SF will draft a RB early...IMHO (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

I know lots of people around here have man-love for Frank Gore despite his having bionic knees [and never being great at UM], but those expecting him to be "the guy" in San Francisco next year need to realize the following:

From Len Pasquarelli's Tip Sheet:

San Francisco tailback Frank Gore, who rushed for 608 yards as a rookie in 2005 and could challenge for the starting job next season if he is physically whole, recently had shoulder surgery. In about five weeks, he will have surgery on his other shoulder, and then will require about four to five months to recover from the two operations. ...

So add two bum shoulders to bum knees and I would be absolutely stunned if Mike Nolan and his personnel department don't draft a RB in the first round or two with an eye toward making them the starter.

 

[Colin Dowling]

If they are picking 7th , I expect them to either trade down to a spot where they can get Huff or Jimmy Williams OR stay put and select Deangelo Williamsl.Colin

 

[derek19]

Getting my hopes up again that we draft a rb and finally toss Barlow to the curb :(

 

[helix]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB. I don't think he is lying. This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

 

[Jason Wood]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB. I don't think he is lying. This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

 

[Colin Dowling]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB. I don't think he is lying. This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

And I'm sure Norv Turner is telling him, "Yeah, between a QB having trouble holding the ball, an always injured TE, no playmakers at WR, and two mediocre guys at RB, I'm SURE we can figure out a way to score points."Colin

 

[cstu]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB. I don't think he is lying. This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

On ESPN today from the Senior Bowl, Nolan mentioned that the team's biggest needs were OL, WR and RB - in that order. He also said he was happy about how Alex Smith progressed late in the season. He said the important thing was to get more talent around him to help him be successful. While he could have just been blowing smoke about Smith, I didn't get the impression that he was too disappointed by his rookie year considering what he had to learn and the talent he had to work with.

 

[trader jake]

On ESPN today from the Senior Bowl, Nolan mentioned that the team's biggest needs were OL, WR and RB - in that order.

so the 49ers are going to go for defense early...interesting

 

[cstu]

On ESPN today from the Senior Bowl, Nolan mentioned that the team's biggest needs were OL, WR and RB - in that order.

so the 49ers are going to go for defense early...interesting

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I think we see another coach fall in love with a RB named Williams after coaching him at the Senior Bowl.

 

[helix]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB.  I don't think he is lying.  This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

I just disagree with you. Simple as that. I infer from Nolan's statement that he will not take a RB early (within the 1st 4 rounds). Obviously you don't think so. We will see.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Getting my hopes up again that we draft a rb and finally toss Barlow to the curb :(

That'd be best for Barlow, that's for sure. If the 49ers unload Barlow, I'd PRAY that the Steelers pick him up.They take a guy who runs like a superstar on a talented offense, and they take away his decent QB (Garcia), only good WR (Owens), and 3/5 of the offensive line, and they wonder why he struggles for 2 years. Yep, he must have just forgotten how to play.

RB wouldn't be an issue at all if they'd fix the OL, WR, and defense issues.

 

[Jason Wood]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB.  I don't think he is lying.  This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

I just disagree with you. Simple as that. I infer from Nolan's statement that he will not take a RB early (within the 1st 4 rounds). Obviously you don't think so. We will see.

Hey helix,How's this...I will bet you a subscription to Footballguys next year that SF drafts a RB within the first 4 rounds. If they don't you get a comped subscription on me. If they DO, you carry a sig link throughout the preseason which says, "Wood was right..."

Deal?

 

[football fan]

I had read this earlier today:

South Florida's Andre Hall showed signs of explosiveness along with good hands and field awareness at running back while DeAngelo Williams seemed to get a lot of one-on-one attention from the Niner coaching staff as he has all week. (Middle of second paragraph).

Here is the link:

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/features/...s/south126.html

 

[Bri]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cita...adel&type=story

seems like LBer there

 

[helix]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB.  I don't think he is lying.  This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

I just disagree with you. Simple as that. I infer from Nolan's statement that he will not take a RB early (within the 1st 4 rounds). Obviously you don't think so. We will see.

Hey helix,How's this...I will bet you a subscription to Footballguys next year that SF drafts a RB within the first 4 rounds. If they don't you get a comped subscription on me. If they DO, you carry a sig link throughout the preseason which says, "Wood was right..."

Deal?

Sure. Why not. Wager on...

 

[cstu]

Getting my hopes up again that we draft a rb and finally toss Barlow to the curb :(

That'd be best for Barlow, that's for sure. If the 49ers unload Barlow, I'd PRAY that the Steelers pick him up.They take a guy who runs like a superstar on a talented offense, and they take away his decent QB (Garcia), only good WR (Owens), and 3/5 of the offensive line, and they wonder why he struggles for 2 years. Yep, he must have just forgotten how to play.

RB wouldn't be an issue at all if they'd fix the OL, WR, and defense issues.

I think the Steelers, Broncos and Eagles (if they were smart) would be waiting to sign him the next day.

 

[UnknownCoach]

I believe that San Fransisco has one of the top scouting departments in the NFL. If they really like someone, they will draft him. They nabbed Barlow and Gore in round 3. That seems to be more their style but if they really feel someone is worth it I could see them drafting a guy in round 1. They arent dumb enough to pass on someone like Williams if they really believe he's the best player available. Their current group is serviceable but by no means star studded. This is the NFL. When a rookie is looked at scouts as a star, he's drafted with no thought of the Joes. That being said is there really someone they could get in the second or third round that would be an upgrade at the position? I'd say not really. Though their scouts could very well like someone that much. Odds are good that they will grade someone as good as Gore or Barlow. Like I mentioned, they do a really good job with the 49ers and they dont follow the status quo. Their grades wont be the same as yours.Real question is do they want to continue to pay Barlow so much? He's probably not worth it. As a rebuilding team though they can probably afford him until they are ready to bring in a real star. Gore and Barlow are both capable RBs. Neither is a franchise back. There are only a limited number of those. The traditional way ofdrafting a contender from scratch is to get the QB first and get the RB last. Of course free agency changed all that. They just look a long way from contention yet to me.

 

[Jason Wood]

I believe that San Fransisco has one of the top scouting departments in the NFL. If they really like someone, they will draft him. They nabbed Barlow and Gore in round 3. That seems to be more their style but if they really feel someone is worth it I could see them drafting a guy in round 1. They arent dumb enough to pass on someone like Williams if they really believe he's the best player available. Their current group is serviceable but by no means star studded. This is the NFL. When a rookie is looked at scouts as a star, he's drafted with no thought of the Joes.

That being said is there really someone they could get in the second or third round that would be an upgrade at the position? I'd say not really. Though their scouts could very well like someone that much. Odds are good that they will grade someone as good as Gore or Barlow. Like I mentioned, they do a really good job with the 49ers and they dont follow the status quo. Their grades wont be the same as yours.

Real question is do they want to continue to pay Barlow so much? He's probably not worth it. As a rebuilding team though they can probably afford him until they are ready to bring in a real star. Gore and Barlow are both capable RBs. Neither is a franchise back. There are only a limited number of those. The traditional way of

drafting a contender from scratch is to get the QB first and get the RB last. Of course free agency changed all that. They just look a long way from contention yet to me.

No offense, but the jury is still WAY WAY out on whether the 49ers have a GOOD scouting department much less "one of the best." This group of personnel people were really inexperienced last year. McCloughan, his brother, and Marathe were all taking on a ton more responsibility than they'd ever had in their careers. Right now this personnel department only has one draft under its wing, and the early results are suspect. Alex Smith showed little, but really deserves an incomplete at this point. Baas was a solid pick but beyond that, none of the 49ers 11 picks last year appears either a "steal" or a proven winner at this juncture.

 

[Otis]

I've probably been Gore's biggest cheerleader on this board over the past season, so it's obvious what my response will be here.I don't think the difference caused by an upgrade at RB would be as big as the difference of an upgrade at O-line. I think that's their biggest need, and I think they realize that. As for Gore's injuries -- of course they concern me. That said, we've also seen the kid come back from more horrific injuries than just about anyone else. Remember that he also played through those sore shoulders all season and was still successful. He's got heart. That goes a long way in my book. He'll play through the injuries.I really think that if they upgrade the other parts of the offense that the running game couuld get a huge boost next year -- without drafting a back in the first round. Bottom line -- will they take a RB in the draft? Absolutely. Will it be in the first round?

 

[BoltBacker]

Getting my hopes up again that we draft a rb and finally toss Barlow to the curb :(

That'd be best for Barlow, that's for sure. If the 49ers unload Barlow, I'd PRAY that the Steelers pick him up.They take a guy who runs like a superstar on a talented offense, and they take away his decent QB (Garcia), only good WR (Owens), and 3/5 of the offensive line, and they wonder why he struggles for 2 years. Yep, he must have just forgotten how to play.

RB wouldn't be an issue at all if they'd fix the OL, WR, and defense issues.

I think the Steelers, Broncos and Eagles (if they were smart) would be waiting to sign him the next day.

Completely agree.I had the misfortune of watching quite a few SF games this past season and it was shocking just how hard Barlow had to run to get past the line of scrimmage. If he were in the DEN offense you'd see a train full of Barlow believers to be sure.

 

[Otis]

I had the misfortune of watching quite a few SF games this past season and it was shocking just how hard Barlow had to run to get past the line of scrimmage. If he were in the DEN offense you'd see a train full of Barlow believers to be sure.

This same statement can be made about just about any NFL-quality RB.

 

[JAA]

SF has Barlow, Gore, and Hicks. I would be surprised for them to add a 4th. Hicks is actually a decent back, especially as a 3rd string.

 

[Beaumont]

SF has Barlow, Gore, and Hicks. I would be surprised for them to add a 4th. Hicks is actually a decent back, especially as a 3rd string.

I totally agree, unless they dump or trade Barlow pre-draft ...

 

[derek19]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB.  I don't think he is lying.  This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

I just disagree with you. Simple as that. I infer from Nolan's statement that he will not take a RB early (within the 1st 4 rounds). Obviously you don't think so. We will see.

Hey helix,How's this...I will bet you a subscription to Footballguys next year that SF drafts a RB within the first 4 rounds. If they don't you get a comped subscription on me. If they DO, you carry a sig link throughout the preseason which says, "Wood was right..."

Deal?

Sure. Why not. Wager on...

Might as well put it in there now.........

 

[Biabreakable]

I think SFs greatest need on the offensive side of the ball right now is WR not Rb. They have added to thier OLine. I think the unit can become a good one now that it has some experience. They perhaps still need a LT. That might be available for them in round 1 and I think it more likely they draft a LT or WR (probobly trading down if WR is thier target) than a RB.Of course they probobly need defense more and I would not be suprised to see them focus on that side of the ball instead.1.defensive player2. WR3. defensive playerbased on need this is where I think they will use thier picks. I wouldn't totaly rule out them drafting a Rb if they really value one with thier 2nd or 3rd rounder.. or if they get an extra pick via trade.. however I don't see that as enough of a priority for them. It may be thier least need at any position actualy.

 

[Bri]

No offense, but the jury is still WAY WAY out on whether the 49ers have a GOOD scouting department much less "one of the best." This group of personnel people were really inexperienced last year. McCloughan, his brother, and Marathe were all taking on a ton more responsibility than they'd ever had in their careers.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=223327

 

[JAA]

Woods was a horrible pick by SF. ASmith doesnt look good either ...

 

[patrickmcgroin]

SF has Barlow, Gore, and Hicks. I would be surprised for them to add a 4th. Hicks is actually a decent back, especially as a 3rd string.

Who knows, everyone is picking Minnesota to select another RB in the 1st, don't they have a stable of them already?

 

[stbugs]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB.  I don't think he is lying.  This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

I just disagree with you. Simple as that. I infer from Nolan's statement that he will not take a RB early (within the 1st 4 rounds). Obviously you don't think so. We will see.

Hey helix,How's this...I will bet you a subscription to Footballguys next year that SF drafts a RB within the first 4 rounds. If they don't you get a comped subscription on me. If they DO, you carry a sig link throughout the preseason which says, "Wood was right..."

Deal?

Note to self, find all Wood posts and summarily disagree with him in hopes of getting free subscription since signature is available for advertising...

 

[Jason Wood]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB.  I don't think he is lying.  This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

I just disagree with you. Simple as that. I infer from Nolan's statement that he will not take a RB early (within the 1st 4 rounds). Obviously you don't think so. We will see.

Hey helix,How's this...I will bet you a subscription to Footballguys next year that SF drafts a RB within the first 4 rounds. If they don't you get a comped subscription on me. If they DO, you carry a sig link throughout the preseason which says, "Wood was right..."

Deal?

Note to self, find all Wood posts and summarily disagree with him in hopes of getting free subscription since signature is available for advertising...

I'll make a few more subscription bets between now and crunch time, but disagreeing for the sake of it won't do the trick.

 

[stbugs]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB.  I don't think he is lying.  This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

I just disagree with you. Simple as that. I infer from Nolan's statement that he will not take a RB early (within the 1st 4 rounds). Obviously you don't think so. We will see.

Hey helix,How's this...I will bet you a subscription to Footballguys next year that SF drafts a RB within the first 4 rounds. If they don't you get a comped subscription on me. If they DO, you carry a sig link throughout the preseason which says, "Wood was right..."

Deal?

Note to self, find all Wood posts and summarily disagree with him in hopes of getting free subscription since signature is available for advertising...

I'll make a few more subscription bets between now and crunch time, but disagreeing for the sake of it won't do the trick.

OK, just feel free to let me know of any of your riskier bets. I am willing to fall on the sword for just about anything free, or at least that is what my wife would say.

 

[Gopher State]

IF they take a RB, IT will be after the 4th round, you have to have an offensive line, and not be trailing by 20 points to run the ball. First four rounds go OL/DEF

 

[Jason Wood]

IF they take a RB, IT will be after the 4th round, you have to have an offensive line, and not be trailing by 20 points to run the ball. First four rounds go OL/DEF

Funny, I seem to recall the Chargers being labeled as the "worst offensive line in football" yet they drafted Tomlinson and he managed to do just fine. Last year Tampa Bay and Miami were universally projected as the two worst lines, and yet look what talented backs did behind them.Here's a dirty little secret...great backs can make bad lines look good.

 

[wannabee]

IF they take a RB, IT will be after the 4th round, you have to have an offensive line, and not be trailing by 20 points to run the ball.  First four rounds go OL/DEF

Funny, I seem to recall the Chargers being labeled as the "worst offensive line in football" yet they drafted Tomlinson and he managed to do just fine. Last year Tampa Bay and Miami were universally projected as the two worst lines, and yet look what talented backs did behind them.Here's a dirty little secret...great backs can make bad lines look good.

Jason, when talking about Miami, I think we underestimate Houck. That guy can turn bad OLines into good ones. I think OLine play has less to do with "talent" and more to do with chemistry, coaching, and cohesiveness.

 

[-OZ-]

IF they take a RB, IT will be after the 4th round, you have to have an offensive line, and not be trailing by 20 points to run the ball. First four rounds go OL/DEF

Funny, I seem to recall the Chargers being labeled as the "worst offensive line in football" yet they drafted Tomlinson and he managed to do just fine. Last year Tampa Bay and Miami were universally projected as the two worst lines, and yet look what talented backs did behind them.Here's a dirty little secret...great backs can make bad lines look good.

The Chargers line was underrated, but it wasn't one of the better, while LT did put up good stats. But the Chargers didn't start winning until they addressed the line. (and got Gates)

 

[toxicbees]

I think the Niners needs are in order: CB, LT, WR, DE, TEGiven that, I think their first pick is going to be either Mario Williams, D'Brick (if he's still there), or Jimmy Williams. Their second pick could be Marcedes Lewis or Sinorice Moss.

 

[Biabreakable]

I think the Niners needs are in order: CB, LT, WR, DE, TE

Given that, I think their first pick is going to be either Mario Williams, D'Brick (if he's still there), or Jimmy Williams. Their second pick could be Marcedes Lewis or Sinorice Moss.

Agreed.The 9ers have been mentioning CB as thier greatest need from what I have been reading. However with Peterson being a free agent and needs along the Dline I could see them taking any defensive position really based on BPA. Defensive Tackle is a need also.

If they do not trade down then the offensive tackles probobly offer the best value at thier draft position with thier 1st pick. WRs are not rated very highly right now so they may be able to add one in the 2nd round.

Last years draft focused on the offensive side of the ball so perhaps they continue to work on that building around Smith. Or they shift focus to the defense because that is more Nolans forte.

In any case I don't see Rb being a very high priority.

 

[JAA]

I would accept monetary bets that SF doesnt draft a RB in the first round

 

[nightshift]

I know lots of people around here have man-love for Frank Gore despite his having bionic knees [and never being great at UM], but those expecting him to be "the guy" in San Francisco next year need to realize the following:

From Len Pasquarelli's Tip Sheet:

San Francisco tailback Frank Gore, who rushed for 608 yards as a rookie in 2005 and could challenge for the starting job next season if he is physically whole, recently had shoulder surgery. In about five weeks, he will have surgery on his other shoulder, and then will require about four to five months to recover from the two operations. ...

So add two bum shoulders to bum knees and I would be absolutely stunned if Mike Nolan and his personnel department don't draft a RB in the first round or two with an eye toward making them the starter.

I agree with your assessment of the SF current RB situation, but wouldn't make more sense for them to sign a FA or two?There a lot of talented RB vets available, some will go real cheap.

 

[UnknownCoach]

Teams dont need to draft for need. They havent needed to do that since free agency. They dont need to draft an offensive lineman in the first round in order to improve their offensive line. There's no WR worth their first pick. There's no reason to trade down just to get a WR. RB is an option and if they think Williams is the best player available they should pick him. If they think an offensive tackle is the best player available they wll pick the tackle. Heck, maybe SF goes after Shaun Alexander. All these mock drafts we see now based on team needs will change big time by the time the draft is here. Its ridiculous to rule out a player because its not the team's biggest need. There is definate room for a franchise RB in San Fransisco. However I dont see much need for depth at the position unless they cut Barlow.

 

[stbugs]

Teams dont need to draft for need. They havent needed to do that since free agency. They dont need to draft an offensive lineman in the first round in order to improve their offensive line. There's no WR worth their first pick. There's no reason to trade down just to get a WR. RB is an option and if they think Williams is the best player available they should pick him. If they think an offensive tackle is the best player available they wll pick the tackle. Heck, maybe SF goes after Shaun Alexander. All these mock drafts we see now based on team needs will change big time by the time the draft is here. Its ridiculous to rule out a player because its not the team's biggest need. There is definate room for a franchise RB in San Fransisco. However I dont see much need for depth at the position unless they cut Barlow.

If SF is going to draft a RB, they might as well do it in the 1st round where they will get a franchise guy, especially someone with whom they are now familiar. What good is a 3rd round or later RB when you have 3 non-franchise guys.

Also, for those discussing Defense, don't you think a good running game and better offense will help the defense? Here is an interesting stat, and some might say it is the whole Chicken/Egg thing, but still:

Of the top half (16) defenses in PPG given up, 14 of them are in the top 16 rushing offenses. I have always thought that a good running game improves a defense quite a bit, so with Williams (if he is as good as advertised) he could help them both offensively and defensively.

 

[toxicbees]

I think all the people on here that want the Niners to draft an RB are just Barlow haters. I mean the team didn't have an offensive line, it didn't have any WRs and they had a rookie QB. Even under these crappy circumstances, the RBBC combo of Barlow and Gore ran for 1189 yards and 6tds. They have more pressing needs at other positions. Like I mentioned above, their biggest need is another corner back to compliment Shawntae Spencer. They also badly need another WR, Brandon Lloyd has aligator arms, and Arnaz Battle is an unproven guy. A TE that doesn't get hurt would also be nice. Eric Johnson has only been healthy 1 year out of the last 3.

 

[Dave Baker]

I doubt SF drafts a RB in the first two rounds. After that, anything goes.

 

[5Rings]

How's this...I will bet you a subscription to Footballguys next year that SF drafts a RB within the first 4 rounds. If they don't you get a comped subscription on me. If they DO, you carry a sig link throughout the preseason which says, "Wood was right..."

Deal?

Can I get in on this bet? The two biggest areas of need are WR and CB. No player really matches the BPA/need at pick #7, so I would suspect a trade into the teens, where they can acquire a playmaker on offense like Vernon Davis, Holmes, etc or a DB like Huff or Williams.

OL should not be touched until day two. This area of the team has been heavily fortified in recent drafts and FA, with big ticket Jennings joined by day one picks Smiley, Baas, Snyder and Harris ( ) along with incumbents Heitmann and Newberry. I foresee either a journeyman interior lineman to backup both C and OG, or a 5th round project to develop.

As for Barlow, I think the guy played good this year, YPC be damned. He ran hard and with authority, but due to the lack of production/threat in the passing game, he was running against 9 men in the box every game. He broke more tackles in one game this year than he did all of 2004.

The stats will not show it, but he was a far better player this year than the year before.

 

[Texasmouth]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB. I don't think he is lying. This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

I read the same exact thing. I also read that they were working on a contract extension with Barlow.

 

[derek19]

IF they take a RB, IT will be after the 4th round, you have to have an offensive line, and not be trailing by 20 points to run the ball. First four rounds go OL/DEF

Funny, I seem to recall the Chargers being labeled as the "worst offensive line in football" yet they drafted Tomlinson and he managed to do just fine. Last year Tampa Bay and Miami were universally projected as the two worst lines, and yet look what talented backs did behind them.Here's a dirty little secret...great backs can make bad lines look good.

Plus, if i'm not mistaken, 3 or 4 guys on the o-line were either out a good portion of the year or had some kind of injury throughout the year. Hopefully jonas is fully heathy next season so he can start earning his 36mil........

 

[Finatic]

IF they take a RB, IT will be after the 4th round, you have to have an offensive line, and not be trailing by 20 points to run the ball.  First four rounds go OL/DEF

Funny, I seem to recall the Chargers being labeled as the "worst offensive line in football" yet they drafted Tomlinson and he managed to do just fine. Last year Tampa Bay and Miami were universally projected as the two worst lines, and yet look what talented backs did behind them.Here's a dirty little secret...great backs can make bad lines look good.

Jason, when talking about Miami, I think we underestimate Houck. That guy can turn bad OLines into good ones. I think OLine play has less to do with "talent" and more to do with chemistry, coaching, and cohesiveness.

 

[helix]

Nolan was quoted this week stating that he is not interested in another RB.  I don't think he is lying.  This team has so many holes anything is possible, but I would wager that they don't select a RB with the first 4 picks.

1) If Nolan is really a talented NFL mind, he wouldn't summarily rule out any position given his team's record and that it's only January2) Don't believe one iota of information that comes out of the mouths of NFL coaches, scouts and GMs publicly between now and April

I just disagree with you. Simple as that. I infer from Nolan's statement that he will not take a RB early (within the 1st 4 rounds). Obviously you don't think so. We will see.

Hey helix,How's this...I will bet you a subscription to Footballguys next year that SF drafts a RB within the first 4 rounds. If they don't you get a comped subscription on me. If they DO, you carry a sig link throughout the preseason which says, "Wood was right..."

Deal?

You getting nervous?

 

[BoltBacker]

I'll make a few more subscription bets between now and crunch time, but disagreeing for the sake of it won't do the trick.

Oh yes it will!