Rookie RB Kendall Hunter, SF (1 Viewer)

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

I'm intrigued by Hunter, in that he works hard and is a "little engine that could" type of RB. But with Gore around for a few more years probably, and the fact that Hunter slipped further than people thought he would in the draft-- is he just a career backup, or can he take over for Gore?

I don't follow the 9'ers much, but what's the talk over there now that the draft dust has settled. Is he just a change of pace guy, or was he drafted to be Gore's heir?

In rookie only drafts I've seen him go late in the first, all the way down into the 3rd round. I just can't get a handle on his value in dynasty leagues.

 

[Zimm]

I really like Hunter he has great potential. He reminds me a bit of B.Westbrook but not quite as quick, He can catch,run inside or outside and can pass protect as a rookie. And on top of that Gore 28 and 1 good smack and he could be done. I was lucky to get Hunter at 1.13.

F.Gore

2006: 313 Carries

2007: 260 Carries

2008: 240 Carries

2009: 229 Carries

2010: 203 Carries

Seems to be a pattern here....

 

[bengalbuck]

I'm not sure what to make of Hunter. On the one hand, San Fran is a pretty great situation for a backup RB. Gore goes down often and when he does, the backup usually puts up good numbers. Plus, there are rumors that Gore is still pretty beat up and might not be 100% to start the season. And again, even if he is healthy now, he probably only has a couple more productive years left. In short, Hunter seems to have landed in the perfect situation.

On the other hand, there's something about the fit that just doesn't quite feel right to me. Harbaugh seems to love the big bruising type backs. He has said he wants a power running game and Hunter just doesn't seem to fit as anything other than a backup or committee guy in that offense. Just a gut feeling, but I think Gore will start the next 2 years but miss a handful of games and Hunter will look good in his chances. But when Gore leaves, it won't be Hunter who steps into the starting role but a bigger, tougher back drafted in 2013.

 

[dmac37]

I'm not sure what to make of Hunter. On the one hand, San Fran is a pretty great situation for a backup RB. Gore goes down often and when he does, the backup usually puts up good numbers. Plus, there are rumors that Gore is still pretty beat up and might not be 100% to start the season. And again, even if he is healthy now, he probably only has a couple more productive years left. In short, Hunter seems to have landed in the perfect situation.

On the other hand, there's something about the fit that just doesn't quite feel right to me. Harbaugh seems to love the big bruising type backs. He has said he wants a power running game and Hunter just doesn't seem to fit as anything other than a backup or committee guy in that offense. Just a gut feeling, but I think Gore will start the next 2 years but miss a handful of games and Hunter will look good in his chances. But when Gore leaves, it won't be Hunter who steps into the starting role but a bigger, tougher back drafted in 2013.

If this were to be the case then that runner may already be on their roster- Dixon. Seems like everyone is down on him after they drafted Hunter(including me) but he sure did look good the few times I saw him last year, mainly in pre season.

 

[Zimm]

Dixon is in line to get snaps at FB....Yeah so i don't even think he is worth a roster spot anymore.

 

[domvin]

Not sure how, but try to watch hunter pass blocking. If you can get your hands on some video somewhere, you have to see that guy stick his nose in LBs and just grind. he's a tough little hombre in pass blocking, and that's one of the main things that keeps rookie rbs off the field-the inability to pass block.

I think Hunter is great value-seeing him last up to 2.5 or so. Plus, Gore is not gonna last much longer.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Not sure how, but try to watch hunter pass blocking. If you can get your hands on some video somewhere, you have to see that guy stick his nose in LBs and just grind. he's a tough little hombre in pass blocking, and that's one of the main things that keeps rookie rbs off the field-the inability to pass block.I think Hunter is great value-seeing him last up to 2.5 or so. Plus, Gore is not gonna last much longer.

Was hoping for mid-2nd and didn't see him go any later than late 1st/early 2nd in any of my PPR dynasty rookie drafts. Would have probably taken him 10th or so.

 

[az_prof]

I don't know anything about his talent as I didn't see him play in college, but I don't like his situation. Gore isn't going anywhere and whoever said he gets hurt often hasn't been paying attention. He has been very durable for a while now. When Gore finally does retire, there may be another back. If I had Gore, I would want Hunter as a handcuff, but I don't see his value beyond that of any handcuff.

 

[FGITLOTR]

I don't know anything about his talent as I didn't see him play in college, but I don't like his situation. Gore isn't going anywhere and whoever said he gets hurt often hasn't been paying attention. He has been very durable for a while now. When Gore finally does retire, there may be another back. If I had Gore, I would want Hunter as a handcuff, but I don't see his value beyond that of any handcuff.

Are you serious? Gore suffered a serious ankle injury two years ago and last year's campaign was derailed by a fractured hip. His lengthy injury history, coupled with his heavy workload the last five or six years, and you are looking at a guy whose production and skills will most likely fall off a cliff either this year or next. As for Hunter, I love his skill set and I'm okay with the Westbrook comparisons, but if Gore goes down I see both Hunter and Dixon sharing the load. Hunter can take it between the tackles, but I'm not sold on him being able to handle a full workload. The bottom line for me is that Frank Gore is a prime candidate to fall out of the top ten RB's by the end of the 2011 season.

 

[az_prof]

I don't know anything about his talent as I didn't see him play in college, but I don't like his situation. Gore isn't going anywhere and whoever said he gets hurt often hasn't been paying attention. He has been very durable for a while now. When Gore finally does retire, there may be another back. If I had Gore, I would want Hunter as a handcuff, but I don't see his value beyond that of any handcuff.

Are you serious? Gore suffered a serious ankle injury two years ago and last year's campaign was derailed by a fractured hip. His lengthy injury history, coupled with his heavy workload the last five or six years, and you are looking at a guy whose production and skills will most likely fall off a cliff either this year or next. As for Hunter, I love his skill set and I'm okay with the Westbrook comparisons, but if Gore goes down I see both Hunter and Dixon sharing the load. Hunter can take it between the tackles, but I'm not sold on him being able to handle a full workload. The bottom line for me is that Frank Gore is a prime candidate to fall out of the top ten RB's by the end of the 2011 season.

As a matter of fact, I am serious. Gore is a warrior. He has played in 84 games in 6 seasons. I call that consistency. He has been his team's unquestioned leader in all of those seasons. He plays hurt. Are you seriously expecting a fourth round pick to displace him? Anyone banking on big rookie production this year is really mistaken because these rookies are missing out on a lot of important off season training and rookies are always a gamble. Hunter is a handcuff.

 

[Warhogs]

I don't know anything about his talent as I didn't see him play in college, but I don't like his situation. Gore isn't going anywhere and whoever said he gets hurt often hasn't been paying attention. He has been very durable for a while now. When Gore finally does retire, there may be another back. If I had Gore, I would want Hunter as a handcuff, but I don't see his value beyond that of any handcuff.

Are you serious? Gore suffered a serious ankle injury two years ago and last year's campaign was derailed by a fractured hip. His lengthy injury history, coupled with his heavy workload the last five or six years, and you are looking at a guy whose production and skills will most likely fall off a cliff either this year or next. As for Hunter, I love his skill set and I'm okay with the Westbrook comparisons, but if Gore goes down I see both Hunter and Dixon sharing the load. Hunter can take it between the tackles, but I'm not sold on him being able to handle a full workload. The bottom line for me is that Frank Gore is a prime candidate to fall out of the top ten RB's by the end of the 2011 season.

Well said. Seems to be a lot of Kendall Hunter owners posting here but I don't understand the Gore goes down a lot comment. Games played the last several seasons:2010 week 12 suffered hip fracture. IR2009 142008 142007 152006 162005 14I like Hunter's situation as a potential replacement for Gore but let's not throw out comments like Gore goes down a lot. It sounds like someone throwing out opinion without doing any research. Gore has been pretty durable in his career.

 

[az_prof]

I don't know anything about his talent as I didn't see him play in college, but I don't like his situation. Gore isn't going anywhere and whoever said he gets hurt often hasn't been paying attention. He has been very durable for a while now. When Gore finally does retire, there may be another back. If I had Gore, I would want Hunter as a handcuff, but I don't see his value beyond that of any handcuff.

Are you serious? Gore suffered a serious ankle injury two years ago and last year's campaign was derailed by a fractured hip. His lengthy injury history, coupled with his heavy workload the last five or six years, and you are looking at a guy whose production and skills will most likely fall off a cliff either this year or next. As for Hunter, I love his skill set and I'm okay with the Westbrook comparisons, but if Gore goes down I see both Hunter and Dixon sharing the load. Hunter can take it between the tackles, but I'm not sold on him being able to handle a full workload. The bottom line for me is that Frank Gore is a prime candidate to fall out of the top ten RB's by the end of the 2011 season.

Well said. Seems to be a lot of Kendall Hunter owners posting here but I don't understand the Gore goes down a lot comment. Games played the last several seasons:2010 week 12 suffered hip fracture. IR2009 142008 142007 152006 162005 14I like Hunter's situation as a potential replacement for Gore but let's not throw out comments like Gore goes down a lot. It sounds like someone throwing out opinion without doing any research. Gore has been pretty durable in his career.

Take a look at other backs. How many backs last six years? I don't know what your standards are but a back who plays in 84 games in six seasons is consistently healthy.

 

[Multiple Scores]

This thread is utterly ridiculous. Gore is taking lots of negative comments while Hunter is reaping praise. Rookie scrub fever is blinding the masses. Gore is a 2nd round dynasty start up pick while Hunter is a 25-30th rounder. Reading the comments here you would think I mixed the names up.

 

[DawnBTVS]

One thing I like that poses well to Hunter's transition into the NFL is that he's a tough runner despite his size. Like MJD, he's not afraid to lay a wallop on a defender whether it be in pass protection or running with the ball in his hands.

 

[daveR]

Hunter might be a "lottery ticket" hoping Gore goes down. Other than that I don't think he puts up any numbers for 2-3 years.

 

[Cleat Spike]

Dixon is in line to get snaps at FB....Yeah so i don't even think he is worth a roster spot anymore.

Yup. It really would be just like fantasy football consensus and pack mentality to have everyone abandoning Dixon at the expense of Hunter as the next RB up if/when Gore goes down. Especially when that next RB was supposed to be Dixon as little as 3 months ago. Then add in word coming out that Dixon was asked to bulked up over 250#s and will now be playing or seeing reps at fullback in a power run game. It would be just like FF for everyone to think Dixon is now no longer worth a roster spot, look toward Hunter as the future...but in time it could be Dixon who's the bell cow RB. I keep thinking of Gerhard when he tore it up at Stanford at 230#s...Dixon's usual weight. A big powerful runner for a big powerful running game and coach. With Gore in the fold, it's the only way to get Dixon on the field at the same time. If Gore is gone or out, Dixon can easily lose the weight back down to 230#. Perhaps Hunter is the 3rd down specialist or perhaps he won't even pan out period.The FF community is now looking one way, but the answer is still right there!

 

[AmosMoses]

I don't know anything about his talent as I didn't see him play in college, but I don't like his situation. Gore isn't going anywhere and whoever said he gets hurt often hasn't been paying attention. He has been very durable for a while now. When Gore finally does retire, there may be another back. If I had Gore, I would want Hunter as a handcuff, but I don't see his value beyond that of any handcuff.

Are you serious? Gore suffered a serious ankle injury two years ago and last year's campaign was derailed by a fractured hip. His lengthy injury history, coupled with his heavy workload the last five or six years, and you are looking at a guy whose production and skills will most likely fall off a cliff either this year or next. As for Hunter, I love his skill set and I'm okay with the Westbrook comparisons, but if Gore goes down I see both Hunter and Dixon sharing the load. Hunter can take it between the tackles, but I'm not sold on him being able to handle a full workload. The bottom line for me is that Frank Gore is a prime candidate to fall out of the top ten RB's by the end of the 2011 season.

As a matter of fact, I am serious. Gore is a warrior. He has played in 84 games in 6 seasons. I call that consistency. He has been his team's unquestioned leader in all of those seasons. He plays hurt. Are you seriously expecting a fourth round pick to displace him? Anyone banking on big rookie production this year is really mistaken because these rookies are missing out on a lot of important off season training and rookies are always a gamble. Hunter is a handcuff.

Not a fan of Hunter, in fact after Gore I don't think SF's next long term RB is on this team (if they ever get another one). Gore is a tough SOB, but I think what people were getting to is that for whatever reason he has a knack for having disastrous injuries. Left ACL tear in 2002 wiped out his season completely. Right ACL tear in 2003 ended that one. Now a broken hip, but not only does he have 7 more years on his body since his last major injury, he has been through quite the punishment since 2003. I don't think it's out of order to question if Gore will be his old self, or if he will stick around much longer.

 

[finito]

I'm not a believer in Hunter, I think once Gore slows down they draft a guy and Hunter remains a part timer.

 

[thecatch]

Dixon is in line to get snaps at FB....Yeah so i don't even think he is worth a roster spot anymore.

I've seen this a couple of times, but I don't buy it (in terms of the position change - not necessarily advocating a FF roster spot for Dixon). Dixon is a big back, but plays a lot smaller than his size would suggest and certainly doesn't have what I would consider a typical fullback mentality.

 

[domvin]

Dixon will get some totes just like harbaugh used marecic this year at stanford.

Someone above stated gore as a second rounder in a dynasty startup, well, hes already 28. No way id take him in the second ahead of a guy like ingram. His life span is likely 2 maybe 3 years before hes done.

I agree that hes a warrior, and theres as price to pay for being that warrior. You cant ever predict injuries, but theres also only so much a body can take. Lets face it, he has had some major injuries, and its accurate to say he is nicked up often. Two knees, a hip now, countless ankle injuries. It takes a toll.

I am usually cautious of rookie fever, i get that from up above.....but I think hunter has some talent here and hes in a good situation. Being able to pass block will get him some pt, and hes certainly more versatile than dixon.

Being a 4th round pick most likely means he was rated as the 3rd, 4th, maybe 5th back on sf's board. Still high enough that they do like him quite a bit.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Love Gore. Had him on my roster. Just won a title last year with him on my roster. Sold him this off season because I think he's about ready to fall off the cliff. I am also a big fan of both of the next in line rooks. I think Dixon was the best SEC rookie RB last year ahead of Tate. I also think Hunter was the most underrated RB in this year's class. I don't honestly have a favorite to take the job when Gore falters, but one of the two is going to score some big fantasy points in the next two years.

 

[footballsavvy]

Gore = Washed Up

No chance he makes it into top 10 runningbacks this season.

This is how batons are passed! You always think there is 1 more year left in the tank for the "Old Stud RB" when usually the first steep statistical dip is the signal to put a fork in them. Go back and look at Shaun Alexander, priest Holmes, Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, and Marshall Faulk. RB's don't end careers with a gradual declination, they go off the cliff.

You guys can gamble that Gore will overcome a broken hip if you want to! The way I read the tea leaves is that when his hip broke, so to did his Dynasty value. If you can get Ingram for him now, jump with both feet.

Gore = 4th round redraft

6th round Dynasty start up

 

[johnadams]

Gore injury history dating back to his college days is extensive. The fact that he's played so many games despite the injury history is a credit to his toughness and one of the reasons he is the heart and soul of the franchise. But the NFL is cruel to RBs once they hit 28 and particularly cruel to those with an injury history. I'd love to see a true legend who has been stuck on some awful teams last a few more seasons, but the reality is he probably won't. Durable is a relative term and here's a rundown of his injuries.

College:

2002: Torn left ACL. Missed entire season

2003: Torn right ACL. Missed most of the season.

2004: Relatively injury free.

2005: Missed two games with groin injury that lingered. Off season shoulder surgery on BOTH shoulders.

2006: Gore's huge year. Mostly healthy with 16 games played.

2007: Broken hand. Missed pre-season.

2008: Injured ankle, missing two games.

2009: Injured ankle, missing two games.

2010: Fractured hip, missing four games.

Keep in mind that these are the injuris that led to surgeries or time missed. And for those counting, that's two knee surgeries, two shoulder surgeries, one fractured hip, two injured ankles, and a broken hand.

There's room in the niners backfield for another back to at least be relevant. Whether that's Hunter or Dixon, whose discussed moved to FB is more about having him on the field and adding versatility than a comment on his RB abilities, remains to be seen. But anyone expecting even another year of top production is not paying attention. 28 yr old RBs with his mileage and injury history have a tendency to drop quickly, not slowly. Never mind 2 or 3 years.

Hunter is a solid second round pick in dynasty drafts when everyone is pretty much a flyer anyway.

 

[zilladog]

Dixon will get some totes just like harbaugh used marecic this year at stanford.

Someone above stated gore as a second rounder in a dynasty startup, well, hes already 28. No way id take him in the second ahead of a guy like ingram. His life span is likely 2 maybe 3 years before hes done.

I agree that hes a warrior, and theres as price to pay for being that warrior. You cant ever predict injuries, but theres also only so much a body can take. Lets face it, he has had some major injuries, and its accurate to say he is nicked up often. Two knees, a hip now, countless ankle injuries. It takes a toll.

I am usually cautious of rookie fever, i get that from up above.....but I think hunter has some talent here and hes in a good situation. Being able to pass block will get him some pt, and hes certainly more versatile than dixon.

Being a 4th round pick most likely means he was rated as the 3rd, 4th, maybe 5th back on sf's board. Still high enough that they do like him quite a bit.

see: Westbrook, Brian

 

[sihaokills]

I like Dixon as a bruising back better than Hunter

 

[domvin]

Dixon will get some totes just like harbaugh used marecic this year at stanford.

Someone above stated gore as a second rounder in a dynasty startup, well, hes already 28. No way id take him in the second ahead of a guy like ingram. His life span is likely 2 maybe 3 years before hes done.

I agree that hes a warrior, and theres as price to pay for being that warrior. You cant ever predict injuries, but theres also only so much a body can take. Lets face it, he has had some major injuries, and its accurate to say he is nicked up often. Two knees, a hip now, countless ankle injuries. It takes a toll.

I am usually cautious of rookie fever, i get that from up above.....but I think hunter has some talent here and hes in a good situation. Being able to pass block will get him some pt, and hes certainly more versatile than dixon.

Being a 4th round pick most likely means he was rated as the 3rd, 4th, maybe 5th back on sf's board. Still high enough that they do like him quite a bit.

see: Westbrook, Briansee: Hindsight is 20/20

Whats your point

 

[DropKick]

This thread is utterly ridiculous. Gore is taking lots of negative comments while Hunter is reaping praise. Rookie scrub fever is blinding the masses. Gore is a 2nd round dynasty start up pick while Hunter is a 25-30th rounder. Reading the comments here you would think I mixed the names up.

I wouldn't touch Gore in the 2nd round of a dynasty start-up.

 

[zilladog]

Dixon will get some totes just like harbaugh used marecic this year at stanford.

Someone above stated gore as a second rounder in a dynasty startup, well, hes already 28. No way id take him in the second ahead of a guy like ingram. His life span is likely 2 maybe 3 years before hes done.

I agree that hes a warrior, and theres as price to pay for being that warrior. You cant ever predict injuries, but theres also only so much a body can take. Lets face it, he has had some major injuries, and its accurate to say he is nicked up often. Two knees, a hip now, countless ankle injuries. It takes a toll.

I am usually cautious of rookie fever, i get that from up above.....but I think hunter has some talent here and hes in a good situation. Being able to pass block will get him some pt, and hes certainly more versatile than dixon.

Being a 4th round pick most likely means he was rated as the 3rd, 4th, maybe 5th back on sf's board. Still high enough that they do like him quite a bit.

see: Westbrook, Briansee: Hindsight is 20/20

Whats your point

Just that the quoted poster has a great point worth noting. And that Brian Westbrook is a textbook example of how injury after injury can add up and shorten a promising career. Also, that Gore's injuries resemble Westbrooks in a lot of ways. So roll with Gore this year at your own risk. It's happened before, it can easily happen again. That's my point. Do you want to be the Gore owner looking back a year from now saying "I should've seen it coming"? I don't.

Sorry, this is a Kendal Hunter thread. Not a Gore thread. carry on.

 

[domvin]

Dixon will get some totes just like harbaugh used marecic this year at stanford.

Someone above stated gore as a second rounder in a dynasty startup, well, hes already 28. No way id take him in the second ahead of a guy like ingram. His life span is likely 2 maybe 3 years before hes done.

I agree that hes a warrior, and theres as price to pay for being that warrior. You cant ever predict injuries, but theres also only so much a body can take. Lets face it, he has had some major injuries, and its accurate to say he is nicked up often. Two knees, a hip now, countless ankle injuries. It takes a toll.

I am usually cautious of rookie fever, i get that from up above.....but I think hunter has some talent here and hes in a good situation. Being able to pass block will get him some pt, and hes certainly more versatile than dixon.

Being a 4th round pick most likely means he was rated as the 3rd, 4th, maybe 5th back on sf's board. Still high enough that they do like him quite a bit.

see: Westbrook, Briansee: Hindsight is 20/20

Whats your point

Just that the quoted poster has a great point worth noting. And that Brian Westbrook is a textbook example of how injury after injury can add up and shorten a promising career. Also, that Gore's injuries resemble Westbrooks in a lot of ways. So roll with Gore this year at your own risk. It's happened before, it can easily happen again. That's my point. Do you want to be the Gore owner looking back a year from now saying "I should've seen it coming"? I don't.

Sorry, this is a Kendal Hunter thread. Not a Gore thread. carry on.

I'm in line here. And it's what I am alluding to. Westbrook, Eddie George, on and on

For every miracle Terry Allen from 96, there are 20 that break down.

 

[thriftyrocker]

that Brian Westbrook is a textbook example of how injury after injury can add up and shorten a promising career.

Don't really think this is true of Westbrook at all. Westbrook's last year in Philly was not derailed by diminished effectiveness or buildup of injuries. It was derailed by concussions. And he hadn't had major concussion issues before that year. And he sort of showed in SF last year he still has it and could put up a huge year if his head survived.Father time has more to do with why Westbrook isn't a starter anymore than the injuries he got when he did start. A 24 yo back with concussion issues would still get a look. But not a 31 yo back.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Looks like Dixon is the handcuff this year.

RB Kendall Hunter. Hunter has been impressive in how fast he gets in and out of the hole. At 5-7, he seems to need only a slight opening in the line of scrimmage. However, his height makes pass protection difficult and he has been engulfed by onrushing defenders at times.

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2011/08/49ers-rookie-review-training-camp-edition.html

 

[hook014]

Looks like Dixon is the handcuff this year.

RB Kendall Hunter. Hunter has been impressive in how fast he gets in and out of the hole. At 5-7, he seems to need only a slight opening in the line of scrimmage. However, his height makes pass protection difficult and he has been engulfed by onrushing defenders at times.

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2011/08/49ers-rookie-review-training-camp-edition.html

I own Dixon in dynasty and I wouldnt call him the handcuff. Harbaugh talked to him earlier in the year about gaining 20 lbs and being prepared for FB duties. Dixon agreed to it and really bulked up.

We still cant be sure if they wont bring some more bodies in to compete but I doubt that they go with only Gore, Dixon and Hunter.

What I do know is that Dixon is in no way ready to be the tailback. His value has plummeted.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Looks like Dixon is the handcuff this year.

RB Kendall Hunter. Hunter has been impressive in how fast he gets in and out of the hole. At 5-7, he seems to need only a slight opening in the line of scrimmage. However, his height makes pass protection difficult and he has been engulfed by onrushing defenders at times.

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2011/08/49ers-rookie-review-training-camp-edition.html

I own Dixon in dynasty and I wouldnt call him the handcuff. Harbaugh talked to him earlier in the year about gaining 20 lbs and being prepared for FB duties. Dixon agreed to it and really bulked up.

We still cant be sure if they wont bring some more bodies in to compete but I doubt that they go with only Gore, Dixon and Hunter.

What I do know is that Dixon is in no way ready to be the tailback. His value has plummeted.

My post was more of an indictment of Hunter than a praise of Dixon, mixed with some sarcastic tone.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

It's early. Rookie RBs generally struggle with blitz pickup. Especially rookies with only a week of NFL experience under their belts.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

I think there is a general frustration with the lack of quality options in rookie drafts after the 7th or 8th pick. Hunter falls into this area of possibility. I don't know if he'll be a solid pro or not, but he seems to have enough skills and a decent enough situation to take a shot on in this range.

 

[az_prof]

Not a believer. Gore is still the man and Hunger is a mid-round pick--which means he is a guy.