Pretty soon, I'm going to start writing weekly articles for www.49ersparadise.com. I also plan on podcasting every other week on the lastest Niner moves.
Readers: this is the premiere website for 49ers fans. The site should be the first place you go for any Niners information. I've given up surfing the web or reading the San Francisco Chronicle to catch up on my news. Instead, I just go to www.49ersparadise.com. Makers of the site scour all major football websites and quickly post new stories on the web. The site also has original content (some of which I will contribute), but I'll admit: the true selling point of the site is its unbelievably quick and reliable 49er information. Plus, the site has made connections to writers on the inside, so some information is first-hand.
I hope you guys don't think this is an advertisement (after all, I'm not getting paid). It's simply a fact: no website generates Niner news faster. You should all check it out...and I'm going to continue posting here (more frequently), so this blog will not go away...
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Who's next?
Now that the Niners have slowed their frantic spending spree, one can't help but wonder who is next...Donte Stallworth is still on the market and could conceivably be a 49er...
That would make the receiving corp: Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie, Donte Stallworth, Bryan Gilmore, Brandon Williams
Tight ends: Delanie Walker, Vernon Davis
This seems like a tighter unit. You know the Niners are going to add a WR or two in the draft, but adding Stallworth doesn't put pressure on a draft pick to immediately perform. However, if the Niners do draft, say, a Dwayne Jarrett as a trade-up in the early second round, there would be a definite crowd at WR...but injuries happen, and depth isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, knowing that Lelie has anger-management issues when he's not playing, my guess is that the Niners pass on Stallworth and simply fill up the receiving corps in the draft.
LaVar Arrington is still on the market...might the Niners take a flier on this guy?
That would make the receiving corp: Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie, Donte Stallworth, Bryan Gilmore, Brandon Williams
Tight ends: Delanie Walker, Vernon Davis
This seems like a tighter unit. You know the Niners are going to add a WR or two in the draft, but adding Stallworth doesn't put pressure on a draft pick to immediately perform. However, if the Niners do draft, say, a Dwayne Jarrett as a trade-up in the early second round, there would be a definite crowd at WR...but injuries happen, and depth isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, knowing that Lelie has anger-management issues when he's not playing, my guess is that the Niners pass on Stallworth and simply fill up the receiving corps in the draft.
LaVar Arrington is still on the market...might the Niners take a flier on this guy?
Who's next?
Now that the Niners have slowed their frantic spending spree, one can't help but wonder who is next...Donte Stallworth is still on the market and could conceivably be a 49er...
That would make the receiving corp: Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie, Donte Stallworth, Bryan Gilmore, Brandon Williams
Tight ends: Delanie Walker, Vernon Davis
This seems like a tighter unit. You know the Niners are going to add a WR or two in the draft, but adding Stallworth doesn't put pressure on a draft pick to immediately perform. However, if the Niners do draft, say, a Dwayne Jarrett as a trade-up in the early second-round, there would be a definite crowd at WR...but injuries happen, and depth isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, knowing that Lelie has anger-management issues when he's not playing, my guess is that the Niners pass on Stallworth and simply fill up the receiving corps in the draft.
LaVar Arrington is still on the market...might the Niners take a flier on this guy?
That would make the receiving corp: Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie, Donte Stallworth, Bryan Gilmore, Brandon Williams
Tight ends: Delanie Walker, Vernon Davis
This seems like a tighter unit. You know the Niners are going to add a WR or two in the draft, but adding Stallworth doesn't put pressure on a draft pick to immediately perform. However, if the Niners do draft, say, a Dwayne Jarrett as a trade-up in the early second-round, there would be a definite crowd at WR...but injuries happen, and depth isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, knowing that Lelie has anger-management issues when he's not playing, my guess is that the Niners pass on Stallworth and simply fill up the receiving corps in the draft.
LaVar Arrington is still on the market...might the Niners take a flier on this guy?
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Now here's a thought...
What about Ricky Williams as a backup to Gore? He'd be a great second option, wouldn't he?
He lives in California and would probably come relatively cheap...
He lives in California and would probably come relatively cheap...
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
One major difference...
A lot of writers, commentators and fans have drawn comparisons to the Eddie D/Carmen Policy free-spending ways based on the past few days.
However, this is one major difference this time around...the Niners are limiting themselves to players 27 and younger.
The old Niners spent to add veterans--especially on defense. Kevin Greene, Rod Woodson, Charles Haley (the second time around), Richard Dent, Charles Mann, Rickey Jackson and many others were already-proven vets on the tail ends of their careers when the signed with SF in the '90s. They were signed to mix in with a team near the brink of a Super Bowl every year.
This year's team is building. These signing are meant to be key pieces to a growing team in 2007, 2008, 2009 and beyond.
It's still money, but money differently spent...and for a rebuilding team, this is definitely the way to go...Paraag Marathe got some really bad press in his first year, but he should be credited for designing contracts that will prevent the Niners from suffering through cap hell in future years while still bringing in talent. Hiring Stanford grads to control contracts is the wave of the future for all sports...
However, this is one major difference this time around...the Niners are limiting themselves to players 27 and younger.
The old Niners spent to add veterans--especially on defense. Kevin Greene, Rod Woodson, Charles Haley (the second time around), Richard Dent, Charles Mann, Rickey Jackson and many others were already-proven vets on the tail ends of their careers when the signed with SF in the '90s. They were signed to mix in with a team near the brink of a Super Bowl every year.
This year's team is building. These signing are meant to be key pieces to a growing team in 2007, 2008, 2009 and beyond.
It's still money, but money differently spent...and for a rebuilding team, this is definitely the way to go...Paraag Marathe got some really bad press in his first year, but he should be credited for designing contracts that will prevent the Niners from suffering through cap hell in future years while still bringing in talent. Hiring Stanford grads to control contracts is the wave of the future for all sports...
Joe Horn or Eric Moulds?
One of these guys, a good draft pick, Lelie, Gilmore, B. Williams and Battle would be work fine as a group, no?
Fill in the blanks
What do the Niners still need? Just fill in the blanks...
QB Smith
RB Gore (Hicks is a serviceable backup)
FB Norris
WR ____, Lelie, Battle (a No. 1 receiver is still needed...Look to the draft. Brandon Williams and Bryan Gilmore are the backups.)
TE Davis
OL Jennings, Allen, Heitmann, Smiley, Synder (Harris, Wragge, Bass all good backups)
DEs Young, Douglas (Fields is supposed to be a good backup, but we need a _____ who can put pressure on the QB from the end position, even in the 3-4)
DT Franklin (____ back-up, or maybe the starter. Look to the draft)
LBs Moore, Banta-Cain, Smith, Lawson (Ulbrich, Haralson and ___ back-up...another tackler, perhaps, through free agency?)
SS M. Lewis (K. Lewis is a great backup)
FS M. Roman (K. Lewis will backup here too)
CB Clements, Harris (Spencer is a good backup)
So, the Niners have a whole bunch of picks...but only four glaring areas of need.
The most glaring is clearly wide receiver. Without a top target, the team is going nowhere next year. Everyone will clamp down on Gore if Smith can't throw the ball. The team MUST find a potential No. 1 receiver in the draft. If Calvin Johnson can't be had, look for the team to trade up to the late first/early second to draft Jarrett. At least, I hope...)
As it stands now, I see the Niners front 3 putting minimal pressure on the QB, which means that Moore, Haralson and Banta-Cain (and maybe Green) will be in charge of getting the QB. It's risky to have all of your rushers line up behind the line. The Niners need a rushing end who can play the 3-4. Look to the third and fourth round here--or, potentially, Adam Carriker in the first round.
I see the Niners toying with the idea of bringing in another linebacker through free agency. There are a lot out there...maybe Donnie Edwards? He was coached by Manusky at San Diego...with Banta-Cain signed, we could use an all-purpose linebacker, not simply a pass-rusher...Edwards could be a Gary Plummer-like signing...(and not simply the San Diego to San Francisco connection...)
Finally, I'm not totally sold on Franklin. We need another option in the middle. Nose tackles wear down quickly, even mid-game. If we don't trade up for Calvin Johnson, I see us going DT in the first round, either by trading up for Branch or taking Okoye.
QB Smith
RB Gore (Hicks is a serviceable backup)
FB Norris
WR ____, Lelie, Battle (a No. 1 receiver is still needed...Look to the draft. Brandon Williams and Bryan Gilmore are the backups.)
TE Davis
OL Jennings, Allen, Heitmann, Smiley, Synder (Harris, Wragge, Bass all good backups)
DEs Young, Douglas (Fields is supposed to be a good backup, but we need a _____ who can put pressure on the QB from the end position, even in the 3-4)
DT Franklin (____ back-up, or maybe the starter. Look to the draft)
LBs Moore, Banta-Cain, Smith, Lawson (Ulbrich, Haralson and ___ back-up...another tackler, perhaps, through free agency?)
SS M. Lewis (K. Lewis is a great backup)
FS M. Roman (K. Lewis will backup here too)
CB Clements, Harris (Spencer is a good backup)
So, the Niners have a whole bunch of picks...but only four glaring areas of need.
The most glaring is clearly wide receiver. Without a top target, the team is going nowhere next year. Everyone will clamp down on Gore if Smith can't throw the ball. The team MUST find a potential No. 1 receiver in the draft. If Calvin Johnson can't be had, look for the team to trade up to the late first/early second to draft Jarrett. At least, I hope...)
As it stands now, I see the Niners front 3 putting minimal pressure on the QB, which means that Moore, Haralson and Banta-Cain (and maybe Green) will be in charge of getting the QB. It's risky to have all of your rushers line up behind the line. The Niners need a rushing end who can play the 3-4. Look to the third and fourth round here--or, potentially, Adam Carriker in the first round.
I see the Niners toying with the idea of bringing in another linebacker through free agency. There are a lot out there...maybe Donnie Edwards? He was coached by Manusky at San Diego...with Banta-Cain signed, we could use an all-purpose linebacker, not simply a pass-rusher...Edwards could be a Gary Plummer-like signing...(and not simply the San Diego to San Francisco connection...)
Finally, I'm not totally sold on Franklin. We need another option in the middle. Nose tackles wear down quickly, even mid-game. If we don't trade up for Calvin Johnson, I see us going DT in the first round, either by trading up for Branch or taking Okoye.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Tully Banta-Cain
This guy is paying a visit to Niners headquarters...he'd be a good signing. I watched a lot of him on the Pats this past season, and he is an excellent pash rusher...he reminds me a lot of Tim Harris. We haven't had a great pass rushing linebacker in a while (although Roderick Green showed potential last year).
If Banta-Cain can improve a little more, he might be good for 7-to-9 sacks.
If Banta-Cain can improve a little more, he might be good for 7-to-9 sacks.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Arrington or Porter?
Porter's character would be perfect for this team. He would bring a nastiness that hasn't existed for a long time (especially now that Newburry is gone). BY is a nice guy...Porter is a beast.
Arrington has a lot of potential too...I know both might be potential "attitude" problems...would signing one or the other be more trouble than its worth?
Arrington has a lot of potential too...I know both might be potential "attitude" problems...would signing one or the other be more trouble than its worth?
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Is something funny going on?
Just a thought...not even a hunch, but...
The Ravens had the opportunity to tag Adalius Thomas. For a bizarre reason, they did not.
Then, the Niners seemingly had an open-door invitation to sign Thomas. Nolan used to be his coordinator and SF had more money than anyone.
Oddly, a day before free agency begins, there's a leak in Niners camp that says, "we may not be as interested in Thomas as you think..."
Sure enough, from the gun, the Niners jump in and sign Clements, leaving Thomas alone. They tentatively book an interview, but on Day 2, understanding that New England would have first dibs.
Perhaps Thomas simply wanted to play with New England--I mean, who wouldn't. They are the best thing going right now...a Super Bowl contender, potential dynasty, playing with a lot of money. Maybe Thomas' agent said to the Niners, "I don't care how much money you offer me, my client wants New England."
But maybe Nolan and the Ravens know something we don't. Is it possible Nolan and Billick thought Thomas wasn't worth big money? And the talk of the Niners' interest was just smoke and mirrors to drive the price up for another team?
The Ravens had the opportunity to tag Adalius Thomas. For a bizarre reason, they did not.
Then, the Niners seemingly had an open-door invitation to sign Thomas. Nolan used to be his coordinator and SF had more money than anyone.
Oddly, a day before free agency begins, there's a leak in Niners camp that says, "we may not be as interested in Thomas as you think..."
Sure enough, from the gun, the Niners jump in and sign Clements, leaving Thomas alone. They tentatively book an interview, but on Day 2, understanding that New England would have first dibs.
Perhaps Thomas simply wanted to play with New England--I mean, who wouldn't. They are the best thing going right now...a Super Bowl contender, potential dynasty, playing with a lot of money. Maybe Thomas' agent said to the Niners, "I don't care how much money you offer me, my client wants New England."
But maybe Nolan and the Ravens know something we don't. Is it possible Nolan and Billick thought Thomas wasn't worth big money? And the talk of the Niners' interest was just smoke and mirrors to drive the price up for another team?
Whoa! I like Day 2 A LOT...
Ashley Lelie! I really didn't think we'd go for this guy, so I never mentioned him...I like this signing a lot. Lelie is only two years removed from a 1,000 yard season. He's young and has more potential than Stallworth, Bennett (who also signed today...glad not with us...), or Kevin Curtis. He is 6'3, 200 lbs...he's in the mold of Antonio Bryant (Bryant's actually a bit smaller), without quite as much baggage (although he, too, has been labeled as a clubhouse cancer at times) and a little more speed. Atlanta didn't use him right...it's tough when Vick's your QB to really utilize wide receivers...
Lelie is the type of stronger receiver the team needed. Can be a No. 1? Maybe not...but he can be a No. 2. And right now, we don't even have that.
Also, the Niners seem to think that Aubrayo Franklin is big enough to start in the middle at 320 lbs. In today's NFL 320 lbs isn't huge. Why didn't we just draft Vince Wolfork a few years ago instead of trading down for Rashaun Woods!? It makes me so mad! It was such an obvious pick at the time...we have needed a big DT for, like, 10 years!
Lelie is the type of stronger receiver the team needed. Can be a No. 1? Maybe not...but he can be a No. 2. And right now, we don't even have that.
Also, the Niners seem to think that Aubrayo Franklin is big enough to start in the middle at 320 lbs. In today's NFL 320 lbs isn't huge. Why didn't we just draft Vince Wolfork a few years ago instead of trading down for Rashaun Woods!? It makes me so mad! It was such an obvious pick at the time...we have needed a big DT for, like, 10 years!
So we beat Denver...
A lot of pundits have looked to the Niners' end-of-year victory against the Broncos as a huge win, as it solidified the Niners as a team on the rise.
However, if we had lost that game, we'd be in a much better position to draft Branch or pass-rushers Jamaal Anderson/Gaines Adams in the first-round.
Now, we're going to have to trade up to get any of the three...and lose some really good picks.
The game had no playoff implications for us (we were out already) and could jeopardize the near future of the team...
You can argue it had positive externalities (it helped morale! It convinced Clements we were a team on the rise!), but this reasoning seems lame and probably untrue.
Just a thought...
However, if we had lost that game, we'd be in a much better position to draft Branch or pass-rushers Jamaal Anderson/Gaines Adams in the first-round.
Now, we're going to have to trade up to get any of the three...and lose some really good picks.
The game had no playoff implications for us (we were out already) and could jeopardize the near future of the team...
You can argue it had positive externalities (it helped morale! It convinced Clements we were a team on the rise!), but this reasoning seems lame and probably untrue.
Just a thought...
Hmmm...
Well, the defense is better, but the Niners still have a lot of holes to fill...
My revised prediction for the 2007 starting defense:
DE B. Young
NT A. Okoye/trade up for Branch (I'm assuming Aubrayo Franklin is not good enough to start)
DE M. Douglas
LB J. Porter
LB B. Moore
LB M. Lawson
LB D. Smith
CB Clements
CB Harris
SS M. Lewis
FS M. Roman (Nolan said he'd start...over K. Lewis? I'm surprised...)
This puts big-money CB Shawntae Spencer as a nickel back...
My revised prediction for the 2007 starting defense:
DE B. Young
NT A. Okoye/trade up for Branch (I'm assuming Aubrayo Franklin is not good enough to start)
DE M. Douglas
LB J. Porter
LB B. Moore
LB M. Lawson
LB D. Smith
CB Clements
CB Harris
SS M. Lewis
FS M. Roman (Nolan said he'd start...over K. Lewis? I'm surprised...)
This puts big-money CB Shawntae Spencer as a nickel back...
Friday, March 2, 2007
The rich get richer...
You can't always get what you want...from Boston.com...
Thomas update
The Patriots are scheduled to host linebacker Adalius Thomas at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, and assuming he passes a physical and there are no last-minute hitches, the sides should finalize a blockbuster deal that will make Thomas a Patriot, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.Clements and Michael Lewis signed...
A new starter on defense and a primary backup...Clements definitely overpaid at 8 years, 80(!) million...
I guess Walt Harris will go from Pro Bowler to nickel back...
Michael Lewis was burned in coverage over and over again for the Eagles last year...I hope this was a "one-year" slip-up, because he used to be nasty...
http://www.49ersparadise.com/cgi-bin/news/news.cgi?action=display&num=11790
So, we overpaid for a corner and signed a one-dimensional safety on day one...
Not really what I was expecting today...
I guess Walt Harris will go from Pro Bowler to nickel back...
Michael Lewis was burned in coverage over and over again for the Eagles last year...I hope this was a "one-year" slip-up, because he used to be nasty...
http://www.49ersparadise.com/cgi-bin/news/news.cgi?action=display&num=11790
So, we overpaid for a corner and signed a one-dimensional safety on day one...
Not really what I was expecting today...
Clements?
ESPN reports the Niners are close to signing Clements...
Do we really need this guy, with Harris and Spencer? Is his signing going to prevent us from signing Adalius?
Does this make sense? I suppose Harris is getting old, but still...
Do we really need this guy, with Harris and Spencer? Is his signing going to prevent us from signing Adalius?
Does this make sense? I suppose Harris is getting old, but still...
Would you do it?
Here's a thought:
Would you give up the No. 11 pick AND next year's first round pick to move up nine spots and draft Calvin Johnson? The Niners are so young (and should be good enough in 2007) that having a first-rounder next year may not yield huge benefits. Is it worth it to move up to a position this year to grab a potential superstar receiver by mortgaging a little bit of the future?
QB Smith
RB Gore
FB Norris
WR Calvin Johnson, Donte Stallworth, (Arnaz Battle)
TE Davis
OLs Jennings, Allen, Heitman, Smiley, Snyder (Do we really need Leonard Davis? I think our money would be better spent elsewhere...)
DEs Young, Haralson/Kerney
DT Douglas (he's big enough...)/Fields
LBs Adalius Thomas, Manny Lawson, Derek Smith, Brandon Moore
SS Roman/Free agent/Second-round pick
FS Keith Lewis
CB Spencer, Harris
Would you give up the No. 11 pick AND next year's first round pick to move up nine spots and draft Calvin Johnson? The Niners are so young (and should be good enough in 2007) that having a first-rounder next year may not yield huge benefits. Is it worth it to move up to a position this year to grab a potential superstar receiver by mortgaging a little bit of the future?
QB Smith
RB Gore
FB Norris
WR Calvin Johnson, Donte Stallworth, (Arnaz Battle)
TE Davis
OLs Jennings, Allen, Heitman, Smiley, Snyder (Do we really need Leonard Davis? I think our money would be better spent elsewhere...)
DEs Young, Haralson/Kerney
DT Douglas (he's big enough...)/Fields
LBs Adalius Thomas, Manny Lawson, Derek Smith, Brandon Moore
SS Roman/Free agent/Second-round pick
FS Keith Lewis
CB Spencer, Harris
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Porter and Horn?
We're a little more than two hours away from the official start of free agency, and players are being dumped to help cap-strapped teams get their finances in order.
The Niners have a ton of money to spend but cut Antonio Bryant today. I'd imagine most fans aren't too upset with that, assuming we can find someone to replace him...
Joe Horn might be an option. He was cut today and might be the best free agent out there. But, he's 35 and has been injury prone recently...that said, our newly appointed QB coach was the Saints' QB coach in 2000 and 2001, during Horn's prime. He may have some say there...
Joey Porter was cut today too. This guy has been around for a while but is still only 29. He's a stud, and the Niners should give him a really good look. He'd be a lot cheaper than Thomas, if the Niners decide tying all that money in one player just isn't worth it...
Cutting Bryant means the Niners are really depleted at WR. Could this mean the Niners will go WR with their first pick (Ginn?) and address defense in free agency? Or, will they make a trade for a veteran WR who is currently not happy with his situation? Or, is the team that high on local guy Drew Bennett? I doubt Bennett could be a No.1, though...but maybe the Niners are content to sign Stallworth and pair him with Battle and Bennett?
The Niners have a ton of money to spend but cut Antonio Bryant today. I'd imagine most fans aren't too upset with that, assuming we can find someone to replace him...
Joe Horn might be an option. He was cut today and might be the best free agent out there. But, he's 35 and has been injury prone recently...that said, our newly appointed QB coach was the Saints' QB coach in 2000 and 2001, during Horn's prime. He may have some say there...
Joey Porter was cut today too. This guy has been around for a while but is still only 29. He's a stud, and the Niners should give him a really good look. He'd be a lot cheaper than Thomas, if the Niners decide tying all that money in one player just isn't worth it...
Cutting Bryant means the Niners are really depleted at WR. Could this mean the Niners will go WR with their first pick (Ginn?) and address defense in free agency? Or, will they make a trade for a veteran WR who is currently not happy with his situation? Or, is the team that high on local guy Drew Bennett? I doubt Bennett could be a No.1, though...but maybe the Niners are content to sign Stallworth and pair him with Battle and Bennett?
From Cnnsi.com...
I sure hope this is just smoke and mirrors:
• Where will the biggest of the free-agent names end up? Sources I talked to Thursday said not to discount linebacker Adalius Thomas winding up with New England -- despite an expected price tag that could approach $9 million per season. While many anticipate Thomas being reunited with former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in San Francisco, some within the league said the 49ers won't necessarily make a strong push for him.
• Where will the biggest of the free-agent names end up? Sources I talked to Thursday said not to discount linebacker Adalius Thomas winding up with New England -- despite an expected price tag that could approach $9 million per season. While many anticipate Thomas being reunited with former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in San Francisco, some within the league said the 49ers won't necessarily make a strong push for him.
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