I just realized that I didn't include Manny Lawson in our starting defense for next year...maybe that's because he was pretty quiet last year.
Lawson is clearly in the Niners' plans as a potential starter at the linebacker position. This might prompt the Niners to sign an offensive lineman (Leonard Davis?) instead of signing Cato June...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Correction to previous post
It looks like Dwayne Jarrett is falling faster than Britney Spears, so scratch his name from Niners' consideration at No. 11.
However, Ted Ginn Jr. could be an option. I just don't see the Niners going his way. The Niners have a history of not taking punt/kick returners with first round picks. He's also a smaller receiver, who are not typically dominant in the NFL--and not typically drafted by San Francisco. Of course, the whole offense is different now, so using history as a guide is faulty.
While I think the Niners will go defense, here are a few reasons why Ginn could be an option, assuming he's around at No. 11.
No. 1: Antonio Bryant and Vernon Davis are bigger guys. The Niners could use a guy who really stretches the field. Signing Donte Stallworth would get the job done and wouldn' t require passing on a defensive stud at No. 11. However, Ginn has more upside than Stallworth.
No. 2: Steve Smith and Torry Holt have had a lot of success in recent years against NFC opponents. If Ginn is anywhere near these guys, he will be able to contribute in any offensive system. And since we're not even positive the Niners will stick with Turner's run-first offense, Ginn could feature in a more pass-friendly offense.
No. 3: Getting Smith offensive tools--especially without Turner on board--is going to be crucial to his development. If the Niners think Ginn is a playmaker, he definitely adds an element to the offense that is currently lacking (downfield speed). Of course, Brandon Williams would become a total waste pick last year (assuming Ginn takes over at both return spots). But, that's a minor issue...
However, Ted Ginn Jr. could be an option. I just don't see the Niners going his way. The Niners have a history of not taking punt/kick returners with first round picks. He's also a smaller receiver, who are not typically dominant in the NFL--and not typically drafted by San Francisco. Of course, the whole offense is different now, so using history as a guide is faulty.
While I think the Niners will go defense, here are a few reasons why Ginn could be an option, assuming he's around at No. 11.
No. 1: Antonio Bryant and Vernon Davis are bigger guys. The Niners could use a guy who really stretches the field. Signing Donte Stallworth would get the job done and wouldn' t require passing on a defensive stud at No. 11. However, Ginn has more upside than Stallworth.
No. 2: Steve Smith and Torry Holt have had a lot of success in recent years against NFC opponents. If Ginn is anywhere near these guys, he will be able to contribute in any offensive system. And since we're not even positive the Niners will stick with Turner's run-first offense, Ginn could feature in a more pass-friendly offense.
No. 3: Getting Smith offensive tools--especially without Turner on board--is going to be crucial to his development. If the Niners think Ginn is a playmaker, he definitely adds an element to the offense that is currently lacking (downfield speed). Of course, Brandon Williams would become a total waste pick last year (assuming Ginn takes over at both return spots). But, that's a minor issue...
Breaking down the Niners' choices...
We're still about two months away from the NFL Draft, so it's still premature to guess who the Niners will take. But, it's not too premature to speculate about the top candidates...
At this point, I'd say the Niners are looking hard at four guys with the No. 11 pick...
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
I think these are four quality selections. I'm not sure the Niners could go wrong with any of them...but Okoye is a bit of a risk given he's only 19 and could leave as a free agent before he hits his prime...
Jarrett's a very interesting choice. If Calvin Johnson wasn't in the draft, he'd probably be the first WR taken...and I have a feeling he'd go higher than he's going to go...
This guy might be the real deal...exactly what SF needs to have a juggernaut offense. But, he's a risk...we haven't had good luck with first round WR picks. Is it worth it to pass up a sure-fire defensive stud to pick Jarrett? That's where SF's personnel department comes into play...
Nelson and Moss both played for Florida's national championship team. Moss is 6'6. 255...he definitely has NFL size. And he has a great burst. But he only had two sacks all last year...and they both came in the Ohio St. blowout. Where was he the rest of the season? Moss scares me. I think I'd pass on him...especially in the 3-4. But, he has huge upside, so I doubt it would be a Reggie McGrew mistake...
Nelson had 6 INTs and a TD for Florida last year...and he's coming out early (he's only a junior). I think he should be the pick, but I can't remember the last time the Niners drafted a safety in one of the top three rounds, let alone the first round.
Lastly, I don't know how substantiated this is, but according to his website, Adalius Thomas and the Niners already have a tentative deal lined up....
At this point, I'd say the Niners are looking hard at four guys with the No. 11 pick...
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
I think these are four quality selections. I'm not sure the Niners could go wrong with any of them...but Okoye is a bit of a risk given he's only 19 and could leave as a free agent before he hits his prime...
Jarrett's a very interesting choice. If Calvin Johnson wasn't in the draft, he'd probably be the first WR taken...and I have a feeling he'd go higher than he's going to go...
This guy might be the real deal...exactly what SF needs to have a juggernaut offense. But, he's a risk...we haven't had good luck with first round WR picks. Is it worth it to pass up a sure-fire defensive stud to pick Jarrett? That's where SF's personnel department comes into play...
Nelson and Moss both played for Florida's national championship team. Moss is 6'6. 255...he definitely has NFL size. And he has a great burst. But he only had two sacks all last year...and they both came in the Ohio St. blowout. Where was he the rest of the season? Moss scares me. I think I'd pass on him...especially in the 3-4. But, he has huge upside, so I doubt it would be a Reggie McGrew mistake...
Nelson had 6 INTs and a TD for Florida last year...and he's coming out early (he's only a junior). I think he should be the pick, but I can't remember the last time the Niners drafted a safety in one of the top three rounds, let alone the first round.
Lastly, I don't know how substantiated this is, but according to his website, Adalius Thomas and the Niners already have a tentative deal lined up....
Monday, February 26, 2007
Bye bye blackbird
The Niners waved Sammy Davis today...so we know thing's certain: the Niners' secondary will be better in 2007 than it was in 2006.
Harsh, but it's true...
Walt Harris had a screw put into his hand after breaking it in the Pro Bowl. He has plenty of time to recover...but the Niners might want to draft a replacement for Harris, who likely doesn't have too many good years left in him...and I guess his heir apparent isn't going to be the greatest living entertainer in the world...
See ya, Sammy. I'd rather have Rashaun Woods. OK, maybe not...
Harsh, but it's true...
Walt Harris had a screw put into his hand after breaking it in the Pro Bowl. He has plenty of time to recover...but the Niners might want to draft a replacement for Harris, who likely doesn't have too many good years left in him...and I guess his heir apparent isn't going to be the greatest living entertainer in the world...
See ya, Sammy. I'd rather have Rashaun Woods. OK, maybe not...
Saturday, February 24, 2007
2007-08 Niners starting lineup...a hopeful prediction?
QB Alex Smith
RB Frank Gore
FB Moran Norris
WRs Antonio Bryant, Donte Stallworth (*For the first two games while Bryant is suspended, Battle will start)
TE Vernon Davis
OTs Adam Synder, Jonas Jennings
OGs Larry Allen, Justin Smiley
C Eric Heitmann
(As an aside, Jennings played really well this while he was healthy. There was a noticeable difference when he was manning LT and when someone had to sub, even when it was Tony Wragge, who played better at guard)
DEs Bryant Young, Marques Douglas
DT Amobi Okoye (I'd rather the Niners pick Reggie Nelson and have two stud safeties, but I think Okoye might be the pick if the brass thinks he's big enough to play DT (6'1, 310, 19! years old)...Okoye can sign a five-year contract and then be a free agent at 24...this is potentially harmful for a team that doesn't think Okoye will reach his potential until later...since the drafting squad could lose Okoye before he blooms)
LBs Derek Smith, Brandon Moore, Cato June, Adalius Thomas (I'd LOVE to see Ulbrich as a fifth LB, subbing with Moore on running downs, and see the Niners snag two top LBs)
FS Keith Lewis
SS Mark Roman/a second-round pick (Eric Weddle, Utah?)
CBs Shawntae Spencer, Walt Harris (assuming Harris can hold on another year, which he likely can)
This scenario has the Niners signing Stallworth, June and Thomas as their three free agent splashes. With 37.5 million to spend, it's definitely possible...
RB Frank Gore
FB Moran Norris
WRs Antonio Bryant, Donte Stallworth (*For the first two games while Bryant is suspended, Battle will start)
TE Vernon Davis
OTs Adam Synder, Jonas Jennings
OGs Larry Allen, Justin Smiley
C Eric Heitmann
(As an aside, Jennings played really well this while he was healthy. There was a noticeable difference when he was manning LT and when someone had to sub, even when it was Tony Wragge, who played better at guard)
DEs Bryant Young, Marques Douglas
DT Amobi Okoye (I'd rather the Niners pick Reggie Nelson and have two stud safeties, but I think Okoye might be the pick if the brass thinks he's big enough to play DT (6'1, 310, 19! years old)...Okoye can sign a five-year contract and then be a free agent at 24...this is potentially harmful for a team that doesn't think Okoye will reach his potential until later...since the drafting squad could lose Okoye before he blooms)
LBs Derek Smith, Brandon Moore, Cato June, Adalius Thomas (I'd LOVE to see Ulbrich as a fifth LB, subbing with Moore on running downs, and see the Niners snag two top LBs)
FS Keith Lewis
SS Mark Roman/a second-round pick (Eric Weddle, Utah?)
CBs Shawntae Spencer, Walt Harris (assuming Harris can hold on another year, which he likely can)
This scenario has the Niners signing Stallworth, June and Thomas as their three free agent splashes. With 37.5 million to spend, it's definitely possible...
Thursday, February 22, 2007
finally some good news...
In a HUGE stroke of luck for the Niners, Adalius Thomas was not tagged today by the Ravens. He would be the biggest free agent signing of anyone. If the Niners get him, they will "win" free agency's biggest prize. Given his history with Nolan and SF's oodles of cash, this is a distinct possibility.
Pat Kerney, the Falcons' old DE, was also not tagged. He's a possibility too...
But Thomas is the big story.
Pat Kerney, the Falcons' old DE, was also not tagged. He's a possibility too...
But Thomas is the big story.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Bob Babich
ESPN reports Babich will take over as the Bears' defensive coordinator...I hope so...
Losing Turner is a big deal...what offensive system will the Niners use next year? Whatever coach they choose, priority number one should be someone who has proven success handling young quarterbacks. Smith's progression is the most important thing for next year...year three is often a quarterback's first truly solid season. If Smith doesn't get markedly better next year, the team won't make the playoffs. If he does--and he can--the team should be in the postseason.
Losing Turner is a big deal...what offensive system will the Niners use next year? Whatever coach they choose, priority number one should be someone who has proven success handling young quarterbacks. Smith's progression is the most important thing for next year...year three is often a quarterback's first truly solid season. If Smith doesn't get markedly better next year, the team won't make the playoffs. If he does--and he can--the team should be in the postseason.
prediction
I'll talk about Turner later...
In the meantime, the Bears have decided to part ways with Ron Rivera...
Will Singletary be the Bears' next defensive coordinator? It just seems too perfect, doesn't it?
Who will replace Turner as offensive coordinator? Readers, any ideas?
In the meantime, the Bears have decided to part ways with Ron Rivera...
Will Singletary be the Bears' next defensive coordinator? It just seems too perfect, doesn't it?
Who will replace Turner as offensive coordinator? Readers, any ideas?
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The calm before the storm...
It's a strange time right now in the Niners' organization...hiring Turner will cause shockwaves throughout the organization. The Niners will be staggered, having thought the Cowboys' tension was finally over...Nolan will need to hire a new offensive coordinator, Singletary could conceivably end up as the Chargers' defensive coordinator, and the entire Niners' coaching staff will undergo huge changes.
Plus, free agency is set to begin on March 2, which is certainly diverting the front office's attention from scouting potential coordinators in case Turner bolts...
Is this the calm before the storm? Or will the Chargers go in a different direction than Singletary/Turner, thus keeping the Niners' staff in order?
Also, keep an eye on how Dwayne Jarrett looks in combine drills...a few mock drafts have the Niners taking Jarrett, but I bet they go defense unless Jarrett is a total knock-out in the combines....the Rashaun Woods/JJ Stokes first round picks are still be fresh in Niner fans' minds...
Of course, it's not like picking defense is a sure thing either...Reggie McGrew, where are you?
Plus, free agency is set to begin on March 2, which is certainly diverting the front office's attention from scouting potential coordinators in case Turner bolts...
Is this the calm before the storm? Or will the Chargers go in a different direction than Singletary/Turner, thus keeping the Niners' staff in order?
Also, keep an eye on how Dwayne Jarrett looks in combine drills...a few mock drafts have the Niners taking Jarrett, but I bet they go defense unless Jarrett is a total knock-out in the combines....the Rashaun Woods/JJ Stokes first round picks are still be fresh in Niner fans' minds...
Of course, it's not like picking defense is a sure thing either...Reggie McGrew, where are you?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Uh oh...
Now San Diego has a coaching spot open?! They already interviewed Norv once...and don't think just because Norv said he was happy to be back that he won't be lining up to coach the Chargers...
The only thing the Niners have going for them here is that AJ Smith is a control freak, which might not jive with Turner's urge to pick his own coordinators...Jerry Jones wasn't too happy about it, and it's pretty much what got Marty fired...
If the Chargers nab Norv, it'll be bad news for the Niners...because they might not only lose Norv, but it's not out of the question that Turner would turn around and hire Singletary to be the Chargers' defensive coordinator...
Hold your breath again, folks...one more time...
The only thing the Niners have going for them here is that AJ Smith is a control freak, which might not jive with Turner's urge to pick his own coordinators...Jerry Jones wasn't too happy about it, and it's pretty much what got Marty fired...
If the Chargers nab Norv, it'll be bad news for the Niners...because they might not only lose Norv, but it's not out of the question that Turner would turn around and hire Singletary to be the Chargers' defensive coordinator...
Hold your breath again, folks...one more time...
Monday, February 12, 2007
Arrington?
LaVar would be a nice addition to the team...the Niners missed Peterson's presence as a large LB who could move around the field last year. Adalius Thomas (6'2, 270 lbs!) is another option, assuming he's not franchised...and, of course, Thomas has the Ravens' D/Nolan connection...
On the WR front, the Niners should consider trading a third or fourth rounder for a veteran if one's out there...Jerry Porter could be an option for cheaper than that...
On the WR front, the Niners should consider trading a third or fourth rounder for a veteran if one's out there...Jerry Porter could be an option for cheaper than that...
Friday, February 9, 2007
Injuries...or lack thereof...
People love to blame losing season on injuries. But it's rare that people praise lack of injuries for winning seasons.
The Niners won seven games this year because they were markedly more healthy than previous years...often more healthy than their opponents. This is the name of the game in the NFL. So much depends on staying healthy.
I hope Nolan repeats the team conditioning from last year...it made a huge difference. And so did eliminating the most injury prone (Plummer, Lloyd, etc.).
The Niners won seven games this year because they were markedly more healthy than previous years...often more healthy than their opponents. This is the name of the game in the NFL. So much depends on staying healthy.
I hope Nolan repeats the team conditioning from last year...it made a huge difference. And so did eliminating the most injury prone (Plummer, Lloyd, etc.).
Good news and bad news
The good news is Norv Turner is staying...but the bad news is Dwight Freeney is going to be franchised by the Colts.
The Niners might turn to fellow Colts defensive teammate Cato June. June is a playmaker...sometimes looking like the only Colt on the field (when the run defense decides to hibernate). He'd be a great pickup, especially now that the Niners are going to the 3-4 full-time.
In order for the 3-4 to be effective, the Niners need some help on the defense.
Harris and Spencer are legit starters. They stay. The Niners could use another veteran CB to act as a reliable nickel. Mike Adams isn't good enough yet.
Mark Roman is a good but not great safety. We could improve there. Remember, Roman was cut from the Packers at the beginning of the season...he's playable, but he's not a star. And his age limits his upside. We could definitely use an upgrade here. Having a big-time safety to pair with Lewis would make a HUGE difference. It would make our secondary one of the top 10 in the NFL...one player, immediate improvement. Harris, Lewis, Spencer and Pro Bowl Safety would be Top 5 NFC. I'd even consider taking a safety in the first round if we can get a Pro Bowler...remember, safeties tend to drop in the draft, so great ones can fall to 11.
Keith Lewis...you are a star. Thank god we have you on this team. You came out of nowhere last year...keep it up this season. You can be a Pro Bowl safety with a little more improvement.
At linebacker, Smith and Ulbrich are great third and fourth linebackers. Smith is actually good enough to be a 2 when healthy. Brandon Moore is great against the pass...at times, he was our only rusher this year. This makes him a solid three.
But we need a number one. Here's where we have to cash in on a free agent. June would be great...and we wouldn't have to totally break the bank.
At defensive end, we need another spalsh in free agency. Ignore offense completely if need be...we need a stud LB and a stud DE. Otherwise, we will be sitting out the playoffs again.
On offense, we could use another WR, yes...but I'm comfortable taking a shot on a wideout with a second or third round in the draft...look at the history...there are many WR stars that fall past round 1. It's a position of depth...and even the Niners have a history of finding good ones late (Owens, Tai Streets, Brandon Lloyd...OK, Lloyd sucks, but still...).
Brandon Williams, of course, was a second-round pick...let's just cross our fingers that he develops into a star returner...
We're pretty much set at O-line, but there's more bad news: Jeremy Newburry won't be back. I was REALLY hoping we could use him as a backup this year...but, alas, the Niners don't want to tie up any money in a long, long, longshot. If he is healthy, he'll be a fantastic pickup for someone. The guy is plain nasty. And he's a stud in the clubhouse...a ton of energy.
Davis makes TE a non-issue. Obviously, Gore and Smith are good...Norris seems like a find at FB. Kicker and punter are set.
So, let's open up that wallet, Mr. York...and get us June or Lance Briggs/Adalius Thomas and the best darn rusher out there, now that Freeney is gone...
The Niners might turn to fellow Colts defensive teammate Cato June. June is a playmaker...sometimes looking like the only Colt on the field (when the run defense decides to hibernate). He'd be a great pickup, especially now that the Niners are going to the 3-4 full-time.
In order for the 3-4 to be effective, the Niners need some help on the defense.
Harris and Spencer are legit starters. They stay. The Niners could use another veteran CB to act as a reliable nickel. Mike Adams isn't good enough yet.
Mark Roman is a good but not great safety. We could improve there. Remember, Roman was cut from the Packers at the beginning of the season...he's playable, but he's not a star. And his age limits his upside. We could definitely use an upgrade here. Having a big-time safety to pair with Lewis would make a HUGE difference. It would make our secondary one of the top 10 in the NFL...one player, immediate improvement. Harris, Lewis, Spencer and Pro Bowl Safety would be Top 5 NFC. I'd even consider taking a safety in the first round if we can get a Pro Bowler...remember, safeties tend to drop in the draft, so great ones can fall to 11.
Keith Lewis...you are a star. Thank god we have you on this team. You came out of nowhere last year...keep it up this season. You can be a Pro Bowl safety with a little more improvement.
At linebacker, Smith and Ulbrich are great third and fourth linebackers. Smith is actually good enough to be a 2 when healthy. Brandon Moore is great against the pass...at times, he was our only rusher this year. This makes him a solid three.
But we need a number one. Here's where we have to cash in on a free agent. June would be great...and we wouldn't have to totally break the bank.
At defensive end, we need another spalsh in free agency. Ignore offense completely if need be...we need a stud LB and a stud DE. Otherwise, we will be sitting out the playoffs again.
On offense, we could use another WR, yes...but I'm comfortable taking a shot on a wideout with a second or third round in the draft...look at the history...there are many WR stars that fall past round 1. It's a position of depth...and even the Niners have a history of finding good ones late (Owens, Tai Streets, Brandon Lloyd...OK, Lloyd sucks, but still...).
Brandon Williams, of course, was a second-round pick...let's just cross our fingers that he develops into a star returner...
We're pretty much set at O-line, but there's more bad news: Jeremy Newburry won't be back. I was REALLY hoping we could use him as a backup this year...but, alas, the Niners don't want to tie up any money in a long, long, longshot. If he is healthy, he'll be a fantastic pickup for someone. The guy is plain nasty. And he's a stud in the clubhouse...a ton of energy.
Davis makes TE a non-issue. Obviously, Gore and Smith are good...Norris seems like a find at FB. Kicker and punter are set.
So, let's open up that wallet, Mr. York...and get us June or Lance Briggs/Adalius Thomas and the best darn rusher out there, now that Freeney is gone...
Monday, February 5, 2007
the march to free agency...
OK, now that the Colts have formally declared themselves as the best team of 2006, we can move forward with stealing their best defensive player (MAYBE second best. Bob Sanders is awesome).
We need to make a huge impact in free agency this year...it's been too long since the days when I used to pick up a newspaper and read that the Niners signed X big-name defensive star (Kevin Greene, Rod Woodson, Deion Sanders, Richard Dent, Ken Norton Jr., Charles Mann, Rickey Jackson, Chris Doleman, Tim McDonald...just to name a few).
This is our time-warp year back to 1994, fellow fans...
We need to make a huge impact in free agency this year...it's been too long since the days when I used to pick up a newspaper and read that the Niners signed X big-name defensive star (Kevin Greene, Rod Woodson, Deion Sanders, Richard Dent, Ken Norton Jr., Charles Mann, Rickey Jackson, Chris Doleman, Tim McDonald...just to name a few).
This is our time-warp year back to 1994, fellow fans...
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