Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
See this is the thing. I don't think anyone should realistically expect Alex Smith to be a game changing type of QB, like a Peyton Manning or Drew Brees.
He won't singlehandedly win games for us. I think that's pretty obvious. At this stage now all we can hope for is that he can stay consistent, and play for the most part mistake free football.
MM's Draft Day Guide
If the 49ers must consider trading up in the draft, as was suggested in this space yesterday, then the opposite might also be true.
As many pointed out, this is a very deep draft. If the 49ers believe they are one very good rookie offensive tackle away from going where they want to go this season, then they should make that trade to get one of the top linemen.
But if the 49ers believe they need help at a number of spots, then they should hold onto their picks - or acquire more.
Former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah of MoveTheSticks.com says there are five or six players who would normally be first-round selections who will slide into the second round because of the talent at the top of the draft. The 49ers might have an opportunity to take advantage of that depth . . . if they receive calls on draft day from teams willing to trade up to nab a player.
Here's a guide for the 49ers for when it's their turn to make their picks on Thursday, April 22, during the first round of the NFL draft. This is a combination of what I think the 49ers are thinking and what I think they should be thinking:
Pick the player, don't trade back
--OT Russell Okung - gives 49ers option of moving Joe Staley to right side.
--OT Trent Williams - immediate starter at right tackle with chance to switch to left side.
--OT Bryan Bulaga - long-term starter at right tackle.
--S Eric Berry - outstanding playmaker in secondary.
--CB Joe Haden - alleviated any concerns about speed with strong pro day.
--DE Derrick Morgan - considered by many best pass-rusher in draft.
--OLB Sergio Kindle - he might have a better pre-draft grade than former Texas teammate Brian Orakpo, and we know how that turned out for Washington.
(Of course, this assumes QB Sam Bradford, DT Ndamukong Suh and DT Gerald McCoy have no chance of lasting until the No. 13 pick.)
Draft-room debate
--OT Anthony Davis - depends on how comfortable 49ers are with his level of commitment.
--S Earl Thomas - Berry is the only safety that the 49ers pick with no questions asked. But there's value with Thomas because of his ability to play corner.
--RB C.J. Spiller - might not be an every-down back, so is it money well-spent with Frank Gore as the workhorse?
--OT Charles Brown - better suited to playing left side. So if team believes Staley is better, they should pass and shift focus to landing a right tackle in second round.
--RB Ryan Mathews - definitely an every-down back, and no question RBs coach Tom Rathman would love to have him. But with Gore and Glen Coffee already on the team, is it necessary to invest heavily in this position?
--LB Rolando McClain - the 49ers have shown a willingness in the past to spend money on someone to play next to Patrick Willis (remember Lance Briggs?). But can they justify a top-20 pick on a two-down player?
--CB Patrick Robinson - very underrated, as some consider him the clear second-best cornerback.
--G Mike Iupati - not sure the 49ers believe he can transition to right tackle, and this is typically considered too high for a guard. But if he is a future Pro Bowl player, it makes sense.
--G/C Maurkrice Pouncey - remember those two days of OTA practices? If new O-line coach Mike Solari wants an upgrade at a guard spot, Pouncey could be chosen to start at guard and eventually transition to center.
--CB Kyle Wilson - they'd pick him for his cover skills. He has added return skills - until he takes over as a starter. And he'd have to be slotted to start if he's chosen in the first round.
--DT Dan Williams - with Aubrayo Franklin tendered as a franchise player, it might be wise to look for an eventual replacement.
--QB Jimmy Clausen - Alex Smith is signed for one year. David Carr is signed for two years. And Nate Davis still has a long road to get on the field. If the 49ers envision Clausen as a future star (and are skeptical about the guys currently on the roster), then it's wise to make this call.
Take the trade (if it presents itself), not the player
--S Taylor Mays - in college, he was a linebacker playing safety. If a safety can't make plays on the ball, he should not be a first-round NFL pick.
--DE Jason Pierre-Paul - if this were a back-flip competition, he'd be the first overall pick. But his performance hasn't matched his "potential."
--LB Brandon Graham - a very nice player who probably could be selected if team trades back a few spots.
--WR Dez Bryant - he's done just about everything wrong. After spending the 10th pick last season on Michael Crabtree, the 49ers should not invest heavily in another receiver. (Plus, expect a camp holdout. He's represented by agent Eugene Parker.)
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2010/04/draft-day-guide-for-49ers-to-consider.html#fb #nfldraft
If the 49ers must consider trading up in the draft, as was suggested in this space yesterday, then the opposite might also be true.
As many pointed out, this is a very deep draft. If the 49ers believe they are one very good rookie offensive tackle away from going where they want to go this season, then they should make that trade to get one of the top linemen.
But if the 49ers believe they need help at a number of spots, then they should hold onto their picks - or acquire more.
Former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah of MoveTheSticks.com says there are five or six players who would normally be first-round selections who will slide into the second round because of the talent at the top of the draft. The 49ers might have an opportunity to take advantage of that depth . . . if they receive calls on draft day from teams willing to trade up to nab a player.
Here's a guide for the 49ers for when it's their turn to make their picks on Thursday, April 22, during the first round of the NFL draft. This is a combination of what I think the 49ers are thinking and what I think they should be thinking:
Pick the player, don't trade back
--OT Russell Okung - gives 49ers option of moving Joe Staley to right side.
--OT Trent Williams - immediate starter at right tackle with chance to switch to left side.
--OT Bryan Bulaga - long-term starter at right tackle.
--S Eric Berry - outstanding playmaker in secondary.
--CB Joe Haden - alleviated any concerns about speed with strong pro day.
--DE Derrick Morgan - considered by many best pass-rusher in draft.
--OLB Sergio Kindle - he might have a better pre-draft grade than former Texas teammate Brian Orakpo, and we know how that turned out for Washington.
(Of course, this assumes QB Sam Bradford, DT Ndamukong Suh and DT Gerald McCoy have no chance of lasting until the No. 13 pick.)
Draft-room debate
--OT Anthony Davis - depends on how comfortable 49ers are with his level of commitment.
--S Earl Thomas - Berry is the only safety that the 49ers pick with no questions asked. But there's value with Thomas because of his ability to play corner.
--RB C.J. Spiller - might not be an every-down back, so is it money well-spent with Frank Gore as the workhorse?
--OT Charles Brown - better suited to playing left side. So if team believes Staley is better, they should pass and shift focus to landing a right tackle in second round.
--RB Ryan Mathews - definitely an every-down back, and no question RBs coach Tom Rathman would love to have him. But with Gore and Glen Coffee already on the team, is it necessary to invest heavily in this position?
--LB Rolando McClain - the 49ers have shown a willingness in the past to spend money on someone to play next to Patrick Willis (remember Lance Briggs?). But can they justify a top-20 pick on a two-down player?
--CB Patrick Robinson - very underrated, as some consider him the clear second-best cornerback.
--G Mike Iupati - not sure the 49ers believe he can transition to right tackle, and this is typically considered too high for a guard. But if he is a future Pro Bowl player, it makes sense.
--G/C Maurkrice Pouncey - remember those two days of OTA practices? If new O-line coach Mike Solari wants an upgrade at a guard spot, Pouncey could be chosen to start at guard and eventually transition to center.
--CB Kyle Wilson - they'd pick him for his cover skills. He has added return skills - until he takes over as a starter. And he'd have to be slotted to start if he's chosen in the first round.
--DT Dan Williams - with Aubrayo Franklin tendered as a franchise player, it might be wise to look for an eventual replacement.
--QB Jimmy Clausen - Alex Smith is signed for one year. David Carr is signed for two years. And Nate Davis still has a long road to get on the field. If the 49ers envision Clausen as a future star (and are skeptical about the guys currently on the roster), then it's wise to make this call.
Take the trade (if it presents itself), not the player
--S Taylor Mays - in college, he was a linebacker playing safety. If a safety can't make plays on the ball, he should not be a first-round NFL pick.
--DE Jason Pierre-Paul - if this were a back-flip competition, he'd be the first overall pick. But his performance hasn't matched his "potential."
--LB Brandon Graham - a very nice player who probably could be selected if team trades back a few spots.
--WR Dez Bryant - he's done just about everything wrong. After spending the 10th pick last season on Michael Crabtree, the 49ers should not invest heavily in another receiver. (Plus, expect a camp holdout. He's represented by agent Eugene Parker.)
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2010/04/draft-day-guide-for-49ers-to-consider.html#fb #nfldraft
I feel like 9er fans are setting their expectations low and really trying to justify Smith being in the role he is in.
Is this how far the 9ers organization has fallen??? Thats not a good look for the NFL as a whole. Especially when you have them duking it out with the gA-Z cards and the clueless Seahawks to win the worst division in the entire league.
When the 9ers are good, it improves the look of the NFL, IMO. Hope you guys can get it on track again.
Is this how far the 9ers organization has fallen??? Thats not a good look for the NFL as a whole. Especially when you have them duking it out with the gA-Z cards and the clueless Seahawks to win the worst division in the entire league.
When the 9ers are good, it improves the look of the NFL, IMO. Hope you guys can get it on track again.
ALEX SMITH HAS NO BUSINESS BEING A STARTING QB IN THE NFL PERIOD
THE NINERS BEEN FUCKIN WITH THAT DUDE FOR ABOUT 5-6 YEARS NOW AND HE HASNT DONE SHIT IN THAT TIME BUT PLAY HORRIBLE FOOTBALL. AND THEN THEY SIGN DAVID CARR?????? ALEX SMITH NOR DAVID CARR HAS EVER HAD A GOOD OR EVEN DECENT SEASON IN THE NFL.
THE NINER GOT A GOOD TEAM BUT THEY WONT BE SUCESSFUL UNTIL THEY FIND A QB THAT CAN COMPETE WITH QBS LIKE FARVE, MCNABB ,BRADY, RIVERS, MANNING, RAPISTBERGER, ETC
THE NINERS BEEN FUCKIN WITH THAT DUDE FOR ABOUT 5-6 YEARS NOW AND HE HASNT DONE SHIT IN THAT TIME BUT PLAY HORRIBLE FOOTBALL. AND THEN THEY SIGN DAVID CARR?????? ALEX SMITH NOR DAVID CARR HAS EVER HAD A GOOD OR EVEN DECENT SEASON IN THE NFL.
THE NINER GOT A GOOD TEAM BUT THEY WONT BE SUCESSFUL UNTIL THEY FIND A QB THAT CAN COMPETE WITH QBS LIKE FARVE, MCNABB ,BRADY, RIVERS, MANNING, RAPISTBERGER, ETC
Actually Alex Smith was not bad in his limited time as a starter in a new system. He's been under new OC's every year until now..and Carr was brought in to elevate Alex's playing level. We did compete against Favre until the last minute of the Minnesota game, Manning did not blow us away, so we DID compete there too...honestly, know your facts before blaming 1 person for a team's success and failures.
I agree with OC and Dubb.
It isn't fair to place all of the blame on Smith alone. He has not had the benefit of having any type of consistency in his career.
Not to mention our offensive line has been horrific in recent times.
I guess that's part of playing the QB position, is that you take full responsibility, especially when shit isn't going well.
Now we will get to see if he's making the strides that he should be making. I think he showed glimpses of making some good progress last year, which is why I'm fine with seeing how he does this year before throwing him under the bus like many of my fellow Faithfuls have already done.
It isn't fair to place all of the blame on Smith alone. He has not had the benefit of having any type of consistency in his career.
Not to mention our offensive line has been horrific in recent times.
I guess that's part of playing the QB position, is that you take full responsibility, especially when shit isn't going well.
Now we will get to see if he's making the strides that he should be making. I think he showed glimpses of making some good progress last year, which is why I'm fine with seeing how he does this year before throwing him under the bus like many of my fellow Faithfuls have already done.
The o-line has been a nightmare i think we give alex the time he needs and he will be able to rip up some defenses. that is hard to do when you are throwing off your back foot all day. that is the one thing that all the great qbs have is protection manning brees and rivers all had a great o-line in front of them give alex a o-line and watch him shine.
THE NINERS FINISHED 8-8 AND SHAWN HILL WON 3 GAMES. HILL PLAYED THE WHOLE MINESOTA GAME. AND YOUR RIGHT SMITH DID COMPETE AGAINST MANNING UNTIL HE THREW A PICK WHEN THE GAME WAS ON THE LINE LIKE HE ALWAYS DOES. IF YOU THINK WINNING 5 GAMES IS NOT BAD FOR A 5 YEAR VETERAN THEN YOU DONT KNOW SHIT ABOUT FOOTBALL.
2ND OFF WHO IS DAVID CARR???? HOW DO YOU BRING IN SOMEBODY WEAK AS FUCK TO ELEVATE SOMEBODY ELSE WHOS WEAK AS FUCK???
HONESTLY I KNOW MY FACTS AND I KNOW A QB IS A BIG PART TO A TEAMS SUCCESS AND FAILURES THATS WHY THEY GET PAID THE MOST DICKHEAD.
2ND OFF WHO IS DAVID CARR???? HOW DO YOU BRING IN SOMEBODY WEAK AS FUCK TO ELEVATE SOMEBODY ELSE WHOS WEAK AS FUCK???
HONESTLY I KNOW MY FACTS AND I KNOW A QB IS A BIG PART TO A TEAMS SUCCESS AND FAILURES THATS WHY THEY GET PAID THE MOST DICKHEAD.
Just stepping in to add my opinion how hard is it to throw the ball when you are running for your life the whole time???? the niners o-line was a siv giving smith and hill no time to throw. they improve the line give alex a sec to set his feet all of a sudden he is a game winning qb. when he had time last year he made brilliant reads and excellent throws. GIVE HIM THE HOGS SO HE CAN GET THE BALL TO HIS DAWGS
Other than the fact that tebow is a fruit cake nerd boy, ALL he has ever done was win...... then win some more, and before he was finished win a few more.... tebow is a WINNER. he may not be Joe Montana but the kid was given his challenge in high school, and in college and guess what..... HE WON.
just my opinion. I've been wrong before and I'll more than likely be wrong in the future. But I think I am spot on on this particular issue.
just my opinion. I've been wrong before and I'll more than likely be wrong in the future. But I think I am spot on on this particular issue.
ALEX SMITH WON IN COLLEGE ALSO.
JAMARCUS RUSSEL WON IN COLLEGE.
RYAN LEAF WON IN COLLEGE.
MATT LIENHART WAS A BEAST IN COLLEGE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THEIR PRO CARRERS? NOTHIN
IM NOT ABOUT TO ARGUE ABOUT CUZ IT DONT MATTER. IF THE NINERS WANNA LET ALEX SMITH PLAY QB AND NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AGAIN THATS THEY FAULT.
JAMARCUS RUSSEL WON IN COLLEGE.
RYAN LEAF WON IN COLLEGE.
MATT LIENHART WAS A BEAST IN COLLEGE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THEIR PRO CARRERS? NOTHIN
IM NOT ABOUT TO ARGUE ABOUT CUZ IT DONT MATTER. IF THE NINERS WANNA LET ALEX SMITH PLAY QB AND NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AGAIN THATS THEY FAULT.
fixed
apples and oranges my friend the pro game is so different but the one thing that remains the same for any qb worth his salt is that they have time to throw the ball. the other thing is leinhart russel and smith are under 25 still young and with a good offensive scheme could still do well far from gameover IMHO
apples and oranges my friend the pro game is so different but the one thing that remains the same for any qb worth his salt is that they have time to throw the ball. the other thing is leinhart russel and smith are under 25 still young and with a good offensive scheme could still do well far from gameover IMHO