they can be with any of the other qbs listed.

Flynn is a pipe dream...just wait another 2 years until his rookie contract is up and sign him cheap if they are so interested...

I still think Kolb is option A1, JMHO...but I agree 100% on Orton as the best option A2 ahead of Flynn, VY, et al.

 

[thecatch]

One of the ESPN bloggers speculated that Arizona and Minnesota are willing to give a 2012 1st rounder for Kolb. I think that's way too high for him, unless you are sure he's going to put you over the top and turn that pick into a late 1st rounder (Arizona is dreaming if they think Kolb fixes all of their problems). I wouldn't want SF to spend a mid-high 1st on Kolb, and certainly not a 2nd for Flynn.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Jumping the gun a little here.I think the target, if he's available, has to be Orton. He's still got a couple of good years in him. He's proven himself and he can be had cheaper than kolb who quite frankly has had many games where he doesn't look very good. That way the 49ers can draft someone young, have orton play for 2-3 and then have someone ready to take over. The 49ers can be competitive with Orton...more so than they can be with any of the other qbs listed.Flynn is a pipe dream...just wait another 2 years until his rookie contract is up and sign him cheap if they are so interested...

Wait a second, Kolb's issue is he's had bad games but Orton hasn't? C'mon. I'll happily take Kolb. I don't want to pay much for Orton. Neither is worth a first rounder.

 

[Wingnut]

Harbaugh again praises quarterback Alex Smith at fan forum

http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/...?nclick_check=1

During a fan forum Tuesday night, Jim Harbaugh took note that one of his questioners liked quarterback Alex Smith.

"I agree," Harbaugh said. "I like him very much, too."

It marked the latest indication that the 49ers will consider bringing back their incumbent quarterback for a seventh season. Smith is eligible for free agency once the NFL labor situation is resolved and Harbaugh on several occasions has declined to close the door on Smith's return.

When asked Tuesday whether the former No. 1 pick was still in the picture for 2011, the coach replied: "Yes, Alex Smith is definitely in it."

General Manager Trent Baalke was more circumspect during the fan event, talking mostly in general terms about the team's quarterback situation. He said Tuesday that the 49ers would "pursue all avenues" including the draft, trades and free agency "to improve the position."

The answers came during Fan Forum, a conference call in which about 4,000 fans dialed in hoping to address a question to Harbaugh or Baalke. Calls poured in from places like Modesto, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chico and Bend (Ore.) with fans wanting to know how the 49ers' new brain trust planned on ending a cycle of losing.

Some highlights:

Baalke dismissed the opening question about whether the 49ers would consider trading their first-round draft pick (No. 7 overall) for Eagles backup quarterback Kevin Kolb. Baalke noted that tampering rules prevent him from talking about a player under contract.

Harbaugh said the 49ers planned on playing what he called "a multiple 3-4" defense and pointed to the Super Bowl representatives — the Packers and the Steelers -- as examples of what the 49ers are looking for defensively. "Aggressive, physical, smart," Harbaugh said.

On offense, Harbaugh said the current roster is capable of providing a more versatile running game. "It's a group that can be creative," he said. "That's on us as coaches."

The 49ers are essentially crossing their fingers when it comes to a potential NFL lockout. They've created an offseason workout schedule that assumes a deal gets settled quickly. "If not, then we'll roll with it," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh talked extensively about the 49ers legacy he inherits and said he gets chills whenever he sees the five Lombardi Trophies at team headquarters. He said he embraces the high bar set by coaches Bill Walsh and George Seifert and said, "We're not trying to equal it. We're going to try to go past it."

Baalke said he was optimistic that the offensive line could take a leap forward as the current group grows up. "We feel extremely fortunate with where we're at," the G.M. said. "We've got young linemen who are under contract for a long time. We're certainly encouraged by the personnel that we have at those positions."

 

[Wingnut]

Harbaugh promises creative rushing game, plenty of Frank Gore, likes Dixon as Gore's backup

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/201...ugh-promis.html

The 49ers held a fan forum Tuesday night in which fans could ask questions of coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke over the phone. Roughly 4,000 calls were placed, according to the event's host, Joe Fonzi. About 25 callers got through during the hour-long session.

-- On Frank Gore perhaps getting more rest in 2011:

Harbaugh: "Frank Gore - having studied our team, our personnel and other backs across the league - I really think Frank Gore is one of the best running backs in the National Football League, the most complete back. To talk about his carries - Frank Gore's a guy that doesn't want to come out. He wants to be in there every single down. But I believe you make a great point. And that's, can he have more production by coming off the field at times? And I think (Anthony) Dixon did a tremendous job last year. I think his productivity has grown and will be even more elevated this year. So I think he'll be able to take some of those carries. Now Frank may not want to hear that, but I think your point is a valid one. And that's being fresh, alternating backs at times ... But it won't be the type of thing where we're going to have Frank coming off the field too much because he's one of the best backs in the league in my opinion ."

Editorial comment: Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary also talked a lot during the offseason about giving Gore more rest but never followed up on that during the regular season. It was also notable that Harbaugh didn't mention Brian Westbrook, who is scheduled for free agency.

-- Another caller asked Harbaugh if he was going to be more creative in the running game:

Harbaugh: "We have backs that can run a wide variety of running plays in terms of, they can run it between the tackles, we can toss it to them and get it on the edge. We've got offensive linemen that are athletic, that can pull, that can be physical up front. So really we can be creative. We can be creative with the personnel we have offensively. We have tight ends that can set the etc. You talk about Vernon Davis - that is a guy that can control the line of scrimmage and set an edge for you when you want to kick out and run up inside or you want to set the edge and run the ball outside. And all that marries in the play-action game and the passing game."

-- Fonzi asked Harbaugh whether he has been instructing players on the new playbook. The 49ers would face a huge obstacle if an extended lockout begins March 4 and players end up having a limited offseason to learn both a new offensive and defensive playbook.

Harbaugh: "As a coaching staff, we are putting together the playbook and getting things down on paper and getting ready for those minicamps and offseason workouts. But now is the players' time off. They're not required to be here. They're not required to come to meetings or come to workouts until March 14, which is the first day of the offseason training. So to answer your question, no, there's been no meetings or anything of that nature."

Editorial comment: An extended lockout would hurt the 49ers perhaps more than any other team considering they have three new coordinators and perhaps no continuity at quarterback, either.

-- Henry from San Jose - an Alex Smith supporter - asked Harbaugh what he's looking for in a quarterback.

Harbaugh: "First of all, a competitive guy. A winner. Somebody that has great athletic instincts, somebody that is very athletic throwing the ball. A quick-minded guy that can think fast on his feet and make decisions quickly, has leadership ability, understands timing and makes really good decisions. ... I noticed on the board here that you typed in that you really liked Alex Smith, and I agree with you. I like him very much, too."

Editorial comment: Looking at Harbaugh's criteria, Smith is athletic and he mostly has been accurate. But he hasn't exactly been quick-minded, especially when he has been asked to learn new offenses.

 

[Wingnut]

More from the Q&A fan forum

Harbaugh calls himself a historian of the game, which helps explain why the new 49ers coach loves going to the office so much.

"That's one of the coolest things about coming to work every day," Harbaugh said in a telephone forum with select fans Tuesday. "You see the pictures of Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Dwight Clark making the Catch. I honestly get chills every day I walk in here. ... There's five Lombardi Trophies staring you in the face.

"What the heck else would you want it to be?"

Harbaugh's job? Add a sixth Super Bowl trophy to the case, he said. Here are highlights from an hourlong forum among fans, Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke:

Q: What do you look for defensively in the draft?

Baalke: "I think defensive football is all about mentality. We're looking for guys that play with passion, guys that play with energy, that fly around the field. Once we've identified that trait, then we start to look at the skill sets and place a value on them as far as the draft goes. But the first thing we look for are guys who love to play the game."

Q: What will the 49ers' defense look like?

Harbaugh: "Were going to be a multiple 3-4 defense, and when I say multiple in schemes, are we going to be a blitz-type team? Absolutely. Are we going to play coverage? Absolutely. It'll be creative, and it'll be somewhat very similar to what you saw with Green Bay, the Pittsburgh Steelers. That kind of knock-back, up-front things you want to see your defense do.

Q: How will you make the transition from college to the NFL?

Harbaugh: "I understand the challenge. I understand the magnitude of the NFL as a player for 15 years and for two years as an assistant coach. I know how competitive it is and how hard you have to work. I have to be an expert at it. That takes a lot of work. I can promise you this: I'm going to work at it every day. When I'm home, I'm thinking about it. Right before I go to sleep, I'm thinking about. And I'm thinking about it the minute I wake up. I know I have to be good."\

Im lovin that last paragraph.

 

[kface]

Jumping the gun a little here.I think the target, if he's available, has to be Orton. He's still got a couple of good years in him. He's proven himself and he can be had cheaper than kolb who quite frankly has had many games where he doesn't look very good. That way the 49ers can draft someone young, have orton play for 2-3 and then have someone ready to take over. The 49ers can be competitive with Orton...more so than they can be with any of the other qbs listed.Flynn is a pipe dream...just wait another 2 years until his rookie contract is up and sign him cheap if they are so interested...

Wait a second, Kolb's issue is he's had bad games but Orton hasn't? C'mon. I'll happily take Kolb. I don't want to pay much for Orton. Neither is worth a first rounder.

Kolb has played very few full games and had very bad games in those few games. Orton has easily proven himself as a competent qb in this league.Neither is worth a first rounder I agree. I assume that orton can be had for much less than a first.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Harbaugh again praises quarterback Alex Smith at fan forum

I'll say it again - Alex Smith will be back with this team for another year. The CBA is causing a perfect storm.

 

[Wingnut]

Harbaugh again praises quarterback Alex Smith at fan forum

I'll say it again - Alex Smith will be back with this team for another year. The CBA is causing a perfect storm.

yup, pretty much no way around it next season

 

[Dr. Awesome]

On the plus side of things either Alex Smith finally 'gets it' or we'll be in the Luck sweepstakes!

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

Hate to say it but Smith could still be on the roster for '11, but hopefully as only a backup. Is it plausible/possible for the 49ers to pass on a QB in the draft and do what's necessary to get Andrew Luck next year and reunite him with Harbaugh? If they're thinking they wanna wait and go after Luck then surely they'll need a vet for a couple of years. Who would be the best vet QB for them in this situation?

 

[kface]

If they keep smith around and don't end up signing someone like an orton they need to draft a relatively good qb prospect. Harbough must know that it will take a couple of years to get a young qb going and a good portion of this team is aging. The rest of the roster is pretty good right now and with the right qb this team could do some damage. Whereas if he rides alex smith another season, they finish in the lower end (the 49ers have too much talent to be in the luck sweepstakes unless they are willing to make a big trade) draft a questionable qb, develop him for 2-3 years etc...He's all of sudden really putting his nfl record on the line.

 

[5Rings]

On the plus side of things either Alex Smith finally 'gets it' or we'll be in the Luck sweepstakes!

Wishful thinking.Smith is just DeBergish enough to "lead" us to 6-7 victories and a 7-11 draft spot....out of the Luck sweepstakes

 

[Wingnut]

On the plus side of things either Alex Smith finally 'gets it' or we'll be in the Luck sweepstakes!

Wishful thinking.Smith is just DeBergish enough to "lead" us to 6-7 victories and a 7-11 draft spot....out of the Luck sweepstakes

Maybe Luck will pull an Eli Manning move and say he will only play for Harbaugh, and we will get him anyway. HEY I CAN DREAM!!!!

 

[Wingnut]

49ers add Greg Jackson to coaching staff

The San Francisco 49ers made what is likely the final coaching hire Thursday, adding Greg Jackson to the staff as assistant secondary coach.

Jackson, 44, spent the past season as nickel backs/assistant linebackers coach at the University of Wisconsin. Jackson has spent the past eight seasons coaching at the college level, including stints at Tulane, Louisiana-Monroe and Idaho.

Niners coach Jim Harbaugh and Jackson have a connection: They were teammates for two seasons with the San Diego Chargers (1999-2000).

Jackson, a former safety, played 12 years in the NFL. He played for the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and Chargers.

 

[Wingnut]

Heres a good read...

Meet the new Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh still bows to no man or team, though he is being a little quieter about it now that he has the keys to the 49ers kingdom.

Slightly quieter. Or just more subtle about it.

"Probably the smarter thing to do is just lay in the weeds here, sharpen our swords," Harbaugh said with a grin during a long interview in his office Thursday.

But wait. Isn't this the brash coach who declared, in his first days at Stanford four years ago, that he would "bow to no man" or program?

"We won't kiss the ring of anybody about anything," Harbaugh said Thursday with a smile. Then a pause.

"I haven't changed, if that's what you're asking. I don't need to make any statement. But I haven't changed a bit."

Of course not. The 49ers would not want that to happen; Part of the Harbaugh charm and edge is that his confidence flows to all corners of his team.

When Harbaugh is in charge, everybody knows it, and it has usually turned out quite well.

In our 30-minute conversation, Harbaugh repeated his opinion that he can clearly envision Alex Smith competing for the 49ers' starting quarterback role and confirmed that offensive coordinator Greg Roman will be the main play-caller.

Harbaugh also said he and his staff are planning as if there will be no work stoppage next month -- and then will adjust schedules upon further developments, if need be.

But the main theme, I thought, was Harbaugh's tacit acknowledgment that coaching the 49ers is something more than a $25 million lark.

"I understand that it's an important job," Harbaugh said, "and it's important that I be good about it."

There are responsibilities involved and plans for a new stadium at stake, which I think has made Harbaugh just a little more thoughtful about the endeavor.

It's not that Harbaugh worries about the transition from Stanford to the NFL -- not at all. Harbaugh ran a pro-style system at Stanford and logically says that his playbook won't need major tweaks for the NFL.

"I once heard Rodney Dangerfield say: Don't change who you are because of the audience," Harbaugh said. "There's not going to be a dramatic change of who we are, what we believe in, and how we go about it, just because we're going from college to professional football."

The difference is that Harbaugh is now in charge of saving an NFL franchise from the Mike Singletary doldrums, not just beating USC and Cal. That changes things a bit.

After taking the job in early January -- and picking among offers from Michigan, the Dolphins and the chance to stay at Stanford -- Harbaugh seemed calm and settled Thursday.

"I guess just to sum it up, about two months removed here, and I haven't had any remorse about the decision or buyer's remorse," Harbaugh said.

"I can look back on my life and say that hasn't always been the case -- a decision you make or an investment you make or something you do, you look back a week or two later, you go, 'Oooh, why'd I do that?'

"You can relate to that, huh? I feel like this was a great decision, and everything I felt about it while I was making the decision has come true."

Which leads to the quarterback decision, and the fate of Smith, who has tempted and bedeviled this franchise for more than six years now.

Thanks to the labor situation, the 49ers might not have the choices they would have in a normal offseason. If Smith wants to return, he might have a leg up on the job.

Isn't Harbaugh concerned that Smith has already failed so many times with this franchise?

"To me, this goes for all of us -- this is a chance for us to write a new script," Harbaugh said. "For me, for everybody else, that's the approach, the attitude that I'm coming in here with, and I hope everybody else does, as well."

This is also what Harbaugh is making clear: Smith is an option, but not the only option, presuming the 49ers have a shot at a veteran quarterback or two in free agency or can find a good prospect in the draft.

"We'll get the best possible guys we can on the roster and then throw the balls out there and let 'em compete for it," Harbaugh said.

"I don't think starting quarterbacks are anointed. I think that's an earned position. And that's about as much as I can say about it."

That's prudent. That's thoughtful. That is not quite the Jim Harbaugh we always saw at Stanford, but these are different times, and he is running a very different team.

He bows to no man. He just won't announce it as much, at least until he has defeated Pete Carroll a few more times.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Schedule release yesterday. Not an easy road this year:

9/11 Seattle

9/18 Dallas

9/25 @Cinci

10/2 @philly

10/9 Tampa

10/16 @Detroit

BYE

10/30 Cleveland

11/06 Washington

11/13 NY Giants

11/20 Arizona

11/24 @Baltimore

12/4 St.Louis

12/11 @Arizona

12/19 Pitt

12/24 @Seatlle

1/01 @St.Louis

 

[Wingnut]

49ers take Aldon Smith DE, Missouri with pick #7 overall.

Any college fans that can provide some insight?

 

[Twilight]

49ers take Aldon Smith DE, Missouri with pick #7 overall.

Any college fans that can provide some insight?

Jim Harbaugh on Aldon Smith

Here's a summation of Harbaugh's news conference about Aldon Smith:

-Harbaugh touted Aldon Smith's character, calling him "An All-American young man; with great wiring."

-Mindy Bach from Comcast just came into the press room and said when the pick of Aldon Smith was announced to where thousands of fans were assembled at fanfest at the San Jose convention center, there was dead silence.

-Harbaugh said he will not trade Smith, despite the report out of Philly.

-When Harbaugh was asked about Smith's broken leg, he said he could see him limping on tape. It's not surprising, that Harbaugh, who relishes toughness, liked what he saw. "That struck a cord with me," he said. "He was playing on it. He's a strong, tough, guy who loves football."

-Harbaugh had no patience for questions about other players or whether the team entertained trade talks. "That's all irrelevant," he said.

-Harbaugh repeated Smith's ability to stay on his feet a couple of times. "He has great balance."

-Smith will have to earn his spot in the lineup, and with being only 21, there's a question to how much he will contribute this year. Harbaugh said he had the ability to start.

-Harbaugh said Smith will play in a two-point stance, and a three-point stance on passing downs. He will even kick inside on passing downs.

Read more: LINK

 

[Wingnut]

49ers take Aldon Smith DE, Missouri with pick #7 overall.Any college fans that can provide some insight?

when the pick of Aldon Smith was announced to where thousands of fans were assembled at fanfest at the San Jose convention center, there was dead silence.

Harbaugh baffles everyone with this pick

 

[Fullback Fro]

The Niners were a little unlucky of having the 7 pick in a draft with 6 elite prospects. I was hoping Gabbert would go somewhere before 7. Unfortunately he didn't. I was expecting Fairly or Quinn but really, btw those two and Smith, Smith has the least red flags. Still trying to wrap my head around it. I've moved from ambivalence to cautious optimism about this pick..

 

[thecatch]

I'm fine with the pick. Baalke made some comments (quoted in Peter King's column this morning) that appear to hint that he's pursuing some veteran options at QB.

 

[chinawildman]

The more I read about smith the more the pick seems to make sense. After all they were looking for a 3-4 Olb and cb was no longer an option. The mocks all said Quinn in this instance but smith has shown more than Quinn when operating in space.

I do worry that he'll turn into manny Lawson 2.0 however. But teams actually gameplanned for smith whereas Lawson had Mario Williams on the other side. Can't say I'm thrilled w the pick, but I'm just glad they didn't pick gabbert or amukamara.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I don't know enough about Smith to be thrilled or upset. I'll say I have faith Harbaugh will be a good coach so I'm willing to give this pick the benefit of the doubt.

 

[RUSF18]

I'm fine with it too. I think a lot of people (myself included) way overvalued Prince Amukamara which definitely changed things. The gospel, Rich Gosselin, had Smith going #11 so not too far out of left field.

 

[Mark Davis]

I don't like it. As much as I want to be optimistic about it I just don't have a good feeling about it or feel that we maximized our value. If Smith was really the guy the 49ers wanted, and obviously they liked him over Quinn, Bowers, and Gabbert, they should have been prepared to trade back. That is easy to say and finding a partner can be difficult but I don't like the value we got at that slot. I think he would have been available 4-5 picks later and the 49ers seemed to settle on staying there at the 7 slot once Peterson was nabbed at 5. The ideal situation was Peterson falling but realistically they couldn't have counted on that. I really hope it works out and will be pulling for Aldon Smith to prove me wrong.

 

[RUSF18]

Baalke told Maiocco they didn't have a chance to move back. Believe it if you will...

Meanwhile, just tweeted:

@AdamSchefter Adam Schefter

No team has more ammunition than San Francisco. 49ers have 11 picks remaining in the 2011 draft. No other team has more than 9.

 

[Mark Davis]

Baalke told Maiocco they didn't have a chance to move back. Believe it if you will...Meanwhile, just tweetedAdamSchefter Adam SchefterNo team has more ammunition than San Francisco. 49ers have 11 picks remaining in the 2011 draft. No other team has more than 9.

I believe it but I think they should have realized going in they could be in that position at 7 with Peterson off the board and having to either take Smith there or trying to find a last minute trade partner. If they did realize all that and put feelers out even before the draft started I can at least understand then with nobody making an offer. Personally I'd rather them have used another pick or two to attempt to move up to 5 and grab Peterson if the option was taking Smith at 7 because there was nobody wanting to trade up to 7. Again, all speculative and no way to know they didn't do that and the Cardinals wouldn't budge. It may have been a case of just having the wrong slot. I felt like Cleveland robbed Atlanta for the 6th pick.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I don't like it. As much as I want to be optimistic about it I just don't have a good feeling about it or feel that we maximized our value. If Smith was really the guy the 49ers wanted, and obviously they liked him over Quinn, Bowers, and Gabbert, they should have been prepared to trade back. That is easy to say and finding a partner can be difficult but I don't like the value we got at that slot. I think he would have been available 4-5 picks later and the 49ers seemed to settle on staying there at the 7 slot once Peterson was nabbed at 5. The ideal situation was Peterson falling but realistically they couldn't have counted on that. I really hope it works out and will be pulling for Aldon Smith to prove me wrong.

"Value" is incredibly overrated. If Smith pans out, he'll be a great pick. If he doesn't, he won't be. Simple as that.

 

[RUSF18]

Baalke told Maiocco they didn't have a chance to move back. Believe it if you will...Meanwhile, just tweetedAdamSchefter Adam SchefterNo team has more ammunition than San Francisco. 49ers have 11 picks remaining in the 2011 draft. No other team has more than 9.

I believe it but I think they should have realized going in they could be in that position at 7 with Peterson off the board and having to either take Smith there or trying to find a last minute trade partner. If they did realize all that and put feelers out even before the draft started I can at least understand then with nobody making an offer. Personally I'd rather them have used another pick or two to attempt to move up to 5 and grab Peterson if the option was taking Smith at 7 because there was nobody wanting to trade up to 7. Again, all speculative and no way to know they didn't do that and the Cardinals wouldn't budge. It may have been a case of just having the wrong slot. I felt like Cleveland robbed Atlanta for the 6th pick.

You say "you believe it" but then say that they should have tried to move back...which Baalke says they tried, but couldn't do.

 

[Mark Davis]

I don't like it. As much as I want to be optimistic about it I just don't have a good feeling about it or feel that we maximized our value. If Smith was really the guy the 49ers wanted, and obviously they liked him over Quinn, Bowers, and Gabbert, they should have been prepared to trade back. That is easy to say and finding a partner can be difficult but I don't like the value we got at that slot. I think he would have been available 4-5 picks later and the 49ers seemed to settle on staying there at the 7 slot once Peterson was nabbed at 5. The ideal situation was Peterson falling but realistically they couldn't have counted on that. I really hope it works out and will be pulling for Aldon Smith to prove me wrong.

"Value" is incredibly overrated. If Smith pans out, he'll be a great pick. If he doesn't, he won't be. Simple as that.

Yep, and I'm saying I don't think he will be worth the 7th pick once the dust settles. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Mark Davis]

Baalke told Maiocco they didn't have a chance to move back. Believe it if you will...Meanwhile, just tweetedAdamSchefter Adam SchefterNo team has more ammunition than San Francisco. 49ers have 11 picks remaining in the 2011 draft. No other team has more than 9.

I believe it but I think they should have realized going in they could be in that position at 7 with Peterson off the board and having to either take Smith there or trying to find a last minute trade partner. If they did realize all that and put feelers out even before the draft started I can at least understand then with nobody making an offer. Personally I'd rather them have used another pick or two to attempt to move up to 5 and grab Peterson if the option was taking Smith at 7 because there was nobody wanting to trade up to 7. Again, all speculative and no way to know they didn't do that and the Cardinals wouldn't budge. It may have been a case of just having the wrong slot. I felt like Cleveland robbed Atlanta for the 6th pick.

You say "you believe it" but then say that they should have tried to move back...which Baalke says they tried, but couldn't do.

I meant they should have forsaw this occurring, and they may have. What I meant was that I just hope their efforts weren't while they were on the clock and were explored prior to that. I have no doubt at some point they did try to trade down. If they had been exploring this possibility before the draft and simply couldn't find a partner, then that's just the way the chips fell. Here's hoping they were right on Smith.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Yep, and I'm saying I don't think he will be worth the 7th pick once the dust settles. I hope I'm wrong.

Gotcha. I already admitted I know little about Smith so I hope you're wrong as well. In Harbaugh I trust!

 

[Mark Davis]

Yep, and I'm saying I don't think he will be worth the 7th pick once the dust settles. I hope I'm wrong.

Gotcha. I already admitted I know little about Smith so I hope you're wrong as well. In Harbaugh I trust!

I have a lot of faith in Harbaugh, especially when it comes to the QB spot. If he didn't think Gabbert was a fit then I trust he made the right decision to pass there. It should be interesting to see if and when he moves for a QB tonight. Like someone stated earlier, the 49ers have the ammo to move up if they choose to. I don't know if there is a QB out there he likes though or if he is going to try to just muddle through this year with a veteran yet to be named, build up the rest of the team in this draft, then take his QB next year.

 

[Mark Davis]

Yep, and I'm saying I don't think he will be worth the 7th pick once the dust settles. I hope I'm wrong.

Gotcha. I already admitted I know little about Smith so I hope you're wrong as well. In Harbaugh I trust!

I have a lot of faith in Harbaugh, especially when it comes to the QB spot. If he didn't think Gabbert was a fit then I trust he made the right decision to pass there. It should be interesting to see if and when he moves for a QB tonight. Like someone stated earlier, the 49ers have the ammo to move up if they choose to. I don't know if there is a QB out there he likes though or if he is going to try to just muddle through this year with a veteran yet to be named, build up the rest of the team in this draft, then take his QB next year.

This could be it. Interested to see who and what they gave up.

 

[Twilight]

Yep, and I'm saying I don't think he will be worth the 7th pick once the dust settles. I hope I'm wrong.

Gotcha. I already admitted I know little about Smith so I hope you're wrong as well. In Harbaugh I trust!

I have a lot of faith in Harbaugh, especially when it comes to the QB spot. If he didn't think Gabbert was a fit then I trust he made the right decision to pass there. It should be interesting to see if and when he moves for a QB tonight. Like someone stated earlier, the 49ers have the ammo to move up if they choose to. I don't know if there is a QB out there he likes though or if he is going to try to just muddle through this year with a veteran yet to be named, build up the rest of the team in this draft, then take his QB next year.

This could be it. Interested to see who and what they gave up.

Looks like 4th and a 5th to move up.

 

[Faust]

QB Colin Kaepernick is now the future for this organization

 

[Dr. Awesome]

This is the qb everybody says have loads of intangibles, right?

 

[Mark Davis]

Yep, and I'm saying I don't think he will be worth the 7th pick once the dust settles. I hope I'm wrong.

Gotcha. I already admitted I know little about Smith so I hope you're wrong as well. In Harbaugh I trust!

I have a lot of faith in Harbaugh, especially when it comes to the QB spot. If he didn't think Gabbert was a fit then I trust he made the right decision to pass there. It should be interesting to see if and when he moves for a QB tonight. Like someone stated earlier, the 49ers have the ammo to move up if they choose to. I don't know if there is a QB out there he likes though or if he is going to try to just muddle through this year with a veteran yet to be named, build up the rest of the team in this draft, then take his QB next year.

This could be it. Interested to see who and what they gave up.

Looks like 4th and a 5th to move up.

Not a bad price to pay for the distance moved IMO.

 

[Young 8]

QB Colin Kaepernick is now the future for this organization

Is Mike Nolan still running the show ??Seriously, WTF ???

 

[thecatch]

QB Colin Kaepernick is now the future for this organization

Is Mike Nolan still running the show ??Seriously, WTF ???

I trust that they made an informed pick. Harbaugh took a long look at the guy and obviously liked him better than Gabbert/Locker/Dalton/Mallett, etc. The 49ers are paying him a lot of money so he can make QB decisions like this (i.e., finding guys that he can mold outside of the top 10 picks).

 

[5Rings]

QB Colin Kaepernick is now the future for this organization

Is Mike Nolan still running the show ??Seriously, WTF ???

i think smith could be a bigger manny lawson, but I will defer to fangio, as he is the 3-4 rushbackr expert. not thrilled, but open minded.LOVE the Kapernick pick. he was my #2 QB (yah, i know, fwiw ) in this draft. i'm thrilled to get him this late. give him a year (i know it means smith again, sigh) and he will be our first legit qb since #5.getting a cb late was nice, though i prefer kenrick from Hampton. JMO

 

[Dr. Awesome]

QB Colin Kaepernick is now the future for this organization

Is Mike Nolan still running the show ??Seriously, WTF ???

Are you talking about this pick or overall?

 

[Young 8]

QB Colin Kaepernick is now the future for this organization

Is Mike Nolan still running the show ??Seriously, WTF ???

Are you talking about this pick or overall?

Kaepernick, BUST written all overBtw, Stanzi is still available.....

 

[Dr. Awesome]

So a 2nd round qb busts. I trust Harbaugh to be able to make him a serviceable qb.