Aubrayo Franklin - NT
*This has been the best free agent pickup during the Nolan/McCloughan regime, and I credit Nolan more than McCloughan. Developed late, Franklin is one of the best NTs in the game.
Grade: A+
Tully Banta-Cain - DE/LB
*An absolute bust signing by Nolan/McCloughan. Again, I attribute this signing to Nolan. It had potential, but TBC has shown that he can only contribute in the Patriots defensive system.
Grade: D
Darrell Jackson - WR (via trade)
*This one is purely McCloughan, and this was one of the worst trades this year. Jackson only played for one season, and looked lazy and unmotivated while running routes. Ryan McBean and La'Ron McClain were available with that 4th round draft pick. To be fair, the 49ers had multiple 4th round picks after the traded pick.
Grade: F
Nate Clements - CB
Nate is a good NFL player, but he isn't worth his contract. He doesn't follow the coaches orders, and he gives up way too many big plays. He brought energy to the secondary, and leadership, but he's failed to bring any playoff aspirations. And there's talk about him not being with the team in 2010...ouch.
Grade: B-
Michael Lewis - S
One of the better Nolan/McCloughan signings in 2007. Lewis is a solid starting safety in the league. Makes sound tackles, and effective in run support. Doesn't really make too many big plays, but a solid upgrade to a Mark Roman type. I won't blame Nolan or McCloughan for the injury woes.
Grade: A-
Ashley Lelie - WR
Another reactive attempt by McCloughan to address the WR corps. Lelie failed to make any noteworthy contributions during his tenure with the 49ers.
Grade: D
2008 Free Agent Pick Ups - McCloughan's first year as GM
Justin Smith - DT/DE
Best signing for McCloughan in his term of GM. Need I explain?
Grade: A+
J.T. O'Sullivan - QB
Obviously, this signing was due to Mike Martz preference to bring someone in with experience in his system. While O'Sullivan showed flashes, he gave up way too many turnovers. For the price we signed him though, we got a decent deal in terms of production. But how he beat the likes of Shaun Hill and Alex Smith? Damn...
Grade: C
DeShaun Foster - RB
While in theory Foster was a good signing, he failed to make any significant contributions in Hostler's offense. He started two games, and his longest recorded run for the entire season was 18 yards. Blame the OL or OC if you want, but Gore got over 1k on the same team and coaching...
Grade: D
Isaac Bruce - WR
I liked this signing a lot. Bruce was knowledgeable in Martz system, and has always been a savvy mentor to the younger WRs. He had solid production in his first year, and it's noteworthy because of his age. While he hasn't produced anything this season, it was still a good signing IMO. But I attribute this to Martz more than McCloughan.
Grade: B
Bryant Johnson - WR
While Johnson had his share of injury woes, I liked the size and speed combo that he possessed. Not a great fit in the Martz offense, Johnson performed fairly well when he had the opportunity. His performance dramatically improved when Singletary took over the team. To this day, it still boggles my mind why we didn't resign him and opted to go after Brandon Jones.
Grade: C (B for signing, D for failing to resign)
Allen Rossum - CB/ST
I know a lot of people didn't like this move in NT, but it paid off immensely in 2008. Rossum provided stability at a weak position for us that year. Although I understand he had injury problems in 2009, given him age, McCloughan should have had an Option B all long to Rossum.
Grade: B
Takeo Spikes - ILB
Great signing. No brainer though - similar to Crabtree.
Grade: A (for actually doing it)
2009 Free Agent Pick Ups -
Marvel Smith - OT (retired)
Low risk, high reward signing that blew up in our faces. Why McCloughan didn't have a backup plan at RT is beyond me.
Grade: F
Tony Pashos - OT
Solid early-season signing, but didn't dramatically separate himself from Adam Snyder...which makes you wonder about his talent level. Depending if he comes back in 2010, he didn't really do much in 2009.
Grade: C
Demetric Evans - DT/DE
If you wanted a replacement for Marques Douglas, why the f**k didn't you just resign Marques Douglas. Douglas has started about 10 games for the Jets, compiled 60 tackles, and has done a better job at 3-4 DE compared to Isaac Sopoaga according to Pro Football Reference. Plus, if you were planning on drafting a 3-4 DE/NT, why would you sign Evans to a 2 year contract?
Grade: F
Brandon Jones - WR
Jones was supposed to replace Bryant Johnson on the roster. While it's unfortunate that Jones suffered an injury in training camp, he provides little value or utility on offense or special teams. He's the new Brandon Lloyd for the 49ers, excepts he doesn't produce as much. Sullivan was right when he complained about the signing to the media - although he didn't identify himself in the process. :-). Sneaky b*****d.
Grade: F
Keith Smith - DB
Obviously, Smith was a replacement for Clements on the depth chart. But there were better players on the market, yet you chose Smith? Fail.
Grade: F
Matt Wilhem - LB
The connection with Manusky made sense. Serviceable player.
Grade: B
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I admit my "analysis" may be biased and simplistic. But you can not deny the fact that McCloughan has been horrible in his free agent additions since earning the GM title. Not only has he ignored for the most part going after players that would fill huge holes on our team, he has failed to even address these holes in the draft. For the ones he has addressed, they were no brainers.
2 years ago, we identify the key weaknesses on our team to be QB, #2 RB, #1 WR, RT, OG, OLB for pass rush, NT, and DE to replace Bryant Young.
Now, our needs are the following: #2 RB, RT, OG, OLB for pass rush, prospect at NT, and Justin Smith clone for the other DE position (yes, MM has stated this repeatedly). We could also use a #2 WR as well...
I ask you this webzone: Is this really progress? With such passive drafting and free agency signings, it's do or die time for McCloughan in 2010.
- Geek
[ Edited by GEEK on Dec 26, 2009 at 4:15 AM ]