WR Ted Ginn - Takes more money somewhere where he gets more offensive PT, perhaps NYJ, HOU, CHI, or CAR.
CB Carlos Rogers - Can't afford him or he wants too long of a deal.
OG Adam Snyder - Gets overpaid and leaves a la David Baas.
CB Shawntae Spencer - Cut for savings.
WR Brett Swain - Not wanted.
TE Justin Peelle - Not wanted.
FB Moran Norris - Not wanted.
OG Chilo Rachal - Not wanted.
FS Reggie Smith - Not wanted.
FS Madieu Williams - Not wanted.
Retained:
LB Larry Grant
LB Blake Costanzo
LB Tavares Gooden
CB Tramaine Brock
FS Dashon Goldson
FS C.J. Spillman
WR Josh Morgan
Potential FA Targets:
CB Jason Allen (HOU) - Big guy at 6-1 210 and came out of college in 2006 with 4.3 speed. Allowed only 50% of passes thrown his way to be completed last season. Played well enough to take PT from Kareem Jackson. I think we will make a push for him if he hits free agency.
CB Terrell Thomas (NYG) - Price is lower due to him coming off a major injury, he is a second potential target at CB I believe we may go after, assuming Rogers is unwilling to take a shorter, cheaper deal.
WR Laurent Robinson (DAL) - Not only a vertical threat, but also a guy who had a knack for getting open in the red zone. His health is a concern. He wants to stay in Dallas, reportedly, so it seems unlikely he'll go anywhere else at this point, but if things don't work out there I see us taking a shot on him since he should be affordable.
NOTE: PLEASE NOTICE ABOVE IT SAYS POTENTIAL FA TARGETS, NOT SIGNINGS. DO NOT POST ANGRY REMARKS ABOUT ACQUIRING TOO MANY CORNERS OR RECEIVERS BECAUSE YOU FAILED TO READ CAREFULLY. Thank you.
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2012 NFL Draft:
1. Kendall Reyes-DE-Connecticut, 6-4 300 4.99
Think of a Ray McDonald/Justin Smith hybrid when you consider Reyes, a 1st Team All-Big East selection. Reyes is a team captain and has experience at both End and Tackle -- great for us because we rotate between the base 3-4 and 4-down linemen for the nickel. He's a quick, powerful lineman who has put up big numbers at UConn. The 49ers have already expressed the desire to add another DL to help keep their stars Justin and McDonald healthy and fresh, and reportedly have will have no qualms selecting a DL early. Reyes is a FEROCIOUS and RELENTLESS lineman and put on a clinic at the Senior Bowl. On top of his film that teams will love, the production is there as well, as Reyes finished his 2011 collegiate season racking up 13.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery for a TD, and 4 passes batted down. If we want Reyes, we will need to use a 1st rounder on him, because some regard him as the 3rd best DT in the draft.
2. Ronnell Lewis-OLB-Oklahoma, 6-2 244 4.63*
Lewis played the exact same position at Oklahoma that Ahmad Brooks plays for us, as the hybrid end / SAM OLB. Lewis has huge upside and is a downright terror of a tackler. Coaches have called him one of the most violent hitters they've ever seen. Knowing Baalke's love for upside when he sees a skilled player who could be just cracking the surface, Lewis looks like he fits the mold of the kind of player we want on this team. Whether Brooks comes back or not, Lewis is a guy who is expected to be a future NFL starter and potential star. Lewis was on the field a lot for Oklahoma, showcasing great skill not only on defense but on special teams as well. After the combine, Lewis may not make it to our pick, but if he does, I can definitely see our GM looking at Lewis' tenacious attitude, raw power, and exceptional athleticism and thinking he would be a great fit here.
3. Tommy Streeter-WR-Miami, 6-4 215 4.49*
Streeter is a guy that some will view as a question mark, with only one season of production due to little opportunities earlier in his career. However, when I view Streeter, what I see is a ton of untapped potential. He reportedly ran a 4.36 in Spring practices, but we all know the home turf gives faster times, and he is expected to run in the 4.4's, and based on his game footage, I would say a high 4.4 estimate is very accurate. Streeter is a long-strider with deceptive speed, and while he will need a little development as a blocker, I think he displays excellent concentration and body control to make some tough catches. Additionally, he is an excellent hand-battler -- a quality many fail to consider -- and that is imperative to generating separation from corners in press coverage. When you see Streeter streaking downfield wide open, you can attribute that to his uncanny ability to beat the jam. By no means is Streeter an all-around polished receiver, but his potential and upside, which we know Baalke and Harbaugh love, along with his terrific blend of size and speed, I see him as a serious third-round candidate for the 49ers. Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8Bu3538FdY
4. Coryell Judie-CB/KR-Texas A&M, 5-11 190 4.48
Judie, a track star, was hands down the best cornerback on the Texas A&M team. Only problem was, he was hurt most of the year and the team's pass defense struggled severely without him. If there's one gauge of how talented and important a player is to their team, it's seeing how they perform without him. Jude displays the speed needed to stick with receivers in man, but also has the skill set to excel in a zone system. He is pretty similar to our current starter Tarell Brown actually. He may be asked to be a bit more physical, because he has not shown to be that kind of corner. However, his return ability and ball skills add value and while he may go sooner than this, if his injury history pushes him down (Undisclosed injury in 2009, Shoulder surgery in 2010, Hamstring injury in 2011), I think we take a shot on him. Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36zLGWXD3RM
5. Devon Wylie-WR/KR-Fresno State, 5-9 186 4.38
When you watch Wylie, you can't help but see a ton of Wes Welker in him. Another comparison is Danny Amendola, who gave teams fits. Only difference is Wylie can return kicks, and very well. That ability to get open underneath is special. Blessed with impressive quickness, balance, and speed, Devon is still far from a polished receiver, but his outstanding ST's ability (2 PR for TD this year) and ease of separating from defenders purely based on his talent make him a big-time potential late round steal. It's possible he could go much sooner, especially after an incredibly impressive East-West Shrine week where he was swarmed by scouts wanting to get to known him better, but if he's here, the 49ers could have a hard time passing on the local product. If you're a YouTuber, I'm sure you can find something on him. Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faqfXBtF50I
6. Josh LeRibeus-OG-SMU, 6-3 316 5.36
I reviewed four different games of LeRibeus and wow is this young man an underrated talent. He really pops out to me. What I love about LeRibeus is his get-off of the ball. He gets out of his stance quick and levels defenders in his path, getting quickly to the next level and finishing his blocks well, often time pancaking defenders. Conference USA may not be elite competition, but it's not the worst either and it's clear that Josh has talent to work with. You also need to consider that SMU played (and beat) some VERY good teams this past year, including TCU and Pitt (who they stomped in their bowl game). SMU had one of the best offenses in the nation and LeRibeus can take credit for being a part of that. I've heard some individuals consider him one of the top 100 prospects in the entire draft, although I think he is very under the radar to most fans at least. He's a combine invite, so you could see him rise in the near future, but if he's hanging around in the 6th, I like our chances of targeting Josh LeRibeus.
7. Christian Thompson-S-South Carolina State, 6-0 213 4.45
I think Thompson could be another Philip Adams -- a late round guy from a small school who comes in and will impress. Thompson, a transfer from Auburn, drew positive reviews from his East-West Shrine week and the primary knock was simply that he needs refinement in some of the mental aspects of the game, but athletically has all the tools to develop into a solid player. Played strong safety for South Carolina State and should come in and compete for a backup role as STs contributor with Colin Jones.
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Quick-look Projected Main TC Depth Chart:
KR - Wylie, Judie, Hunter
PR - Wylie, Judie
OG - Iupati, Kilgore, LeRibeus*, Person
OT - Staley, Davis, Boone, Person (T/G)
C - Goodwin, Beeler (adds strength and makes team)
WR - Crabtree, Morgan, Streeter*, Wylie*, Williams, Bogan
DE - Smith, McDonald, Reyes*, RJF, Dobbs
OLB - Aldon, Haralson, Lewis*, Wilhoite (played OLB for Omaha in the UFL as rookie last year and was strong ST'er).
CB - Allen/Thomas, Culliver, Brown, Judie*, Holcomb, Brock
S - Goldson, Spillman, Whitner, C.Jones, Thompson*