Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN says ‘expectations should be sky-high’ in San Francisco with 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Jan 10, 2018 at 10:28 AM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
ESPN writer Matt Bowen recently
ranked the new group of NFL quarterbacks to build around. Included within the list were rookie quarterbacks who started during the 2017 season and veterans, like 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who took advantage of their opportunity to start. Also included were young players like Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams and Jacoby Brissett of the Indianapolis Colts who proved themselves in their sophomore seasons.
Where did Garoppolo, who the 49ers acquired via a trade with the New England Patriots on October 30, rank among the group? Bowen had him at second, which was right behind his top-ranked new starting quarterback -- Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans.
Garoppolo completed 120 of his 178 pass attempts for an impressive 67.4 completion percentage with the 49ers this season. He threw for 1,560 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions in six game appearances and five starts.
Bowen had the following to say about what he saw out of Garoppolo in 2017:
"Yes, it's still a small sample size, but there is no question about Garoppolo's ability to attack tight windows, manipulate defenders with his eyes or make stick throws on the move. His tape passes the test. And I expect him to be better with more time learning Shanahan's concepts."
Bowen feels that Garoppolo and head coach Kyle Shanahan are a perfect fit. While the quarterback was forced to take a crash course in Shanahan's complicated offense, once he took the field, he showed the ability to take total command of the offense. His poise showed during each of his five starts -- each wins -- with the 49ers to close out the season. The ESPN writer loves Garoppolo's quick release, ball placement, and mobility.
Bowen added the following on why 49ers fans should be excited heading into the 2018 season:
"With Shanahan's playcalling, and Garoppolo's advanced skill set to dice up coverages, the expectations should be sky-high in San Francisco. It's why 49ers fans are pumped heading into 2018."
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
No Huddle Podcast: 49ers Draft Plans With ESPN's Matt Miller
(Episode 329) — Al Sacco is joined by ESPN NFL draft analyst and insider Matt Miller to discuss the best prospect fits for the 49ers, his connection to the 49ers, how the 49ers improve their receiver corp, the state of QB play in the NFL, and more.
The audio for the show is embedded above. Remember to subscribe!
You can watch the interview below.
You can listen to the latest "No Huddle Podcast"
ESPN analyst on Brandon Aiyuk: 49ers shouldn't pay two receivers top dollar
ESPN analyst Matt Miller understands the perspective of San Francisco 49ers fans. After all, he has been a fan of the team since he was a kid. Seeing any of your favorite players leave and put on another uniform is tough.
It's also difficult to pay everyone, and Miller knows that. It's not a formula for successful roster building, including paying two wide receivers top dollar.
The 49ers are trying to negotiate a contract extension with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The team invested heavily in another receiver, Deebo Samuel, just two years ago. Is allowing each of them to consume a significant chunk of the salary cap feasible for a team that hopes to continue being competitive and win Super Bowls?
"I have to separate the fan part of my brain, who
ESPN analyst weighs in on 49ers potentially drafting a wide receiver
The San Francisco 49ers will likely add a rookie wide receiver via the draft, and it has nothing to do with Brandon Aiyuk's current contract situation. Deebo Samuel is about as physical a player as you'll find at the position, so wear and tear, along with his significant salary, has to be a concern. Jauan Jennings is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next year.
The 49ers have tried to address the position recently, drafting Ronnie Bell in the seventh round last year and Danny Gray in the third round in 2022. While it's too early to judge Bell, Gray has played only 87 offensive snaps as a pro. His career stat line is unimpressive, recording only one reception for 10 yards on seven targets.
One ESPN analyst and 49ers fan, Matt Miller, admits to being
PFF high on this cornerback for 49ers in mock draft
Analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic grades former Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa as a second or third-round draft pick and ranks him 55th overall on his big board. Pro Football Focus, however, holds a higher opinion of the young defensive back. In his latest mock draft, the site's lead analyst, Sam Monson, has the San Francisco 49ers selecting Tampa with the No. 31 overall pick.
"T.J. Tampa fits the prototype of a 49ers cornerback," Monson explains. "He has had consecutive seasons of very impressive play and allowed just 240 yards on 49 targets last season. The team doesn't necessarily need him to make an immediate impact, but they could
