Remaining FA Needs

Originally posted by calbear:
Obviously we can address depth and adding certain pieces via the draft.

I still think we have at least 1 or 2 FA signings left.

The absolute most important position that must be addressed with a vet and not via the draft is OG. The line is finally starting to gel, all returning 4 starters are coming together to form a cohesive unit, and this is why adding a 2nd year player like Kilgore or a rookie this year is risky. Since we are making a SB run this year, a OG that can step in immediately is needed.

We also need a RB to spell Gore that can carry the rock on first or second down. Hunter is a good change of pace speedster, much like the role that Sproles or Reggie Bush have had so far in their careers. But none of them are every down backs that can carry the full load as a starter.

At the moment we have Moss, Crabtree, Manningham, and Williams as WRs on our roster. I assume we will carry 5-6, and we will probably draft at least one. Moss is the x-factor since we have no idea what he can do. Assuming the worst case scenario, we would have Manningham and Crabtree getting the bulk of the reps. More depth is definitely needed here, especially if that player can return kicks. Re-signing Ginn would make sense, but he may want too much money. I am pretty sure Kyle Williams will no longer be returning kicks/punts.

I think we are set on Defense. Obviously depth is always a concern, and potential replacements for Justin Smith, Soap, and the now ex-CB Spencer would also make sense.

I actually feel like we are very close to being a complete team heading into the draft, which means we can draft more strategically. I hope we can address the OG position before the draft because that really is our only major hole at the moment. I would actually prefer to trade our #1 this year for a #1 next year and a #2 this year, especially since I expect us to be drafting 32nd next year.

Reggie begs to differ

Here is what I want:

Coach - Not much more you could do to improve from last year but try to get the refs on our sides for a change. They murdered us last year! And change your clothes/attire!

Offense:
RG - Need a veteran badly but should openly compete with Kilgore who may win out with a year of experience and a nasty streak; imagine he and Davis next to each other beating the hell out of Suh!
WR - I genuinely want open season on this position. For the first time in his career, Crabtree will not be handed a starting de facto spot and may the best two men win; as the third won't be used much anyhow in a heavy-TE offense.
LT - I genuinely want open competition of Boone/Staley. I have explained why in a bunch of other threads but same concept; Staley has always had security here and has never been pushed. Boone has been working his butt off and is ready and hungry. He deserves that shot.
C - I would not be opposed to Goodwin being challenged after the rookies are starting year #2. Are they ready? How far have they progressed?
RB - Gore also needs to be pushed big time here (and Hunter). A #2 draft pick would be ideal and may the best man for the team win. A Bill Walsh approach here. Would also like to see Hunter used more like Sproles. He's perfect for that role for sure...wake up Roman!
FB - We need a backup here.
TE/WR - Would love a dynamic TE with height such as Fleener esp. in this offense and esp. in the RZ (see Willis trying to cover Graham = TD). Imagine he and VD with Moss (or Crabtree) and Manningham on the outside. That's 4 weapons with height, speed, RAC, who make excellent adjustments to the ball in the air, have big windows to throw in, etc. If Fleener is gone, we may go OG or RB. I'm not sold that we'll draft a WR high d/t the type of offense we run. Only your #1 and #2's are going to see the field. We rarely run any 3 or 4 WR sets...ever.
Roman - Not impressed with him last year esp. with his game plan against the Giants. Now he has even more weapons. Work on cohesion with the OL and hold these bad boys accountable - 44 sacks and one of the worst teams in the league in sacks under 2.9 seconds. Pathetic for men this big and athletic. OL still needs focus here but with it, so too should the expansion of the playbook. We have plenty of targets and weapons and we should be attacking weaknesses. Want to see better game plans, in-game adjustments, half-time adjustments, RZ and positive 1st down plays which lead to easier 3rd down gains. Only 3 shots deep against the Giants despite 8-9 men in the box and creeping closer and closer all game. 2 went for TD's and the 3rd could have. Hint: Take more shots and watch the LBers and secondary back up and the running game open up. Basic 101 Offense. Fail.

Defense:
NT - We have depth but next year, we may want to get a young stud in the mold of Wilfork who can not only two gap but collapse the pocket. We have never had that.
DE - Dobbs is ready to start spelling both McDonald and Justin Smith and we need to use a better rotation next year.
S - Need a safety with speed, range, who can push both Whitner and Goldson and who can FINALLY help a CB over the top for a change esp. along the sidelines! And one who doesn't have to camp out 30 yards deep.
OLB - Haralson can back up both SAM/WILL positions but we need a true pass rushing backup here (WILL) as well as a quality SAM (Haralson would be better here but we may cut him).
ILB - Even if we keep Grant, a viable backup is needed just in case.
#3CB - Would like to see open competition with Culliver/Cox here or anyone else who comes into the fold and wins the job outright.
Fangio - Played it about as vanilla as he could last year. This year he needs to open up the book with the entire defense returning and use ALL FOUR LBers more to create, dictate and generate even more pass rush. Enough with Willis in coverage. Stop playing your S's 30 yards deep and for the love of God, stop playing your CB's 15 yards off on 3rd and 5! Please!!!

ST:
Coach: Hello, you trusted a rookie WR to field punts in Candlestick on a wet, windy night in the biggest game of the decade...even after the forward diving catch? Epic fail. Keep the coverage units on fire. Now that Ginn is signed lets work on a contingency plan! Cox?

Only other free agent I would want is Ginn and possibly a vet RG. The rest I am looking to fix in the draft.

Originally posted by Gore_21:
Only other free agent I would want is Ginn and possibly a vet RG. The rest I am looking to fix in the draft.

Word! It appears that "competition" is becoming the BIG THEME for 2012 and I couldn't be happier! That goes for Alex, Culliver, WR's, hopefully RB, LT, RG, C, ILB/OLB (backups), S's, etc. Mayock said he didn't expect Fleener or any TE to be drafted in the 1st round. I think he could be that missing piece on offense in Harbaugh/Roman's scheme that could take this offense to a new level ad place less of an emphasis on carrying 5 or 6 active WR's on game day. I see us going Patriots/Saints-esque this way.

Originally posted by NCommand:
Word! It appears that "competition" is becoming the BIG THEME for 2012 and I couldn't be happier! That goes for Alex, Culliver, WR's, hopefully RB, LT, RG, C, ILB/OLB (backups), S's, etc. Mayock said he didn't expect Fleener or any TE to be drafted in the 1st round. I think he could be that missing piece on offense in Harbaugh/Roman's scheme that could take this offense to a new level ad place less of an emphasis on carrying 5 or 6 active WR's on game day. I see us going Patriots/Saints-esque this way.

Yep, they love competition... I think Fleener will be gone by the time we pick but if he is there he would be an awesome compliment to our offense that would pay dividends from day 1. Walker is a solid player who is a jack of all traits but we have plenty of guys like that... we need more playmakers... standouts

I think it's a wrap at this point. Everything else will be addressed in the draft. I'm really not tripping on guard at this point. they have 3 1st rounders on the o line. I think Kilgore can step up and get the job done. Get some depth behind him. Goodwin needs to feel some heat onhis ass. He's always getting pushed in the backfield on short yardage runs.

RG and I am happy. Fairly happy anyway. Everything else to be done in the draft.

Originally posted by Gore_21:
Only other free agent I would want is Ginn and possibly a vet RG. The rest I am looking to fix in the draft.

You got half your wish, I wanted that also. The PR game is so big now. You can turn the field, which really helped us last year. I hope we get a guard in the draft, as well as a nice Corner.

With the last few days of signings, I think they can focus on best player available while some teams get stuck drafting on need. Best player is always better.

Originally posted by Gore_21:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Word! It appears that "competition" is becoming the BIG THEME for 2012 and I couldn't be happier! That goes for Alex, Culliver, WR's, hopefully RB, LT, RG, C, ILB/OLB (backups), S's, etc. Mayock said he didn't expect Fleener or any TE to be drafted in the 1st round. I think he could be that missing piece on offense in Harbaugh/Roman's scheme that could take this offense to a new level ad place less of an emphasis on carrying 5 or 6 active WR's on game day. I see us going Patriots/Saints-esque this way.

Yep, they love competition... I think Fleener will be gone by the time we pick but if he is there he would be an awesome compliment to our offense that would pay dividends from day 1. Walker is a solid player who is a jack of all traits but we have plenty of guys like that... we need more playmakers... standouts

agreed with both of you guys. Competition is gonna be a big thing come july/august time. Some key positions are locked down, some are up for grabs, WR, RG, backup OLB and ILB, 3rd RB, 2nd FS, who will be 4th and 5th CBs. Should be fun and exciting.

Originally posted by Rubberneck36:
You got half your wish, I wanted that also. The PR game is so big now. You can turn the field, which really helped us last year. I hope we get a guard in the draft, as well as a nice Corner.

With the last few days of signings, I think they can focus on best player available while some teams get stuck drafting on need. Best player is always better.

I'm up in the air with corner...I guess I expect Cox to come in and do well and be that #4 or 5 guy. I'm not so sure we have room to draft someone early... with Rogers, Brown, Culliver, Cox, Brock, Holcomb (who probably ends up on the PS). That's 5 CBs there with Holcomb on the PS. Don't see us carrying 6 CBs. With Ginn back could make Cox more expendable but we would probably have signed him to a 1 year deal if we were thinking about cutting him before the season started. Same with Brock... we wouldn't have exclusively tagged him (meaning he couldn't sign with someone else) if we were going to cut him before the season started. Not that it couldn't happen just seems unlikely. I know Brown, Brock and Cox only have 1-2 years with us but not sure we have room for another CB (especially someone drafted high). I would think if Cox or Brock do well we sign them long term as replacements. Then again with the competition we have been adding maybe they do add someone high and let the cards fall where they may.

RG and TE

but I'm sure we could address one of those areas if Cordy Glenn or Fleener is available when we pick next month

I'm pretty excited about this season the WR position in particular we are going to see who really wants it . Harbaalke are going to draft 1 or 2 WR in the draft as well i'm pretty sure. I hope Crabs really shows up this offseason hes going to get well acquainted with the bench.

Originally posted by English:
RG and I am happy. Fairly happy anyway. Everything else to be done in the draft.

Yep. Nice to be drafting for depth for a change.

I think we should find a C who can play RG. If anything happened to Goodwin, what do we have? Beeler?

Ideally, I'd like the Niners to draft a blue chip C in the draft, and find a RG/C veteran who can compete for the starting RG spot with Kilgore, and provide depth behind Goodwin.