Originally posted by AmpLee:
Originally posted by LifelongNiner:
I've been back and forth on this, but the more I think about it, I'd have to pass on Tavon Austin. The pluses and what he would bring to our team is well documented. However, I think we have enough playmakers on offense to be a 30+ point per game team, especially if we get one of the better tight ends coming out this year. A better pass catcher to complement Vernon Davis and keep the chains moving, guys like Boldin and Crabtree who I could see catching 160 passes combined this year, the big play ability of Vernon Davis, and the running game that I expect to cntintue to gobble up chunks of yardage will keep our offense churning out the points.
On the defensive side of the ball, we have to do some retooling in order to stay an elite D and avoid falling into the pack of other top tier NFC teams with great offense and shabby defense. Having a defense that continuously pressures the QB, forces bad throws, gets some sacks, and quick three and outs would be a major help to the offense- maybe even more so than the explosiveness of a Tavon Austin.
If there is good talent available at DE, NT, CB, or S, we'll be going in that direction. It is just as much of a help to the offense as adding another offensive playmaker. We need to ensure that the defense has as much help as positive. Right now our O is on the uptrend and D appears to be stagnant or on a slight decline. Keeping our team on that side of the ball elite is imperative as we try to gear up for another Super Bowl run.
On another note, I wouldn't consider a guy like Ace Sanders to be anywhere near Tavon Austin, but he does add a similar type of dynamic and can be had in the later rounds since we most likely would be adding elite talent on defense with the majority of our first few picks.
The more I think about it, the more I think not only should we pick Austin, we should trade up to get him. He's the missing piece to our special teams and receiving play. He steps in and right away would make a major impact. At this point, the only other position we need a starter is safety. If we sign Woodson/Reed then we are set at starters (I consider Dorsey taking over at NT). Austin is tailer-made for our offense and while we have speed at TE, RB, QB, we lack speed at WR. He would stretch the field opening up things for all our players making everyone better. I'm completely sold on the kid.
You made some assumptions that I did not make in my post. For one, we do not have Ed Reed (who hasn't even visited with us) or Charles Woodson. I think Glenn Dorsey was brought in to replace RJF and backup at 3-4 DE and NT. I don't think we can pencil him in as the starter at NT. If we do not get our defensive line together, we are going to turn into a defense that can dominate the weak teams, but would be helpless against the teams with better offenses. Similar to the 49ers of 1992/1993.
As it relates to Tavon Austin, I don't have to be sold on him. I think he will be a great player. My only concern is missing out a starting quality safety, nose tackle, and a decent corner in our pursuit of Tavon Austin. I think in order to get him, we'd have to trade up. We'd probably have to trade up in front of Minnesota (their first, first round pick) or even St. Louis if we want to be absolutely assured of getting Austin. Now if and only if Austin is there at 31, meaning there is no risk of us missing out on starter quality players at NT, CB, S, and maybe even 3-4 DE, should we take him.
