How bad do we need a NT in this draft?

Lots of threads about OL, Spiller, return specialists, etc. Nothing about the anchor of the defensive line, and the defense: the Nose Tackle.

Our NT is Abrayo Franklin, who got the franchise tag and is not the youngest guy in the league at NT. His backup? RJF at a miniscule 305 lbs.

This draft is deep at NT. I think the Niners need one.

What if all three OTs are gone at #13, certainly by #17. Do the niners take a CB, S, OLB, or maybe a NT: Dan Williams. Who could step right in at NT.

And it puts some pressure on Franklin to come to the table and sign a reasonable contract.

[ Edited by oldninerdude on Apr 3, 2010 at 20:14:12 ]

This is a nose tackle rich draft. I certainly think we need to get a NT in this draft, my question is where do we need to get him? I would not be adverse to Haden/Williams in this draft. I am not aware of how marked the differences is between the top 10 NTs in the draft. But we clearly need to get one on the team. I also don't know if K. Mitchell has any potential as a quality NT after some seasoning? So lots of potentials, but good question.

we shouldnt get one in teh first couple of rounds back up NT definitally not a need i would like one in 5th or 6th round thopugh

last years draft I was really high on Raji... but after the emergence of Franklin... I would hate to spend a 1st on a NT. Get an extention done for Franklin and see whats available in rounds 5 and on. OT, FS/CB, PR/KR, OLB are bigger needs at this point.

But I like your thinking...NT was looked over for too many years.

I expect that we'll resign Franklin, so most likely we just need some depth. Jean Francois is making the switch and hopefully he works out. The guy has a ton of talent and it sounds like he's really devoted learning the position.

Not with a 1st IMO.

It seems like Franklin is going to be hard to sign or he just doesn't want to be here.

Originally posted by teeohh:
It seems like Franklin is going to be hard to sign or he just doesn't want to be here.

It might be better if he didn't sign, we got a 1st in compensation from another team, and drafted Williams.

I know, I know - too many rookies on the line creates problems, but still . . .

Originally posted by fandemonium:

Originally posted by teeohh:
It seems like Franklin is going to be hard to sign or he just doesn't want to be here.

It might be better if he didn't sign, we got a 1st in compensation from another team, and drafted Williams.

I know, I know - too many rookies on the line creates problems, but still . . .

Who would give that up though if they had a shot of drafting Williams themselves.

Originally posted by oldninerdude:
Lots of threads about OL, Spiller, return specialists, etc. Nothing about the anchor of the defensive line, and the defense: the Nose Tackle.

Our NT is Abrayo Franklin, who got the franchise tag and is not the youngest guy in the league at NT. His backup? RJF at a miniscule 305 lbs.

This draft is deep at NT. I think the Niners need one.

What if all three OTs are gone at #13, certainly by #17. Do the niners take a CB, S, OLB, or maybe a NT: Dan Williams. Who could step right in at NT.

And it puts some pressure on Franklin to come to the table and sign a reasonable contract.

Franklin is only 29 right now, NT's seem to play for a long time. (e.g Grady jackson, ted washing ton) and he only weighs 315, so RJF weighing 305 isn't too big a deal.
Franklin uses his technique really well, to make up for lack of bulk.

Originally posted by irishluder:
last years draft I was really high on Raji... but after the emergence of Franklin... I would hate to spend a 1st on a NT. Get an extention done for Franklin and see whats available in rounds 5 and on. OT, FS/CB, PR/KR, OLB are bigger needs at this point.

But I like your thinking...NT was looked over for too many years.

Yea, I thought Raji would be a nice fit with Franklin. Raji can play nose, end and give you a nice 4-3 look as a penetrating tackle.

Originally posted by oldninerdude:
Lots of threads about OL, Spiller, return specialists, etc. Nothing about the anchor of the defensive line, and the defense: the Nose Tackle.

Our NT is Abrayo Franklin, who got the franchise tag and is not the youngest guy in the league at NT. His backup? RJF at a miniscule 305 lbs.

This draft is deep at NT. I think the Niners need one.

What if all three OTs are gone at #13, certainly by #17. Do the niners take a CB, S, OLB, or maybe a NT: Dan Williams. Who could step right in at NT.

And it puts some pressure on Franklin to come to the table and sign a reasonable contract.

NO NO NO; Franklin is a stud and his age is not a concern. It is well-known that NTs develop late in life -- their bodies have to mature to the point that they can play 2-gap.

No need. We win the SB this year and let go of Franklin.

I was just thinking about this. If Franklin gets hurt (knock on wood) we are done. We would replace him with either Soap or RJF. Neither of them can play nose nearly at the level Franklin plays at. Franklin is arguably in our top 5 most valuable players. I think we need to select a legit backup some time in the first four rounds.

Go ahead and draft a NT in the 2nd or 3rd after addressing O-line and return specialist/change of pace back.

I personally would like to see spiller and davis with 13 and 17. But if Spiller is gone go o-line heavy with best OT and Lupati at 13 and 17.