Official 49ers 2012 thread (1 Viewer)

[ex-ghost]

No news on Smith today? Does signing Gerrard really take him out of the Miami sweepstakes?

 

[drummer]

Now that MIA has signed Garrard, I'd expect no other team to "aggressively pursue" Smith's Game Manager talents now that South Beach is out of the sweepstakes. 2 year at 12 mil Alex. Come crawl back to SF with that on the table. What's that? You're hurt over "loyalty"? What's this class thing everybody thinks about you?

I get the feeling you're a huge fan of Alex.

Well for months I have heard/read how good he is from hacks like Grant Cohn and Matt Maiocco. I'm just shocked at how he is not getting Franchise QB type offers from other teams. Shocked really. Plus now reports of he feeling betrayed by Har-Daddy and Co., like he was promised something makes him look like the baby he was all along. He sure was treated that way this past season. But I'm shocked at all this. Really. I'm not just saying this to keep mcd from getting mad either.

 

[ninerfan]

Smith should be happy the 49ers left their original offer on the table (especially since Miami just signed Garrard). He could have avoided the Peyton Manning drama altogether if he would've just signed his contract when it was offered.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Smith should be happy the 49ers left their original offer on the table (especially since Miami just signed Garrard). He could have avoided the Peyton Manning drama altogether if he would've just signed his contract when it was offered.

That might have had far more to do with his agent, then with him.

 

[drummer]

Smith should be happy the 49ers left their original offer on the table (especially since Miami just signed Garrard). He could have avoided the Peyton Manning drama altogether if he would've just signed his contract when it was offered.

I think he should have not declared himself so happy with it from the beginning, and not let the 49ers dictate his value. To still have the original offer is not a mark of betrayal. It's too generous now given the paucity of demand for Smith in FA.

 

[drummer]

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/03/harbaugh-spends-an-hour-with-alex-smith-monday.html

Jim Harbaugh was seen leaving the team facility around 2 p.m. today, and it is believed that he's the one who extended the olive branch to Smith, who is upset over what he presumably felt was a lower-than-expected offer.

 

[cstu]

Now that MIA has signed Garrard, I'd expect no other team to "aggressively pursue" Smith's Game Manager talents now that South Beach is out of the sweepstakes. 2 year at 12 mil Alex. Come crawl back to SF with that on the table. What's that? You're hurt over "loyalty"? What's this class thing everybody thinks about you?

I get the feeling you're a huge fan of Alex.

Well for months I have heard/read how good he is from hacks like Grant Cohn and Matt Maiocco. I'm just shocked at how he is not getting Franchise QB type offers from other teams. Shocked really. Plus now reports of he feeling betrayed by Har-Daddy and Co., like he was promised something makes him look like the baby he was all along. He sure was treated that way this past season. But I'm shocked at all this. Really. I'm not just saying this to keep mcd from getting mad either.

I take it you're shocked.

 

[drummer]

Now that MIA has signed Garrard, I'd expect no other team to "aggressively pursue" Smith's Game Manager talents now that South Beach is out of the sweepstakes. 2 year at 12 mil Alex. Come crawl back to SF with that on the table. What's that? You're hurt over "loyalty"? What's this class thing everybody thinks about you?

I get the feeling you're a huge fan of Alex.

Well for months I have heard/read how good he is from hacks like Grant Cohn and Matt Maiocco. I'm just shocked at how he is not getting Franchise QB type offers from other teams. Shocked really. Plus now reports of he feeling betrayed by Har-Daddy and Co., like he was promised something makes him look like the baby he was all along. He sure was treated that way this past season. But I'm shocked at all this. Really. I'm not just saying this to keep mcd from getting mad either.

I take it you're shocked.

It's wore off a bit I admit. Unless the 49ers work out Vince Young. Then I'm appalled.

 

[5Rings]

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/03/harbaugh-spends-an-hour-with-alex-smith-monday.html

Jim Harbaugh was seen leaving the team facility around 2 p.m. today, and it is believed that he's the one who extended the olive branch to Smith, who is upset over what he presumably felt was a lower-than-expected offer.

It is lower than what Flynn signed for. Smith will be OK, its not like the Niners were trying to dance with a mediocre QB. It was Peyton ####### Manning, one of the top 5 qbs ever. Smith has grown a hard bark over the years, he'll be fine.

 

[footballnerd]

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/03/harbaugh-spends-an-hour-with-alex-smith-monday.html

Jim Harbaugh was seen leaving the team facility around 2 p.m. today, and it is believed that he's the one who extended the olive branch to Smith, who is upset over what he presumably felt was a lower-than-expected offer.

It is lower than what Flynn signed for. Smith will be OK, its not like the Niners were trying to dance with a mediocre QB. It was Peyton ####### Manning, one of the top 5 qbs ever. Smith has grown a hard bark over the years, he'll be fine.

well obviously no one else is going to pay him what he wants, so he just needs to sign and fill his role until Kap gets it together. MIA prob was bringing him in to compete with Moore, meaning no guarantee to start, he has a starting spot here.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Smith should be happy the 49ers left their original offer on the table (especially since Miami just signed Garrard). He could have avoided the Peyton Manning drama altogether if he would've just signed his contract when it was offered.

But now that Peyton Manning isn't coming to SF, what are their alternatives to Smith? Trade for Tebow? LOL! He just went from being the odd man out to holding all the leverage in the negotiations.

 

[footballnerd]

Smith should be happy the 49ers left their original offer on the table (especially since Miami just signed Garrard). He could have avoided the Peyton Manning drama altogether if he would've just signed his contract when it was offered.

But now that Peyton Manning isn't coming to SF, what are their alternatives to Smith? Trade for Tebow? LOL! He just went from being the odd man out to holding all the leverage in the negotiations.

who's gonna pay him more than our offer? MIA just signed Mr. Pefect

 

[Wingnut]

Schefter reported earlier that the Niners were one of the teams interested in Tebow....then a couple hours later, he tweeted to scratch them off the list. While aquiring Tebow wouldnt have been to let him compete for the starting QB job, I do think hed be good in short yardage and red zone/goal line packages. If he could be had for a 5th or 6th round pick as is being reported, why not?

Thoughts?

On the same subject, yesterday a buddy and I were talking about Tebow and where he might end up...I immediately said no way would he want to be in San Fran with all the "alternative lifestyle" types running around. I think his head might explode. lol

 

[CalBear]

Schefter reported earlier that the Niners were one of the teams interested in Tebow....then a couple hours later, he tweeted to scratch them off the list. While aquiring Tebow wouldnt have been to let him compete for the starting QB job, I do think hed be good in short yardage and red zone/goal line packages. If he could be had for a 5th or 6th round pick as is being reported, why not?Thoughts?

The Niners already have Tebow on their roster (Kapernick). Kapernick is actually a better runner than Tebow and is probably at least as good a passer.

 

[Wingnut]

Schefter reported earlier that the Niners were one of the teams interested in Tebow....then a couple hours later, he tweeted to scratch them off the list. While aquiring Tebow wouldnt have been to let him compete for the starting QB job, I do think hed be good in short yardage and red zone/goal line packages. If he could be had for a 5th or 6th round pick as is being reported, why not?Thoughts?

The Niners already have Tebow on their roster (Kapernick). Kapernick is actually a better runner than Tebow and is probably at least as good a passer.

Yup. I wonder if we might see Kaep in those situations this season. We cant get much worse on 3rd down and in the red zone, so why not give it a shot? If it doesnt work, we are no worse off than we were.

 

[drummer]

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/03/harbaugh-spends-an-hour-with-alex-smith-monday.html

Jim Harbaugh was seen leaving the team facility around 2 p.m. today, and it is believed that he's the one who extended the olive branch to Smith, who is upset over what he presumably felt was a lower-than-expected offer.

It is lower than what Flynn signed for. Smith will be OK, its not like the Niners were trying to dance with a mediocre QB. It was Peyton ####### Manning, one of the top 5 qbs ever. Smith has grown a hard bark over the years, he'll be fine.

Thing is, even if he crawls back to SF, he isn't guaranteed to be the starter for the remainder of the contract. Maybe not even this season since he will have to compete for it. The market really did show his value as a starting QB in the NFL. SEA flirted with the idea of Smith, but if they think Flynn has more upside to not steal Smith from a division rival....I dunno why people think Smith has all the leverage in SF. He has a generous offer from SF on the table. 3 years for 24 Mil is more than what I would offer him. Especially for a placeholder for the QBOTF, whoever that is. Like I said earlier in this thread, I think they can get 17 tds out of Kaep or even Tolzien easy. Will they throw more INTS? Sure, but so would Smith. I'll take a few more INTs if it meant a better RZ and 3rd down stat, which the 49ers were horrid in last season with Smith. The passing offense was anemic. Smith can't play small ball anymore, and the pressure is really gonna be on Smith this season to improve.

He needs SF more than SF needs him. Pretty obvious how many other NFL teams need him as well.

 

[drummer]

Schefter reported earlier that the Niners were one of the teams interested in Tebow....then a couple hours later, he tweeted to scratch them off the list. While aquiring Tebow wouldnt have been to let him compete for the starting QB job, I do think hed be good in short yardage and red zone/goal line packages. If he could be had for a 5th or 6th round pick as is being reported, why not?Thoughts?

The Niners already have Tebow on their roster (Kapernick). Kapernick is actually a better runner than Tebow and is probably at least as good a passer.

Yup. I wonder if we might see Kaep in those situations this season. We cant get much worse on 3rd down and in the red zone, so why not give it a shot? If it doesnt work, we are no worse off than we were.

Some fans are wondering how Tebow would fit in a "progressive" city like SF. Well, that wouldn't matter since the 49ers in 2 years would be the San Jose 49ers anyway.

 

[Wingnut]

Alex and Niners agree on deal. Michael Lombardi just tweeted.

 

[drummer]

Alex and Niners agree on deal. Michael Lombardi just tweeted.

Like he was gonna go anywhere else? Nice "holdout" Smith.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal.

And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

 

[RUSF18]

Interesting to read that only $1MM is guaranteed to Smith if he's not on the roster come 4/1/13.

 

[5Rings]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal.

 

[thecatch]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal. And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

 

[BaBastage]

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I picked up on that too. Interesting.

 

[Wingnut]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal. And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

Im calling it now, Kaep will be the starter in 2013.

 

[footballnerd]

Johnson, 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, was barely noticed out of Oakland Technical High School in 2003. Besides St. Mary's, which has since abandoned its program, USD was the only school to recruit him. Johnson led the nation in passing efficiency his last two years, throwing 43 touchdowns and one interception as a senior.

In Johnson's junior season at the Division I-AA school, Harbaugh declared that he was the best quarterback in college football, even better than Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, the eventual Heisman Trophy winner.

"I've watched Troy Smith play," Harbaugh said. "Our guy's better."

In July, during the NFL lockout, Johnson openly talked about playing for the 49ers even as he had a year left on his contract with the Buccaneers.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/03/22/SP571NOTE6.DTL#ixzz1py0DBd7k

 

[Wingnut]

Johnson, 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, was barely noticed out of Oakland Technical High School in 2003. Besides St. Mary's, which has since abandoned its program, USD was the only school to recruit him. Johnson led the nation in passing efficiency his last two years, throwing 43 touchdowns and one interception as a senior.

In Johnson's junior season at the Division I-AA school, Harbaugh declared that he was the best quarterback in college football, even better than Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, the eventual Heisman Trophy winner.

"I've watched Troy Smith play," Harbaugh said. "Our guy's better."

In July, during the NFL lockout, Johnson openly talked about playing for the 49ers even as he had a year left on his contract with the Buccaneers.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/03/22/SP571NOTE6.DTL#ixzz1py0DBd7k

Just for sheets and giggles, heres the last 12 Heisman winners

2000: QB Chris Weinke / Florida State

2001: QB Eric Crouch / Nebraska

2002: QB Carson Palmer / USC

2003: QB Jason White / Oklahoma

2004: QB Matt Leinart / USC

2005: RB Reggie Bush / USC

2006: QB Troy Smith / Ohio State

2007: QB Tim Tebow / Florida

2008: QB Sam Bradford / Oklahoma

2009: TB Mark Ingram / Alabama

2010: QB Cameron Newton / Auburn

2011: QB Robert Griffin / Baylor

A lot of whiffs in that list.

 

[5Rings]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal. And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I don't see it that way. Johnson was signed in big reason because he was familiar with Harbaugh's system, and therefore would not need the reps to learn the system. The extra reps will go to Kap. I see this as a boost to Kap, and like Wingnut, I also see him starting in 2013.

 

[5Rings]

Man, I don't get this "Coby Fleener in the 1st" business. Sure, he ran a 4.45 at pro-day. Sure, he's from Stanford. But he's a TE, and we have one of the best in teh business already! I think people are taking this "lets copy the NE 2 TE style" a bit too far.

I much prefer a (CB, OL, WR, or DL) Gilmore, Brockers, Glenn, Martin, Wright, Konz, etc...

 

[thecatch]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal. And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I don't see it that way. Johnson was signed in big reason because he was familiar with Harbaugh's system, and therefore would not need the reps to learn the system. The extra reps will go to Kap. I see this as a boost to Kap, and like Wingnut, I also see him starting in 2013.

We'll see in the preseason. If Johnson comes in and lights it up and Kaepernick is still struggling, Kaepernick will get pushed to 3rd and QB3s never receive many in season reps. Not saying it will happen, but there is definitely more pressure on Kaepernick now.

 

[thecatch]

Man, I don't get this "Coby Fleener in the 1st" business. Sure, he ran a 4.45 at pro-day. Sure, he's from Stanford. But he's a TE, and we have one of the best in teh business already! I think people are taking this "lets copy the NE 2 TE style" a bit too far.I much prefer a (CB, OL, WR, or DL) Gilmore, Brockers, Glenn, Martin, Wright, Konz, etc...

Disagree. They need offensive weapons - if they can't land a marquee WR, a second elite receiving TE will do most of the same things. I have no problem copying NEs approach there. Walker is a better receiving backup TE than most teams have, but he certainly isn't a weapon on the caliber of Gronk or Hernandez.

 

[Wingnut]

Man, I don't get this "Coby Fleener in the 1st" business. Sure, he ran a 4.45 at pro-day. Sure, he's from Stanford. But he's a TE, and we have one of the best in teh business already! I think people are taking this "lets copy the NE 2 TE style" a bit too far.I much prefer a (CB, OL, WR, or DL) Gilmore, Brockers, Glenn, Martin, Wright, Konz, etc...

Disagree. They need offensive weapons - if they can't land a marquee WR, a second elite receiving TE will do most of the same things. I have no problem copying NEs approach there. Walker is a better receiving backup TE than most teams have, but he certainly isn't a weapon on the caliber of Gronk or Hernandez.

I think you could put 8 elite receivers in the mix, but will Alex be able to find them? Hes not the type who progresses through his reads very well. He seems to look to his first, then second receiver (sometimes), then takes a sack, runs, throws it away, or ends with an incompletion. I cant count how many times Ive seen an open guy somewhere on the field that Alex never even saw because he was locked on someone else. Hes not the type that will pick apart a defense if given time to sit in the pocket.That said, Alex has never had a bunch of actual receiving weapons around him, so maybe thats what he needs. I know one thing though, he was sacked a league-high 44 times last year. We need to shore up the OL for sure, although I think we can do that outside the first round. Of course, many of those sacks were a result of guys not getting open, and when someone WAS open, Alex not being able to find them. Somethings gotta give.2011 QB sacks:

1.	Alex Smith · SFO	442.	Tarvaris Jackson · SEA	423.	Blaine Gabbert · JAX	40 	Ben Roethlisb · PIT	405.	Mark Sanchez · NYJ	396.	Sam Bradford · STL	36 	Matt Moore · MIA	36 	Aaron Rodgers · GNB	36 	Tony Romo · DAL	        36 	Matthew Stafford · DET	36

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Man, I don't get this "Coby Fleener in the 1st" business. Sure, he ran a 4.45 at pro-day. Sure, he's from Stanford. But he's a TE, and we have one of the best in teh business already! I think people are taking this "lets copy the NE 2 TE style" a bit too far.I much prefer a (CB, OL, WR, or DL) Gilmore, Brockers, Glenn, Martin, Wright, Konz, etc...

Delaine Walker is a fa after the season.

The 49ers ran 43 percent of their plays this season with two or more tight ends, compared to a league average of 26 percent, according to STATS LLC.

I'm not gushing over Fleener like some others but I think he'll be a welcome addition and a very good fit.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

The 49ers ran 43 percent of their plays this season with two or more tight ends, compared to a league average of 26 percent, according to STATS LLC.

That's more than any other team in the league. So really you could say it's other teams that are copying us!

 

[5Rings]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal.

And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I don't see it that way. Johnson was signed in big reason because he was familiar with Harbaugh's system, and therefore would not need the reps to learn the system. The extra reps will go to Kap. I see this as a boost to Kap, and like Wingnut, I also see him starting in 2013.

We'll see in the preseason. If Johnson comes in and lights it up and Kaepernick is still struggling, Kaepernick will get pushed to 3rd and QB3s never receive many in season reps. Not saying it will happen, but there is definitely more pressure on Kaepernick now.

I don't think it matters what Johnson does in preseason. Kap will get his reps as QBOTF.

 

[drummer]

Man, I don't get this "Coby Fleener in the 1st" business. Sure, he ran a 4.45 at pro-day. Sure, he's from Stanford. But he's a TE, and we have one of the best in teh business already! I think people are taking this "lets copy the NE 2 TE style" a bit too far.I much prefer a (CB, OL, WR, or DL) Gilmore, Brockers, Glenn, Martin, Wright, Konz, etc...

Disagree. They need offensive weapons - if they can't land a marquee WR, a second elite receiving TE will do most of the same things. I have no problem copying NEs approach there. Walker is a better receiving backup TE than most teams have, but he certainly isn't a weapon on the caliber of Gronk or Hernandez.

I think you could put 8 elite receivers in the mix, but will Alex be able to find them? Hes not the type who progresses through his reads very well. He seems to look to his first, then second receiver (sometimes), then takes a sack, runs, throws it away, or ends with an incompletion. I cant count how many times Ive seen an open guy somewhere on the field that Alex never even saw because he was locked on someone else. Hes not the type that will pick apart a defense if given time to sit in the pocket.That said, Alex has never had a bunch of actual receiving weapons around him, so maybe thats what he needs. I know one thing though, he was sacked a league-high 44 times last year. We need to shore up the OL for sure, although I think we can do that outside the first round. Of course, many of those sacks were a result of guys not getting open, and when someone WAS open, Alex not being able to find them. Somethings gotta give.2011 QB sacks:

1.	Alex Smith · SFO	442.	Tarvaris Jackson · SEA	423.	Blaine Gabbert · JAX	40 	Ben Roethlisb · PIT	405.	Mark Sanchez · NYJ	396.	Sam Bradford · STL	36 	Matt Moore · MIA	36 	Aaron Rodgers · GNB	36 	Tony Romo · DAL	        36 	Matthew Stafford · DET	36

Many of those sacks are attributed to Smith. He also gets an insane amount of batted balls for a Vet QB as well. Martz's offense had them at 55 sacks in a year. Harbaugh is far removed from that offense.

 

[Wingnut]

Man, I don't get this "Coby Fleener in the 1st" business. Sure, he ran a 4.45 at pro-day. Sure, he's from Stanford. But he's a TE, and we have one of the best in teh business already! I think people are taking this "lets copy the NE 2 TE style" a bit too far.I much prefer a (CB, OL, WR, or DL) Gilmore, Brockers, Glenn, Martin, Wright, Konz, etc...

Disagree. They need offensive weapons - if they can't land a marquee WR, a second elite receiving TE will do most of the same things. I have no problem copying NEs approach there. Walker is a better receiving backup TE than most teams have, but he certainly isn't a weapon on the caliber of Gronk or Hernandez.

I think you could put 8 elite receivers in the mix, but will Alex be able to find them? Hes not the type who progresses through his reads very well. He seems to look to his first, then second receiver (sometimes), then takes a sack, runs, throws it away, or ends with an incompletion. I cant count how many times Ive seen an open guy somewhere on the field that Alex never even saw because he was locked on someone else. Hes not the type that will pick apart a defense if given time to sit in the pocket.That said, Alex has never had a bunch of actual receiving weapons around him, so maybe thats what he needs. I know one thing though, he was sacked a league-high 44 times last year. We need to shore up the OL for sure, although I think we can do that outside the first round. Of course, many of those sacks were a result of guys not getting open, and when someone WAS open, Alex not being able to find them. Somethings gotta give.2011 QB sacks:

1.	Alex Smith · SFO	442.	Tarvaris Jackson · SEA	423.	Blaine Gabbert · JAX	40 	Ben Roethlisb · PIT	405.	Mark Sanchez · NYJ	396.	Sam Bradford · STL	36 	Matt Moore · MIA	36 	Aaron Rodgers · GNB	36 	Tony Romo · DAL	        36 	Matthew Stafford · DET	36

Many of those sacks are attributed to Smith. He also gets an insane amount of batted balls for a Vet QB as well. Martz's offense had them at 55 sacks in a year. Harbaugh is far removed from that offense.

I'll agree with this. And while less sacks than the Martz year, its still most in the league last season...so it needs to be addressed. We all know Martz's system forgoes protection for fireworks. His QBs always get killed.

 

[Wingnut]

Brandon Jacobs signed to a 1 year deal.

 

[goldenchild]

http://www.pittgazette.cjb.net/sports/nfl/2012/04/49ers-deal-mike-wallace/

April fools?

 

[Fodasme69]

http://www.pittgazette.cjb.net/sports/nfl/2012/04/49ers-deal-mike-wallace/April fools?

Fake cant click on sign in links. Try harder next time.

 

[Faust]

Draft needs: San Francisco 49ers

By Pete Prisco | CBSSports.com Senior NFL Columnist

The San Francisco 49ers went 13-3 in 2011, finished seconds away from the Super Bowl, and made the front office look as if it got it right by hiring Jim Harbaugh as coach.

It will be hard to top last season, but the 49ers are again expected to be a Super contender. They have a top defense. They can run the ball. But to get to the next level, they have to throw the football better.

The 49ers were eighth in rushing offense and 29th in passing. That has to be more balanced if the 49ers are to avoid a sophomore slump for Harbaugh.

Alex Smith is back as the quarterback after flirting with Peyton Manning. Smith played better last season under Harbaugh, but he has to be more aggressive.

If the passing game doesn't improve, the 49ers will be a candidate to be the 2012 step-back team.

QB: The 49ers flirted with getting Manning, but in the end they will be back with Smith under center. Smith is coming off his best season as a pro, but he has to do more if this team is going to be a Super Bowl team. Smith must be more aggressive down the field. Second-year player Colin Kaepernick is the backup, although Josh Johnson signed as a free agent. Johnson played quarterback for Harbaugh at the University of San Diego, so there is some comfort there.

RB: Frank Gore is a tough runner who is a perfect fit for the 49ers run-oriented offense. He is a good inside-the-tackles runner. Backup Kendall Hunter showed well as a rookie. He's a little quicker than Gore, so he offers a nice change of pace. Anthony Dixon is a power back. The fullback is Bruce Miller, a bruising lead blocker. The 49ers are set in the backfield.

WR: This is a team looking for more from the receiver spot. Michael Crabtree hasn't lived up to the expectations. He's more of a possession receiver than a guy who will stretch the field. That's why the 49ers signed Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. If Moss has anything left, he will help the deep game. That's a big if. Manningham is more of a No. 3 receiver. Kyle Williams, the goat of the NFC Championship Game loss, was coming on in the second half of the season as a receiver and will be in the mix again. He does have speed.

TE: Vernon Davis is one of the best receiving tight ends in the game. His play in the playoffs shows just what he can do. He is a vertical threat who creates big-time mismatches for the opposition. The 49ers split him out like a receiver a lot. Delanie Walker is the move tight end and a valuable part of the offense. He is great as a blocker on the teams' "wham" plays.

OL: The offensive line excels in the run game. They are built for this offensive style, but have issues at times in pass protection. The tackles are solid in Joe Staley and Anthony Davis. Center Jonathan Goodwin did a nice job in his first season with the team. Left guard Mike Iupati is a powerful run blocker who excels at pulling. He sometimes has trouble in pass protection. The weak link of the team was right guard Adam Snyder, but he signed with Arizona. That leaves a hole, but Daniel Kilgore is ready to step in. Chilo Rachal might also be brought back as a free agent. He started there some last season. Alex Boone is the top backup at tackle.

DL: This is one of the team's strong points. In fact, the line is one of the best in the NFL. It starts with end Justin Smith, a force as a 3-4 end. He is stout against the run, but he's also a good pass rusher. He plays hard all the time. Ray McDonald, the other end, isn't far behind. He might be the most underrated player in the league. Nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga is a load against the run, but doesn't offer much in terms of pressure. Second-year rusher Aldon Smith plays both outside linebacker and puts his hand on the ground at times. Ricky Jean-Francois is a top backup, but they need more depth.

LB: Smith showed his pass-rush abilities last year as a rookie, getting (12) sacks and showing off an explosive first step. He should be even better as a 3-4 rush linebacker. The other outside linebacker is Ahmad Brooks, who the team re-signed as a free agent. He is a good pass rusher as well. The heart of the defense is inside where Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman form the best inside tandem in the NFL. Willis is the best of the two, but Bowman really came on in 2011. They are both tough against the run, but have the speed to cover the pass, especially Willis. The top backup outside is Parys Haralson. The 49ers added Tavares Gooden as a free agent on the inside.

DB: The 49ers secondary was one of the pleasant surprises of 2011. The addition of cornerback Carlos Rogers on a one-year deal paid big dividends, which is why he was re-signed as a free agent. His play did tail off some late last season. Tarrell Brown, the starter on the other side, is a solid player but he was picked on at times. Chris Culliver was the team's nickel corner as a rookie, but might be ready to push Brown for the starting job. The safeties are Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson, two big hitters who improved in coverage last year. Colin Jones and C.J. Spillman are young backups. The only concern with this unit is coverage issues at times and depth.

 

[drummer]

^^^ Nice rundown from Prisco and thanks for the article. More thoughts on it later.

 

[drummer]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal. And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I forget which beat writer who posted this, but he speculated Kaep as possible trade bait. The upcoming draft could get very interesting.

 

[Shrugs]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal. And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I forget which beat writer who posted this, but he speculated Kaep as possible trade bait. The upcoming draft could get very interesting.

No. 30 pick and Kaepernick for Luck?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal.

And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I forget which beat writer who posted this, but he speculated Kaep as possible trade bait. The upcoming draft could get very interesting.

No. 30 pick and Kaepernick for Luck?

KaepernickNo. #30

And the #62. #94.

2013; 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

2014; 1st, 3rd.

That the actual Value Chart cost.

 

[5Rings]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal.

And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I forget which beat writer who posted this, but he speculated Kaep as possible trade bait. The upcoming draft could get very interesting.

No. 30 pick and Kaepernick for Luck?

KaepernickNo. #30

And the #62. #94.

2013; 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

2014; 1st, 3rd.

That the actual Value Chart cost.

..and I'd pay it.

 

[drummer]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal.

And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I forget which beat writer who posted this, but he speculated Kaep as possible trade bait. The upcoming draft could get very interesting.

No. 30 pick and Kaepernick for Luck?

KaepernickNo. #30

And the #62. #94.

2013; 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

2014; 1st, 3rd.

That the actual Value Chart cost.

..and I'd pay it.

I could be wrong, but I think at the time of this posting the 49ers have 4 QB's on the roster in Smith, Tolzien (dunno if he was released), Kaep, and Johnson. Assuming TZ was released, that leaves the other 3. Now I dunno of Smith's current contract has a clause where he can't be traded, but given his contract, the 49ers could release Smith after this season with minimal $$ impact. So it's really a friendly contract as far as the cap ramification. I dunno if he can be traded, but assuming if he could he could be packaged for picks as well. So the 49ers may have two tradeable QB's and looking towards the draft (and just giving Prisco's thoughts on a QB in the draft board), it would be kind of crazy to keep Smith, Kaep, and Johnson. TZ was pretty much inactive last season, and Harbaugh rolled with 2 QB's anyway. Bottom line the QB situation isn't quite settled. I think anything can happen at this point.

 

[johnadams]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal.

And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I forget which beat writer who posted this, but he speculated Kaep as possible trade bait. The upcoming draft could get very interesting.

No. 30 pick and Kaepernick for Luck?

KaepernickNo. #30

And the #62. #94.

2013; 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

2014; 1st, 3rd.

That the actual Value Chart cost.

..and I'd pay it.

I could be wrong, but I think at the time of this posting the 49ers have 4 QB's on the roster in Smith, Tolzien (dunno if he was released), Kaep, and Johnson. Assuming TZ was released, that leaves the other 3. Now I dunno of Smith's current contract has a clause where he can't be traded, but given his contract, the 49ers could release Smith after this season with minimal $$ impact. So it's really a friendly contract as far as the cap ramification. I dunno if he can be traded, but assuming if he could he could be packaged for picks as well. So the 49ers may have two tradeable QB's and looking towards the draft (and just giving Prisco's thoughts on a QB in the draft board), it would be kind of crazy to keep Smith, Kaep, and Johnson. TZ was pretty much inactive last season, and Harbaugh rolled with 2 QB's anyway. Bottom line the QB situation isn't quite settled. I think anything can happen at this point.

QB situation is settled. Nothing more is going to happen on that front unless there's an injury. 2013 will be a different story, but this year, niners are done making moves. Once the season starts, it might get interesting if Harbaugh wants to install an actual NFL offense and Smith struggles, opening the door for Johnson or Kaep, but this is done for now.

 

[drummer]

Ginn is back on a 1 year deal.

And Josh Johnson came aboard on a 2 year deal. Looking forward to people mentioning him as a sleeper because he played for Harbaugh in college.

This might be a sign Kaepernick isn't as close as niner fans would like. And if he gets pushed down to #3 on the depth chart, he's not going to get a ton of developmental reps.

I forget which beat writer who posted this, but he speculated Kaep as possible trade bait. The upcoming draft could get very interesting.

No. 30 pick and Kaepernick for Luck?

KaepernickNo. #30

And the #62. #94.

2013; 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

2014; 1st, 3rd.

That the actual Value Chart cost.

..and I'd pay it.

I could be wrong, but I think at the time of this posting the 49ers have 4 QB's on the roster in Smith, Tolzien (dunno if he was released), Kaep, and Johnson. Assuming TZ was released, that leaves the other 3. Now I dunno of Smith's current contract has a clause where he can't be traded, but given his contract, the 49ers could release Smith after this season with minimal $$ impact. So it's really a friendly contract as far as the cap ramification. I dunno if he can be traded, but assuming if he could he could be packaged for picks as well. So the 49ers may have two tradeable QB's and looking towards the draft (and just giving Prisco's thoughts on a QB in the draft board), it would be kind of crazy to keep Smith, Kaep, and Johnson. TZ was pretty much inactive last season, and Harbaugh rolled with 2 QB's anyway. Bottom line the QB situation isn't quite settled. I think anything can happen at this point.

QB situation is settled. Nothing more is going to happen on that front unless there's an injury. 2013 will be a different story, but this year, niners are done making moves. Once the season starts, it might get interesting if Harbaugh wants to install an actual NFL offense and Smith struggles, opening the door for Johnson or Kaep, but this is done for now.

Yeah, that's why the whole Peyton Manning thing was a ruse.

 

[Shrugs]

So you're saying no Luck but, in 2013, the Niners can trade up for Matt Barkley?