Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
Niners offensive personnel: Then and now
When Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan took over the 49ers after the 2004 season, the club was coming off a 2-14 record and the roster was generally seen as devoid of talent.
The drafts had not been productive; and the club spent big money to re-sign cornerback Ahmed Plummer and running back Kevan Barlow, neither of whom produced after getting their big deals.
Moreover, the 49ers had decided the previous offseason to part ways with influential veterans Jeff Garcia, Terrell Owens, Garrison Hearst and Derrick Deese.
Now, we fast-forward to 2008. The 49ers are coming off a disappointing 5-11 season. Bigger improvements were expected from the team last season. Here's the question: Are the 49ers in significantly better shape than the club Nolan and McCloughan inherited in January 2005?
Let's take a look at the key offensive personnel at the end of the 2004 season - at the end of the Donahue regime - along with the key personnel now.
* * *
Quarterbacks
2004: Tim Rattay, Ken Dorsey, Cody Pickett.
Now: Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan.
When the 49ers took Smith with the No. 1 pick in 2005, it spelled the end of Rattay's run with the 49ers. He was traded midway through that season. He's been bouncing around, trying to land steady employment. Dorsey was the third-stringer with the Browns. Pickett is out of the league. Smith has yet to produce, though he showed some progress late in 2006. Due to a separated throwing shoulder, 2007 was a lost season. After Smith's three NFL seasons, nobody is quite sure exactly what he has to offer. We'll see this season with Martz as his coach whether Smith can start to give the 49ers a return on the investment.
Overview: We know Rattay is not considered a starter in the NFL. The jury is still out on Smith, so the current group gets the edge because the bar was set so low in 2004.
Running backs
2004: Kevin Barlow, Fred Beasley, Maurice Hicks, Terry Jackson, Jasen Isom.
Now: Frank Gore, DeShaun Foster, Moran Norris, Michael Robinson, Zak Keasey.
After Barlow left the 49ers, he was cut by the Jets and Steelers, and was never the least bit productive. The same goes for Beasley and Jackson, whose careers essentially ended when they left the 49ers. Gore is ultra-productive as the starter, and Foster is a capable backup. It's uncertain how Norris fits into the new system. Robinson is talented and hard-working. At worst, he'll be a Pro Bowl-caliber special-teams player for a while.
Overview: Gore is the best of the bunch. Foster would've been the best back on the '04 team. Big edge to the current group.
Wide receivers
2004: Cedrick Wilson, Brandon Lloyd, Curtis Conway, Arnaz Battle, Rashaun Woods.
Now: Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, Ashley Lelie.
Bruce should be much more productive than the old man on the 2004 roster, Conway, who caught 38 passes for 403 yards. Wilson and Lloyd, the starters in '04, combined for 90 catches for 1,200 yards and nine TDs. Wilson left and became a good role player with the Steelers. Lloyd fell on his face after signing a big deal with the Redskins. Battle caught just eight passes in 2004. He's been the team's most reliable wideout the past two seasons. Now, he's fighting for playing time with the additions of Bruce and Johnson. Hill is the up-and-coming prospect, who can't pan out any worse than Woods.
Overview: Edge to current group.
Tight ends
2004: Eric Johnson, Aaron Walker, Steve Bush.
Now: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Billy Bajema.
Johnson was coming off an 82-catch season in 2004. But he did not catch a pass in 2005 due to a foot injury. Davis is one of the best-blocking starters in the league. He caught 52 passes last season, and has a chance to be a big-play guy in Mike Martz's offense if he can get comfortable in the system. Walker and Bajema are definite upgrades over Walker and Bush.
Overview: Thus far, Johnson has proved to be a better receiver, though Davis is a much better blocker and certainly has the potential to overtake Johnson as a receiver. The backups now are significantly better. Right now, slight edge to current group.
Offensive line
2004: LT Kyle Kosier, Kwame Harris; LG Eric Heitmann, Rob Murphy; C Brock Gutierrez; RG Justin Smiley, Kyle Kosier; RT Scott Gragg. Injured: Jeremy Newberry.
Now: LT Joe Staley; LG Adam Snyder, Tony Wragge; C Eric Heitmann; RG David Baas; RT Jonas Jennings, Damane Duckett.
The decision to let Kosier leave for the Lions as a restricted free agent was questionable. The 49ers declined to match a one-year deal for less than $1 million. Kosier could've been used somewhere on the offensive line. He's now a starter with the Cowboys. Newberry's injury was a major blow to the '04 team, as Gutierrez was forced into a starting role. The starting unit is better now. But with Harris and Smiley leaving as free agents, depth is a big concern heading into this draft.
Overview: There's much better "upside" with this group of tackles. Staley has a chance to be a good left tackle for a long time. And if only Jennings can remain healthy . . .
When Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan took over the 49ers after the 2004 season, the club was coming off a 2-14 record and the roster was generally seen as devoid of talent.
The drafts had not been productive; and the club spent big money to re-sign cornerback Ahmed Plummer and running back Kevan Barlow, neither of whom produced after getting their big deals.
Moreover, the 49ers had decided the previous offseason to part ways with influential veterans Jeff Garcia, Terrell Owens, Garrison Hearst and Derrick Deese.
Now, we fast-forward to 2008. The 49ers are coming off a disappointing 5-11 season. Bigger improvements were expected from the team last season. Here's the question: Are the 49ers in significantly better shape than the club Nolan and McCloughan inherited in January 2005?
Let's take a look at the key offensive personnel at the end of the 2004 season - at the end of the Donahue regime - along with the key personnel now.
* * *
Quarterbacks
2004: Tim Rattay, Ken Dorsey, Cody Pickett.
Now: Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan.
When the 49ers took Smith with the No. 1 pick in 2005, it spelled the end of Rattay's run with the 49ers. He was traded midway through that season. He's been bouncing around, trying to land steady employment. Dorsey was the third-stringer with the Browns. Pickett is out of the league. Smith has yet to produce, though he showed some progress late in 2006. Due to a separated throwing shoulder, 2007 was a lost season. After Smith's three NFL seasons, nobody is quite sure exactly what he has to offer. We'll see this season with Martz as his coach whether Smith can start to give the 49ers a return on the investment.
Overview: We know Rattay is not considered a starter in the NFL. The jury is still out on Smith, so the current group gets the edge because the bar was set so low in 2004.
Running backs
2004: Kevin Barlow, Fred Beasley, Maurice Hicks, Terry Jackson, Jasen Isom.
Now: Frank Gore, DeShaun Foster, Moran Norris, Michael Robinson, Zak Keasey.
After Barlow left the 49ers, he was cut by the Jets and Steelers, and was never the least bit productive. The same goes for Beasley and Jackson, whose careers essentially ended when they left the 49ers. Gore is ultra-productive as the starter, and Foster is a capable backup. It's uncertain how Norris fits into the new system. Robinson is talented and hard-working. At worst, he'll be a Pro Bowl-caliber special-teams player for a while.
Overview: Gore is the best of the bunch. Foster would've been the best back on the '04 team. Big edge to the current group.
Wide receivers
2004: Cedrick Wilson, Brandon Lloyd, Curtis Conway, Arnaz Battle, Rashaun Woods.
Now: Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, Ashley Lelie.
Bruce should be much more productive than the old man on the 2004 roster, Conway, who caught 38 passes for 403 yards. Wilson and Lloyd, the starters in '04, combined for 90 catches for 1,200 yards and nine TDs. Wilson left and became a good role player with the Steelers. Lloyd fell on his face after signing a big deal with the Redskins. Battle caught just eight passes in 2004. He's been the team's most reliable wideout the past two seasons. Now, he's fighting for playing time with the additions of Bruce and Johnson. Hill is the up-and-coming prospect, who can't pan out any worse than Woods.
Overview: Edge to current group.
Tight ends
2004: Eric Johnson, Aaron Walker, Steve Bush.
Now: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Billy Bajema.
Johnson was coming off an 82-catch season in 2004. But he did not catch a pass in 2005 due to a foot injury. Davis is one of the best-blocking starters in the league. He caught 52 passes last season, and has a chance to be a big-play guy in Mike Martz's offense if he can get comfortable in the system. Walker and Bajema are definite upgrades over Walker and Bush.
Overview: Thus far, Johnson has proved to be a better receiver, though Davis is a much better blocker and certainly has the potential to overtake Johnson as a receiver. The backups now are significantly better. Right now, slight edge to current group.
Offensive line
2004: LT Kyle Kosier, Kwame Harris; LG Eric Heitmann, Rob Murphy; C Brock Gutierrez; RG Justin Smiley, Kyle Kosier; RT Scott Gragg. Injured: Jeremy Newberry.
Now: LT Joe Staley; LG Adam Snyder, Tony Wragge; C Eric Heitmann; RG David Baas; RT Jonas Jennings, Damane Duckett.
The decision to let Kosier leave for the Lions as a restricted free agent was questionable. The 49ers declined to match a one-year deal for less than $1 million. Kosier could've been used somewhere on the offensive line. He's now a starter with the Cowboys. Newberry's injury was a major blow to the '04 team, as Gutierrez was forced into a starting role. The starting unit is better now. But with Harris and Smiley leaving as free agents, depth is a big concern heading into this draft.
Overview: There's much better "upside" with this group of tackles. Staley has a chance to be a good left tackle for a long time. And if only Jennings can remain healthy . . .
Niners could do a cornerback sneak at pick No. 29
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/011759.html
After the South squad’s first Senior Bowl practice in January, I walked up to Mike Nolan and asked him what he thought about his team. It was too early to give a detailed impression, he said, but one thing was clear – the South had very good cornerbacks. When he was on NFL Network last month, he told the hosts that he thought the draft was strong in offensive tackles and cornerbacks. And this past weekend in Tahoe, Nolan said that offensive line, defensive line, linebacker and corner were possibilities with the team’s No. 29 pick in the draft.
Going into the draft, I believe the 49ers are hoping that one of a handful of players, including Auburn’s Quentin Groves, falls to them at the end of the first round. I also think they will listen very carefully to teams that want to trade for their No. 29 pick. Their failsafe – Plan C, if you will – may be to draft the best cornerback available.
The 49ers, of course, have one Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback in Nate Clements. But they play in a pass-happy division and their other starter, Walt Harris, will be 34 when the season begins. Shawntae Spencer could eventually replace Harris, but he has had trouble staying healthy, even in a back-up role. The team also is high on Tarell Brown’s potential, but he is an unproven commodity at this point. Marcus Hudson and Donald Strickland, meanwhile, seem more like role players than long-term starters.
Cornerback certainly isn’t a sexy pick, but coaches love to accumulate them. Having two (or three) good cornerbacks gives defenses more flexibility. Nolan, for example, loves to allow his safety, Michael Lewis, to play all over the field and make plays along the line of scrimmage. It also should be noted that the 49ers haven’t selected a cornerback higher than the fifth round (Brown) under the Nolan-McCloughan regime.
So whom would the 49ers select? It’s safe to say that the two cornerback stars from the Senior Bowl, Troy’s Leodis McKelvin and Tennessee State’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, will be gone by the 29th pick. But there might be some other prominent names on the board such as Kansas’ Aqib Talib, South Florida’s Michael Jenkins and Virginia Tech’s Brandon Flowers.
******
By the way, The Sporting News held its annual correspondent’s draft yesterday. When it came time for me to draft, Groves and Gosder Cherilus already were off the board. So whom did I select? Gotta buy TSN to find out. (McCloughan is dashing out to the nearest magazine stand as we speak …)
****
Like many of you, I was intrigued by Kevin Lynch’s recent report that Bryant Young had yet to file retirement papers, so I contacted BY’s agent, Sacramento’s own Don Yee, to see if anything was afoot. Here’s what Yee wrote back in an e-mail: “BY is enjoying his offseason, which has included participating in team charitable functions. The filing of 'retirement papers' is an administrative and benefits-related procedure is all." That doesn’t exactly slam the door on BY returning for another season. But Young has said he’s played his last game. And what BY says, BY does …
-- Matt Barrows
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/011759.html
After the South squad’s first Senior Bowl practice in January, I walked up to Mike Nolan and asked him what he thought about his team. It was too early to give a detailed impression, he said, but one thing was clear – the South had very good cornerbacks. When he was on NFL Network last month, he told the hosts that he thought the draft was strong in offensive tackles and cornerbacks. And this past weekend in Tahoe, Nolan said that offensive line, defensive line, linebacker and corner were possibilities with the team’s No. 29 pick in the draft.
Going into the draft, I believe the 49ers are hoping that one of a handful of players, including Auburn’s Quentin Groves, falls to them at the end of the first round. I also think they will listen very carefully to teams that want to trade for their No. 29 pick. Their failsafe – Plan C, if you will – may be to draft the best cornerback available.
The 49ers, of course, have one Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback in Nate Clements. But they play in a pass-happy division and their other starter, Walt Harris, will be 34 when the season begins. Shawntae Spencer could eventually replace Harris, but he has had trouble staying healthy, even in a back-up role. The team also is high on Tarell Brown’s potential, but he is an unproven commodity at this point. Marcus Hudson and Donald Strickland, meanwhile, seem more like role players than long-term starters.
Cornerback certainly isn’t a sexy pick, but coaches love to accumulate them. Having two (or three) good cornerbacks gives defenses more flexibility. Nolan, for example, loves to allow his safety, Michael Lewis, to play all over the field and make plays along the line of scrimmage. It also should be noted that the 49ers haven’t selected a cornerback higher than the fifth round (Brown) under the Nolan-McCloughan regime.
So whom would the 49ers select? It’s safe to say that the two cornerback stars from the Senior Bowl, Troy’s Leodis McKelvin and Tennessee State’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, will be gone by the 29th pick. But there might be some other prominent names on the board such as Kansas’ Aqib Talib, South Florida’s Michael Jenkins and Virginia Tech’s Brandon Flowers.
******
By the way, The Sporting News held its annual correspondent’s draft yesterday. When it came time for me to draft, Groves and Gosder Cherilus already were off the board. So whom did I select? Gotta buy TSN to find out. (McCloughan is dashing out to the nearest magazine stand as we speak …)
****
Like many of you, I was intrigued by Kevin Lynch’s recent report that Bryant Young had yet to file retirement papers, so I contacted BY’s agent, Sacramento’s own Don Yee, to see if anything was afoot. Here’s what Yee wrote back in an e-mail: “BY is enjoying his offseason, which has included participating in team charitable functions. The filing of 'retirement papers' is an administrative and benefits-related procedure is all." That doesn’t exactly slam the door on BY returning for another season. But Young has said he’s played his last game. And what BY says, BY does …
-- Matt Barrows
WR Malcolm Kelly intends to meet with 49ers
http://www.49erswebzone.com/content/news/view.php?id=13767
According to NFL.com, Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly was visiting the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday afternoon and also intended to meet with the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins.
http://www.49erswebzone.com/content/news/view.php?id=13767
According to NFL.com, Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly was visiting the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday afternoon and also intended to meet with the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins.
Niners line up some visits with draft prospects
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2186077
The 49ers have scheduled some visits with prospects in the weeks leading up to the April 26-27 NFL draft.
Among those scheduled to meet with the 49ers at their Santa Clara practice facility are DE Derrick Harvey (Florida), DE Phillip Merling (Clemson), LB Shane Simmons (Western Washington) and C Ryan Wendell (Fresno State).
Yesterday, the agent for WR Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma) told reporters he is scheduled to visit the 49ers.
As previously reported, LB Quentin Groves (Auburn), WR DeSean Jackson (Cal), QB Dennis Dixon (Oregon), WR Cameron Colvin (Oregon) and CB Dwight Lowery (San Jose State) are also scheduled to visit the 49ers in Santa Clara.
* * *
Jackson, Dixon, Lowery and Colvin can all visit the 49ers part of the local combine. In this week's Sports Illustrated, there's a photo of Dixon at his pro day in Eugene. Clearly visible in the background of one of the pictures is the 49ers' Ethan Waugh, who is player personnel assistant/college scouting administrator. (It's on Page 2 of this link.)
Each team is allowed pre-draft visits from 30 prospects. (The players invited to the "local combine" do not count against the 30.) In the past, the 49ers have said that they don't just bring in guys to meet the requirement. There is a reason behind the visits.
Perhaps, the team did not get to ask every question it wanted during interviews at the Senior Bowl or scouting combine. If new information becomes available, the team might want to cover its bases and meet with the player face to face.
Sometimes, there might be some subterfuge involved. For instance, the 49ers were not at all high on Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch last year. Yet, Branch was one of the players who visited the team. Many mock drafts had the 49ers selecting Branch in the first round. So either the 49ers were finishing their homework on him or they wanted to feed into the speculation that Branch might be their choice at No. 11.
With their recent first-round selections, the 49ers either coached them in the Senior Bowl or brought them in for visits. Last year, the 49ers coached Patrick Willis and Joe Staley at the Senior Bowl, so they felt they had a pretty good handle on those guys. In 2006, Davis was an underclassman so they probably wanted to get to know him a little better. They spent a week around Manny Lawson at the Senior Bowl, so - again - there was no need to spend more time with him. Of course, in 2005, Alex Smith visited the 49ers.
* * *
Here are the players the 49ers held visits with the past two years:
2007 - S LaRon Landry (LSU), DE Jamaal Anderson (Arkansas), WR Robert Meachem (Tennessee), DT Alan Branch (Michigan), DE Ikaika Alama-Francis (Hawaii), OT Jermon Bushrod (Towson), DT Justin Harrell (Tennessee), DE Ray McDonald (Florida), T Tony Ugoh (Arkansas) and CB Tarell Brown (Texas). CB Eric Wright (UNLV) and WR Jason Hill (Washington State) were among those who attended the local combine.
2006 - DE Mario Williams (N.C. State), TE Vernon Davis (Maryland), T D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia), T Paul McQuistan (Weber State), S Michael Huff (Texas), S Jason Allen (Tennessee), S Joe Miklos (UNLV), CB Tye Hill (Clemson), CB Jimmy Williams (Virginia Tech), DT Haloti Ngata (Oregon), DE LaJuan Ramsey (USC), LB Ernie Sims (Florida State) and LB John Syptak (Rice).
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2186077
The 49ers have scheduled some visits with prospects in the weeks leading up to the April 26-27 NFL draft.
Among those scheduled to meet with the 49ers at their Santa Clara practice facility are DE Derrick Harvey (Florida), DE Phillip Merling (Clemson), LB Shane Simmons (Western Washington) and C Ryan Wendell (Fresno State).
Yesterday, the agent for WR Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma) told reporters he is scheduled to visit the 49ers.
As previously reported, LB Quentin Groves (Auburn), WR DeSean Jackson (Cal), QB Dennis Dixon (Oregon), WR Cameron Colvin (Oregon) and CB Dwight Lowery (San Jose State) are also scheduled to visit the 49ers in Santa Clara.
* * *
Jackson, Dixon, Lowery and Colvin can all visit the 49ers part of the local combine. In this week's Sports Illustrated, there's a photo of Dixon at his pro day in Eugene. Clearly visible in the background of one of the pictures is the 49ers' Ethan Waugh, who is player personnel assistant/college scouting administrator. (It's on Page 2 of this link.)
Each team is allowed pre-draft visits from 30 prospects. (The players invited to the "local combine" do not count against the 30.) In the past, the 49ers have said that they don't just bring in guys to meet the requirement. There is a reason behind the visits.
Perhaps, the team did not get to ask every question it wanted during interviews at the Senior Bowl or scouting combine. If new information becomes available, the team might want to cover its bases and meet with the player face to face.
Sometimes, there might be some subterfuge involved. For instance, the 49ers were not at all high on Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch last year. Yet, Branch was one of the players who visited the team. Many mock drafts had the 49ers selecting Branch in the first round. So either the 49ers were finishing their homework on him or they wanted to feed into the speculation that Branch might be their choice at No. 11.
With their recent first-round selections, the 49ers either coached them in the Senior Bowl or brought them in for visits. Last year, the 49ers coached Patrick Willis and Joe Staley at the Senior Bowl, so they felt they had a pretty good handle on those guys. In 2006, Davis was an underclassman so they probably wanted to get to know him a little better. They spent a week around Manny Lawson at the Senior Bowl, so - again - there was no need to spend more time with him. Of course, in 2005, Alex Smith visited the 49ers.
* * *
Here are the players the 49ers held visits with the past two years:
2007 - S LaRon Landry (LSU), DE Jamaal Anderson (Arkansas), WR Robert Meachem (Tennessee), DT Alan Branch (Michigan), DE Ikaika Alama-Francis (Hawaii), OT Jermon Bushrod (Towson), DT Justin Harrell (Tennessee), DE Ray McDonald (Florida), T Tony Ugoh (Arkansas) and CB Tarell Brown (Texas). CB Eric Wright (UNLV) and WR Jason Hill (Washington State) were among those who attended the local combine.
2006 - DE Mario Williams (N.C. State), TE Vernon Davis (Maryland), T D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia), T Paul McQuistan (Weber State), S Michael Huff (Texas), S Jason Allen (Tennessee), S Joe Miklos (UNLV), CB Tye Hill (Clemson), CB Jimmy Williams (Virginia Tech), DT Haloti Ngata (Oregon), DE LaJuan Ramsey (USC), LB Ernie Sims (Florida State) and LB John Syptak (Rice).
I dont want nor like Malcom Kelly, he seems like he would be a cancer (Think Brandon Lloyd)
With his excuses on his poor 40 time, he couldnt put any blame on him, all on the place he ran at, imagine if he cant catch balls, hes gonna call the qb out like lloyd did, when we all know damn well it wasnt the qbs fault
With his excuses on his poor 40 time, he couldnt put any blame on him, all on the place he ran at, imagine if he cant catch balls, hes gonna call the qb out like lloyd did, when we all know damn well it wasnt the qbs fault
Stopping the Run
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=25591
Many on this site believe the 49ers should make drafting a nose tackle a priority. However, Isaac Sopoaga and Aubrayo Franklin performed well last year in stopping the run, which is the nose tackle's main job.
I'm trying to get some figures on how well the 49ers stopped the inside run, but I think it would show they did it well. Overall, opposing teams averaged 3.8 yards per carry against the defense. Only Washington and Minnesota were better.
-As far as Michael Robinson, he needs more time to develop as a running back. He doesn't have the natural instincts and vision of a Frank Gore, but he's tremendously strong and has a habit of knocking players out of games. After colliding with Robinson, Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, one of the toughest players in the league, left and didn't return.
-Comparing Lawson and his former teammate in Houston, Mario Williams, is an outstanding point. It took Williams a year to become an effective pass rusher, and maybe that's what Lawson needs. But in his rookie year, Lawson rarely came close to the quarterback and he often looked bad doing it.
So far his combination of lack of explosion and what Mike Nolan said is his lack of lead in his tail has rendered him largely ineffective. Bigdiggyd mentioned Andre Carter, Jason Taylor and DeMarcus Ware as similar in size to Lawson, but they are 15 pounds or more heavier than Manny, who's more like 240 than 247. Chris Clemons, Julian Peterson and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila are similar and with the exception of Peterson, those pass rushers play heavier than their weight.
In the end, it doesn't matter what you look like or how fast you run the 40, it's do you get heat. So far, Lawson has been fairly cold.
Renoberger and Bigdiggyd mentioned the presence of Justin Smith at left defensive end loosing up the pass rush for everyone. That's huge. Last year, Marques Douglas wasn't a presence at the crucial pass-rushing spot of left end. Smith will be a presence.>-A pattern has arisen with Lawson, Robinson, Alex Smith, Vernon Davis and many others and it's a theme many of you have touched on, and that's the coaching staff's ability to develop players. It's a critical year for the development of talent.
-As far as Frank Gore looking heavy in a photograph, remember the camera puts on 30 pounds. Seriously, it doesn't matter what Gore looks like in March, it's how he looks in September. Players, particularly running backs and linebackers, need several weeks and sometimes months to recover from the season. Also, it's the rare player who doesn't risk burning out on training if they don't take some significant time off. Remember also Gore did play with a sprained ankle most of last year and those take a long time to heal.
Often offensive stars hit a wall after a breakout year because the opposition gears up to stop them. How Gore adjusts this season will determine his value as a player.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=25591
Many on this site believe the 49ers should make drafting a nose tackle a priority. However, Isaac Sopoaga and Aubrayo Franklin performed well last year in stopping the run, which is the nose tackle's main job.
I'm trying to get some figures on how well the 49ers stopped the inside run, but I think it would show they did it well. Overall, opposing teams averaged 3.8 yards per carry against the defense. Only Washington and Minnesota were better.
-As far as Michael Robinson, he needs more time to develop as a running back. He doesn't have the natural instincts and vision of a Frank Gore, but he's tremendously strong and has a habit of knocking players out of games. After colliding with Robinson, Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, one of the toughest players in the league, left and didn't return.
-Comparing Lawson and his former teammate in Houston, Mario Williams, is an outstanding point. It took Williams a year to become an effective pass rusher, and maybe that's what Lawson needs. But in his rookie year, Lawson rarely came close to the quarterback and he often looked bad doing it.
So far his combination of lack of explosion and what Mike Nolan said is his lack of lead in his tail has rendered him largely ineffective. Bigdiggyd mentioned Andre Carter, Jason Taylor and DeMarcus Ware as similar in size to Lawson, but they are 15 pounds or more heavier than Manny, who's more like 240 than 247. Chris Clemons, Julian Peterson and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila are similar and with the exception of Peterson, those pass rushers play heavier than their weight.
In the end, it doesn't matter what you look like or how fast you run the 40, it's do you get heat. So far, Lawson has been fairly cold.
Renoberger and Bigdiggyd mentioned the presence of Justin Smith at left defensive end loosing up the pass rush for everyone. That's huge. Last year, Marques Douglas wasn't a presence at the crucial pass-rushing spot of left end. Smith will be a presence.>-A pattern has arisen with Lawson, Robinson, Alex Smith, Vernon Davis and many others and it's a theme many of you have touched on, and that's the coaching staff's ability to develop players. It's a critical year for the development of talent.
-As far as Frank Gore looking heavy in a photograph, remember the camera puts on 30 pounds. Seriously, it doesn't matter what Gore looks like in March, it's how he looks in September. Players, particularly running backs and linebackers, need several weeks and sometimes months to recover from the season. Also, it's the rare player who doesn't risk burning out on training if they don't take some significant time off. Remember also Gore did play with a sprained ankle most of last year and those take a long time to heal.
Often offensive stars hit a wall after a breakout year because the opposition gears up to stop them. How Gore adjusts this season will determine his value as a player.
On paper, the current 49ers' offense looks improved over each position group from 2004. Now, let's compare the current defensive personnel to what how things looked in January 2005 when Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan began shaping the 49ers' roster.
* * *
Defensive line
2004: LE John Engelberger; DT Anthony Adams, DT Bryant Young; RE Andre Carter, Brandon Whiting, Tony Brown. Injured: Isaac Sopoaga.
Now: LE Isaac Sopoaga, Melvin Oliver; NT Aubrayo Franklin, Ronald Fields, Joe Cohen; RE Justin Smith.
Obviously, the 49ers now play a base 3-4 defense. The club got rid of Engelberger prematurely. The plan was to play a 3-4 in 2005, so Engelberger was traded. As it turned out, the 49ers played primarily a 4-3, and Engelberger could've helped a lot. The deal that sent Engleberger to the Broncos in exchange for Willie Middlebrooks was the worst trade of the Nolan-McCloughan era. Adams was an acceptable starter in the 4-3 scheme, but the club looked to get bigger in order to institute the 3-4. That's why the 49ers made no effort to re-sign him when he became a free agent. The 49ers did not have much depth on the defensive line in 2004, and they don't have much depth now with Ray McDonald a possible third-down pass rusher. Smith should be the best all-around defensive linemen to play for the 49ers in quite a while - since B.Y. in his prime. The club really doesn't know what it has with backups Melvin Oliver, Atiyyah Ellison and Joe Cohen. Sopoaga must step up and perform as a starter.
Overview: We're talking different schemes with different things asked of the linemen, so it's a little tricky to evaluate. But certainly a strong case can be made that the 2004 line was more productive than the current line. In 2004, they weren't as stout in the run game - especially Adams and Carter - but there was more playmaking ability. At this time, a slight edge goes to 2004.
Linebackers
2004: LOLB Jeff Ulbrich, Richard Seigler; LILB Derek Smith, Ray Wells; RILB Jamie Winborn, Saleem Rasheed. Injured: Julian Peterson, Brandon Moore.
Now: SOLB Manny Lawson, Jay Moore; SILB Dontarious Thomas, Brandon Moore, Jeff Ulbrich; WILB Patrick Willis; WOLB Tully Banta-Cain, Parys Haralson.
Peterson was injured in '04 and it took him all of '05 to round back into shape. The 49ers did not want to pay him the kind of money he attracted from the Seahawks, so he left to join an NFC West opponent. That decision was also part of the 49ers' long-term salary-cap plan to clean the books and start anew with the rebuilding. Peterson has been a great pickup for the Seahawks, but you can't really fault the 49ers for not retaining a guy who did not play well one year removed from the Achilles' injury. Winborn looked like he had the chance to be a solid player, but Nolan quickly lost patience with him. Winborn just last season revived his career with the Broncos. Two keys for this position group in '08: find an inside linebacker willing to do the dirty work next to Willis and find an outside linebacker who can put heat on the quarterback.
Overview: Despite the presence of Willis, the 2004 group gets the edge with Peterson healthy. Without Peterson, the current group is better.
Defensive backs
2004: LCB Ahmed Plummer, Jimmy Williams; RCB Shawntae Spencer; SS Tony Parrish; FS Ronnie Heard. Depth: Mike Adams, Dwaine Carpenter, Joselio Hanson, Keith Lewis, Rayshun Reed. Injured: Mike Rumph.
Now: LCB Nate Clements; RCB Walt Harris, SS Michael Lewis; FS Mark Roman. Depth: Shawntae Spencer, Donald Strickland, Marcus Hudson, Dashon Goldson, Keith Lewis, Tarell Brown.
The 49ers are better at every position in the secondary, as they have relied on free agency for an upgrade. The 49ers have established depth at these spots through the draft. The only player gone from 2004 that could have helped is Hanson. They were a bit premature in getting rid of him. Hanson went on to become a contributor with the Eagles. There are certainly no second-guessing in their decisions to get rid of Plummer, Williams, Parrish and Heard. Their most reliable corner of '04 was Spencer. He is now a nickel back. Youngsters Hudson, Goldson and Brown might figure into expanded roles in the future.
Overview: This one isn't even close. This year's group is much, much, much better.
* * *
Strong arguments can be made that the 49ers aren't as good at defensive line and linebacker. But if Lawson returns strong from injury . . . if Sopoaga takes another step toward realizing his potential . . . if they find a pass-rush threat at OLB . . . if they find someone willing to line up next to Willis and occupy blockers . . . if the 49ers find those answers, this year's groups at defensive line and linebacker will be improved.
But there is no question the secondary is stronger - and it's not even close. Because of the huge upgrade in the 49ers' secondary, this defense is already better than the group that ranked 24th in the league in 2004.
The current 49ers defense is good enough to win a lot of games. Heck, they were good enough last season but the offense was incapable of doing much of anything. Because the 49ers' offense led the league in three-and-outs, the defense was always on the field.
If you break it down by yards-per-play, the 49ers' defense ranked 16th overall in the league. They were fifth against the run. Due to a toothless pass rush, the club ranked 21st in the league in net yards passing per play.
* * *
Defensive line
2004: LE John Engelberger; DT Anthony Adams, DT Bryant Young; RE Andre Carter, Brandon Whiting, Tony Brown. Injured: Isaac Sopoaga.
Now: LE Isaac Sopoaga, Melvin Oliver; NT Aubrayo Franklin, Ronald Fields, Joe Cohen; RE Justin Smith.
Obviously, the 49ers now play a base 3-4 defense. The club got rid of Engelberger prematurely. The plan was to play a 3-4 in 2005, so Engelberger was traded. As it turned out, the 49ers played primarily a 4-3, and Engelberger could've helped a lot. The deal that sent Engleberger to the Broncos in exchange for Willie Middlebrooks was the worst trade of the Nolan-McCloughan era. Adams was an acceptable starter in the 4-3 scheme, but the club looked to get bigger in order to institute the 3-4. That's why the 49ers made no effort to re-sign him when he became a free agent. The 49ers did not have much depth on the defensive line in 2004, and they don't have much depth now with Ray McDonald a possible third-down pass rusher. Smith should be the best all-around defensive linemen to play for the 49ers in quite a while - since B.Y. in his prime. The club really doesn't know what it has with backups Melvin Oliver, Atiyyah Ellison and Joe Cohen. Sopoaga must step up and perform as a starter.
Overview: We're talking different schemes with different things asked of the linemen, so it's a little tricky to evaluate. But certainly a strong case can be made that the 2004 line was more productive than the current line. In 2004, they weren't as stout in the run game - especially Adams and Carter - but there was more playmaking ability. At this time, a slight edge goes to 2004.
Linebackers
2004: LOLB Jeff Ulbrich, Richard Seigler; LILB Derek Smith, Ray Wells; RILB Jamie Winborn, Saleem Rasheed. Injured: Julian Peterson, Brandon Moore.
Now: SOLB Manny Lawson, Jay Moore; SILB Dontarious Thomas, Brandon Moore, Jeff Ulbrich; WILB Patrick Willis; WOLB Tully Banta-Cain, Parys Haralson.
Peterson was injured in '04 and it took him all of '05 to round back into shape. The 49ers did not want to pay him the kind of money he attracted from the Seahawks, so he left to join an NFC West opponent. That decision was also part of the 49ers' long-term salary-cap plan to clean the books and start anew with the rebuilding. Peterson has been a great pickup for the Seahawks, but you can't really fault the 49ers for not retaining a guy who did not play well one year removed from the Achilles' injury. Winborn looked like he had the chance to be a solid player, but Nolan quickly lost patience with him. Winborn just last season revived his career with the Broncos. Two keys for this position group in '08: find an inside linebacker willing to do the dirty work next to Willis and find an outside linebacker who can put heat on the quarterback.
Overview: Despite the presence of Willis, the 2004 group gets the edge with Peterson healthy. Without Peterson, the current group is better.
Defensive backs
2004: LCB Ahmed Plummer, Jimmy Williams; RCB Shawntae Spencer; SS Tony Parrish; FS Ronnie Heard. Depth: Mike Adams, Dwaine Carpenter, Joselio Hanson, Keith Lewis, Rayshun Reed. Injured: Mike Rumph.
Now: LCB Nate Clements; RCB Walt Harris, SS Michael Lewis; FS Mark Roman. Depth: Shawntae Spencer, Donald Strickland, Marcus Hudson, Dashon Goldson, Keith Lewis, Tarell Brown.
The 49ers are better at every position in the secondary, as they have relied on free agency for an upgrade. The 49ers have established depth at these spots through the draft. The only player gone from 2004 that could have helped is Hanson. They were a bit premature in getting rid of him. Hanson went on to become a contributor with the Eagles. There are certainly no second-guessing in their decisions to get rid of Plummer, Williams, Parrish and Heard. Their most reliable corner of '04 was Spencer. He is now a nickel back. Youngsters Hudson, Goldson and Brown might figure into expanded roles in the future.
Overview: This one isn't even close. This year's group is much, much, much better.
* * *
Strong arguments can be made that the 49ers aren't as good at defensive line and linebacker. But if Lawson returns strong from injury . . . if Sopoaga takes another step toward realizing his potential . . . if they find a pass-rush threat at OLB . . . if they find someone willing to line up next to Willis and occupy blockers . . . if the 49ers find those answers, this year's groups at defensive line and linebacker will be improved.
But there is no question the secondary is stronger - and it's not even close. Because of the huge upgrade in the 49ers' secondary, this defense is already better than the group that ranked 24th in the league in 2004.
The current 49ers defense is good enough to win a lot of games. Heck, they were good enough last season but the offense was incapable of doing much of anything. Because the 49ers' offense led the league in three-and-outs, the defense was always on the field.
If you break it down by yards-per-play, the 49ers' defense ranked 16th overall in the league. They were fifth against the run. Due to a toothless pass rush, the club ranked 21st in the league in net yards passing per play.
Where the pre-draft-visit guys might fit with 49ers
Just because the 49ers are bringing in at least 10 players for pre-draft visits does not mean they're looking to draft every one of them.
As I've noted before, this is all part of the evaluation process. Their homework now is done to serve them in the future, too. If one of these players winds up on another team and gets cut in training camp, the 49ers go back to the information they've gathered during the evaluation process.
Heck, in a few years if one of these players becomes a free agent, they will refer back to this information, as well.
But let's take a look at each of the players and what the immediate future might hold during the draft weekend of April 26-27.
* * *
DE Derrick Harvey, Florida (6-5, 271): He figures to be gone before the 49ers pick at No. 29. Some mocks have him going as high as No. 9 to Cincy. In others, he's going to the Lions at 15 or the Vikings at 17. It's doubtful the 49ers would mortgage a draft to jump up to get him. There's an interesting video I found of Harvey going against Jake Long. Harvey is a pretty darn good player, but this link shows why I think Jake Long should be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Long really hands Harvey.
DE Phillip Merling, Clemson (6-4, 276): Again, he figures to be gone by the time the 49ers pick, but it's not a certainty. Merling is rated by NFLdraftscout.com as the No. 4 defensive end, one spot behind Harvey. That site reports he is slipping a little because of a recent surgery for a sports hernia. That's probably why the 49ers want to check him out. It's possible he could fall to No. 29. But the mocks I've seen have him going No. 16 to the Cardinals or to the Vikings at 17 or the Seahawks at No. 25.
OLB Quentin Groves, Auburn (6-3, 259): He appears to be a logical pick for the 49ers at No. 29. The 49ers could use another option as a pass-rusher. Groves did not take part in the Senior Bowl, so the 49ers did not have the chance to spend quality time with him there. He was slowed during the season by three dislocated toes on his right foot. Niners GM Scot McCloughan traveled to Auburn to watch is pro day workout. Now, they're bringing him in for a visit. There are a couple off-the-field issues that the 49ers might wish to speak with him about. He was arrested in 2006 but charges were later dropped from a domestic dispute with his wife. He is reportedly on probation after he was charged with driving with a suspended license and no insurance after being involved in a traffic accident.
WR DeSean Jackson, Cal (5-10, 169): Jackson is also a possibility at No. 29. The 49ers were not interested a year ago in Ted Ginn with the No. 11 pick (they were ecstatic when the Dolphins selected him at No. 9). Like Ginn, there are legitimate concerns about Jackson's size and ability to avoid injuries at this level. Will he be able to withstand press coverage? Jackson, however, could provide the 49ers with a deep threat in Mike Martz's offense, as well as a game-changing return man. Certainly, Jackson at No. 29 seems a lot more palatable than Ginn at No. 9.
WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma (6-4, 224): The opinions on Kelly are all over the place. He could be long gone at No. 29 . . . or, heck, he could still be around when the 49ers pick at No. 39. Kelly did not run well at his pro day this week. But was that just an aberration? There might be a concern of him creating separation against NFL corners. Also, at his size, will he be able to get in and out of his breaks in an offense that asks its receivers to run a lot of option routes? He is a tremendous talent and comes with no notable off-the-field baggage.
CB Dwight Lowery, San Jose State (5-11, 201): Depending on what the 49ers get with their first three picks, Lowery could be an option for them with the eighth pick of the fourth round. If the 49ers make any trades to acquire a later fourth-round pick (or a fifth-rounder), perhaps his selection becomes more likely. But I'm not sure Lowery is a good fit with the 49ers. He seems to be a like Dashon Goldson - a college cornerback who might be better-suited to play free safety in the NFL.
QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon (6-3, 195): Whoever takes Dixon must be patient. He had ACL surgery in mid-December, though his rehab seems to be going quite well. Dixon, a native of San Leandro, developed into a Heisman-caliber quarterback as a senior with the Ducks. I haven't seen any projections for him to undergo a position change. He appears to be a quarterback all the way. And the 49ers are not going to take a quarterback in this draft unless they feel very good about the chances of connecting. After all, their top three seem set with Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan. Drew Olson is also set to go to camp.
ILB Shane Simmons, Western Washington (6-1, 228): He could be a seventh-rounder or an undrafted free agent. Simmons can also play outside linebacker, but his fate as a rookie figures to hinge on his ability to excel on special teams. He was not invited to the combine after transferring from Idaho to an NCAA Division II school near his home after a friend was murdered. He recently improved his stock with a personal-best time of 4.58 in the 40 at his pro day in front of scouts from the Seahawks and Patriots.
C Ryan Wendell, Fresno State (6-2, 286): He was not invited to the combine. Wendell fared well at the East-West Shrine game even though he was outweighed by 50 pounds against some of the defensive tackles he went against. Does not figure to be drafted, but the 49ers could sweep him up as an undrafted free agent.
WR Cameron Colvin, Oregon (6-2, 205): He was one of the top-recruited high-school players in the nation at De La Salle, but he does not figure to get drafted. All he wants is a chance, he says. Colvin is scheduled to participate in the 49ers' local combine. He is very talented, but never put it together at Oregon. Colvin is regaining his speed after season-ending surgery to repair a fractured fibula.
* * *
49ers' 2008 draft picks
First round, No. 29, Overall 29 (from Colts)
Second round, No. 8, Overall 39
Third round, No. 12, Overall 75 (from Bears)
Fourth round, No. 8, Overall 107
Sixth round, No. 8, Overall 174
Seventh round, No. 7, Overall 214
* * *
There might be some new technology added to the blog in the coming weeks. I'm scheduled to head up to Santa Rosa next week to learn how to incorporate a video camera into this medium. In the meantime, I've recorded an embarrassingly crude Instant 49ers Greeting as a permanent link. (Well, permanent until I'm shamed into removing it.)
Just because the 49ers are bringing in at least 10 players for pre-draft visits does not mean they're looking to draft every one of them.
As I've noted before, this is all part of the evaluation process. Their homework now is done to serve them in the future, too. If one of these players winds up on another team and gets cut in training camp, the 49ers go back to the information they've gathered during the evaluation process.
Heck, in a few years if one of these players becomes a free agent, they will refer back to this information, as well.
But let's take a look at each of the players and what the immediate future might hold during the draft weekend of April 26-27.
* * *
DE Derrick Harvey, Florida (6-5, 271): He figures to be gone before the 49ers pick at No. 29. Some mocks have him going as high as No. 9 to Cincy. In others, he's going to the Lions at 15 or the Vikings at 17. It's doubtful the 49ers would mortgage a draft to jump up to get him. There's an interesting video I found of Harvey going against Jake Long. Harvey is a pretty darn good player, but this link shows why I think Jake Long should be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Long really hands Harvey.
DE Phillip Merling, Clemson (6-4, 276): Again, he figures to be gone by the time the 49ers pick, but it's not a certainty. Merling is rated by NFLdraftscout.com as the No. 4 defensive end, one spot behind Harvey. That site reports he is slipping a little because of a recent surgery for a sports hernia. That's probably why the 49ers want to check him out. It's possible he could fall to No. 29. But the mocks I've seen have him going No. 16 to the Cardinals or to the Vikings at 17 or the Seahawks at No. 25.
OLB Quentin Groves, Auburn (6-3, 259): He appears to be a logical pick for the 49ers at No. 29. The 49ers could use another option as a pass-rusher. Groves did not take part in the Senior Bowl, so the 49ers did not have the chance to spend quality time with him there. He was slowed during the season by three dislocated toes on his right foot. Niners GM Scot McCloughan traveled to Auburn to watch is pro day workout. Now, they're bringing him in for a visit. There are a couple off-the-field issues that the 49ers might wish to speak with him about. He was arrested in 2006 but charges were later dropped from a domestic dispute with his wife. He is reportedly on probation after he was charged with driving with a suspended license and no insurance after being involved in a traffic accident.
WR DeSean Jackson, Cal (5-10, 169): Jackson is also a possibility at No. 29. The 49ers were not interested a year ago in Ted Ginn with the No. 11 pick (they were ecstatic when the Dolphins selected him at No. 9). Like Ginn, there are legitimate concerns about Jackson's size and ability to avoid injuries at this level. Will he be able to withstand press coverage? Jackson, however, could provide the 49ers with a deep threat in Mike Martz's offense, as well as a game-changing return man. Certainly, Jackson at No. 29 seems a lot more palatable than Ginn at No. 9.
WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma (6-4, 224): The opinions on Kelly are all over the place. He could be long gone at No. 29 . . . or, heck, he could still be around when the 49ers pick at No. 39. Kelly did not run well at his pro day this week. But was that just an aberration? There might be a concern of him creating separation against NFL corners. Also, at his size, will he be able to get in and out of his breaks in an offense that asks its receivers to run a lot of option routes? He is a tremendous talent and comes with no notable off-the-field baggage.
CB Dwight Lowery, San Jose State (5-11, 201): Depending on what the 49ers get with their first three picks, Lowery could be an option for them with the eighth pick of the fourth round. If the 49ers make any trades to acquire a later fourth-round pick (or a fifth-rounder), perhaps his selection becomes more likely. But I'm not sure Lowery is a good fit with the 49ers. He seems to be a like Dashon Goldson - a college cornerback who might be better-suited to play free safety in the NFL.
QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon (6-3, 195): Whoever takes Dixon must be patient. He had ACL surgery in mid-December, though his rehab seems to be going quite well. Dixon, a native of San Leandro, developed into a Heisman-caliber quarterback as a senior with the Ducks. I haven't seen any projections for him to undergo a position change. He appears to be a quarterback all the way. And the 49ers are not going to take a quarterback in this draft unless they feel very good about the chances of connecting. After all, their top three seem set with Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan. Drew Olson is also set to go to camp.
ILB Shane Simmons, Western Washington (6-1, 228): He could be a seventh-rounder or an undrafted free agent. Simmons can also play outside linebacker, but his fate as a rookie figures to hinge on his ability to excel on special teams. He was not invited to the combine after transferring from Idaho to an NCAA Division II school near his home after a friend was murdered. He recently improved his stock with a personal-best time of 4.58 in the 40 at his pro day in front of scouts from the Seahawks and Patriots.
C Ryan Wendell, Fresno State (6-2, 286): He was not invited to the combine. Wendell fared well at the East-West Shrine game even though he was outweighed by 50 pounds against some of the defensive tackles he went against. Does not figure to be drafted, but the 49ers could sweep him up as an undrafted free agent.
WR Cameron Colvin, Oregon (6-2, 205): He was one of the top-recruited high-school players in the nation at De La Salle, but he does not figure to get drafted. All he wants is a chance, he says. Colvin is scheduled to participate in the 49ers' local combine. He is very talented, but never put it together at Oregon. Colvin is regaining his speed after season-ending surgery to repair a fractured fibula.
* * *
49ers' 2008 draft picks
First round, No. 29, Overall 29 (from Colts)
Second round, No. 8, Overall 39
Third round, No. 12, Overall 75 (from Bears)
Fourth round, No. 8, Overall 107
Sixth round, No. 8, Overall 174
Seventh round, No. 7, Overall 214
* * *
There might be some new technology added to the blog in the coming weeks. I'm scheduled to head up to Santa Rosa next week to learn how to incorporate a video camera into this medium. In the meantime, I've recorded an embarrassingly crude Instant 49ers Greeting as a permanent link. (Well, permanent until I'm shamed into removing it.)
Groves is fine, but visit with 49ers postponed a week
Auburn outside linebacker Quentin Groves did not visit the 49ers today as originally planned, said Sean Kiernan of Impact Sports, the firm that represents Groves. The 49es rescheduled the pre-draft visit. It has nothing to do with Groves' recent surgery to correct a heart irregularity, Kiernan said.
Groves was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome at the NFL scouting combine in February. Auburn was aware he might have had WPW, Kiernan said.
The condition is one in which there is an extra electrical circuit in the heart. If left untreated, WPW could lead to a rapid heart beat.
On March 27, Groves had an out-patient procedure in Birmingham, Ala., Kiernan said. A catheter was inserted into his leg and maneuvered up to his heart, where the extra electrical circuit was destroyed.
Groves was advised to avoid strenuous workouts for five days. Seven days after the procedure, he underwent an electrocardiogram and everything was "100-percent normal," Kiernan said.
"There are no long-term ramifications," Kiernan said. "Every team I've spoken to was pleased that he's already had this taken care of. We're very happy somebody picked up on this (at the combine) and that it's no longer an issue. Once it's taken care of, it's done."
Kiernan said he has every reason to believe this will have no impact whatsoever on Groves' draft status. Letters explaining Groves' condition were sent to each of the 32 NFL teams.
GM Scot McCloughan personally attended Groves' pro day workout at Auburn last month. He appears to be on the team's radar screen at the No. 29 overall pick.
* * *
An account has been set up for the family of Luis "Al" Solari, a dedicated fan of the 49ers who was the victim of a fatal shooting last week on Interstate 280.
Lilia Solari Family Benefit Account
A.G. Edwards-Wachovia Bank
456 Montgomery, 16th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104-9763
Our sincere condolences go to the Solari family.
Auburn outside linebacker Quentin Groves did not visit the 49ers today as originally planned, said Sean Kiernan of Impact Sports, the firm that represents Groves. The 49es rescheduled the pre-draft visit. It has nothing to do with Groves' recent surgery to correct a heart irregularity, Kiernan said.
Groves was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome at the NFL scouting combine in February. Auburn was aware he might have had WPW, Kiernan said.
The condition is one in which there is an extra electrical circuit in the heart. If left untreated, WPW could lead to a rapid heart beat.
On March 27, Groves had an out-patient procedure in Birmingham, Ala., Kiernan said. A catheter was inserted into his leg and maneuvered up to his heart, where the extra electrical circuit was destroyed.
Groves was advised to avoid strenuous workouts for five days. Seven days after the procedure, he underwent an electrocardiogram and everything was "100-percent normal," Kiernan said.
"There are no long-term ramifications," Kiernan said. "Every team I've spoken to was pleased that he's already had this taken care of. We're very happy somebody picked up on this (at the combine) and that it's no longer an issue. Once it's taken care of, it's done."
Kiernan said he has every reason to believe this will have no impact whatsoever on Groves' draft status. Letters explaining Groves' condition were sent to each of the 32 NFL teams.
GM Scot McCloughan personally attended Groves' pro day workout at Auburn last month. He appears to be on the team's radar screen at the No. 29 overall pick.
* * *
An account has been set up for the family of Luis "Al" Solari, a dedicated fan of the 49ers who was the victim of a fatal shooting last week on Interstate 280.
Lilia Solari Family Benefit Account
A.G. Edwards-Wachovia Bank
456 Montgomery, 16th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104-9763
Our sincere condolences go to the Solari family.
49ers Waive WR Brewer
http://sf49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4134§ion=PR News
The San Francisco 49ers announced Monday that WR C.J. Brewer has been waived.
Brewer was originally signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming in 2006. He spent the 2006 season on the practice squad and last season on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during training camp
http://sf49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4134§ion=PR News
The San Francisco 49ers announced Monday that WR C.J. Brewer has been waived.
Brewer was originally signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming in 2006. He spent the 2006 season on the practice squad and last season on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during training camp
Schedule Expected Out on Tuesday
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4133§ion=PR News
The NFL is expected to release the 2008 schedule for all teams on Tuesday at 2PM EST on the NFL Network and NFL.com. The 49ers will release the 49ers 2008 schedule on 49ers.com at 2PM EST as well.
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4133§ion=PR News
The NFL is expected to release the 2008 schedule for all teams on Tuesday at 2PM EST on the NFL Network and NFL.com. The 49ers will release the 49ers 2008 schedule on 49ers.com at 2PM EST as well.
Changing of the Guard
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4131§ion=PR News
From high school ball in Sarasota, Florida to suiting up in the Michigan Wolverine yellow and blue for his college days to a pro career that took him to the west coast-based San Francisco 49ers, offensive lineman David Baas has traveled some serious miles to play the game of football. That’s still nothing compared to the ups and downs and the ground he’s covered in his first three seasons in the NFL.
After finishing out the 2007 season with eight starts following a shoulder injury that shelved Justin Smiley for the rest of the year, Baas finally has a firm hold on a starting spot on the offensive line as he prepares to enter his fourth season. It’s been a long time coming for the 49ers 2005 second-round pick.
“It’s been up and down for me since coming here,” said Baas. “I feel like things are finally on the upside now and I’m looking forward to a chance to start. It’s great motivation because there’s still always competition and I’m looking to have a good off-season and do the things necessary to lock down the position and be a mainstay on the offensive line.”
As a rookie on a team that had won only two games the year before, Baas had hoped to come in and make an immediate impact, but a hamstring injury slowed his progress as he missed the entire training camp. He contributed primarily on special teams that year before eventually enjoying five starts at guard late in the year due to injuries on the line.
In his second season, Baas shuffled between guard and center during the off-season, and saw his playing time actually decrease as he was relegated mostly to special teams, with his most significant action on offense coming in the final game of the 2006 season.
Like most competitors, Baas would have preferred to have been thrown into the fire so that he could accelerate his learning curve, but other needed lessons were mastered during his time on the sidelines.
“My rookie year I was really terrible about having a bad play or a bad practice and not being able to let things go, but I think I’ve grown up,” said Baas. “It should hurt when you don’t do things right, but the thing I’ve learned is not to let it frustrate you to the point where it affects you. You want to make sure you are out there doing a good job and not letting anyone down, but sometimes you have to let it slide off your back, go on to the next play and correct it later.”
Baas also came to understand quickly that when his opportunity did finally come along, he best be prepared. He had already been rotating into the mix at right guard last year when Smiley went down in the Atlanta game with a dislocated shoulder, making it a seamless transition when he entered the lineup.
“You’ve got to be ready and I was definitely ready,” said Baas. “It was unfortunate that he suffered the injury, but I was ready to step in and do my job. I think you grow a tremendous amount when you actually get that chance to really gain some experience. Finishing out the year where I was constantly in there was really valuable for me.”
Even in his former backup role, Baas provided the 49ers with a valuable asset given his ability to play both center and guard. He likewise appreciated the versatility he gained from taking reps at both spots, but much more prefers his situation this off-season where he should have a chance to really settle in and focus his full attention to playing right guard.
“Playing center helped me out a whole heck of a lot because it opened up my vision and taught me how to read the defenses much better, but I prefer the nasty style of play at guard and being able to concentrate on killing the one guy in front of me,” said Baas. “It’s very nice now to know I’ll get to work on just playing guard this off-season.”
That work officially began a few weeks ago with the kickoff of the 49ers off-season conditioning program, in which Baas hopes to improve his strength, shed a few pounds and start anew.
“The start of the off-season program is something you look forward to because although last season is gone, the bitter taste really stays in your mouth until you can actually do something about it,” said Baas. “Right now, we all have the chance to come in and work even harder towards improving ourselves individually so that we can help the team get right next season.”
Baas and the offensive line work out together every day in the 7AM group, but their time together during the off-season extends way beyond the team’s facility. From group lunches to potluck dinners to taking in concerts, this unit puts forth a concerted effort in building the kind of camaraderie that pays dividends on game days.
“It’s wonderful how well we all get along, but the biggest thing is that we all respect each other and know that we are good players,” said Baas. “I think it’ll be really exciting this year and we’re all anticipating being out there together. We trust each other and we all have the mindset that we won’t let each other down.”
Baas doesn’t plan to let the 49ers down either. The organization showed a vote of confidence in Baas when they allowed Smiley to chase and command big dollars in this year’s recent free agency period, signifying a literal changing of the guard in San Francisco. Although Baas is ecstatic about his much awaited role, he’s certainly not viewing it as grasping the brass ring either, and he doesn’t intend to rest on his laurels.
“I don’t view it as an achievement because I haven’t really done anything in my mind yet,” said Baas. “I’ve got bigger and better goals than what I’ve done. I view it as a constant challenge and I know I’m in a good position now, but there’s still competition. Nothing is set in stone, and that’s why we are out busting our butts during the off-season so that we can lock down the position. Then, when we roll into the season, hopefully I’ve earned the right to say I am the starting guard.”
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4131§ion=PR News
From high school ball in Sarasota, Florida to suiting up in the Michigan Wolverine yellow and blue for his college days to a pro career that took him to the west coast-based San Francisco 49ers, offensive lineman David Baas has traveled some serious miles to play the game of football. That’s still nothing compared to the ups and downs and the ground he’s covered in his first three seasons in the NFL.
After finishing out the 2007 season with eight starts following a shoulder injury that shelved Justin Smiley for the rest of the year, Baas finally has a firm hold on a starting spot on the offensive line as he prepares to enter his fourth season. It’s been a long time coming for the 49ers 2005 second-round pick.
“It’s been up and down for me since coming here,” said Baas. “I feel like things are finally on the upside now and I’m looking forward to a chance to start. It’s great motivation because there’s still always competition and I’m looking to have a good off-season and do the things necessary to lock down the position and be a mainstay on the offensive line.”
As a rookie on a team that had won only two games the year before, Baas had hoped to come in and make an immediate impact, but a hamstring injury slowed his progress as he missed the entire training camp. He contributed primarily on special teams that year before eventually enjoying five starts at guard late in the year due to injuries on the line.
In his second season, Baas shuffled between guard and center during the off-season, and saw his playing time actually decrease as he was relegated mostly to special teams, with his most significant action on offense coming in the final game of the 2006 season.
Like most competitors, Baas would have preferred to have been thrown into the fire so that he could accelerate his learning curve, but other needed lessons were mastered during his time on the sidelines.
“My rookie year I was really terrible about having a bad play or a bad practice and not being able to let things go, but I think I’ve grown up,” said Baas. “It should hurt when you don’t do things right, but the thing I’ve learned is not to let it frustrate you to the point where it affects you. You want to make sure you are out there doing a good job and not letting anyone down, but sometimes you have to let it slide off your back, go on to the next play and correct it later.”
Baas also came to understand quickly that when his opportunity did finally come along, he best be prepared. He had already been rotating into the mix at right guard last year when Smiley went down in the Atlanta game with a dislocated shoulder, making it a seamless transition when he entered the lineup.
“You’ve got to be ready and I was definitely ready,” said Baas. “It was unfortunate that he suffered the injury, but I was ready to step in and do my job. I think you grow a tremendous amount when you actually get that chance to really gain some experience. Finishing out the year where I was constantly in there was really valuable for me.”
Even in his former backup role, Baas provided the 49ers with a valuable asset given his ability to play both center and guard. He likewise appreciated the versatility he gained from taking reps at both spots, but much more prefers his situation this off-season where he should have a chance to really settle in and focus his full attention to playing right guard.
“Playing center helped me out a whole heck of a lot because it opened up my vision and taught me how to read the defenses much better, but I prefer the nasty style of play at guard and being able to concentrate on killing the one guy in front of me,” said Baas. “It’s very nice now to know I’ll get to work on just playing guard this off-season.”
That work officially began a few weeks ago with the kickoff of the 49ers off-season conditioning program, in which Baas hopes to improve his strength, shed a few pounds and start anew.
“The start of the off-season program is something you look forward to because although last season is gone, the bitter taste really stays in your mouth until you can actually do something about it,” said Baas. “Right now, we all have the chance to come in and work even harder towards improving ourselves individually so that we can help the team get right next season.”
Baas and the offensive line work out together every day in the 7AM group, but their time together during the off-season extends way beyond the team’s facility. From group lunches to potluck dinners to taking in concerts, this unit puts forth a concerted effort in building the kind of camaraderie that pays dividends on game days.
“It’s wonderful how well we all get along, but the biggest thing is that we all respect each other and know that we are good players,” said Baas. “I think it’ll be really exciting this year and we’re all anticipating being out there together. We trust each other and we all have the mindset that we won’t let each other down.”
Baas doesn’t plan to let the 49ers down either. The organization showed a vote of confidence in Baas when they allowed Smiley to chase and command big dollars in this year’s recent free agency period, signifying a literal changing of the guard in San Francisco. Although Baas is ecstatic about his much awaited role, he’s certainly not viewing it as grasping the brass ring either, and he doesn’t intend to rest on his laurels.
“I don’t view it as an achievement because I haven’t really done anything in my mind yet,” said Baas. “I’ve got bigger and better goals than what I’ve done. I view it as a constant challenge and I know I’m in a good position now, but there’s still competition. Nothing is set in stone, and that’s why we are out busting our butts during the off-season so that we can lock down the position. Then, when we roll into the season, hopefully I’ve earned the right to say I am the starting guard.”
49ers 2008 Schedule.
The San Francisco 49ers will open its 2008 NFL regular season against an NFC West foe when they host the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on September 7. It will mark the third straight year that the 49ers will open the season against the Cardinals. Last season, the 49ers pulled out a 20-17 victory over the Cardinals with a touchdown in the final seconds of the game on Monday Night Football.
“The schedule release is always highly anticipated by our fans as well as our entire organization,” said head coach Mike Nolan. “Our approach this season is to take it one at a time. One meeting, one practice and one game at a time.”
In addition to the 49ers usual NFC West opponents Arizona, St. Louis and Seattle, San Francisco will face off against the AFC East with games at Buffalo and Miami and home games against New England and the New York Jets at Candlestick Park. In addition, the 49ers will battle the NFC East with home games against Philadelphia and Washington and road contests at the New York Giants and Dallas.
While the games against the AFC East and NFC East were based on the NFL’s rotating schedule, the schedule also consists of two at-large games that are determined based on records from the previous season. By virtue of the 49ers finish in the NFC West last season, they will play at home against Detroit and on the road against New Orleans.
The slate includes games against both Super Bowl participants in a three week stretch. New England’s QB Tom Brady, a native of San Mateo, will make his Candlestick Park debut on October 5. The 49ers will travel for the second straight season to face the Giants at Giants Stadium on October 19th.
The slate also includes a nationally-televised Monday Night Football contest against Arizona on November 10 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Last season, the 49ers completed a series sweep of the Cardinals with a 37-31 overtime win at Arizona.
The 49ers play five of their first eight games at home in the friendly confines of Candlestick Park before a bye week that falls right in the middle of the season. The 49ers will finish the regular season with five of their final eight games on the road.
“I look forward to having five home games in the first half of the season,” said Nolan. “Our fans play a big role in our success. Playing at home with the crowd behind us will help push us to a great start.”
In the second half of the season the 49ers have two back-to-back road games with contests at Dallas and at Buffalo sandwiched with a home game against the New York Jets before
Preaseason
Week 1: @ Oakland TBD
Week 2: Green Bay TBD
Thursday, August 21st: @ Chicago. 8PM PST - Fox
Friday, August 29th: San Diego. TBD - CBS
Regular Season
Sunday, September 7th: vs. Arizona Cardinals 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, September 14th: @ Seattle Seahawks 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, September 21st: vs. Detriot Lions 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, September 28th: @ New Orleans Saints 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, October 5th: vs. New England Patriots 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, October 12th: vs. Philadelphia Eagles 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, October 19th: @ New York Giants 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, October 26th: vs. Seattle Seahawks 1:15PM PST - Fox
Bye Week
Monday November 10th: @ Arizona Cardinals 5:30PM PST - ESPN
Sunday, November 16th: vs. St Louis Rams 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, November 23rd: @ Dallas Cowboys 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, November 30th: @ Buffalo Bills 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, December 7th: vs. New York Jets 1:05PM PST - CBS
Sunday, December 14th: @ Miami Dolphins 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, December 21st: @ St. Louis Rams 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, December 28th: vs. Washington Redskins 1:15PM PST - Fox
The San Francisco 49ers will open its 2008 NFL regular season against an NFC West foe when they host the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on September 7. It will mark the third straight year that the 49ers will open the season against the Cardinals. Last season, the 49ers pulled out a 20-17 victory over the Cardinals with a touchdown in the final seconds of the game on Monday Night Football.
“The schedule release is always highly anticipated by our fans as well as our entire organization,” said head coach Mike Nolan. “Our approach this season is to take it one at a time. One meeting, one practice and one game at a time.”
In addition to the 49ers usual NFC West opponents Arizona, St. Louis and Seattle, San Francisco will face off against the AFC East with games at Buffalo and Miami and home games against New England and the New York Jets at Candlestick Park. In addition, the 49ers will battle the NFC East with home games against Philadelphia and Washington and road contests at the New York Giants and Dallas.
While the games against the AFC East and NFC East were based on the NFL’s rotating schedule, the schedule also consists of two at-large games that are determined based on records from the previous season. By virtue of the 49ers finish in the NFC West last season, they will play at home against Detroit and on the road against New Orleans.
The slate includes games against both Super Bowl participants in a three week stretch. New England’s QB Tom Brady, a native of San Mateo, will make his Candlestick Park debut on October 5. The 49ers will travel for the second straight season to face the Giants at Giants Stadium on October 19th.
The slate also includes a nationally-televised Monday Night Football contest against Arizona on November 10 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Last season, the 49ers completed a series sweep of the Cardinals with a 37-31 overtime win at Arizona.
The 49ers play five of their first eight games at home in the friendly confines of Candlestick Park before a bye week that falls right in the middle of the season. The 49ers will finish the regular season with five of their final eight games on the road.
“I look forward to having five home games in the first half of the season,” said Nolan. “Our fans play a big role in our success. Playing at home with the crowd behind us will help push us to a great start.”
In the second half of the season the 49ers have two back-to-back road games with contests at Dallas and at Buffalo sandwiched with a home game against the New York Jets before
Preaseason
Week 1: @ Oakland TBD
Week 2: Green Bay TBD
Thursday, August 21st: @ Chicago. 8PM PST - Fox
Friday, August 29th: San Diego. TBD - CBS
Regular Season
Sunday, September 7th: vs. Arizona Cardinals 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, September 14th: @ Seattle Seahawks 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, September 21st: vs. Detriot Lions 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, September 28th: @ New Orleans Saints 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, October 5th: vs. New England Patriots 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, October 12th: vs. Philadelphia Eagles 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, October 19th: @ New York Giants 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, October 26th: vs. Seattle Seahawks 1:15PM PST - Fox
Bye Week
Monday November 10th: @ Arizona Cardinals 5:30PM PST - ESPN
Sunday, November 16th: vs. St Louis Rams 1:15PM PST - Fox
Sunday, November 23rd: @ Dallas Cowboys 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, November 30th: @ Buffalo Bills 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, December 7th: vs. New York Jets 1:05PM PST - CBS
Sunday, December 14th: @ Miami Dolphins 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, December 21st: @ St. Louis Rams 10:00AM PST - Fox
Sunday, December 28th: vs. Washington Redskins 1:15PM PST - Fox