Analysis: 49ers' Positions of Need in 2011 and Prospects to Fill Them

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
I have my eyes on Colin Kaepernick as a guy I'd like this team to draft. Efficient, and protects the ball (only one interception this year). Also, if he has to run for his life, he can, with the 4.5 speed he possesses.

Kaepernick is a clear team leader for Nevada, he's got a fine arm, obviously great mobility, and overall all the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL. His competition level hurts him slightly, but that's about it.

On the year, CK has completed 69% of his passes for 924 yards with 7 TDs and 1 INT, while adding 451 rushing yards for 8 TDs, in four games. CK, with continued success could rise all the way into the first round, especially with a strong combine -- that would almost guarantee it. But there's a chance he could land in the 2nd-3rd round area if he's just OK in the off-season workouts/all-star games.

I don't claim to be a NFL Draft expert but there's no way in hell I'd draft Kapernick. He's lanky, skinny, and an injury waiting to happen. He plays against sh!t opponents and only this year is finally starting to put it together. He's more of a runner than a passer as well, and we all know how those guys turn out in the NFL.

I have to disagree. Kaepernick is a 6-5 220 pound kid. That's really not lanky, and he doesn't look lanky to me on screen. Lean maybe, but not lanky in the Todd Pinkston sense. Kaeper has a big-time arm and obviously great feet. Don't knock him just because he uses his 4.5 speed to his advantage. That's a tremendous asset to his team and it makes him an even more dangerous player to play against -- that speed in itself makes the entire offense more dangerous because it's something defenses have to respect.

If you're look for pure pocket passers this year, you're not going to find many. At least not any that we should be comfortable drafting. Almost every QB in this class has something I'm weary of, even Luck. And in regards to Luck, I wouldn't expect us to have a shot at him.

Another player I think quite highly of who should come out in a year or so is Robert Griffin of Baylor. Hugely talented kid who shines every-time he's on the field.

Every time I see him play he looks like too thin. I don't believe any ht/wt/40 time numbers til the combine, but I don't doubt he's fast. Regardless, I don't think he's a pro QB coming from that pistol offense @ Nevada. More of a project than anything. Who knows though, just my opinion.

But yeah the Baylor guy looks the part. I haven't really seen much of him other than highlights from a few games here and there though. That across the body throw he made was nice this past weekend.

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
I have my eyes on Colin Kaepernick as a guy I'd like this team to draft. Efficient, and protects the ball (only one interception this year). Also, if he has to run for his life, he can, with the 4.5 speed he possesses.

Kaepernick is a clear team leader for Nevada, he's got a fine arm, obviously great mobility, and overall all the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL. His competition level hurts him slightly, but that's about it.

On the year, CK has completed 69% of his passes for 924 yards with 7 TDs and 1 INT, while adding 451 rushing yards for 8 TDs, in four games. CK, with continued success could rise all the way into the first round, especially with a strong combine -- that would almost guarantee it. But there's a chance he could land in the 2nd-3rd round area if he's just OK in the off-season workouts/all-star games.

I don't claim to be a NFL Draft expert but there's no way in hell I'd draft Kapernick. He's lanky, skinny, and an injury waiting to happen. He plays against sh!t opponents and only this year is finally starting to put it together. He's more of a runner than a passer as well, and we all know how those guys turn out in the NFL.

I have to disagree. Kaepernick is a 6-5 220 pound kid. That's really not lanky, and he doesn't look lanky to me on screen. Lean maybe, but not lanky in the Todd Pinkston sense. Kaeper has a big-time arm and obviously great feet. Don't knock him just because he uses his 4.5 speed to his advantage. That's a tremendous asset to his team and it makes him an even more dangerous player to play against -- that speed in itself makes the entire offense more dangerous because it's something defenses have to respect.

If you're look for pure pocket passers this year, you're not going to find many. At least not any that we should be comfortable drafting. Almost every QB in this class has something I'm weary of, even Luck. And in regards to Luck, I wouldn't expect us to have a shot at him.

Another player I think quite highly of who should come out in a year or so is Robert Griffin of Baylor. Hugely talented kid who shines every-time he's on the field.

Every time I see him play he looks like too thin. I don't believe any ht/wt/40 time numbers til the combine, but I don't doubt he's fast. Regardless, I don't think he's a pro QB coming from that pistol offense @ Nevada. More of a project than anything. Who knows though, just my opinion.

But yeah the Baylor guy looks the part. I haven't really seen much of him other than highlights from a few games here and there though. That across the body throw he made was nice this past weekend.

All in all, we obviously need a QB, and whoever we grab, I hope they do their homework and take the right guy. I have my reasons for favoring certain players over others, but in the end, I'll be happy if we just get a quarterback that can win.

I "support" Alex only because he's our QB and I want us to win right now. I support my team, and he just happens to be a part of it, but this past game bothered me. Alex wasn't horrendous, but he just wasn't good. And that's the thing, he has too many performances like that. Last year, he had more good than bad. Not so this year.

Honestly, I can't help but think the kid probably would've had a better chance at success elsewhere. But regardless, it's time to move on. I don't think anyone on offense trusts each other. Receivers don't trust the QB and vice versa.

Talking QB, what do you think about Stanzi out of Iowa? Is there any glaring void that he has, or does his ceiling rate near 1st round prospects from what hes shown thus far

OTC What are your thoughts on Christian Ponder?

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
I have my eyes on Colin Kaepernick as a guy I'd like this team to draft. Efficient, and protects the ball (only one interception this year). Also, if he has to run for his life, he can, with the 4.5 speed he possesses.

Kaepernick is a clear team leader for Nevada, he's got a fine arm, obviously great mobility, and overall all the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL. His competition level hurts him slightly, but that's about it.

On the year, CK has completed 69% of his passes for 924 yards with 7 TDs and 1 INT, while adding 451 rushing yards for 8 TDs, in four games. CK, with continued success could rise all the way into the first round, especially with a strong combine -- that would almost guarantee it. But there's a chance he could land in the 2nd-3rd round area if he's just OK in the off-season workouts/all-star games.

I don't claim to be a NFL Draft expert but there's no way in hell I'd draft Kapernick. He's lanky, skinny, and an injury waiting to happen. He plays against sh!t opponents and only this year is finally starting to put it together. He's more of a runner than a passer as well, and we all know how those guys turn out in the NFL.

I have to disagree. Kaepernick is a 6-5 220 pound kid. That's really not lanky, and he doesn't look lanky to me on screen. Lean maybe, but not lanky in the Todd Pinkston sense. Kaeper has a big-time arm and obviously great feet. Don't knock him just because he uses his 4.5 speed to his advantage. That's a tremendous asset to his team and it makes him an even more dangerous player to play against -- that speed in itself makes the entire offense more dangerous because it's something defenses have to respect.

If you're look for pure pocket passers this year, you're not going to find many. At least not any that we should be comfortable drafting. Almost every QB in this class has something I'm weary of, even Luck. And in regards to Luck, I wouldn't expect us to have a shot at him.

Another player I think quite highly of who should come out in a year or so is Robert Griffin of Baylor. Hugely talented kid who shines every-time he's on the field.

Every time I see him play he looks like too thin. I don't believe any ht/wt/40 time numbers til the combine, but I don't doubt he's fast. Regardless, I don't think he's a pro QB coming from that pistol offense @ Nevada. More of a project than anything. Who knows though, just my opinion.

But yeah the Baylor guy looks the part. I haven't really seen much of him other than highlights from a few games here and there though. That across the body throw he made was nice this past weekend.

All in all, we obviously need a QB, and whoever we grab, I hope they do their homework and take the right guy. I have my reasons for favoring certain players over others, but in the end, I'll be happy if we just get a quarterback that can win.

I "support" Alex only because he's our QB and I want us to win right now. I support my team, and he just happens to be a part of it, but this past game bothered me. Alex wasn't horrendous, but he just wasn't good. And that's the thing, he has too many performances like that. Last year, he had more good than bad. Not so this year.

Honestly, I can't help but think the kid probably would've had a better chance at success elsewhere. But regardless, it's time to move on. I don't think anyone on offense trusts each other. Receivers don't trust the QB and vice versa.

He's got the build of Flacco and the speed of Vick...in a WCO style offense, that's a winning combination.

Originally posted by GEEK:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
I have my eyes on Colin Kaepernick as a guy I'd like this team to draft. Efficient, and protects the ball (only one interception this year). Also, if he has to run for his life, he can, with the 4.5 speed he possesses.

Kaepernick is a clear team leader for Nevada, he's got a fine arm, obviously great mobility, and overall all the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL. His competition level hurts him slightly, but that's about it.

On the year, CK has completed 69% of his passes for 924 yards with 7 TDs and 1 INT, while adding 451 rushing yards for 8 TDs, in four games. CK, with continued success could rise all the way into the first round, especially with a strong combine -- that would almost guarantee it. But there's a chance he could land in the 2nd-3rd round area if he's just OK in the off-season workouts/all-star games.

I don't claim to be a NFL Draft expert but there's no way in hell I'd draft Kapernick. He's lanky, skinny, and an injury waiting to happen. He plays against sh!t opponents and only this year is finally starting to put it together. He's more of a runner than a passer as well, and we all know how those guys turn out in the NFL.

I have to disagree. Kaepernick is a 6-5 220 pound kid. That's really not lanky, and he doesn't look lanky to me on screen. Lean maybe, but not lanky in the Todd Pinkston sense. Kaeper has a big-time arm and obviously great feet. Don't knock him just because he uses his 4.5 speed to his advantage. That's a tremendous asset to his team and it makes him an even more dangerous player to play against -- that speed in itself makes the entire offense more dangerous because it's something defenses have to respect.

If you're look for pure pocket passers this year, you're not going to find many. At least not any that we should be comfortable drafting. Almost every QB in this class has something I'm weary of, even Luck. And in regards to Luck, I wouldn't expect us to have a shot at him.

Another player I think quite highly of who should come out in a year or so is Robert Griffin of Baylor. Hugely talented kid who shines every-time he's on the field.

Every time I see him play he looks like too thin. I don't believe any ht/wt/40 time numbers til the combine, but I don't doubt he's fast. Regardless, I don't think he's a pro QB coming from that pistol offense @ Nevada. More of a project than anything. Who knows though, just my opinion.

But yeah the Baylor guy looks the part. I haven't really seen much of him other than highlights from a few games here and there though. That across the body throw he made was nice this past weekend.

All in all, we obviously need a QB, and whoever we grab, I hope they do their homework and take the right guy. I have my reasons for favoring certain players over others, but in the end, I'll be happy if we just get a quarterback that can win.

I "support" Alex only because he's our QB and I want us to win right now. I support my team, and he just happens to be a part of it, but this past game bothered me. Alex wasn't horrendous, but he just wasn't good. And that's the thing, he has too many performances like that. Last year, he had more good than bad. Not so this year.

Honestly, I can't help but think the kid probably would've had a better chance at success elsewhere. But regardless, it's time to move on. I don't think anyone on offense trusts each other. Receivers don't trust the QB and vice versa.

He's got the build of Flacco and the speed of Vick...in a WCO style offense, that's a winning combination.

Are you talking about Colin Kaepernick?

^nah he was talking about Alex Smith

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by GEEK:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
I have my eyes on Colin Kaepernick as a guy I'd like this team to draft. Efficient, and protects the ball (only one interception this year). Also, if he has to run for his life, he can, with the 4.5 speed he possesses.

Kaepernick is a clear team leader for Nevada, he's got a fine arm, obviously great mobility, and overall all the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL. His competition level hurts him slightly, but that's about it.

On the year, CK has completed 69% of his passes for 924 yards with 7 TDs and 1 INT, while adding 451 rushing yards for 8 TDs, in four games. CK, with continued success could rise all the way into the first round, especially with a strong combine -- that would almost guarantee it. But there's a chance he could land in the 2nd-3rd round area if he's just OK in the off-season workouts/all-star games.

I don't claim to be a NFL Draft expert but there's no way in hell I'd draft Kapernick. He's lanky, skinny, and an injury waiting to happen. He plays against sh!t opponents and only this year is finally starting to put it together. He's more of a runner than a passer as well, and we all know how those guys turn out in the NFL.

I have to disagree. Kaepernick is a 6-5 220 pound kid. That's really not lanky, and he doesn't look lanky to me on screen. Lean maybe, but not lanky in the Todd Pinkston sense. Kaeper has a big-time arm and obviously great feet. Don't knock him just because he uses his 4.5 speed to his advantage. That's a tremendous asset to his team and it makes him an even more dangerous player to play against -- that speed in itself makes the entire offense more dangerous because it's something defenses have to respect.

If you're look for pure pocket passers this year, you're not going to find many. At least not any that we should be comfortable drafting. Almost every QB in this class has something I'm weary of, even Luck. And in regards to Luck, I wouldn't expect us to have a shot at him.

Another player I think quite highly of who should come out in a year or so is Robert Griffin of Baylor. Hugely talented kid who shines every-time he's on the field.

Every time I see him play he looks like too thin. I don't believe any ht/wt/40 time numbers til the combine, but I don't doubt he's fast. Regardless, I don't think he's a pro QB coming from that pistol offense @ Nevada. More of a project than anything. Who knows though, just my opinion.

But yeah the Baylor guy looks the part. I haven't really seen much of him other than highlights from a few games here and there though. That across the body throw he made was nice this past weekend.

All in all, we obviously need a QB, and whoever we grab, I hope they do their homework and take the right guy. I have my reasons for favoring certain players over others, but in the end, I'll be happy if we just get a quarterback that can win.

I "support" Alex only because he's our QB and I want us to win right now. I support my team, and he just happens to be a part of it, but this past game bothered me. Alex wasn't horrendous, but he just wasn't good. And that's the thing, he has too many performances like that. Last year, he had more good than bad. Not so this year.

Honestly, I can't help but think the kid probably would've had a better chance at success elsewhere. But regardless, it's time to move on. I don't think anyone on offense trusts each other. Receivers don't trust the QB and vice versa.

He's got the build of Flacco and the speed of Vick...in a WCO style offense, that's a winning combination.

Are you talking about Colin Kaepernick?

I'm still trying to figure out when we ran the WCO lately?

Ricky stanzi?

dont understand the doubts about locker, relatively to luck. locker isnt surrounded by any talent at all and does a lot in this situation...if we have the choice, i wanna see us go for locker.

Originally posted by Gore_21:
Thanks OTC, nice post.

Here where my thoughts from another thread.

QB (or Vet QB as if any are available) - Highest Priority think the same, even as i smith-non-hater
FB - Medium Priority (vet or draft... Norris has to be upgraded) not a bad idea
C - Medium Priority (It would be nice to get a C who can push the middle)
RG - High Priority (Snyder/Rachal/Wragge... RG will probably be weak spot on OL) i'm with u here but only in the later rounds. snyder is not that bad imo, at G. so let's say medium priority.
DE - Medium Priority (Someone to work with Soap/McDonald/backup Smith) high priority because soap drives me nuts. either the french will step up immediately or we draft another DE in the 2nd or 3rd round
ILB Depth - Lowest Priority (If Spikes leaves we have Willis/McKillop/Bowman) lowest priority only relative to the other ones but 3 ilbs for 2 vacant positions is too little. we have to target here a guy in the 4th or 5th.
OLB - Highest Priority (If Lawson wants big bucks he isn't getting it... he is great on 1st and 2nd down but doesn't get a pass rush) it's not about lawson who plays good against the run, it's more about haralson who cant neither pass rush nor defend the screens at all. we should find a natural pass-rusher in the 2nd round.
CB - High Priority (Clements, Spencer, Adams.. Brown.. we need someone else) absolutely, especially a guy with speed in the legs like brandon ghee whom we could draft instead of bowman.
FS - High Priority (Goldson playing like he has and wanting big $ = High Priority (R.Smith doesn't do much for me) oh yes, at least moving clements to FS could be a good idea. nate isnt that bad in coverage as goldson.

As of now if we don't address any of these issues in free agency I would go:

1st - QB
2nd - OLB (Pass Rusher/Every Down LB)
3rd - CB
4th - RG
4th - FS
5th - C
6th - DE
6th - FB
7th - NT Depth
7th - ILB Depth

1st- QB
2nd- pass-rusher
3rd- CB
further rounds we have to go BPA combined with our needs. i wouldnt refuse speed at our offense at all. a spiller/sproles type at RB/WR would be a good idea, at both positions. we lack speed at offense, except TE.

[ Edited by communist on Oct 9, 2010 at 09:09:29 ]

Originally posted by communist:
dont understand the doubts about locker, relatively to luck. locker isnt surrounded by any talent at all and does a lot in this situation...if we have the choice, i wanna see us go for locker.

Originally posted by Gore_21:
Thanks OTC, nice post.

Here where my thoughts from another thread.

QB (or Vet QB as if any are available) - Highest Priority think the same, even as i smith-non-hater
FB - Medium Priority (vet or draft... Norris has to be upgraded) not a bad idea
C - Medium Priority (It would be nice to get a C who can push the middle)
RG - High Priority (Snyder/Rachal/Wragge... RG will probably be weak spot on OL) i'm with u here but only in the later rounds. snyder is not that bad imo, at G. so let's say medium priority.
DE - Medium Priority (Someone to work with Soap/McDonald/backup Smith) high priority because soap drives me nuts. either the french will step up immediately or we draft another DE in the 2nd or 3rd round
ILB Depth - Lowest Priority (If Spikes leaves we have Willis/McKillop/Bowman) lowest priority only relative to the other ones but 3 ilbs for 2 vacant positions is too little. we have to target here a guy in the 4th or 5th.
OLB - Highest Priority (If Lawson wants big bucks he isn't getting it... he is great on 1st and 2nd down but doesn't get a pass rush) it's not about lawson who plays good against the run, it's more about haralson who cant neither pass rush nor defend the screens at all. we should find a natural pass-rusher in the 2nd round.
CB - High Priority (Clements, Spencer, Adams.. Brown.. we need someone else) absolutely, especially a guy with speed in the legs like brandon ghee whom we could draft instead of bowman.
FS - High Priority (Goldson playing like he has and wanting big $ = High Priority (R.Smith doesn't do much for me) oh yes, at least moving clements to FS could be a good idea. nate isnt that bad in coverage as goldson.

As of now if we don't address any of these issues in free agency I would go:

1st - QB
2nd - OLB (Pass Rusher/Every Down LB)
3rd - CB
4th - RG
4th - FS
5th - C
6th - DE
6th - FB
7th - NT Depth
7th - ILB Depth

1st- QB
2nd- pass-rusher
3rd- CB
further rounds we have to go BPA combined with our needs. i wouldnt refuse speed at our offense at all. a spiller/sproles type at RB/WR would be a good idea, at both positions. we lack speed at offense, except TE.

How do you not understand the questions around Locker?

Originally posted by communist:
dont understand the doubts about locker, relatively to luck. locker isnt surrounded by any talent at all and does a lot in this situation...if we have the choice, i wanna see us go for locker.

Originally posted by Gore_21:
Thanks OTC, nice post.

Here where my thoughts from another thread.

QB (or Vet QB as if any are available) - Highest Priority think the same, even as i smith-non-hater
FB - Medium Priority (vet or draft... Norris has to be upgraded) not a bad idea
C - Medium Priority (It would be nice to get a C who can push the middle)
RG - High Priority (Snyder/Rachal/Wragge... RG will probably be weak spot on OL) i'm with u here but only in the later rounds. snyder is not that bad imo, at G. so let's say medium priority.
DE - Medium Priority (Someone to work with Soap/McDonald/backup Smith) high priority because soap drives me nuts. either the french will step up immediately or we draft another DE in the 2nd or 3rd round
ILB Depth - Lowest Priority (If Spikes leaves we have Willis/McKillop/Bowman) lowest priority only relative to the other ones but 3 ilbs for 2 vacant positions is too little. we have to target here a guy in the 4th or 5th.
OLB - Highest Priority (If Lawson wants big bucks he isn't getting it... he is great on 1st and 2nd down but doesn't get a pass rush) it's not about lawson who plays good against the run, it's more about haralson who cant neither pass rush nor defend the screens at all. we should find a natural pass-rusher in the 2nd round.
CB - High Priority (Clements, Spencer, Adams.. Brown.. we need someone else) absolutely, especially a guy with speed in the legs like brandon ghee whom we could draft instead of bowman.
FS - High Priority (Goldson playing like he has and wanting big $ = High Priority (R.Smith doesn't do much for me) oh yes, at least moving clements to FS could be a good idea. nate isnt that bad in coverage as goldson.

As of now if we don't address any of these issues in free agency I would go:

1st - QB
2nd - OLB (Pass Rusher/Every Down LB)
3rd - CB
4th - RG
4th - FS
5th - C
6th - DE
6th - FB
7th - NT Depth
7th - ILB Depth

1st- QB
2nd- pass-rusher
3rd- CB
further rounds we have to go BPA combined with our needs. i wouldnt refuse speed at our offense at all. a spiller/sproles type at RB/WR would be a good idea, at both positions. we lack speed at offense, except TE.

The thing about Locker, I agree on. What we see with Smith is when he has room to run, he's been so trained not to, he hardly ever does now.

Locker has little talent around him, so when things aren't open, he's going to take the yards. Remember Steve Young? He did the same thing. I would never fault a QB for that. Some yards are better than no yards. Yes, you have to take some chances downfield, but all I'm saying is that in regards to playing with receivers that can't consistently get open or catch the ball, Locker (it's sad, but true) is basically already trained for that.

[ Edited by OnTheClock on Oct 9, 2010 at 10:57:08 ]

Prince Amukamura

What a f**king name.

Originally posted by al49erfan:

How do you not understand the questions around Locker?

because locker plays very well despite the fact that he isnt in a good system. dont wanna call luck or ponder system qbs but no one on washington's team lets locker looking good. he does it at his own.
now imagine locker would come to the niners, where he will find a better o-line and a better talented receiving corps...i think, he could pull up our passing game by far.

[ Edited by communist on Oct 9, 2010 at 15:39:01 ]

Originally posted by fortyninerglory:
Prince Amukamara

What a f**king name.

Fixed.

While he doesn't have any picks yet, that's more a factor of teams staying away from him. So far, he's on track to surpass his number of pass break-ups from last year (11). He has 6 so far this year.