In 2015 the 49ers will have big changes to a core group of players that are keys to their team. There are 3 big pending free-agents QB Colin Kaepernick, WR Michael Crabtree and OG Mike Iupati. There is a school of thought that the 49ers will be able to make some simple cuts and afford 2 of the 3 big free agents available and still have room to sign Aldon Smith for 2016. But, unfortunately, some common sense tells 49ers fan's that there is more to consider when the 2015 off-season arrives.
First, the 49ers like to extend their free-agents before they reach free agency. Yes, the 49ers have resigned players in recent years that reached free-agency (Carlos Rogers, Anquan Boldin) but those were players they picked up on one year deals and had no reason to extend until there was an established value to the team. There are some outliers like Ahmad Brooks but he was coming off being a new starter. Most of the pending free-agents for the 49ers have been extended before they actually reached free-agency in recent years (Tramaine Brock, Ian Williams, Anthony Davis, Justin Smith, Joe Staley, Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, etc., get the point?) The 49ers plan ahead and like to tie up "their guys" so that they don't have to get into bidding wars. Case in point when you consider Goldson, Whitner, Brown, Rogers (this off season), Walker, etc. So when we look at the 2015 free agent class and see that the 49ers are wanting to resign Colin Kaepernick before the season starts we can logically deduce that he is one of "their guys." But their is no indication out of the 49ers headquarters that they are planning to extend Crabtree or Iupati. With this formula in mind we have our first clue that those players may not be "their guy."
Second, the 49ers have other players that are free agents in 2015. You can't just assume that all available money is going to be divvied up between Kaepernick, Crabtree and Iupati. You also must consider players like Chris Culliver, Glen Dorsey, Eric Wright, Kendall Hunter, hell as of right now they have more than 20 players scheduled to be free agents! That's not including a guy like Frank Gore, who I'm assuming will be gently shown the door, and extensions for players like Alex Boone (who is severely underpaid)! It's laughable to not consider all these players when talking about the 2015 free agent class, the 49ers will have to spend money on many players to make sure they can fill out their roster with the good depth they've built over the past few years.
Third, the 49ers want to resign Colin Kaepernick and Aldon Smith first, which means they will not jeopardize resigning Smith for 2016 by resigning Crabtree or Iuptai to contracts in 2015 that may hinder that move. Plus with the way the 49ers usually work on extensions they will probably take care of Aldon Smith before the 2015 season because... you guessed it, they don't like "their guys" to reach free agency. Right now they want the Miami case to end (or at least have enough distance) so they can get "their guy" Kaepernick extended, then see how it plays out with "their guy" Smith on and off the field over the next year before extending him too (probably in 2015).
You can't have tunnel vision when talking about the 2015 free-agent class without taking all the variables into account, not only for 2015 but for 2016 and beyond too, that's how business works. It's not rocket science if you pay attention to how they conduct their business there's a specific way they do things. The 49ers will resign Kaepernick and Smith to extensions, barring that everything plays out well for them on and off the field (don't even get me started on the rumor that the 49ers might cut Smith). As for Crabtree and Iupati, can they be resigned? Well, yes, of course they can but I doubt they will. Crabtree and his agent will approach the table as if Crabtree is a top talent at WR and they'll want to get paid accordingly even though injuries and stats won't match their demands (I cringe thinking about his rookie year contract drama). And Iupati and his agent will approach the table as if he's the best guard in the league because he essentially is. If one of these guys decides to take less money to stay with the team then I could see it working out, but I believe both these guys will want top dollar and they'll find teams that will give them just that. Don't forget that the 49ers will be willing to pay what it takes to resign Kaepernick and Smith, but that rule will not be used when considering Crabtree and Iupati. The take-away is that 49ers fan's should hope for the best but be weary of those that say the best case scenario is a probable outcome.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Big Changes Ahead?
The San Francisco 49ers have a number of decisions to make on some players this upcoming off season. What fans need to keep in mind is that the front office not only has to worry about players that are free-agents but also players that need extensions so that they don't hit free-agency after the 2014 season.
The list of free agents this off season includes Anquan Boldin, Donte Whitner, and Tarell Brown. But before fans start calling for Trent Baalke to resign them immediately they need to take into account the list of 2015 free agents; Colin Kaepernick, Aldon Smith, Michael Crabtree, and Mike Iupati. When you add those players into the equation it becomes obvious that the more important group is the latter. What does that mean? The 49ers have to be careful who they start shelling millions out to.
Here is my ideas on what Baalke might be considering this off season to address these players and positions.
First- There are some cuts that fans should start bracing for. Who, you ask? Whitner, Brown and Carlos Rogers. It's simple with Whitner and Brown, they can just not resign them. Drink this in for a second- Rogers will be the highest paid 49er next year at 8 million. That money is not guaranteed, which almost means that the 49ers will certainly be cutting Rogers before he counts a cent against the cap, considering his age and diminishing abilities. How will they make up for such drastic losses in the secondary? After such good returns on letting Dashon Goldson go and filling his position with a draft pick (rookie stand-out Eric Reid) I believe the 49ers will see enough talent in this draft to make the same move with Whitner. Brown and Rogers became expendable when the 49ers extended Tramaine Brock to a 4 year deal. Consider that Chris Culliver will be fully healed from a knee injury next season and you have two legit starting DB's in Brock and Culliver. If they could resign CB Eric Wright to a team friendly deal then you have you 3 DB's for the year. The 49ers could also add a high draft pick in a good class of DB's and have a solid 4th option at the position without having to spend the money on Brown and Rogers.
Second- This is going to sound crazy but trade Ahmad Brooks. You heard it here first. Sure, Brooks just made his first pro-bowl team. Yes, he's been a beast all season. But, you have to consider the variables that fans tend to overlook; Brooks will be 30 years old in '14, he counts 7.5 million against the cap, and (like Rogers) his contract is no longer guaranteed. There are two reasons why this makes sense to me. One, the 49ers set up Brooks & Rogers contracts so that they would be free of having to keep them on the roster past the '13 season, the proof is the fact that they both have their guaranteed money run out at the same time. Second, the 49ers drafted a very talented OLB last season in the third round (relatively high pick) on Corey Lemonier, and it wasn't to replace Aldon, I can promise you that. Although Lemonier might not have turned many 49ers fan's heads, he still has played very well in a very limited role, his potential is immense. The 49ers could probably find a team willing to give up a decent pick for Brook's services, and we all know how much the 49ers value draft picks.
Third- The 49ers will have to resign Anquan Boldin. As of right now I just don't see any other moves for the 49ers. Yes, I expect them to draft a WR, but you have to keep in mind that the only 2 WR's on the roster for next year are Crabtree and rookie Quinton Patton. This position is by far the most needy of any for the 49ers. Plus, rookie WR's rarely come in and make an impact in their first season. The 49ers have to make this move. The good news is that Boldin seems to be warming to the idea of ending his career in S.F. I doubt he wants to take a potential Hall of Fame career to a 4th team to close it out, and the 49ers are going to be contenders until he retires. I predict the 49ers sign him to a very similar deal to what Justin Smith got in his extension (about 2yrs $12million). This would give Boldin a chance to mentor any young WR's the 49ers draft over the next two years and help take the focus off of Crabtree.
So brace yourself 49er Faithful, all this considered the 49ers will still have trouble trying to extend the big 4 in 2015, but if they can bite the bullet on a couple guys that aren't quite out of their prime yet then the 49ers may be able to keep the superstars and fill the voids through solid draft picks which could help this team develop into a dynasty over the next 6,7,8 years.
The list of free agents this off season includes Anquan Boldin, Donte Whitner, and Tarell Brown. But before fans start calling for Trent Baalke to resign them immediately they need to take into account the list of 2015 free agents; Colin Kaepernick, Aldon Smith, Michael Crabtree, and Mike Iupati. When you add those players into the equation it becomes obvious that the more important group is the latter. What does that mean? The 49ers have to be careful who they start shelling millions out to.
Here is my ideas on what Baalke might be considering this off season to address these players and positions.
First- There are some cuts that fans should start bracing for. Who, you ask? Whitner, Brown and Carlos Rogers. It's simple with Whitner and Brown, they can just not resign them. Drink this in for a second- Rogers will be the highest paid 49er next year at 8 million. That money is not guaranteed, which almost means that the 49ers will certainly be cutting Rogers before he counts a cent against the cap, considering his age and diminishing abilities. How will they make up for such drastic losses in the secondary? After such good returns on letting Dashon Goldson go and filling his position with a draft pick (rookie stand-out Eric Reid) I believe the 49ers will see enough talent in this draft to make the same move with Whitner. Brown and Rogers became expendable when the 49ers extended Tramaine Brock to a 4 year deal. Consider that Chris Culliver will be fully healed from a knee injury next season and you have two legit starting DB's in Brock and Culliver. If they could resign CB Eric Wright to a team friendly deal then you have you 3 DB's for the year. The 49ers could also add a high draft pick in a good class of DB's and have a solid 4th option at the position without having to spend the money on Brown and Rogers.
Second- This is going to sound crazy but trade Ahmad Brooks. You heard it here first. Sure, Brooks just made his first pro-bowl team. Yes, he's been a beast all season. But, you have to consider the variables that fans tend to overlook; Brooks will be 30 years old in '14, he counts 7.5 million against the cap, and (like Rogers) his contract is no longer guaranteed. There are two reasons why this makes sense to me. One, the 49ers set up Brooks & Rogers contracts so that they would be free of having to keep them on the roster past the '13 season, the proof is the fact that they both have their guaranteed money run out at the same time. Second, the 49ers drafted a very talented OLB last season in the third round (relatively high pick) on Corey Lemonier, and it wasn't to replace Aldon, I can promise you that. Although Lemonier might not have turned many 49ers fan's heads, he still has played very well in a very limited role, his potential is immense. The 49ers could probably find a team willing to give up a decent pick for Brook's services, and we all know how much the 49ers value draft picks.
Third- The 49ers will have to resign Anquan Boldin. As of right now I just don't see any other moves for the 49ers. Yes, I expect them to draft a WR, but you have to keep in mind that the only 2 WR's on the roster for next year are Crabtree and rookie Quinton Patton. This position is by far the most needy of any for the 49ers. Plus, rookie WR's rarely come in and make an impact in their first season. The 49ers have to make this move. The good news is that Boldin seems to be warming to the idea of ending his career in S.F. I doubt he wants to take a potential Hall of Fame career to a 4th team to close it out, and the 49ers are going to be contenders until he retires. I predict the 49ers sign him to a very similar deal to what Justin Smith got in his extension (about 2yrs $12million). This would give Boldin a chance to mentor any young WR's the 49ers draft over the next two years and help take the focus off of Crabtree.
So brace yourself 49er Faithful, all this considered the 49ers will still have trouble trying to extend the big 4 in 2015, but if they can bite the bullet on a couple guys that aren't quite out of their prime yet then the 49ers may be able to keep the superstars and fill the voids through solid draft picks which could help this team develop into a dynasty over the next 6,7,8 years.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Why 49er Fans Should Be Excited About The 2013 Draft
With 13 picks the San Francisco 49ers are in a position of power in the 2013 draft. Sure their first pick isn't until #31, but with their second pick at #34, in the beginning of the second round, you can assume that the 49ers can make some impact moves, if they don't trade up, down or all around.
But that is the million dollar question in this draft; Where and when will the 49ers trade up?
With 13 selections only 3 picks are untradeable (a 4th and two 7th round compensatory picks). This leaves 10 picks for the 49ers to play with.
They can trade up in the first round, which all the latest rumors have them doing. For some reason this doesn't seem like what I thought they would do. The 49ers are notorious for being extremely tight lipped about all their personnel moves so nobody truly knows what their plans are but they value draft picks from past drafts evidence. With this draft being notorious for not having top-tier talent in the first round but excellent depth expected into the 4th round, it would seem more logical for the 49ers to trade those 10 picks to make more selections in rounds 2-4.
If the 49ers do plan on trading up in the 1st round there are only a few players I would hope that they are targeting; OLB Dion Jordan I think is a stud, DL Sheldon Richardson is a version of Justin Smith because of his non-stop motor, and Safety Kenny Vaccaro the problem with Vaccaro is that this draft is insanely deep with safeties so there is no reason to trade up for him. If the 49ers do trade up you can bet they love the guy they are going after considering all the players they could be targeting in the 2nd round.
A few of my draft crushes that may fall out of the 1st are; DB Desmond Trufant, DB Johnathon Banks WR Keenan Allen, DE Tank Carradine, S John Cyprien, S Matt Elam, S DJ Swearinger, S Phillip Thomas, DT Johnathon Jenkins, and DT Kawann Short. Now you see why having more picks in round 2 or 3 would behoove the 49ers.
Bottom line the 49ers will be one of the most talked about teams during the 2013 draft. Keep in mind that they WILL make moves so anything could happen at any moment. They have been targeting Special teams players this off season, which could mean they are looking for more special teams players (considering special teams has let them down the past two years in the playoffs). And the 49ers still need a safety, don't believe the Dahl hype.
But that is the million dollar question in this draft; Where and when will the 49ers trade up?
With 13 selections only 3 picks are untradeable (a 4th and two 7th round compensatory picks). This leaves 10 picks for the 49ers to play with.
They can trade up in the first round, which all the latest rumors have them doing. For some reason this doesn't seem like what I thought they would do. The 49ers are notorious for being extremely tight lipped about all their personnel moves so nobody truly knows what their plans are but they value draft picks from past drafts evidence. With this draft being notorious for not having top-tier talent in the first round but excellent depth expected into the 4th round, it would seem more logical for the 49ers to trade those 10 picks to make more selections in rounds 2-4.
If the 49ers do plan on trading up in the 1st round there are only a few players I would hope that they are targeting; OLB Dion Jordan I think is a stud, DL Sheldon Richardson is a version of Justin Smith because of his non-stop motor, and Safety Kenny Vaccaro the problem with Vaccaro is that this draft is insanely deep with safeties so there is no reason to trade up for him. If the 49ers do trade up you can bet they love the guy they are going after considering all the players they could be targeting in the 2nd round.
A few of my draft crushes that may fall out of the 1st are; DB Desmond Trufant, DB Johnathon Banks WR Keenan Allen, DE Tank Carradine, S John Cyprien, S Matt Elam, S DJ Swearinger, S Phillip Thomas, DT Johnathon Jenkins, and DT Kawann Short. Now you see why having more picks in round 2 or 3 would behoove the 49ers.
Bottom line the 49ers will be one of the most talked about teams during the 2013 draft. Keep in mind that they WILL make moves so anything could happen at any moment. They have been targeting Special teams players this off season, which could mean they are looking for more special teams players (considering special teams has let them down the past two years in the playoffs). And the 49ers still need a safety, don't believe the Dahl hype.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
I Tried To Warn Them
The 49ers signed former Rams free-agent safety Craig Dahl on Saturday and fans are up in arms. 49er fans are wondering why? And rival fans are laughing.
I already stated on this blog before; be patient.
I GUARANTEE this signing is nothing more than having a veteran at the safety position to fill a momentary void left by Goldson. This signing is MORE about Dahl playing special teams than it is him having to fill Goldson's shoes.
My prediction is that the 49ers are very confident in the safety depth in this upcoming April draft and they plan on snagging one, possibly even two.
Dahl on the other hand, along with newly signed LB Dan Skuta, are being brought in to plug up holes on special teams. Special teams is where the 49ers have fallen short the past two seasons in the playoffs and have been big contributors to the 49ers losing.
So laugh all you want rival fans, and get your heads straight 49er fans. Relax, it's not even April yet.
I already stated on this blog before; be patient.
I GUARANTEE this signing is nothing more than having a veteran at the safety position to fill a momentary void left by Goldson. This signing is MORE about Dahl playing special teams than it is him having to fill Goldson's shoes.
My prediction is that the 49ers are very confident in the safety depth in this upcoming April draft and they plan on snagging one, possibly even two.
Dahl on the other hand, along with newly signed LB Dan Skuta, are being brought in to plug up holes on special teams. Special teams is where the 49ers have fallen short the past two seasons in the playoffs and have been big contributors to the 49ers losing.
So laugh all you want rival fans, and get your heads straight 49er fans. Relax, it's not even April yet.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
49ers Fix
The acquisition of Anquan Boldin was a real high the day before free agency opened. Like a drug addict taking his first hit, you just didn't want to come down. Excuse the metaphor but sometimes honesty is the first step to recovery.
High, I'm Paul, I'm a 49eraholic.
Free Agency in the NFL has brought loads of rumors, projections and analysis on what teams are going to do. Fans and sports bloggers/writers are all over the place in a frenzy about who will get signed next and where that player will end up. I caution you 49er faithful to sit-back, relax and enjoy the show because free agency champions don't get trophies, just ask Daniel Snyder.
Dashon Goldson is gone, and Ricky Jean-Francois appears to be on his way out, while Isaac Sopoaga and Delanie Walker have already committed to other teams. Immediately people have started to write frantic articles and post worried comments on message boards about what the 49ers will do!?! Again, relax, it's going to be okay.
GM Trent Baalke and coach Jim Harbaugh are extremely methodical. (Watch any interview either has ever given to anyone in the past 3 years, very methodical.) I can assure anyone that they anticipated losing these players.
Should the 49ers sign Ed Reed or Charles Woodson to replace Goldson? I don't like either move because of age. What about LaRon Landry? he's a poor mans Goldson. Louis Delmas? knees.
How do the 49ers replace Delanie Walker who apparently became one of the most versatile tight ends in the NFL, according to reports, this offseason?
And what about the two pillars on the defensive line the 49ers are losing? Surely they must nab someone quick to replace them in free agency! Right? The 49ers have signed Glenn Dorsey the former #5 over-all pick out of LSU.
There are some players in free agency that would help the 49ers. All of the sudden there are so many veteran FA cornerbacks that you could build a whole secondary from scratch and have one of the best units in the league. There are some defensive linemen that would be nice fits in a rotation with the 49ers, and possibly some wide receivers and running backs too. But you need to breathe, close your eyes and then open them and watch other teams spend big money.
In the end patience will pay off, why? Those veterans that have been cut by teams or haven't been signed will get left behind in a few weeks wondering why they couldn't find a home, their price will drop and then the 49ers will be in position to swoop in and get bargain deals.
What if these players all get signed? The 49ers have 14 picks in April. Let me put that in perspective; there are only 7 rounds in the draft, the 49ers can average 2 picks a round if they used all their picks.
But losing those 4 players is going to hurt us so bad!
Okay, after you get past the sentimental stage then try to jump into business mode and realize the 49ers can 'possibly' get 4 more compensatory picks for the 2014 draft. These picks would be given to them between rounds 3-7. The 49ers could be realistically looking at extra picks in 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds!
But the 2014 draft is next year?
FYI draft experts and analysts are projecting one of the deepest NFL drafts in years in 2014; the 49ers want extra picks!
So, again, sit back, relax and come down from your chemical high and maybe try some herbal remedy because until Thursday April 25th I don't think you'll see just how big of an off-season the 49ers front office is going to have, even if the 49ers sign Ed Reed, Nnamdi Asomugha and Jerry Rice to contracts. Ultimately right now the 49ers are using the cliche "we have them right where we want them."
High, I'm Paul, I'm a 49eraholic.
Free Agency in the NFL has brought loads of rumors, projections and analysis on what teams are going to do. Fans and sports bloggers/writers are all over the place in a frenzy about who will get signed next and where that player will end up. I caution you 49er faithful to sit-back, relax and enjoy the show because free agency champions don't get trophies, just ask Daniel Snyder.
Dashon Goldson is gone, and Ricky Jean-Francois appears to be on his way out, while Isaac Sopoaga and Delanie Walker have already committed to other teams. Immediately people have started to write frantic articles and post worried comments on message boards about what the 49ers will do!?! Again, relax, it's going to be okay.
GM Trent Baalke and coach Jim Harbaugh are extremely methodical. (Watch any interview either has ever given to anyone in the past 3 years, very methodical.) I can assure anyone that they anticipated losing these players.
Should the 49ers sign Ed Reed or Charles Woodson to replace Goldson? I don't like either move because of age. What about LaRon Landry? he's a poor mans Goldson. Louis Delmas? knees.
How do the 49ers replace Delanie Walker who apparently became one of the most versatile tight ends in the NFL, according to reports, this offseason?
And what about the two pillars on the defensive line the 49ers are losing? Surely they must nab someone quick to replace them in free agency! Right? The 49ers have signed Glenn Dorsey the former #5 over-all pick out of LSU.
There are some players in free agency that would help the 49ers. All of the sudden there are so many veteran FA cornerbacks that you could build a whole secondary from scratch and have one of the best units in the league. There are some defensive linemen that would be nice fits in a rotation with the 49ers, and possibly some wide receivers and running backs too. But you need to breathe, close your eyes and then open them and watch other teams spend big money.
In the end patience will pay off, why? Those veterans that have been cut by teams or haven't been signed will get left behind in a few weeks wondering why they couldn't find a home, their price will drop and then the 49ers will be in position to swoop in and get bargain deals.
What if these players all get signed? The 49ers have 14 picks in April. Let me put that in perspective; there are only 7 rounds in the draft, the 49ers can average 2 picks a round if they used all their picks.
But losing those 4 players is going to hurt us so bad!
Okay, after you get past the sentimental stage then try to jump into business mode and realize the 49ers can 'possibly' get 4 more compensatory picks for the 2014 draft. These picks would be given to them between rounds 3-7. The 49ers could be realistically looking at extra picks in 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds!
But the 2014 draft is next year?
FYI draft experts and analysts are projecting one of the deepest NFL drafts in years in 2014; the 49ers want extra picks!
So, again, sit back, relax and come down from your chemical high and maybe try some herbal remedy because until Thursday April 25th I don't think you'll see just how big of an off-season the 49ers front office is going to have, even if the 49ers sign Ed Reed, Nnamdi Asomugha and Jerry Rice to contracts. Ultimately right now the 49ers are using the cliche "we have them right where we want them."
Friday, March 1, 2013
What Will the 49ers Do Now?
With the announcement that Alex Smith will be traded to Kansas City for a 2nd draft pick this year, and conditional 2nd or 3rd round pick in 2014, the sports world is ablaze with what the 49ers next move(s) will be.
Where the 49ers are at;
They officially have 11 picks as of 3/1/13. Once Smith is officially traded (March 12th) the 49ers will have another 2nd round pick, 12 total. Then around the end of March or beginning of April the NFL will announce the compensatory picks for teams that lost free agents. The 49ers expect 3 picks with one being in either the 3rd or 4th round and the other two being 7th rounders. The total expected picks for the 2013 draft are 15!
Possible scenario's;
49ers trade draft picks for Darrelle Revis
Rumors that are swirling focus mainly around NY Jets CB Darrelle Revis. It is widely believed that the Jets are making Revis available in a trade due to their lack of salary cap room and the high salary that Revis is expected to demand after the 2013 season. Reports are that Revis will want to be the HIGHEST PAID defensive player in the NFL, a number that will start around 17 million.
Why I don't like Revis and 49ers deal;
Revis missed the majority of last year with a knee injury, he has questionable locker-room presence because of his ego as evidenced with demanding to be the highest paid NFL defensive player, and he wants top money after 2013. The 49ers just don't need this and it is not their style to go after veteran players who demand big money. I also don't like the idea of giving up a huge number of picks for a guy that might possibly only be around for 1 season. The 49ers have rebuilt through the draft and have done a good job so far, I don't think they should stray from that formula.
49ers trade draft picks for Percy Harvin
Another rumor is the 49ers trading for Vikings WR Percy Harvin. Like Revis it is widely believed that Harvin is going to demand big money after the 2013 season when his contract is up. Harvin would bring a deep threat ability to the 49ers and fill the need for a dangerous kickoff and punt return specialist.
Why I don't like Harvin and 49ers deal;
Much of the same reasons as Revis; money, ego, and loss of picks. The 49ers would be gambling that Harvin would be able to be resigned after 2013, which is no guarantee, especially if he proves to be a key piece to a Super Bowl winning team.
49ers trade ALL draft picks for BOTH Revis and Harvin
In both Revis and Harvin trades it would be expected that the Niners would still have a decent amount of picks left to draft with, but if they were to deal for both players then they would have very little picks left that would most assuredly be late picks.
Why I don't like a Revis & Harvin deal;
As stated above I'm not wild about the 49ers taking on these players individually over drafting younger, cheaper players, so surely I am not wild about the 49ers giving up almost all their picks to obtain these two veterans.
49ers stay put with all their picks and draft 15 rookies in the 2013 draft
If you look back at the 49ers recent draft history then you'll see that the team has not been shy about wheeling and dealing on draft day.
Why I don't like (or believe) this will happen;
The 49ers have been willing to move up AND move down, as well as trade away picks for future selections in past drafts there is no reason to think that they will suddenly stop this pattern. 15 rookies in camp would NOT all make the team, the 49ers simply don't need to add this many players to a team that is already solid.
49ers wheel and deal during the 2013 draft moving up and obtaining future picks
In this scenario I have the 49ers moving up and getting future picks. Why? With a strong class of safeties, corners, defensive linemen and tight-ends the 49ers could afford to give up multiple picks to move up higher and get the best prospects available at the positions they desire. It should also be mentioned that some experts expect next years draft to be very deep as well, giving value to a team that might simply trade picks this year for next years picks.
Why I like this;
Most people will agree that the 49ers can't use 15 rookies on a team that has approximately 18 starters returning next year from an NFC Championship team. I put so much stock in the 49ers draft picks for one reason and one reason only; this 49ers front office has proven to be excellent talent evaluator's. Remember that Trent Baalke has been with the organization since 2005. In his time with the team the 49ers have had solid draft classes. With that in mind, along with the great reputation Harbaugh has for eyeing talent I think it is essential for the 49ers to fill their roster with prospects and then pepper in free-agents that are willing to play for less money.
The 49ers could possibly go another route but right now these are the most possible scenario's that are logical. If there is one guarantee that I can make about what the 49ers will do in the coming months it's that they will not stay pat with 15 picks in 2013, so expect movement or deals of some kind. I think it should also be noted that this front office staff is not shooting from the hip, they have a plan for what they're going to do. We just have to wait and see what that plan is.
Where the 49ers are at;
They officially have 11 picks as of 3/1/13. Once Smith is officially traded (March 12th) the 49ers will have another 2nd round pick, 12 total. Then around the end of March or beginning of April the NFL will announce the compensatory picks for teams that lost free agents. The 49ers expect 3 picks with one being in either the 3rd or 4th round and the other two being 7th rounders. The total expected picks for the 2013 draft are 15!
Possible scenario's;
49ers trade draft picks for Darrelle Revis
Rumors that are swirling focus mainly around NY Jets CB Darrelle Revis. It is widely believed that the Jets are making Revis available in a trade due to their lack of salary cap room and the high salary that Revis is expected to demand after the 2013 season. Reports are that Revis will want to be the HIGHEST PAID defensive player in the NFL, a number that will start around 17 million.
Why I don't like Revis and 49ers deal;
Revis missed the majority of last year with a knee injury, he has questionable locker-room presence because of his ego as evidenced with demanding to be the highest paid NFL defensive player, and he wants top money after 2013. The 49ers just don't need this and it is not their style to go after veteran players who demand big money. I also don't like the idea of giving up a huge number of picks for a guy that might possibly only be around for 1 season. The 49ers have rebuilt through the draft and have done a good job so far, I don't think they should stray from that formula.
49ers trade draft picks for Percy Harvin
Another rumor is the 49ers trading for Vikings WR Percy Harvin. Like Revis it is widely believed that Harvin is going to demand big money after the 2013 season when his contract is up. Harvin would bring a deep threat ability to the 49ers and fill the need for a dangerous kickoff and punt return specialist.
Why I don't like Harvin and 49ers deal;
Much of the same reasons as Revis; money, ego, and loss of picks. The 49ers would be gambling that Harvin would be able to be resigned after 2013, which is no guarantee, especially if he proves to be a key piece to a Super Bowl winning team.
49ers trade ALL draft picks for BOTH Revis and Harvin
In both Revis and Harvin trades it would be expected that the Niners would still have a decent amount of picks left to draft with, but if they were to deal for both players then they would have very little picks left that would most assuredly be late picks.
Why I don't like a Revis & Harvin deal;
As stated above I'm not wild about the 49ers taking on these players individually over drafting younger, cheaper players, so surely I am not wild about the 49ers giving up almost all their picks to obtain these two veterans.
49ers stay put with all their picks and draft 15 rookies in the 2013 draft
If you look back at the 49ers recent draft history then you'll see that the team has not been shy about wheeling and dealing on draft day.
Why I don't like (or believe) this will happen;
The 49ers have been willing to move up AND move down, as well as trade away picks for future selections in past drafts there is no reason to think that they will suddenly stop this pattern. 15 rookies in camp would NOT all make the team, the 49ers simply don't need to add this many players to a team that is already solid.
49ers wheel and deal during the 2013 draft moving up and obtaining future picks
In this scenario I have the 49ers moving up and getting future picks. Why? With a strong class of safeties, corners, defensive linemen and tight-ends the 49ers could afford to give up multiple picks to move up higher and get the best prospects available at the positions they desire. It should also be mentioned that some experts expect next years draft to be very deep as well, giving value to a team that might simply trade picks this year for next years picks.
Why I like this;
Most people will agree that the 49ers can't use 15 rookies on a team that has approximately 18 starters returning next year from an NFC Championship team. I put so much stock in the 49ers draft picks for one reason and one reason only; this 49ers front office has proven to be excellent talent evaluator's. Remember that Trent Baalke has been with the organization since 2005. In his time with the team the 49ers have had solid draft classes. With that in mind, along with the great reputation Harbaugh has for eyeing talent I think it is essential for the 49ers to fill their roster with prospects and then pepper in free-agents that are willing to play for less money.
The 49ers could possibly go another route but right now these are the most possible scenario's that are logical. If there is one guarantee that I can make about what the 49ers will do in the coming months it's that they will not stay pat with 15 picks in 2013, so expect movement or deals of some kind. I think it should also be noted that this front office staff is not shooting from the hip, they have a plan for what they're going to do. We just have to wait and see what that plan is.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Really J.J.?
I hate to rehash this moment for 49er fans but I saw an awkward moment on the NFL network today when the NFL AM anchors interviewed Super Bowl hero Jacoby Jones. They asked him to go back through the infamous kickoff return for a touchdown to start the 3rd quarter. During this playback they told him to "walk them through" what happened. I kid you not, they froze the frame on this (without the spot shadow)...
As you can see Jacoby is breaking through for his dead sprint to the end-zone Jones stated "there was great blocking."
The foul being committed is better seen here a step later...
As Jones breaks away these two players are nearly tackling Miller which is a DIRECT path for Jones to take the kickoff to the house. Miller is being held for nearly 15 yards in live playback!
Even after the fact it is amazing the blindness that people are willing to have in such moments that took place on the worlds biggest stage. The 49ers lost the game, the Ravens should have never been that far ahead but there is no doubt that plays like this helped the Ravens cause tremendously. The fact that a network with the NFL logo representing it can show such blatant errors in the game and say nothing about it is not only awkward but disappointing.
This was one of two major mistakes that I said were more damaging than the final "no-call" on Crabtree. The other being the 2 turnovers (INT by Kaepernick, fumble James).
As you can see Jacoby is breaking through for his dead sprint to the end-zone Jones stated "there was great blocking."
The foul being committed is better seen here a step later...
As Jones breaks away these two players are nearly tackling Miller which is a DIRECT path for Jones to take the kickoff to the house. Miller is being held for nearly 15 yards in live playback!
Even after the fact it is amazing the blindness that people are willing to have in such moments that took place on the worlds biggest stage. The 49ers lost the game, the Ravens should have never been that far ahead but there is no doubt that plays like this helped the Ravens cause tremendously. The fact that a network with the NFL logo representing it can show such blatant errors in the game and say nothing about it is not only awkward but disappointing.
This was one of two major mistakes that I said were more damaging than the final "no-call" on Crabtree. The other being the 2 turnovers (INT by Kaepernick, fumble James).
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