Originally posted by MadDog49er:Originally posted by OnTheClock:Originally posted by MadDog49er:Originally posted by OnTheClock:Originally posted by MadDog49er:Originally posted by m_brockalexander:
Nice work, Mad Dog. Couple of questions for you:
What are your thoughts on Charles Brown? Under the radar, LT only, fit for a zone blocking scheme only, etc.
What are your thoughts about Devin McCourty? IMO he fits the Niners mold perfectly with his size, speed and special teams ability. But where does he fit value wise?
I think Brown is the odds-on favorite to be the pick at 17, unless the Giants grab himat 15, or the Seahawks take Berry at 6 and then Brown at 14.
Brown has gained some weight to be in the 300-305 pound range, and can probably still stack on ten more pounds. He'll never be a 325 jumbo-sized guy like Davis. Brown has a lot in common with Staley: former TE's, guys who added weight to get to 300 pounds before the draft, both players flying under the radar until the end, and a solid pass protector who needs to work on the running game. Strikingly similar.
Brown played in a pro-style set at USC, and appears more than nimble enough to play in a zone scheme, or in our hybrid-style system (I'm not sure what direction our team will head in blocking schemes this year). Probably best at LT, but there is enough there to think that RT is not going to be an issue.
I have been a big fan of McCourty for some time. He presents late first, early second round value. Great size/speed combo, sensational footwork, hustle. He can play on an island. Excellent special teamer (probably top 5 in the draft) who will play nickle this year, and then start next year when Clements is released.
If the Niners do not draft Haden, Thomas, Wilson in the first round, then I think they target Owusu-Ansah in the second, especially with his return ability. He is a brilliant return man.
MD, I believe you said Williams will be the first tackle selected. I would have said, "No" a few months ago, but in looking at the Redskins and doing a little deeper background on them, they do not feel they need another left tackle, and many fans say the Okung pick wouldn't make any sense.
I say take the BPA, but I can indeed see Washington selecting Williams regardless because of his athleticism and the belief that, even though they would play him at RT, he could be a better left tackle in the future anyways than Okung.
I understand the 49ers have in fact conducted some scouting at the Indiana-Pennsylvania university, and surely hope that what they've seen in Akwasi will push them to select him in the 2nd. I say the 2nd, because I see zero indications that he will come anywhere near our 3rd rounder, who I still believe we are targeting Ricky Sapp for if he makes it there.
What's up, brother?
The word seems to be building that the Skins like Williams better in their zone blocking scheme. I think KC would do backflips if this scenario played out.
Owusu-Ansah is a terrific target at number 49, although I think the Niners have Haden VERY high on their boards. The big question is whether someone will trade above the Niners to grab him. There are a ton of teams in that 18-24 range that might make a leapfrog over us.
I don't think Haden is going to make it to us. I also do not believe Spiller is going to make it to us either.
I see Jacksonville and Miami as the potential landing spots for both players. If Seattle selects Berry, Cleveland will take Haden. I am curious as to what the 49ers think about Earl Thomas. I am not a fan of Thomas whatsoever, but I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach that they could take him with #17 in the right scenario.
If Buffalo selects a tackle, we could be choosing between Brown and Bulaga at #13. I believe we'd choose Brown, and the Seahawks would then take Bulaga.
My bewildered mind is swirling with thoughts of scenario after scenario.
My ideal 1st round would have us land a combination of OT, and OLB Brandon Graham. Somehow, I think the chances of the 49ers drafted Graham are quite low.
So many scenarios. It is nuts, I agree.
I pretty much agree across the board. I don't see Spiller, nor Haden, on the board at 13, and I don't think Graham will be strongly considered. I think they are going to target Arthur Moats with their fourth rounder.
The first five picks in the draft seem pretty set to me, with Bradford, Suh, McCoy, Williams, and Okung appearing to be interchangeable, but fitting in that top group. Seattle really begins the draft at number 6. I think they are going Anthony Davis, but wouldn't be shocked if they selected Berry (I'd chose Berry over Davis without even thinking). If Cleveland loses out on Berry, the seventh overall could be a shock selection: Spiller or Odrick or Thomas. I think the team will pass on Haden after the trade for Sheldon Brown, but who knows? Maybe they double-up at CB? Maybe they solve the biggest issue on defense: free safety. I would lay big money they would do everything in their power to trade down.
The Rams-Browns prospectful trade would also throw a major curveball. I just don't see the Rams moving down that far.
I actually disagree; I think it's a matter of whether or not they can get appropriate value from Cleveland. It'd make sense if they believe they won't be able to sign Bradford to a reasonable contract. And it'd make sense to trade with Cleveland because that still gives them the option to take Claussen and save some money. I don't think that'll happen, and believe the Rams best option is still to hitch their wagon to Bradford.