ALOHA my 49er faithful! I decided it was time for me to make my offseason free agency and draft wish list. Hope you guys like it!
I didn't include any trades in this mock. Just going off of free agency and the draft.
(Didn't include any outrageous free agent signings either.)
RELEASE //
Nate Clements CB #22 6'0" 200 age: 31 - We let Clements walk due to salary cap reasons and lack of production. An aging corner back that doesn't offer much in terms of coverage. I really had a hard time with this because I really like Clements, but I don't see him restructuring his contract.
Demetric Evans DE #93 6'4" 275 age: 31 - I would like to see more of Will Tukuafu. Tukuafu notched a sack in his first game in the NFL, albeit preseason. Showed great pursuit ability and has been gaining weight throughout the season. Tukuafu came in at 272 and now is listed at 293.
Dashon Goldson FS #38 6'2" 200 age: 26 - Had one good year but became invisible last year. Hired Drew Rosenhaus as his agent and will expect a big contract. In this case, I don't think he deserves a big contract. I'm expecting big things from Reggie Smith as free safety and Taylor Mays as strong safety. Come on Ed Donatell!
Jeff Reed K #3 5'11" 225 age: 31 - I expect Joe Nedney to come back heathly next year, but we should start looking for a replacement soon.
Moran Norris FB #44 6'1" 250 age: 32 - Doesn't fit the WCO as a fullback. One dimensional lead blocker.
Barry Sims OT #65 6'5" 300 age: 36 - Has been a serviceable backup in times of when we needed him. I say we go with a little youth movement and give Alex Boone a chance. Boone has been working hard and was rewarded with a spot on the roster last year.
Alex Smith QB #11 6'4" 217 age: 26 - Obvious reasons.
Troy Smith QB #1 6'0" 217 age: 26 - I could be wrong, but I doubt it. (Charles Barkley reference.
) Troy doesn't fit the west coast scheme. I don't see any value in keeping him other than being a backup.Tony Wragge OG #69 6'4" 310 age: 31 - Another case of being a serviceable backup, but we can find backup guards in free agency or the draft. I wouldn't mind keeping him because we can retain Wragge for very cheap.
RETAIN //
David Baas C #64 6'4" 330 age: 29 - Baas played well for us last year and showed that his natural position will always be at center. He was initially drafted as a center coming out of Michigan, but was moved to guard when Heitmann showed he could play the position. With Heitmann showing his age and becoming injury prone, Baas could be a good replacement and solid foundation to our offensive line. (Not to mention having some well needed continuity heading into the 2011 season.)
Aubrayo Franklin NT #92 6'1" 317 age: 30 - I think this would be a no brainer. I say we franchise tag him for one more year. Since our new defensive coordinator is sticking with the 3-4 defense, Franklin is definitely our best option at nose tackle. Jean-Francois showed some potential but got driven off the line way too easy, way too often.
Ray McDonald DE #91 6'3" 290 age: 26 - Our pass rush obviously needs help in many ways. McDonald was a good situational pass rusher last year when we went into the nickel and kicked Justin Smith inside with McDonald. That being said, we can keep him and for a relatively cheap price.
Travis LaBoy OLB #54 6'3" 250 age: 29 - Again, pass rush needs help. In his limited play time, LaBoy showed that he had a knack to get to the quarterback. Situational pass rush specialist at best, contributor on special teams. Can come back to the team for relatively cheap if he decides to resign with us.
Manny Lawson OLB #99 6'5" 240 age: 26 - I might get a little heat for saying that we keep him, but I believe he was a integral part of our defense the past two years. Yes, I know Lawson doesn't have the best pass rush skills on the team but his strengths is in coverage and against the run. He is arguably our best coverage linebacker behind of course Patrick "Mr. Everything" Willis. He holds the point against the run very well and stuffs the run when it comes to his side. I'll address our pass rush in free agency and in the draft.
Takeo Spikes MLB #51 6'2" 242 age: 34 - Even at his age TKO is still playing at a very high level. His numbers might be a little inflated due to teams keying on Willis but if you watched any of the games last year, you can tell Spikes can still play with the best. Not to mention that it allows for Navarro Bowman to develop behind the bash brothers. Willis has already voiced his opinion on the matter and even suggested to restructure his contract to make cap room for Spikes. And we all know never to upset Willis.
Brian Westbrook RB #20 5'10" 203 age: 31 - I highly doubt that he resigns with us but you could always hope. He is no longer a feature back but could be very effective with a situation that involves a rotation at running back. If he does decide to resign with us, he adds depth and a variety of skills that could be a valuable weapon in Harbaugh's arsenal.
FREE AGENCY //
Matt Hasselbeck QB 6'4" 225 age: 35 - Charlie Whitehurst will replace Hasselbeck next season in Seattle. Hasselbeck has familiarity with the west coast offense and can hold down the fort for at least a year, maybe more, until our next quarterback is ready. Of all the free agent quarterbacks next year, Hasselbeck has the most experience in the west coast offense and has had the most success in the scheme. He also has good knowledge of the teams in NFC West. Fiery competitor that will stick it to the SeaChickens every chance he gets.
DRAFT //
1. Prince Amukamara CB 6'1" 200 Nebraska - 24th overall in pass defense the 49ers were in 2010. Amukamara would tremendously help our pass defense knowing that opposing teams would have to account for him. He doesn't have elite speed but he is a play maker. And that is exactly what we need in our secondary. It doesn't hurt that he has fantastic run support abilities as well. I'd rather have Von Miller here but I think he goes top five with a very strong showing at the Senior Bowl.
Prince vs. Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leX0rYpk9wc&feature=related
Prince vs. Baylor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHf3K8wBULw&feature=related
2. Sam Acho OLB 6'2" 257 Texas - His stock is rising and pass rushers are always at a premium. Recorded a sack, two tackles for losses, and a forced fumble at the Senior Bowl. He recorded a sack against one of the top tackles in this draft class. Adds an instant pass rush threat on the outside opposite of Manny Lawson replacing Parys Haralson as a starter.
Sam Acho vs. Nebraska
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfKcMbuFycs&feature=related
3. Pat Devlin QB 6'4" 220 Delaware - This is where we reach for a quarterback. With a veteran at the reigns, Harbaugh can have his time to develop our quarterback of the future. Devlin would be an ideal candidate to run our WCO. Tough as nails and very accurate with the ball. Accuracy is one of Harbaugh's pet peeves for quarterbacks.
Pat Devlin 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkPzmE0__7A
4. Sione Fua NT 6'2" 307 Stanford - One of Harbaugh's players from last year. Played the nose tackle position in Vic Fangio's system. Has familiarity with some of the coaching staff and we get him so we can let Franklin walk after next season. With a third year Jean-Francois and a developing Fua, I think we'll be set at nose tackle.
Sione Fua
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St0Zyeh43ow
4. (San Diego) Richard Sherman CB 6'2" 191 Stanford - A lot of people like this kid, and I have jumped on the bandwagon. Another of Harbaugh's boys to add depth to a dismal defensive back unit. Has the size that the 49ers are looking for in corners but we'll see if he has the speed. If he doesn't run that fast, I say move him to a safety position.
Richard Sherman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzm6HeFS2sE
5. Stanley Havili FB 6'1" 230 USC - If Owen Marecic isn't available I say we go after Havili. Anyone order a west coast full back? Has the frame and ability to gain some weight. Has good running ability and pass catching skills needed in the WCO.
Stanley Havili
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXlwb6c089g
6. Ryan Whalen WR 6'2" 205 Stanford - Another of Harbaugh's guys to add depth to the wide receiver corps.
Ryan Whalen (Sorry couldn't find anything good.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik-LNTMYn50
6. (Seattle) Mario Butler CB 6'1" 182 Georgia Tech - Big, athletic cornerback. Adds depth and may turn out to be a good corner with proper coaching.
Mario Butler (Same thing.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqyyheby7YA
7. (Detriot) BPA* preferably some offensive line depth.
7. BPA* I'd take a kicker somewhere here just to stash on the practice squad for later.
ROSTER //
OFFENSE
QB - Matt Hasselbeck, Pat Devlin, David Carr
RB - Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook, Anthony Dixon
FB - Stanley Havili
TE - Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham
WR - Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Dominique Zeigler, Kyle Williams, Ryan Whalen
OT - Joe Staley, Anthony Davis, Alex Boone, BPA*
OG - Mike Iupati, Adam Snyder, Chilo Rachal
C - David Baas, Eric Heitmann
DEFENSE
NT - Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean-Francois, Sione Fua
DE- Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Will Tukuafu
OLB - Manny Lawson, Sam Acho, Parys Haralson, Ahmad Brooks, Travis LaBoy
MLB - Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, NaVarro Bowman, Scott McKillop
CB - Prince Amukamara, Shawntae Spencer, Tarrell Brown, Phillip Adams, Mario Butler
FS - Reggie Smith, Richard Sherman
SS - Taylor Mays, Curtis Taylor
SPECIAL TEAMS UNIT
LS - Brian Jennings
K - Joe Nedney
P - Andy Lee
KR - Ted Ginn Jr.
PR - Ted Ginn Jr.
Well that is it! A perfect 53-man roster. Please feel free to comment.
(I know I didn't list Ginn as a WR but I feel that his most prominent role will be as a return specialist.)
[ Edited by PhilGood on Jan 31, 2011 at 23:55:46 ]
sitting behind him learning he could be a great mentor for a year or two. He learned from Favre so I wouldn't mind him teaching our next great QB.