Ask in three years. As Yogi Berra said, "It's hard to make predictions, especially about the future." Which is where a draft should be graded.
Here's an equally valid survey:
Grade my newborn baby.
A+
A
A-
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etc.
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Grade the 49ers 2012 Draft Class
Grade the 49ers 2012 Draft Class
Apr 29, 2012 at 8:41 AM
- 49erThrowback
- Veteran
- Posts: 1,194
Apr 29, 2012 at 8:44 AM
- cciowa
- Veteran
- Posts: 60,541
Originally posted by NCommand:good post. These guys, unlike previous regimes, know what they are doing, they know who they are going after and they want the right guys for the team. they just know what they are looking for, who they are targeting and why and last year was the proof.The terms,, "projects and reaches" USED to have a negative meaning to them because we had idiots for coaches that did not know what to do with them. Our so called reaches and projects in the draft last year like culliver, smith and miller turned out pretty good and I am way ok with letting the coaches do the same thing this year with the rookies
Grades are hard to give esp. this year b/c of WHERE we drafted and you need to take that into consideration when handing these out.
At first, "I" wanted Fleener b/c I felt like he not only could start from day 1 but add a true threat coupled with Vernon to create a million mismatches and be a legit threat in the RZ. We had a hole at RG and given the average-at-best OL we had last year, we needed an upgrade badly. I also felt that Hunter WAS our Sproles already. I (really) felt we needed a RB who can run inside, outside, was tough, had home-run speed, could pass protect AND by dynamic in the passing game.
But at the end of the day, we added a future starting WR to replace Crabtree as the #2 who is threat right off the LOS and deep and isn't afraid to take a hit over the middle. We got one of the better RG in the draft and added even more depth and all of these guys (Kilgore, Looney, Slowley & Netter) are NASTY!!! Add that nastiness to Anthony Davis and look out Suh!
We added tremendous depth (finally) behind Brooks/Aldon. Some great developmental backups at FS/S. We added competition all across the board and many of the skill positions not only are versatile but can provide return abilities as well. We picked up key picks for 2013 as well.
Overall, you have to give this FO another B to A grade here even if it didn't go the direction you wanted. You know this FO does its due diligence and it's nice to finally be in position as a fan to "trust" the FO. We have come a long ways and I'm looking forward to this season!
Apr 29, 2012 at 8:53 AM
- Dr_Bill_Walsh
- Veteran
- Posts: 20,125
[ Edited by Dr_Bill_Walsh on Apr 29, 2012 at 9:46 AM ]
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:05 AM
- dtg_9er
- Veteran
- Posts: 33,204
Originally posted by DirtyP:
We are still grading drafts before they play huh?
This post gets a C-. It would have been lower but there was good recognition of the obvious and was a very concise message. While it doesn't fit a need, I feel it was probably written to fill the need for depth and will help in that regard. Definately makes the thread but will not likely be a starter. Excellent use of puncuation at the end but could have used a comma.
JK!
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:09 AM
- Joecool
- Veteran
- Posts: 70,984
It almost seems like we drafted according to our schedule.
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:13 AM
- LasVegasWally
- Veteran
- Posts: 24,247
What do you base grades on?
1). Did we get faster? Yes
2).
1). Did we get faster? Yes
2).
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:21 AM
- cciowa
- Veteran
- Posts: 60,541
Originally posted by LasVegasWally:also we added much needed depth on the line, safety and linebackers. we are lucky to be fortunate to be able to draft for depth and not for starters. we added more competition in a good area with the running back thing, again the guys like jacobs and dixon and yes crabtree can just not think they can show up and a spot is theres.
What do you base grades on?
1). Did we get faster? Yes
2).
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:22 AM
- dtg_9er
- Veteran
- Posts: 33,204
Originally posted by cciowa:
Originally posted by NCommand:good post. These guys, unlike previous regimes, know what they are doing, they know who they are going after and they want the right guys for the team. they just know what they are looking for, who they are targeting and why and last year was the proof.The terms,, "projects and reaches" USED to have a negative meaning to them because we had idiots for coaches that did not know what to do with them. Our so called reaches and projects in the draft last year like culliver, smith and miller turned out pretty good and I am way ok with letting the coaches do the same thing this year with the rookies
Grades are hard to give esp. this year b/c of WHERE we drafted and you need to take that into consideration when handing these out.
At first, "I" wanted Fleener b/c I felt like he not only could start from day 1 but add a true threat coupled with Vernon to create a million mismatches and be a legit threat in the RZ. We had a hole at RG and given the average-at-best OL we had last year, we needed an upgrade badly. I also felt that Hunter WAS our Sproles already. I (really) felt we needed a RB who can run inside, outside, was tough, had home-run speed, could pass protect AND by dynamic in the passing game.
But at the end of the day, we added a future starting WR to replace Crabtree as the #2 who is threat right off the LOS and deep and isn't afraid to take a hit over the middle. We got one of the better RG in the draft and added even more depth and all of these guys (Kilgore, Looney, Slowley & Netter) are NASTY!!! Add that nastiness to Anthony Davis and look out Suh!
We added tremendous depth (finally) behind Brooks/Aldon. Some great developmental backups at FS/S. We added competition all across the board and many of the skill positions not only are versatile but can provide return abilities as well. We picked up key picks for 2013 as well.
Overall, you have to give this FO another B to A grade here even if it didn't go the direction you wanted. You know this FO does its due diligence and it's nice to finally be in position as a fan to "trust" the FO. We have come a long ways and I'm looking forward to this season!
Agree! Jenkins is very smart choice in that he is a no-nonsense, good route running, big handed, fast WR who will likely work hard and establish a very professional demeanor. They really needed a quick guy who can find openings and adjust to the ball, not another straight line guy. Love the James pick as well and see him as the explosive weapon lacking since...hmm...ever? It's been a while.
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:23 AM
- m_brockalexander
- Veteran
- Posts: 13,185
I say B. Why? Didn't agree with some of the picks, but I will have to trust the PROFESSIONAL scouts, not the Internet variety. The front office hit most of the areas of need except for the d-line and garnered three extra picks for next year. Whatever needs are going to be filled after this season, the Niners will have the ammunition to make any moves they need.
It will be interesting to see how things look in minicamps and OTA's. Only three more months before training camp. Can't wait!
It will be interesting to see how things look in minicamps and OTA's. Only three more months before training camp. Can't wait!
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:26 AM
- cciowa
- Veteran
- Posts: 60,541
Originally posted by dtg_9er:I know what you are saying. You know i can not figure out some people. we needed to get better with our offense so we went out and got two very very fast guys and now people complain cuz they are not "big" enough. I guess if we got a big 6 foot 5 wide out and another running back like dixon or jacobs or even gore, they would complain cuz we have no speed at the skill positions. sheesh
Agree! Jenkins is very smart choice in that he is a no-nonsense, good route running, big handed, fast WR who will likely work hard and establish a very professional demeanor. They really needed a quick guy who can find openings and adjust to the ball, not another straight line guy. Love the James pick as well and see him as the explosive weapon lacking since...hmm...ever? It's been a while.
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:34 AM
- dtg_9er
- Veteran
- Posts: 33,204
One reason the picks don't matter as much as previous years is the coaching staff. They will make more of players by teaching them how to play the game at a higher level, and using competition to motivate even the least naturally motivated players (though any guy who makes it to the NFL has to be somewhat motivated).
I see Jenkins as being the kind of player who will be where he is suppose to be on almost every play, rather than deciding he should cut it short because someone is in his way. That should really help Smith and may even push the other WRs in this regard.
I see Jenkins as being the kind of player who will be where he is suppose to be on almost every play, rather than deciding he should cut it short because someone is in his way. That should really help Smith and may even push the other WRs in this regard.
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:36 AM
- 49ersking
- Veteran
- Posts: 4,055
Past is sometimes a good indicator, so in that sense, Baalke seems to know what he's doing. With the 30th pick in each round, hard to get top talent in each round, so only time will tell. I just hope Jenkins works out.
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:36 AM
- LifelongNiner
- Veteran
- Posts: 22,326
As far as making the team better, technically every team in the NFL made themselves better. Easily a B at this point. I expect that when we hit the field, that will become an A. Our draft picks our in positions where they don't have to be pro-bowl players out of the gate, but can come in and make solid, meaningful contributions to the team. AJ Jenkins is in a position where he can make an impact as a starter or off the bench because of the attention our other offensive weapons (Davis, Gore, Hunter, Moss if he makes the team, Crabtree, and Manningham) are likely to get. LeMichael James falls into this category as well. It will be impossible to cover those fast receivers, Davis at TE, etc AND LeMichael James. Our other picks will provide quality depth and positions on special teams at best, with the exception of Cam Johnson who may be able to provide some pass rush help. So even with how stacked our team is at this point, we have landed 3 guys that should provide a noticeable impact in 2012, with the rest of the players helping us out more so in the longterm.
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:55 AM
- titan
- Veteran
- Posts: 7,839
I gave it a solid B, but if you count the extra picks its easily an A. I didnt agree with all the picks, but for all I know the players I wanted may be dumb as hell! Not all football players can comprehend WCO.
Apr 29, 2012 at 10:28 PM
- TheFunkyChicken
- Veteran
- Posts: 4,206
There are some positions where I give the 9ers scouts the benefit of the doubt. They have done very well drafting TEs and RBs, for example. Even our worst picks at those positions over the past several years were still pretty decent players (like Bejema and Dixon).
The problem is that WR is not one of the positions the 9ers have earned my trust with. In fact, they've shown that they are well below average when it comes to evaluating WR talent. Yes, I know a lot of that was under McCloughin and not Baalke. But many of the guys doing the evaluating (including Baalke) were the same. The best draft picks we've had at that position are Morgan and Kyle Williams. Last year the guy they drafted (who was also a "polished route runner") didn't even make the final roster.
So when we draft a WR that doesn't seem like the best WR available I'm not able to just assume they must know more than everyone else. Because so far they've proved the opposite when it comes to WRs.
I hope Jenkins is a great player. He seems like a good guy and I'm totally rooting for him. But I'll need to see it before I stop being upset that we took him over Randle, Hill, and Sanu.
The problem is that WR is not one of the positions the 9ers have earned my trust with. In fact, they've shown that they are well below average when it comes to evaluating WR talent. Yes, I know a lot of that was under McCloughin and not Baalke. But many of the guys doing the evaluating (including Baalke) were the same. The best draft picks we've had at that position are Morgan and Kyle Williams. Last year the guy they drafted (who was also a "polished route runner") didn't even make the final roster.
So when we draft a WR that doesn't seem like the best WR available I'm not able to just assume they must know more than everyone else. Because so far they've proved the opposite when it comes to WRs.
I hope Jenkins is a great player. He seems like a good guy and I'm totally rooting for him. But I'll need to see it before I stop being upset that we took him over Randle, Hill, and Sanu.