Youth makes up much of the San Francisco 49ers roster thanks to a purge following head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch taking the helm. Quarterback Nick Mullens, who has started the past seven games for the 49ers, is part of that youth movement.
Unless C.J. Beathard beats him out during the offseason or the 49ers receive a tempting trade offer, the 23-year-old Mullens is projected to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup next season. Mullens has already earned the respect of the few veteran teammates on the roster thanks to his play during the past seven games. One of those impressed players is 30-year-old cornerback Richard Sherman, who is about to complete his first season with San Francisco.
Sherman signed a three-year deal back in March after spending his first seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He is a three-time first-team All-Pro, a four-time Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl champion.
"The fact that I've earned his respect, I think, is the biggest thing coming into the building," Mullens told reporters on Wednesday. "For me, I'm always just trying to gain guys' respect by the way I play, by the way I handle my business."
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There was a negative perception of Sherman among the Niner Faithful which followed him from Seattle to the Bay Area. His introductory conference call with the media was not ideal. Sherman was exceptionally patient as hold music from a Bay Area radio station, dogs barking, rumbling from what sounded like a phone in somebody's pocket, and other distractions plagued the call. Those participating likely expected the new 49ers cornerback to lash out during the call.
That never happened.
Sherman is always open with the media, often joking with them, and has been a positive locker room presence. Younger players, like Mullens, have benefited from having him as a teammate.
"Sherm is awesome," Mullens said. "He's a super nice guy, great teammate, very helpful to the young guys. I love taking advantage of picking his brain.
"He's very specific in the coverage rules, the different looks, the way he sees a quarterback when he's playing corner, the way he sees the quarterback's feet, whether it's quick game, drop back, play pass. So, all of the things that you really don't know how a corner thinks when he's playing out there, you get to ask him those type of questions.
"It's been really cool having him around and be a great player for us this year. He came in and was a leader from the start. Sherm's been awesome."
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Another veteran who is happy to offer Mullens advice is tackle Joe Staley, who is in his 12th NFL season. The recent Garry Niver Award winner has no reservations about voicing his opinion, especially when it means improving the team.
Staley knows there are fewer NFL seasons ahead than behind him. He wants to make winning a part of his remaining time in the league. Staley has already committed to playing during the 2019 season — his final year under contract with the 49ers. He'll have a decision to make after that.
"I have one more year on my contract," Staley said this week via NBC Sports Bay Area. "It'll be the first time I hit free agency, so that's exciting. I might go somewhere else. You never know."
Staley, who will be 35 when next season kicks off, was laughing as he said that last portion.
"Joe's awesome. You never know what you're going to get," Mullens said. "He's got a very dynamic personality. But, he's a great role model and great leader for the locker room. He has guided me along very well. Let's me know what I do wrong, what I do right, what I do good, what I do bad and I make sure that I get very honest answers from him.
"He's one guy I can go to and say, 'Hey, how do you all feel when I do this compared to this? Hey, what do I need to do better?' So, for him to answer those questions the way he has, it's really helped me, and it's definitely helped guide me along in just commanding the offense and making sure that everybody's operating — all 11 guys — on the same page.
"He's obviously a big role model and a great help for this entire organization."
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