Originally posted by Giedi:
Originally posted by NickSh49:
Mostly to Giedi...
First off, Lloyd is insurance. That's it. He's there in case someone gets injured.
Think that's wrong? During every season of the Harbaugh era, the WR position has been decimated by injuries. In 2011, we lost everyone except Crabtree, which brought the likes of Brett Swain to a starting position. In 2012, Manningham & Kyle Williams both went down, leaving Crabs, Moss, & Ginn as the only starters. In 2013, Manningham was still hurt and Crabtree & Patton went down for half the season.
See a trend there? You have to look at this team and think of it without Lloyd AND Anquan Boldin. Lloyd is a insurance... he won't be here long and the 49ers would rather move forward without having to rely on him period. Meanwhile, Boldin has only got probably two years left. And Patton is a project that may or may not work out.
So assuming Boldin is done in two years, why would you wait until Round 2 or 3 to draft your next starter at the WR position? Why wouldn't you move up in Round 1 (since they have the picks to do it and nearly a full roster) and take a guy that will without a doubt start on this team for the next 5-8 years?
That's what i'm talking about. Even if Patton works out, he could be the #3. Crabs & a guy like Evans or Beckham, Jr. would be your #1 & #2.
And I counter your "drafting WR" argument with the fact that the 49ers have not taken a CB in the draft in the first two rounds cine Shawntae Spencer in 2004. That logic goes both ways. And while I agree with you that the 49ers win games with defense, the WR position has been a problem with this team dating back to the Erickson-era. Yeah, they got Crabs, but haven't found anyone consistent to play opposite of him. I think they'll move up for that guy come draft day.
Like I said, if they move up to get Evans I certainly wouldn't mind.
Having said that, really this offense doesn't need a Mike Evans. First of all, he's not the burner I think Harbaugh and Baalke are looking for. They already have two ball control possession receivers in Anquan and Crabs, Evans might not see much action considering he's built more along the lines of Anquan and Crabs. I think they are looking more for speed, a la Cooks or maybe some of the other burners. Like you said the draft is deep in the 2nd and 3rd rounds - and a 2nd or 3rd rounder this year is a probably first or second next year. So while I like a guy like Evans, I think they go cornerback because it solidifies the defense so much more and cures a possible problem with Cully and his legal problems. They have been bringing in *old* receivers like Moss and Braylon and they have made the team. I think you and I agree that Harbaugh values the defense a lot, and the loss of Whitner and Brown really forces them to go the Eric Reid route and get a cornerback with that first pick. Because this draft is deep in WR's, I believe they can use lower round picks on WR's this year, which will be the equivalent of a higher round pick next year.
We're on the same page... I just don't think Baalke & Harbs wanna mess around with WR's in Round 2 & 3 as to avoid another Jenkins situation. They want a guy they fully believe in.
Whether it's Evans or Beckham, we will see. Or maybe the Cully-situation forces their hand. I personally think they'll hold their ground at CB and get their franchise WR of the future.