Free Agency

[ninersfan68]

I just hope we sign Adalius Thomas, he made AFC starting outside linebacker and would allow us to focus our draft on the NT and CB or S position.

[sf49orr]

He would be a nice addition but now that he has made the pro bowl his price has just gone up. I would like Nate Clements or Asante Samuel. If we're able to get any of those 3 I would be happy.

[ninersfan68]

If we signed Samuel I dont know what I will do!!

[EastCoastNiner]

He would be a nice addition but now that he has made the pro bowl his price has just gone up. I would like Nate Clements or Asante Samuel. If we're able to get any of those 3 I would be happy.

We won't get Asante Samuel. I live in MA and the Pats are definately going to sign him, and it isn't like this is the 100th free agency post...

[sf49orr]

You're probably right about Samuel but I would still like to steal him. The closer the season gets to being over the only things we have to look forward to besides next year are free agency and the draft.

[ninersfan68]

I agree

[MisfitZ]

If we signed Samuel I dont know what I will do!!
i think it would be like this :yikes: :woot: :francis: :nolan:

[jimmydan]

So....I know we need to bulk up our D in the majority of areas in the Off-season as we continue to improve on the up and up. But I would like to see us make a move for D.J Hackett of the Seahawks. I know he is becoming a security blanket for Hasselbeck, but I think he would be great for us. Most importantly, the Seahawks will let him go as he is a form of restricted free agent. He has signed some form of year extension, but he can still leave at the end of this season. The guy is young, athletic, tall and great for short yardages and awesome on YAC. I would love to see us push for him. What do you all think?

Anybody else have any ideas for who to add in the off-season? especially to the O as we know the needs for the D.

[49ERSFAN$LIFE]

So....I know we need to bulk up our D in the majority of areas in the Off-season as we continue to improve on the up and up. But I would like to see us make a move for D.J Hackett of the Seahawks. I know he is becoming a security blanket for Hasselbeck, but I think he would be great for us. Most importantly, the Seahawks will let him go as he is a form of restricted free agent. He has signed some form of year extension, but he can still leave at the end of this season. The guy is young, athletic, tall and great for short yardages and awesome on YAC. I would love to see us push for him. What do you all think?

Anybody else have any ideas for who to add in the off-season? especially to the O as we know the needs for the D.


Randy Moss :ohmy:

[jimmydan]

You serious? I think not :)

[49ERSFAN$LIFE]

yeah i was kidding, i dunno nobody big named, i say we take our chances in the draft and hope to get lucky like the saints did with colston

[meyer65]

I would love to see us draft Calvin Johnson. He is a phenominal football player and will go on to do great things in the NFL, I only hope it is with the Niners. That being said, I would be shocked if he didn't go top 5 (which we're not going to have!)

[jmichura]

yeah i was kidding, i dunno nobody big named, i say we take our chances in the draft and hope to get lucky like the saints did with colston

Helps that he has Brees throwing to him. WR-wise, I don't think we can get that lucky due to the offense we run. I would like to see us have another big target for Alex to throw to, at least 6'2. I would for us to get Calvin but it isn't going to happen.

[SoggyNinerFan]

So....I know we need to bulk up our D in the majority of areas in the Off-season as we continue to improve on the up and up. But I would like to see us make a move for D.J Hackett of the Seahawks. I know he is becoming a security blanket for Hasselbeck, but I think he would be great for us. Most importantly, the Seahawks will let him go as he is a form of restricted free agent. He has signed some form of year extension, but he can still leave at the end of this season. The guy is young, athletic, tall and great for short yardages and awesome on YAC. I would love to see us push for him. What do you all think?

Anybody else have any ideas for who to add in the off-season? especially to the O as we know the needs for the D.

Before we look at another receiver, I would like to see what Taylor Jacobs is capable of. He's looked pretty good when he has played this year and showed some good seperation. If he can become a threat, then we can take a couple of late round picks for a wideout. With Gore running over teams and Vernon coming into his own, a true number one wide out is not as important as building a dominant defense.

[Blong4Ever]

Before we look at another receiver, I would like to see what Taylor Jacobs is capable of. He's looked pretty good when he has played this year and showed some good seperation. If he can become a threat, then we can take a couple of late round picks for a wideout. With Gore running over teams and Vernon coming into his own, a true number one wide out is not as important as building a dominant defense.

True, and it's not just Jacobs we have several young WRs who should be developing. I agree they will probably pick up another WR late in the draft but it's getting old seeing those picks go to waste. Picking up a Colston in the 7th round is the needle in the haystack, the last few drafts we have just been getting poked. I'd like to see all defense on the first day.

[Bryon]

Defense!!!

[Underrated49ers]

Reggie Nelson.

Adalius Thomas.

[SB49er4life]

Helps that he has Brees throwing to him. WR-wise, I don't think we can get that lucky due to the offense we run. I would like to see us have another big target for Alex to throw to, at least 6'2. I would for us to get Calvin but it isn't going to happen.

Ya, but Brees isn't the one gettin open consistently and catchin the passes. He's got a good QB and plays in a very clever offense, but theres a reason why not every WR in the league would flourish in a high powered offense.

[TheWiz]

I don't know why everyone is so high on Nelson. I finally read some articles on him this afternoon.

The kid has only played 3 of years of college football. One of them was at a community college. His junior year and 1st in a big program, he was merely average to below average. He has one big season this year and suddenly he's worth a 1st round choice? All of the reports I saw list him as good instincts and makes a lot of plays and hits harder than you'd expect. However they also said he tends to gamble too much, doesn't have the bulk to hit the bigger pro RBs and WRs, and could definitely be a deep liability since he bites or routes and playfakes too quickly.

Personally I'm more impressed so far by CB McCauley out of Fresno St. Here is a kid with 3 years of starting experience. He's got ideal height and weight and he's more or less a shutdown corner. Teams don't even like throwing in his direction. He's got every tool to be an all around NFL CB and plenty of agility and speed to be a very good one. All I've heard as knocks against him is he may have troubles with the shorter and quicker WRs. But supposedly if he can show a sub 4.47 or so 40-time he will definitely be a first rounder. Personally I like the idea of going after a kid who is more of a local product. He may not even start next season but every indication is that he could be an instant NB for us who could force himself into a starting role by the end of '07. Given how many problems we've had with our 3rd CB and Davis being burnt, this would be an ideal move. Of course, if this could only pulls a 4.51 he could drop out of the first round but I'd still be waiting for him in the 2nd round.

[Kenage]

WIZ - I agree with you. I live in Fresno and watch FSU games as much as I can. McCauley did have a down senior year, but the whole team did and I do not think that should hurt his pro potential. He was coached by Pat Hill who as you know is a Bill Belichick deciphel so he plays tough and makes no excuses. The other thing I like about his play is he hits people. He suffered a concussion early in the season when he came up and gave a big hit on a receiver. He didn't play as well after that and I think some of that might be lingering effects from that hit. He should be ready to go now and would be an excellent first round choice by the 49ers.

[BigB_85]

I don't know why everyone is so high on Nelson. I finally read some articles on him this afternoon.

The kid has only played 3 of years of college football. One of them was at a community college. His junior year and 1st in a big program, he was merely average to below average. He has one big season this year and suddenly he's worth a 1st round choice? All of the reports I saw list him as good instincts and makes a lot of plays and hits harder than you'd expect. However they also said he tends to gamble too much, doesn't have the bulk to hit the bigger pro RBs and WRs, and could definitely be a deep liability since he bites or routes and playfakes too quickly.
Why is it exactly a bad thing this is his only great year? I seem to recall our first pick of the 2006 NFL Draft not breaking out until his junior year as well.......

Some have compared Reggie Nelson to Ed Reed. He is a ballhawk and lays the wood.

As for him not being able to hit pro RB's and Wr's, here are a couple of clips of him...........
Reggie Nelson Hitting a Tight End (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aRW3JFaMN_A)

Laying Out A Fullback (http://youtube.com/watch?v=zcMGyqZ-TBU)
Personally I'm more impressed so far by CB McCauley out of Fresno St. Here is a kid with 3 years of starting experience. He's got ideal height and weight and he's more or less a shutdown corner. Teams don't even like throwing in his direction. He's got every tool to be an all around NFL CB and plenty of agility and speed to be a very good one. All I've heard as knocks against him is he may have troubles with the shorter and quicker WRs. But supposedly if he can show a sub 4.47 or so 40-time he will definitely be a first rounder. Personally I like the idea of going after a kid who is more of a local product. He may not even start next season but every indication is that he could be an instant NB for us who could force himself into a starting role by the end of '07. Given how many problems we've had with our 3rd CB and Davis being burnt, this would be an ideal move. Of course, if this could only pulls a 4.51 he could drop out of the first round but I'd still be waiting for him in the 2nd round.
McCauley is far from a shutdown CB, although he does have lots of potential. He has been picked on this year and in fact didn't even start against San Jose State, which I believe was Fresno State's most recent game. MarCus McCauley probably won't make it past the first couple rounds though, since he supposedly has elite measurables.

[papa burgundy]

McCauley had a pretty pitiful senior year.. He's probably gonna drop pretty far once scouts get a hold of film and realize his technique is pretty flawed. And I don't understand the Nelson hype train either. He reminds me of Troy Polamalu minus the luck.. and luck is like 90% of Polamalus game. I still prefer we draft a NT or ILB, but if we were to draft a DB I like Revis the best.

[QuickSlant]

A CB and LB free agency. Does anyone have a problem with Sidney Rice??

[TheWiz]

Why is it exactly a bad thing this is his only great year? I seem to recall our first pick of the 2006 NFL Draft not breaking out until his junior year as well.......

Some have compared Reggie Nelson to Ed Reed. He is a ballhawk and lays the wood.

As for him not being able to hit pro RB's and Wr's, here are a couple of clips of him...........
Reggie Nelson Hitting a Tight End (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aRW3JFaMN_A)

First of all that wasn't my point. He has a reputation for hitting. Showing video of a TE or a FB from college doesn't prove a thing. None of them are professionals. None of them are 230 lbs+ like plenty of the bigger starting backs in the league. Both of those kids weren't even looking at him and Nelson merely threw a full body hit on them when they were unprotected. Neither video even shows the type of powerful hitting we've seen in that clip of Robinson against the Minnesota safety. Show me a guy who goes up and stands up a lead blocker and then we'll talk about a hard hitting safety. Ed Reed is anywhere from 1" to 2" shorter and based on which site I looked at, has anywhere from 10 to 18 lbs. of bulk on him over Nelson. That tells me Nelson is much leaner when his frame should hold another 2-4 lbs. over Reed's to be comparable.


McCauley is far from a shutdown CB, although he does have lots of potential. He has been picked on this year and in fact didn't even start against San Jose State, which I believe was Fresno State's most recent game. MarCus McCauley probably won't make it past the first couple rounds though, since he supposedly has elite measurables.

McCauley as has been mentioned above has off his game apparently since his melon got squished a little bit. What I'm more interested is what I've seen of him in previous years. If he has the measurables I have no doubt that he could be a solid pro. If he drops enough to be a 3rd or 4th rounder, then even better, he'll be our next big 3rd round steal.

Let me finish with a single quote I recently discovered. While I still think plenty of sports movies are classics, I've never been a hockey fan. During debate(over best sports movies) recently a colleague was shocked that I hadn't seen "Miracle". So I promised to watch it and last Friday I did and I was very impressed with it. I've had to watch parts of it again in the past week. This came to mind while typing a response...

Advisor: "I don't know about this Craig kid, scouts are saying his game has been really off lately"
Coach: "Heh, have they ever seen him when his game was on?"

[Kenage]

I think McCauley will go late first early second around where last years Fresno State corner Richard Marshal went. I do not know if anyone here has noticed but he has a very solid rookie year and McCauley I think will be a better pro. While not as fast as Marshal he has better cover skills. One thing I do know about him is that he is tough and will not back down from any receiver he lines up against.

[SB49er4life]

I don't know why everyone is so high on Nelson. I finally read some articles on him this afternoon.

The kid has only played 3 of years of college football. One of them was at a community college. His junior year and 1st in a big program, he was merely average to below average. He has one big season this year and suddenly he's worth a 1st round choice? All of the reports I saw list him as good instincts and makes a lot of plays and hits harder than you'd expect. However they also said he tends to gamble too much, doesn't have the bulk to hit the bigger pro RBs and WRs, and could definitely be a deep liability since he bites or routes and playfakes too quickly.

.

Players aren't allowed to improve ?

You also don't need to be a 220 lb safety to be able to hit hard. There are plenty of hard hitting safeties around the NFL that are around or even under 200 lbs.

[TheWiz]

- That Depends on who you expect them to hit hard. If you're talking about a FS who gets to take shots at WRs and vulnerable TEs all day, sure, you don't need size. If you're talking about a LOS type of SS who you want to take on lead blockers and play like a 4th LB, at 200 lbs. you will be tossed aside like a rag doll no how much pop you have. People are comparing him to Ed Reed who is a very stout and muscular S who plays very tight. My point is that Nelson is not built to play like that.

- There is an inherent danger with picking players who burst out in their senior year because of the factors involved. Perhaps he had some great cover corners in front of him his first year and had to make few plays. This year teams challenged younger corners deep and Nelson rose to the occassion. Or maybe its like that team has so many great cover corners that this year Nelson can just go for the ball a lot more instead of worrying about the deep coverage. Sometimes you get what I sometimes call the 'USC" effect. A lot of above average to good players on one side of the ball makes everyone looks like superstars. There are so many good players on a team you can't tell if it's a single players abilities, the supporting cast, or the scheme. Players who breakout senior year could be products of their role and/or environments and then you wonder where they were previously.

- I can tell you about big name juniors last year that were on the radar. Nelson was not one of them. Guys who have 2 or 3 years of good experience in college are big commodities. Especially when they peek at their junior year when they played sparingly sophomore year. It means they got the system and raised their game athletically that year.

- Here is what I see purely from Nelson's stat sheets. People want to spend a 1st rounder on him because he had a big senior year. His junior year he wasn't a blip on a scouting report. 49 tackles and 1 INT for a starter. He was athletic before, this just tells me he most likely didn't get the system his first year, which worries me. He didn't have D1 grades in high school which should raise some flags. He didn't play ball his first year in JuCo to earn good grades, he played his sophomore year and clearly dominated physically. Then he went to a D1 program and couldn't learn the defense well enough. Even with great athletic skills, you've got to worry if he will even make an impact his rookie year. Even Gore with his learning problems made D1 so I've got to worry if I spend a top 20 pick on this kid if he'll be out there at FS and get burnt like toast. I'm just overall not impressed with his resume and I've seen nothing of tape on him.

[AndyLeeMVP]

- That Depends on who you expect them to hit hard. If you're talking about a FS who gets to take shots at WRs and vulnerable TEs all day, sure, you don't need size. If you're talking about a LOS type of SS who you want to take on lead blockers and play like a 4th LB, at 200 lbs. you will be tossed aside like a rag doll no how much pop you have. People are comparing him to Ed Reed who is a very stout and muscular S who plays very tight. My point is that Nelson is not built to play like that.

- There is an inherent danger with picking players who burst out in their senior year because of the factors involved. Perhaps he had some great cover corners in front of him his first year and had to make few plays. This year teams challenged younger corners deep and Nelson rose to the occassion. Or maybe its like that team has so many great cover corners that this year Nelson can just go for the ball a lot more instead of worrying about the deep coverage. Sometimes you get what I sometimes call the 'USC" effect. A lot of above average to good players on one side of the ball makes everyone looks like superstars. There are so many good players on a team you can't tell if it's a single players abilities, the supporting cast, or the scheme. Players who breakout senior year could be products of their role and/or environments and then you wonder where they were previously.

- I can tell you about big name juniors last year that were on the radar. Nelson was not one of them. Guys who have 2 or 3 years of good experience in college are big commodities. Especially when they peek at their junior year when they played sparingly sophomore year. It means they got the system and raised their game athletically that year.

- Here is what I see purely from Nelson's stat sheets. People want to spend a 1st rounder on him because he had a big senior year. His junior year he wasn't a blip on a scouting report. 49 tackles and 1 INT for a starter. He was athletic before, this just tells me he most likely didn't get the system his first year, which worries me. He didn't have D1 grades in high school which should raise some flags. He didn't play ball his first year in JuCo to earn good grades, he played his sophomore year and clearly dominated physically. Then he went to a D1 program and couldn't learn the defense well enough. Even with great athletic skills, you've got to worry if he will even make an impact his rookie year. Even Gore with his learning problems made D1 so I've got to worry if I spend a top 20 pick on this kid if he'll be out there at FS and get burnt like toast. I'm just overall not impressed with his resume and I've seen nothing of tape on him.

The Wiz, what do you think of these players? Im thinking we should get either patrick willis, laron landry, reggie nelson, darelle revis, or my top player alan branch (who will go to cleveland most likely). I think the players i listed should help us out, what do you think of them?

[scottptsn]

i really don't think the 49ers will go with a CB in the first and probably not the second either. Correct me if I am wrong but I heard Scott and Noaln don't like drafting CBs because its such a crap shoot. I think we will take care of our CB and or Safty in free agency. Then go for the needed LB's and linemen to make Noaln's 3-4 work for the first time. Wiz any thoughts on LB's or linmen in the draft you like?:ninerh:

[TheWiz]

You guys are hitting me all too early for draft questions. I don't sit down and start glancing over game films or scouting reports until February or late January at the earliest. I try to take in a lot of the big bowl games and get my own opinions formulated early. It makes a big difference when I see some film on a LB simply playing great and then 2 weeks later the combine comes along and everyone is drooling over another kid just because he ran a 4.52 at MLB. Until then my head is too much into the NFL to watch anything but the big college games.

I can say this much right now and one kid I did see a lot of last year was Paul Posluszny at Penn State. He would be a very intriguing pick for this team. This kid is worth a middle 1st rounder based on his instincts alone. He does everything you can ask of a LB. He plays well in space and has a nose for the ball in zone coverage. He can blitz and produce a few sacks. He isn't afraid to attack the LOS and he's relentless in pursuit. I remember seeing him on a play where he read a running play away from him and instead of turning to pursue, he first dropped back a yard. That way he wouldn't need to side step any DL or LBs who attacked the LOS. Then he rocketed across the field, parallel to the LOS so fast he beat the RB to the corner and simply leveled the ball carrier who never expected an inside pursuer. He simply dominated his sophomore and junior years and I think it was a torn hamstring that kept him out of the draft last season. He could be a very good backside LB in a 4-3 if he's asked to developed his pass rushing a little more. He is definitely a LB you want on the field in a nickel situation with his range of skills. He's almost comparable from Greenway last year except Poslyszny makes more plays and has superior instincts, more so than Hawke I'd guess. Personally I'd rather see us draft him because of the value involved than signing Briggs because Posluszny has the ability to match Briggs' skills and stats within his first 2 years.

[BigMar]

You guys are hitting me all too early for draft questions. I don't sit down and start glancing over game films or scouting reports until February or late January at the earliest. I try to take in a lot of the big bowl games and get my own opinions formulated early. It makes a big difference when I see some film on a LB simply playing great and then 2 weeks later the combine comes along and everyone is drooling over another kid just because he ran a 4.52 at MLB. Until then my head is too much into the NFL to watch anything but the big college games.

I can say this much right now and one kid I did see a lot of last year was Paul Posluszny at Penn State. He would be a very intriguing pick for this team. This kid is worth a middle 1st rounder based on his instincts alone. He does everything you can ask of a LB. He plays well in space and has a nose for the ball in zone coverage. He can blitz and produce a few sacks. He isn't afraid to attack the LOS and he's relentless in pursuit. I remember seeing him on a play where he read a running play away from him and instead of turning to pursue, he first dropped back a yard. That way he wouldn't need to side step any DL or LBs who attacked the LOS. Then he rocketed across the field, parallel to the LOS so fast he beat the RB to the corner and simply leveled the ball carrier who never expected an inside pursuer. He simply dominated his sophomore and junior years and I think it was a torn hamstring that kept him out of the draft last season. He could be a very good backside LB in a 4-3 if he's asked to developed his pass rushing a little more. He is definitely a LB you want on the field in a nickel situation with his range of skills. He's almost comparable from Greenway last year except Poslyszny makes more plays and has superior instincts, more so than Hawke I'd guess. Personally I'd rather see us draft him because of the value involved than signing Briggs because Posluszny has the ability to match Briggs' skills and stats within his first 2 years.

Now your talking... I'd rather draft Posluszny over signing Briggs too!

[TheWiz]

i really don't think the 49ers will go with a CB in the first and probably not the second either. Correct me if I am wrong but I heard Scott and Noaln don't like drafting CBs because its such a crap shoot. I think we will take care of our CB and or Safty in free agency.

I remember that quote being echoed as well. The statement was along the lines that evaluating DBs is ridiculously hard to do. You can't go with blind speed, virtually every 1st round CB pulls a sub 4.5 if not a number at or below 4.45 in the 40. Agility and cone drills are nice but don't mean a thing if a DB reacts slower with his read to counterbalance the strong ankles and calves. INTs are only as good as when and how he got them. Each year, many experience personnel men bet on this CB or that CB and plenty turn into duds. CB Rumph moves off the LOS like he's got 10 lbs. weights on his feet and he worked on it his whole career here and still looked like he was moving in quicksand in the first 5 yards. CB Davis as we've seen just bites too easily and has no recovery burst. Not to mention terrible hands.

I think they also subscribe to the belief of pass rushers create cornerbacks. Simply put, if you have even great CBs who must chase for 5+ seconds each passing snap, you'll get roasted. Even the best CBs can't stay close through
3+ cuts by a WR and it gives the QB so much time to find an elusive open man somewhere that you can't stop the opposition. Meanwhile, when you've got a great pass rush, CB's who are chasing a guy for 5 seconds know the CB has scrambled or somehow they missed the whistle. When a QB has less than 4 seconds to throw, there's less ground to cover for CBs and WRs only have time to make 1 solid cut or maybe 2 quick ones. So even a mediocre CB can stay with decent WRs for a few steps.

If the front office does truly doubt its ability to find a starting type of CB or S, I'd suggest they go along those routes. Meanwhile, I can't fathom what we'll be planning for in January. The veteran CBs will be expensive and likely carry as much risk financially as the rookies might in terms of draft capital. I hope the decision comes down to hiring 1 or 2 specialist scouts to scout just those positions inside and outside before making a gamble. I'd also spent an abnormal amount of combine time and personal workouts on those players we think we can get to verify our thoughts. Keep in mind they have drafted Hudson, Vaughn, Holly, and Johnson, all 6th or later round picks. They just to prefer fishing for a diamond instead of risking finding out a supposed diamond is a cubic zirconia.

[papa burgundy]

The Wiz, what do you think of these players? Im thinking we should get either patrick willis, laron landry, reggie nelson, darelle revis, or my top player alan branch (who will go to cleveland most likely). I think the players i listed should help us out, what do you think of them?

Patrick Willis: Beast Burger
Laron Landry: FS Enforcer who is kinda iffy in coverage
Reggie Nelson: Has 1st round talent but not the top 15 guy everyone seems to be thinking he is. Consistency will be a big question for him in the pros.
Darrelle Revis: Most underrated corner in the draft
Alan Branch: Bigger Richard Seymour clone.. not a 3-4 NT most likely a 3-4 end.

and Posluszny? Ewww.. He's a down field, gang tackler, who gets pushed around by blockers. Just call him Nick Barnett/Derek Smith part 2. I'd take the other 2 Penn State LB'ers before Posluszny.

[ManCans]

TheWiz is right, in that choosing a cornerback can be a real crapshoot. That's why I'd prefer to stay away from a CB in the first round, unless there is a true, rock-solid, shutdown corner available. Leon Hall is probably the best prospect available this year, but he's far from a sure-thing. He reminds me a lot of Ahmed Plummer coming out of college; solid, but not spectacular, and he'll give up the big play every now and then. Darelle Revis may be a better prospect than Hall. I've repeatedly seen top-tier teams challenge Revis, and he's responded every time. That's something McCauley hasn't been able to do. Antoine Cason hasn't impressed me the way that Dameion Hughes has. Hughes and Revis are probably the only two cornerbacks I would consider taking in the first round, because they've consistently shown playmaking ability regardless of the competition.

I'm hoping that Hughes slips to the second round of this year's draft, but there are several options available if he doesn't. I've been very impressed with the Texas defensive backs, Ross being my favorite. What I've learned about cornerbacks is that they can't be judged by their measurables. The cornerbacks who make plays in college are the typically the same ones who'll make plays in the NFL. Ross is a playmaker, which is why he's the high on my prospect list. That list is starting to shape up something like this (subject to change):

1. Daymeion Hughes
2. Darelle Revis
3. Leon Hall
4. Aaron Ross
5. Marcus McCauley
6. Antoine Cason
7. Tarell Brown
8. Fred Bennett

As far as safeties, I think LaRon Landry is clearly the top prospect in this draft. Reggie Nelson has shown a ton of playmaking ability in the toughest conference in college football. He's a little raw, and probably needs to bulk up at the next level, but he is, without a doubt, a top prospect. Michael Griffin is also a guy who's always around the action, as is Brandon Meriweather (though his stock has taken a decided turn for the worst). Weddle and Rouse have disappointed me (though Weddle impresses me with his moxy). I haven't seen Wendling play, so he's not on my list for now:

1. LaRon Landry
2. Reggie Nelson
3. Michael Griffin
4. Brandon Meriweather
5. Michael Johnson
6. Eric Weddle
7. Sabby Piscitelli
8. Aaron Rouse

Having said all this, I think our best option would be to draft a pass rusher, defensive lineman, or a linebacker in the first round. Right now, this is what my mock draft looks like:

1. Detroit - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
2. Oakland - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
3. Tampa Bay - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
4. Arizona - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
5. Cleveland - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
6. Houston - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
7. Washington - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
8. St. Louis - Laron Landry, S, LSU
9. Minnesota - Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
10. San Francisco - Lamarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan

[TheWiz]

Since OLB Thomas was brought up on the 2nd page of this thread...

A Possible Adalius Thomas Deal

This deal could possibly violate several clauses due for the 2011 season. Since 2011 is the last year of the current CBA there are many clauses detailing rules only for that season. Since I find it more probable and likely that a long term extension will be done in '09 or '10 of the most recent CBA (minus a few minor changes) I tend to disregard these rules altogether. Until March of '10 rolls around without a new deal, I could care less about wasting time on those rules. I don't think this deal breaks them(about 75% certainty)...but it might.

- The deal is for 5 seasons starting in 2007 and running through the 2011 season. The signing bonus is for 10M. He is due a guaranteed 4M reporting bonus for training camp of the 2008 season. He is given a performance bonus of 250k each year he records 8 sacks. He also is given a performance bonus of 100k for each year he records 70 tackles. Based on his '06 stats both performance bonuses will be LTBE bonuses and count against our cap even if he doesn't earn them.

- He receives yearly salaries of 1M, 2M, 5M, 6M, and 8M over the course of the deal. He also has an escalator clause. If he records over 17 sacks his first two seasons or over 160 tackles along with 14 sacks, he receives an extra 1M of yearly salary each year. So, by playing well he will get yearly salaries of 6M, 7M, and 9M over the last 3 seasons. The team also includes a 1M option bonus after year 3. If they pay him the bonus they void year 5 of the deal.

- His signing bonus counts for 2M over each of the 5 years of the deal. Also, because of the guarantee, his reporting bonus counts for 1M over the remaining 4 years of his deal. In year 1 he earns 1M in yearly salary, has a
2M bonus amount, and all 350k of incentives count since they're LTBE. He's worth 3.35M against the cap in year 1.

- Let's say he hits both incentives. Upon also being ecstatic we had a 70+ tackle, 8+ sack OLB his year 2 perf. bonuses are now also LTBE. He counts for 2M of yearly salary, 2M of signing bonus, 1M of new reporting bonus, and 350k of performance bonuses LTBE. This amounts to 5.35M of cap space for year 2. Then let's assume he only gets 5 sacks and 68 tackles in year 3 of his deal. None of the bonuses are LTBE. Yet he earns 5M in yearly salary, 2M in signing bonus, 1M in reporting bonus, and 0k in reporting bonuses for 8M in cap space.

- Then the team has an option. We can pay him an extra 1M for a roster bonus for season 4 in March. If we do that, year 5 is voided and an extra 3M hits the salary cap for that year but he stays on the team. If we cut him after year 3 we pay 3M (2M signing and 1M reporting) in bonus money plus another 3M (same allocation) we'd have paid in year 5. That means we'd assume 6M in salary debt but 2 we'd drop his year 4 salary worth 6M now that he missed making his escalator clause by about 2 sacks and 11 tackles. So we've break even on the salary cap and carry 6M in dead money if he was cut. On the other hand, we can pay him a 1M bonus and assume the acceleration of 3M on top of keeping him for that season. So he'd cost 6M +3M + 3M +1M = 13M in cap for just that year and not a penny afterwards.

- Thus the team faces a really, really tough choice. Do we cut him and break even despite him posting over 20 sacks in 3 seasons as well as almost 200 tackles, or do we take the hit for 1 more season worth 13M because another season of 6 sacks and 65 tackles is worth it? We have another option and that is to renegotiate. We can lower his year 4 and 5 salaries by a big amount, offer a huge year 7 salary, and pay a small amount in a signing bonus. He makes as much as he would in year 4, costs less versus the cap, and stays. Then in year 5 his bonus money is a joke compared to his salary and we cut him anyhow, which he knew would happen. Despite a 'new deal' we merely changed the terms at the end to both pay him the same amount and keep him for 1 more year but the team overall benefits.

[altwizzy]

I don't know why everyone is so high on Nelson. I finally read some articles on him this afternoon.

The kid has only played 3 of years of college football. One of them was at a community college. His junior year and 1st in a big program, he was merely average to below average. He has one big season this year and suddenly he's worth a 1st round choice? All of the reports I saw list him as good instincts and makes a lot of plays and hits harder than you'd expect. However they also said he tends to gamble too much, doesn't have the bulk to hit the bigger pro RBs and WRs, and could definitely be a deep liability since he bites or routes and playfakes too quickly.

Personally I'm more impressed so far by CB McCauley out of Fresno St. Here is a kid with 3 years of starting experience. He's got ideal height and weight and he's more or less a shutdown corner. Teams don't even like throwing in his direction. He's got every tool to be an all around NFL CB and plenty of agility and speed to be a very good one. All I've heard as knocks against him is he may have troubles with the shorter and quicker WRs. But supposedly if he can show a sub 4.47 or so 40-time he will definitely be a first rounder. Personally I like the idea of going after a kid who is more of a local product. He may not even start next season but every indication is that he could be an instant NB for us who could force himself into a starting role by the end of '07. Given how many problems we've had with our 3rd CB and Davis being burnt, this would be an ideal move. Of course, if this could only pulls a 4.51 he could drop out of the first round but I'd still be waiting for him in the 2nd round.

Yeah I agree with you, but only if we pick up a good LB in the off season first.

[Eaglesfandan]

Pick up Rod Hood if he is available........

[AndyLeeMVP]

Pick up Rod Hood if he is available........

I want rod hood. He would be great depth and will not break the bank.

[Eaglesfandan]

I want rod hood. He would be great depth and will not break the bank.
He won't be cheap though......

[majesstik1]

Pick up Rod Hood if he is available........

Doesn't sound like your team is interested in keeping him.

He's welcome here. He's a solid nickle.

[AndrewP]

we obviously need D....and we always need an OLine....i say trade SOME of our draft picks for some veteran guys....some not all...but we need a few more vets and people who can play right away for us so we can win the divisoin easily next year....

[Eaglesfandan]

Doesn't sound like your team is interested in keeping him.

He's welcome here. He's a solid nickle.
A lot to sort out in the offseason, but I would like to see him stay and Lewis hit the road.......

2006
Unrestricted: M.Lewis, Stallworth, Barber, Hood, Garcia, Buckhalter, J.Thomas, James, Mahe, Mikell

[majesstik1]

A lot to sort out in the offseason, but I would like to see him stay and Lewis hit the road.......

2006
Unrestricted: M.Lewis, Stallworth, Barber, Hood, Garcia, Buckhalter, J.Thomas, James, Mahe, Mikell

Philly seems even more eager to let Lewis walk.

He's had plenty of injuries this year, most coming after he lost his starting job. It seems to me, since Philly has no plans to keep him, they wanted to work Considine into the rotation, and get him a 'tryout' for next season.

I still think Lewis can play, and a change of scenery would do him good. I wouldn't mind if we pursued him and/or Hood.

[Eaglesfandan]

Philly seems even more eager to let Lewis walk.

He's had plenty of injuries this year, most coming after he lost his starting job. It seems to me, since Philly has no plans to keep him, they wanted to work Considine into the rotation, and get him a 'tryout' for next season.

I still think Lewis can play, and a change of scenery would do him good. I wouldn't mind if we pursued him and/or Hood.
He (Lewis) really isn't as bad as I make him out to be, but I think they let him walk. I would like to keep Hood though.

[majesstik1]

I think McCauley will go late first early second around where last years Fresno State corner Richard Marshal went. I do not know if anyone here has noticed but he has a very solid rookie year and McCauley I think will be a better pro. While not as fast as Marshal he has better cover skills. One thing I do know about him is that he is tough and will not back down from any receiver he lines up against.

I thought it was the other way around, McCauley has the better speed. I remember the knock on Marshall last draft was he was too slow.


i really don't think the 49ers will go with a CB in the first and probably not the second either. Correct me if I am wrong but I heard Scott and Noaln don't like drafting CBs because its such a crap shoot. I think we will take care of our CB and or Safty in free agency. Then go for the needed LB's and linemen to make Noaln's 3-4 work for the first time. Wiz any thoughts on LB's or linmen in the draft you like?:ninerh:

In which case, I think David Irons would be an ideal target for us. He's a technision type of corner who plays smart, and is strong enough (even at 5-10, 188) to beat up a WR throughout a game. Currently, he's being projected as a 3rd round...however, I think the Senior Bowl will raise his stock. But, if we had two second rounders, he's worth the investment. He's not an interception guy, but he knocks anything down that comes his way.

If we did use a 1st on a CB, the only guy I'd feel safe with is Leon Hall. Like Irons, he's faced elite college talent throughout his career, and faired very well. He's been a starter for a good Michigan defense from day 1 (freshmen year). Also like DI, he's an asset in run support, and a very smart player.

These are easily my top two CB targets.

[AndyLeeMVP]

I thought it was the other way around, McCauley has the better speed. I remember the knock on Marshall last draft was he was too slow.




In which case, I think David Irons would be an ideal target for us. He's a technision type of corner who plays smart, and is strong enough (even at 5-10, 188) to beat up a WR throughout a game. Currently, he's being projected as a 3rd round...however, I think the Senior Bowl will raise his stock. But, if we had two second rounders, he's worth the investment. He's not an interception guy, but he knocks anything down that comes his way.

If we did use a 1st on a CB, the only guy I'd feel safe with is Leon Hall. Like Irons, he's faced elite college talent throughout his career, and faired very well. He's been a starter for a good Michigan defense from day 1 (freshmen year). Also like DI, he's an asset in run support, and a very smart player.

These are easily my top two CB targets.

What about darelle revis? All i hear about the guy is he is shutdown.

other CB we should look at

Aaron Ross
Daymeon Hughes
Fred Bennett
Josh Wilson

I think all these guys could be had in round 2.

[majesstik1]

What about darelle revis?

Revis, and Cason, are both high on my radar as well.

I especially like Revis since, if nothing else, he could boost our return game.

[patriot]

I think we still need another big receiver and shut down corner
I like Nate Clements and Drew Bennet this offseason

What do you folks think?

[Omnipotent]

I think we still need another big receiver and shut down corner
I like Nate Clements and Drew Bennet this offseason

What do you folks think?


You can find my answer in one of the hundred 2007 Free Agency/Offseason threads we have.....:wink:

Here...try this........

http://forums.49ers.com/messageboard/search.php

[49ERSFAN$LIFE]

I think we still need another big receiver and shut down corner
I like Nate Clements and Drew Bennet this offseason

What do you folks think?

Nate clements = Yes!!!!

Drew bennet = No!!! ( id rather have randy moss :whistling: )

But the Redskunks will probably let go of sean springs and pick up Nate Clements... So i say another mans trash is another mans treasure A.K.A. Walt Harris :nana:

[Omnipotent]

Nate clements = Yes!!!!

Drew bennet = No!!! ( id rather have randy moss :whistling: )

But the Redskunks will probably let go of sean springs and pick up Nate Clements... So i say another mans trash is another mans treasure A.K.A. Walt Harris :nana:


I actually wouldn't mind Drew Bennet coming to SF. I don't even think he would cost us too much.




Ps....Having Adalius Thomas on our team next year would satisfy me beyond belief.

[majesstik1]

Having Adalius Thomas on our team next year would satisfy me beyond belief.

werd

[49ERSFAN$LIFE]

I actually wouldn't mind Drew Bennet coming to SF. I don't even think he would even cost us too much.




Ps....Having Adalius Thomas on our team next year would satisfy me beyond belief.


Yeah adalius thomas would be nice, but if lance briggs is on the market, you think we should pick him up?

I heard Brian Urlacher said he would take less money to keep Lance Briggs on the team :(

[Eaglesfandan]

Yeah adalius thomas would be nice, but if lance briggs is on the market, you think we should pick him up?

I heard Brian Urlacher said he would take less money to keep Lance Briggs on the team :(
URRRLAKKKERZZZ HOLLAZZZ!!!!

:aikido:

[Omnipotent]

Yeah adalius thomas would be nice, but if lance briggs is on the market, you think we should pick him up?

I heard Brian Urlacher said he would take less money to keep Lance Briggs on the team :(



A. Thomas > L. Briggs.

I would take both or either of them on any given Sunday.

I just prefer A. Thomas for our team. He is the pass rusher we need coming from the outside to cause havoc. This will allow Moore to play in his natural position and not have to take on so many roles. Thomas will also help improve the game of young guys like Haralson and Lawson. Having a veteran pro bowl caliber pass rusher on our team will definitely advance the play of our young pass rushing LBs. He will also make our secondary look much better than they are.

[majesstik1]

URRRLAKKKERZZZ HOLLAZZZ!!!!

:aikido:

EFD...I need the warning levels of the EMB...the one with the "URLAKKERZ HOLLAZ"...I can't find it though...you got it handy?

[Eaglesfandan]

EFD...I need the warning levels of the EMB...the one with the "URLAKKERZ HOLLAZ"...I can't find it though...you got it handy?
EMB is down right now, but I'll check again......:whistling:

[Eaglesfandan]

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5828/tatepg8.png

[majesstik1]

EMB is down right now, but I'll check again......:whistling:

Huh, I was just there...couldn't find it though. Thanks for posting it. That always makes me laugh :laugh:

[Eaglesfandan]

Huh, I was just there...couldn't find it though. Thanks for posting it. That always makes me laugh :laugh:
Search: TATE advisory level.

[majesstik1]

Search: TATE advisory level.

I just copied this one...it's on file now for whenever I need a good laugh.

BTW- My avatar over there is the best ever...wouldn't fly here though.

[ManCans]

Since OLB Thomas was brought up on the 2nd page of this thread...

A Possible Adalius Thomas DealI'll have to digest this proposal. My first impression is that it's a very good three year deal, but it forces our hand in years four and five. That's fine if Thomas' skills diminish and his production decreases, but what if it doesn't? We'd have to pay a hefty price to keep him for another two years. The question for me would be if his three years of production would be worth essentially bumping his salary to $7.55 million per year over 5 years, and would the $20+ million cap hit be viable in 2010-2011.

[meyer65]

Yo, I was in love with Ahmed Plummer back int The Day!

[Omnipotent]

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5828/tatepg8.png


Here's my 49ers Message Board version:



AlexSmithageddon
http://www.mccallie.org/CLatham/Importeddocuments/Miller_Updike/mushroom%20cloud.gif



Sorry, I couldn't think of anything clever......:)
Well actually how about
DILFER TO Bryant Hollazzzz



HIGH


Start Snyder @ RT, Baas a C
and get S. Davis off the team.


ELEVATED


We still need a wide reciever!!!
sign Randy Moss!!!



I decided to skip one.....:laugh:



Low


Will never happen get used to yellow.......

[majesstik1]

Smittygeddon

http://www.mccallie.org/CLatham/Importeddocuments/Miller_Updike/mushroom%20cloud.gif

-------------------------------------

BUSH/DORSEY '06 HOLLAZ!!!11!!!1

-------------------------------------

High

Start KLew at Sam, ManLaw at SS, and BMo at DE!!!!

-------------------------------------

Elevated

We still need a pass rush!!!
Sign Freeney!!!

-------------------------------------

Guarded

Re-sign Willie Middlebrooks!!!
Cut Kwame!!!

------------------------------------

Low

Will never happen... get used to yellow

------------------------------------

Alright...that was my cheesey attempt...

[Eaglesfandan]

Both good, but my original screen name was:

BUSH/DORSEY2006HOLLA!!!

:hangloose:

[Eaglesfandan]

Yo, I was in love with Ahmed Plummer back int The Day!
Chessus I'M SORRY...........:mouthclosed:

[ninersfan68]

thomas for pres

[Teke]

With all this talk about us needing defense, I'd like to switch it up for a moment. I want to see the 49ers take a chance in round 4 or 5 on that FB from Rutgers. If you look up some of the stories on this guy you would see he's a perfect fit for our team. A total team player, he can catch the ball, he's a good FB with a lot of team loyalty.

[ManCans]

With all this talk about us needing defense, I'd like to switch it up for a moment. I want to see the 49ers take a chance in round 4 or 5 on that FB from Rutgers. If you look up some of the stories on this guy you would see he's a perfect fit for our team. A total team player, he can catch the ball, he's a good FB with a lot of team loyalty.Brian Leonard. I've got SF taking Leonard with a second round pick we aquired from Denver in a trade in my current mock draft.

[SBbound49ers]

Brian Leonard. I've got SF taking Leonard with a second round pick we aquired from Denver in a trade in my current mock draft.

Everyone seems to be high on this kid but we already have FB Moran Norris and Delanie is being groomed as the H-Back. Not too sure this kid would be a good 2nd round investment, especially with our defensive problems.

[ManCans]

Everyone seems to be high on this kid but we already have FB Moran Norris and Delanie is being groomed as the H-Back. Not too sure this kid would be a good 2nd round investment, especially with our defensive problems.One of our scouts was seen at the Louisville vs. Rutgers game taking a lot of notes on Leonard. He reminds a lot of people of Mike Alstot, with better receiving skills. I think he'd be the perfect short yardage/goal-line option we've been looking for.

[ManCans]

BTW, my mock goes something like this:

1. LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan
2a. Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
2b. Brian Leonard, FB, Rutgers
3a. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami
3b. Kareem Brown, DT, Miami
3c. David Irons, CB, Auburn
4. Dallas Baker, WR, Florida
5. Howie Fuimaono, NT, UNLV
6. Eric Wicks, S, West Virginia
7. Joe Anoai, DT, Georgia Tech

That's 2 offensive picks and 8 defensive picks.

[Kenage]

I have seen McCauley play his entire 4 year career at Fresno State. If you think he has not played the big schools go look at Fresno's schedule during his career and you will see he has played against big time competition. Go look at last years Fresno State - USC game. Sure they got burned badly by Bush but McCauley at one corner and Marshall at the other pretty much took away USC's receivers from the game. Marshall I would say gets by with more speed (he did return kicks and punts while at Fresno State) and McCauley would be the more heady player. Marshall would gamble a lot more which would lead to him getting beat at times while McCauley is more stay at home and cover his man. McCauley is a tough gritty player that would be a huge plus to out CB core next season.

[Teke]

Brian Leonard. I've got SF taking Leonard with a second round pick we aquired from Denver in a trade in my current mock draft.

If that happened it'd probably be the highest a pure FB ever went in the draft. I don't really think he's that good. Plus, we need to use our first 3 or 4 picks on defense. I would consider it a waste if we used our 2nd round pick on a FB, even him.

[SB49er4life]

Moran Norris is startin to do big things for us in the running game. FB is not a priority.

[majesstik1]

Moran Norris is startin to do big things for us in the running game. FB is not a priority.

I agree.

The combined efforts of Norris, Walker and Bajema are satisfactory for the FB/H-back/F-Back positions.

Ultimately, Gore should be our short-yardage guy, and Robinson will contribute on 3rd downs, as well as get more carries next year as he improves at the position.

I don't see FB or HB as being a draft priority. Since we'll probably lose Hicks, that position can be easily filled in FA. The market is saturated with decent-to-quality RBs, there just aren't enough jobs for them all.

[ManCans]

Leonard is not a pure fullback. He's more of a halfback/fullback hybrid, who can do it all out of the backfield. He wouldn't be used strickly as a fullback/F-Back/H-Back. IMO, he's the perfect piece of the puzzle to complete our backfield. He'd allow us to lineup in the I-formation, and send the halfback in motion; something we really can't do with Norris because the opponent knows he's strickly a blocking fullback. We could also lineup with a split backfield with the option to motion either back; something we also can't do right now.

Basically, Leonard would allow us to really open up Norv's playbook, which is limited right now because we don't have a ton of options out of the backfield.

[ninersfan68]

Gaines Adams DE, Clemson
or Woodley from Mich would be nice in the draft since bryant will be retiring and we could move Manny to a full time OLB

[majesstik1]

Gaines Adams DE, Clemson
or Woodley from Mich would be nice in the draft since bryant will be retiring and we could move Manny to a full time OLB

Sounds like you want us to be a 4-3 team.

[Kenage]

Doesn't Manny pretty much always play one of the outside LB spots? If he did put his hand down in a 3-point stance it was earlier in the season before the injuries. If we did move to a full time 4-3 it wouldn't work unless we get a big time end like Freeney. The chances for a rookie defensive end to come in and light the league on fire are slim.

[SB49er4life]

Doesn't Manny pretty much always play one of the outside LB spots? If he did put his hand down in a 3-point stance it was earlier in the season before the injuries. If we did move to a full time 4-3 it wouldn't work unless we get a big time end like Freeney. The chances for a rookie defensive end to come in and light the league on fire are slim.

A good enough rookie DE can come into the league and realistically get 7+ sacks. It happens every year.

[Ace Matherton]

Leonard is not a pure fullback. He's more of a halfback/fullback hybrid, who can do it all out of the backfield. He wouldn't be used strickly as a fullback/F-Back/H-Back. IMO, he's the perfect piece of the puzzle to complete our backfield. He'd allow us to lineup in the I-formation, and send the halfback in motion; something we really can't do with Norris because the opponent knows he's strickly a blocking fullback. We could also lineup with a split backfield with the option to motion either back; something we also can't do right now.

Basically, Leonard would allow us to really open up Norv's playbook, which is limited right now because we don't have a ton of options out of the backfield.
We agree on Leonard just not his value in the draft, I dont see him going before round 5 and wouldnt want the team to spend anything higher than that on him.

[ninersfan68]

Sounds like you want us to be a 4-3 team.
I support both