Some, it seems, will never learn.
A year ago, like every year, the various "experts" had their say. Speaking with one, collective voice, they gave Trent Baalke his limited options. With your first-round pick, Trent, you can take
this guy, or
that guy, or maybe a third. But you'd better not take anyone else. You might have the fancy title, but
we're the ones with the Twitter accounts, and therefore
we decide what's right.
We've told you who's worthy of your first-round pick. You don't want to face our wrath.
Baalke, of course, went off the grid, defying every "expert" prediction. And face their wrath he certainly did. "
Reach!," they screamed, as if he'd jumped the gun by six rounds. He tried to explain that the league's actual decision-makers thought differently, that his selection would've been off the board only four picks later. The "experts" blinked for a minute or two, and then their voices rose up again: "See? You could've traded down three picks!
Reach!"
Fast-forward a year. Due in large part to that first-round pick, Baalke was the league's top executive. Yet the "experts" had their say again. With your first-round pick, Trent, you can take Stephen Hill, a wide receiver; Coby Fleener, a tight end; or (with Kevin Zeitler off the board) Amini Silatolu, a guard. But you'd better not take anyone else....
Caught up in all the hysteria, I weighed our limited options. Forget Silatolu: right guard's our only starter unknown, but last year we'd traded up for Dan Kilgore; obviously we should give him a try before we go and draft his replacement. Forget Fleener: athletic tight-ends are all the rage, but we've already got two of the best.
So it had to be Hill. Heading into the offseason, wideouts were clearly our greatest need. We made some waves by replacing Josh Morgan with Mario Manningham, and Braylon Edwards with Randy Moss. But needless to say, those moves didn't guarantee any improvement. We needed more. So it had to be Hill.
Yet Baalke again went off the grid. He agreed with the idea for a wideout, but instead of Hill he picked A.J. Jenkins, whom most "experts" had tagged for the second or third. "
Reach!," they screamed. Baalke tried to explain that Jenkins too had been underrated, and indeed, the papers immediately reported that the Rams would've taken him only
three picks later. Plus, when the Rams
did pick, they took Brian Quick, passing on Hill. In the end, even the
thought of Hill (with his 49 catches for 1,248 yards through three years of college) over Jenkins (with his 90 catches for 1,276 yards last year alone) seemed largely absurd.
But the "experts" still would not go quietly. One local writer went out of his mind, wailing that Baalke had "blown" the pick and branding him with a scarlet F. (An F!) And it goes to show you how they think. Never mind that Baalke had added an explosive playmaker to a team that needed nothing more. He'd done it, you see, with a pick that hadn't been "preapproved." And though last year he'd done precisely the same, he had to face the wrath again.
Some, it seems, will never learn.
Undaunted by the cacophony, Baalke soldiered on. Dissatisfied with merely
one explosive playmaker, he added a second, in LaMichael James. Reviews of this selection were generally more favorable—the aforementioned local writer allowed that Baalke had "partially redeemed" himself—but still there were those who dismissed James as merely a third-down back. Evidently they were unaware that James was unquestionably this draft's closest thing to Darren Sproles, an every-down utility man whose mere presence opens up both the run and the pass.
With these two picks, Baalke's message was perfectly clear and clearly perfect. Last season, as we were grinding out win after win on the strength of an endless procession of field goals, these same "experts"—who moonlight during the season as "experts" on the game itself—applauded Jim Harbaugh for what they thought was his old-school style, as if he was
trying to stay out of the end zone. Baalke, of course, knew differently: our field-goal O was a product of need, not choice. Indeed, with enough weapons—and with, please God, continued progress by his quarterback—Harbaugh would simply
crush his opponents.
And Baalke was perfectly fine with that. "What we've tried to do," he said matter-of-factly, "is add speed and explosiveness to this offense." A speedy, explosive offense, to match with the league's best defense and special-teams? That's a draft vision that any "expert" should understand.
Having executed that vision, Baalke went on to add the expected depth: on the offensive line, at outside 'backer, at safety. Sure, it would've been nice to add a bit on the defensive line and at cornerback, but hey, with seven picks you can't do it all. (Especially when, as Baalke wisely does, you refuse to take a less talented player just because he plays a position you'd ideally prefer.) Add it all up, and Baalke changed our offensive culture, deepened the roster in three areas of need, and racked up three extra picks in '13.
Yet the early grades from the "experts" are no better than a B, and sometimes much worse. You just can't help but shake your head.
Trust me, I see the irony. When Baalke was new, I was perhaps his most vocal critic. And to make my case, I relied on the same "experts" I'm bashing now. But Baalke now has proven himself. He's proven his understanding, of those most basic things: of players' talents, of his coaches' abilities to
enhance those talents, of what his roster truly needs. He's just proven he gets it.
As we've learned through painful experience, this isn't the case with every GM. That's why the "experts" make their dough; occasionally they do know more. But in Baalke's case, they just don't. And thus their little industry of first- and second-guessing—their mocks, their analyses, their instant grades—it just becomes ridiculous.
The unwashed masses can trust the "experts."
I myself will trust Trent Baalke.
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William T Bird
A GREAT NFL Head Coach can make an average GM look pretty good.
But I don't think that's the case with Baalke. In fact, I think he and Harbaugh make a darn fine team. The finest team the 49ers have had since the days of Bill Walsh and John McVay. Baalke proved his chops before Harbaugh arrived. That first draft yielded two starting offensive linemen, including what just might be the best guard to play in the NFL today. Bowman came out of that draft class. So did Adams. All of them played solid roles last season. That 2010 draft is shaping up to be an excellent one indeed. And, of course, last year gave us Aldon Smith. He gave us that edge pass rush we haven't had since Haley. Short and sweet? I have a lot of faith in Trent Baalke. I agree with you Mr. Kaplan. Our GM is smarter than you are. He's smarter than anyone who dumped on our 2012 draft, 2011 draft, and 2010 draft. I know we won't surprise anyone next season, but I still see the 49ers as the "team to beat." Not many will, and that's my prediction.
May 31, 2012 at 2:16 PM
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AZ 9er
I think it's healthy to question mgmt moves. Nobody is always right. The end of the 49ers' dynasty was partly due to bad drafting. Even Walsh and Seifert made bad picks. Was Baalke too confident? He passed on many top-rated (overrated) players. (But if they don't do anything in college, can you expect them to be great pros?) Does moving Boone to OG mean last year's/this year's drafted OLs can't be the starting OG? Curious, why draft Looney when they know he has a foot injury? I think the Coach will get the most out of Jenkins and LaMichael. Besides those players, you don't see any starters yet. Time will tell.
May 22, 2012 at 9:01 PM
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Lucky Phil
Jeff, Based on the comments I have read you have successfully accomplished a Vulcan Mindmeld with your readers. And based on past comments (mine included), the more you start thinking like your audience, the more you have to worry about. Keep them coming, Jeff!
May 9, 2012 at 8:45 PM
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WGIBTU?
Jeff:
There was a time when I couldn't wait to share my disagreements with you. It seems now that we are very much on the same page. What that says, more than anything, is that our beloved Niners are again winners and that's a great feeling, right? Nice read. Keep it up. I look for your articles first on here. I did even when I disagreed. Ha!
May 8, 2012 at 11:49 AM
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FPSoft
Great article. You hit the nail on the head. In Harbalke we trust.
May 6, 2012 at 12:06 AM
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Big M
Great piece, Jeff. I consider myself a football nerd with a good amount of experience. I try to be fair and wait to pass judgment, so I gave Baalke a chance early on based on the premise that he knows more than I do and he has access to better resources. I will say, though, that I still have my own philosophy about how a team should be built, based on what I've seen other franchises do (both good and bad), and Baalke impressed me out of the gate. Anyway, it's refreshing to see such a level-headed, logical opinion piece on here. I'm so used to the knee-jerk reactions from fans and pundits alike, so your piece is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
May 4, 2012 at 12:00 AM
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wwrivers
Thank you!
May 3, 2012 at 11:32 AM
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Benitez
Great Post... I'm glad I took the time to read this... I see another Lombardi trophy coming to us at least one more time before our big move to santa clara... #GoNiners
May 1, 2012 at 6:10 PM
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Steve
Jeff,
I find it remarkable how eerily similar our thoughts and opinions have been these past few seasons. I, too, was converted to a believer after last season - in terms of the front office, coaching, Alex Smith, and draft/scouting abilities. After a 13-3 season like that, no one has earned the right to prematurely criticize front-office decision making. Great read.
May 1, 2012 at 9:39 AM
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Carmelo
First let me say - great read! Well done, and finally a good post-draft article.
Second, and more importantly, well done Baalke & co.! Not only did they hit another home run with this year's crop of draftees, but he helped to set us up for next year's draft; adding 3 more picks including what may end up being a high 3rd'er. That is a huge move on the positive side which most "experts" have seemed to overlook in their assessment of Baalke's work.
Also, it seems everyone has overlooked the little middle finger that Baalke gave the Seahawks, mostly to McCloughan/Carroll, with the pre-draft envelope. In my opinion there was only one reason for Baalke to put the name of the guy they wanted in a sealed envelope pre-draft. The reason was to show the Seahawks' war room that Baalke's smoke screen of his supposed desire to draft Irvin was just that, a smoke screen. Michael Lombardi had even tweeted the day before the draft how the Niners were looking to draft Irvin with their pick, and how we had told him that if he was there we would take him. We also brought him in for a workout. So now that we know firsthand that Baalke never was truly looking to take him, at least not with the first pick, it's obvious to me that Baalke was putting up a smoke screen and showing false interest in the hopes that others would bite. Well they did; the Seahawks bit hook, line and sinker. Why else do the whole envelope exercise? You don't need to prove to yourself who you really wanted. It was purely done to show the Hawks' war room that Baalke didn't and never wanted the guy they drafted. It was a very sly way of telling them that he pulled one off at their expense. Yet just one more genius move by Baalke in this very well orchestrated 2012 draft.
Apr 30, 2012 at 9:44 PM
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Spitblood
Grant should be flogged. I tried to help him by letting him know that even a blogger must be reasonable. What the Cohn Zone is really trying to do is be controversial to get blog hits. It's so transparent that knowledgeable 49er fans will just walk away, and if it all gets too offensive to the senses (like it really did last weekend), advertising dollars will also walk away from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat (like they should), and the owners of the paper will pull the plug on Grant (not Lowell).
The end result is that whatever your handle - blogger, beat writer, author of the provocative opinion piece - there has to be substance, and you have to move forward like Harbaugh so often says, "With a humble heart." The Cohn Zone isn't smart, and it isn't humble.... so there isn't much future in it. And in my humble hearted opinion, Grant Cohn has killed his future in the Bay Area covering the 49ers.
Apr 30, 2012 at 2:20 PM
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J. Kearney
I remember you being tough on Trent last year. Glad to see you "see the light". The FO knows what the beat writers and fans hope will be their team's picks. Takes guts to go with your conviction and go "UNPOPULAR". We will just have to get used to annual bad grades and end of the year praise for our GM.
Apr 30, 2012 at 11:51 AM
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Paul
Jeff,
Spot on...
And nice article as always.
Apr 30, 2012 at 10:44 AM
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Adrian
Some experts are retards. The only way I'd give this draft an "F" grade is if they drafted a kicker in the first and a punter in the second. Nice read, Jeff. Go Niners.
Apr 30, 2012 at 9:46 AM
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Rick S.
Mr. Kaplan, I have to say GREAT ARTICLE. I think you should go and replace one of those "experts" at ESPN or the NFLN.
Apr 30, 2012 at 8:41 AM
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Darrell G
Bang-on assessment Jeff. I give them an A. They got speed with the top two picks, added depth in all the right areas, and managed to scoop some draft ammo for next year with a few contracts expiring. I'm very happy with the draft.
I have always wondered how the Mike Mayocks of the world get the title of "draft guru", where a player's stock can rise and fall based on the opinions of arm-chair experts that have the accuracy of weathermen and in some cases never worked as a scout or successful GM.
Thank God Baalke knows better than to draft "workout warriors" and sticks to "good football players".
Apr 30, 2012 at 6:03 AM
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Edmond
Oh, I agree with that, Kap. And he will progress. It was your tone! ha!
There have been some off-season interviews with Alex Smith that could probably win anyone over. His live Q&A the other night was pretty fantastic.
ps. please don't call me Ed. we need more syllables these days. vocabularies are suffering.
Apr 30, 2012 at 1:18 AM
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Dr. D
I wouldn't say he is smarter. But he and his team sure have a whole lot more time to look at film and talk to the prospects. Also the process they have in place seems to be working well and they seem to stick to it and avoid being cute, which is crucial as well...
Apr 30, 2012 at 12:29 AM
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James
Maiocco and Barrows don't pretend to know everything, which I love. They even made jokes about their mock drafts, saying things like "This mock is guaranteed 100% accurate" just to be funny. The Cohn Zone, on the other hand, is a zone of idiocy and backseat quarterbacking. (Yes, that is the opposite of Monday morning driving.) Grant is essentially a prepubescent fanboy who cries when he gets a different action figure for his birthday than the one he saw in the store... the one he threw an absolute fit about not having that very instant.
Apr 30, 2012 at 12:27 AM
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AJ Dembroski
I like your columns more every time I see 'em lately, Jeff:)
Apr 29, 2012 at 10:48 PM
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AZ-9er
It's easier to think the draft is better when they pick highly ranked players. Picking a lot of no-names means the value is unknown. The #1 pick can easily be a bust. Picking the best available is a safer thing to do. Jenkins was rated as a 2-4 round WR. Taking a WR #1 is risky. Remember JJ Stokes or Rashaun Woods, even Crabtree hasn't done a lot. Worthy (DT) was still available. Could we use a backup for McDonald or Smith. Manningham has proven himself. Crabtree has barely proven himself. If Moss has anything left, Jenkins will be the 4th WR on the team. Getting $$$ to be a backup. The 49ers could put James in the slot too. Don't see how Jenkins will be much of an impact.... Unless he can beat out Moss or Crabtree. Maybe, this is to light a fire under Crabtree. His contract is coming up soon.
Apr 29, 2012 at 10:25 PM
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Lucky Phil
Ok, Who the hell are these guys? The only guys I have seen play are James and Fleming. And one more question, Why did half the guys I picked get drafted in the fifth rd. and the other half are free agents? What the hell is going on here?
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:50 PM
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Ryan
I've always found Grant to be prone to emotions in assessing most things - calling the A.J. pick an 'F' was evidence of this. Perhaps it could run in the family, similar to his Pop's vendetta against Coach, likely because Coach wasn't too welcoming of his 'pinkie' question.
All that said, I'm not particularly bothered with the picks, and I wholeheartedly trust Trent. After all, I'm not the one overseeing a battery of scouts on the grind for 364 days eh? In TRENT we trust. #Faithful
Apr 29, 2012 at 9:13 PM
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Genus49
Very well put. The draft grade thing has always been a joke when none of the players have even put on an NFL jersey let alone play in a game but to bash these picks when last year proved to be one of the best drafts in a long time, you'd think this front office would get more trust from people.
Apr 29, 2012 at 8:22 PM
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Spiketronic
I don't think Grant truly believes everything he writes. There are plenty of rational, measured writers commenting on the 9ers, I think Grant has staked out the contrarian territory, which is wide open now that Jeff is on board. I value Grant's success in the time-honored tradition of internet trolls, posting something outrageous and then sitting back and watching everyone froth at the mouth. How boring would it be if every voice spoke in unremitting praise. Then we'd be in Norman, Oklahoma.
Apr 29, 2012 at 8:12 PM
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Richard
Good read, I was a little puzzled at first with AJ but I have total faith in our GM. We added great depth and value all across the board. We are now fully loaded coming into OTA's and camp, what a great draft. Go Niners!!!
Apr 29, 2012 at 7:42 PM
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Edmond
unfortunately, you guys are probably giving losers like gc (no caps necessary) and his stupid dad power by typing their names.
Jeff, you were on that track until you seemed to finally see the light and realize that this team, this whole group, isn't in need of making picks their fans or any idiot writer thinks they should.
Don't become a writer 'we don't speak of', whose name isn't worth the key stroke. you were on thin ice, but with this turnaround and your past apology to Baalke, I don't mind reading your posts.
The others whom we don't speak of, could learn something here.
That said, your little jab on Alex Smith was nearly deserving of a lashing. This is a competent coaching staff and front office, and in my opinion you're either with the team or against it. Being against one player is being against the team.
Good post, Jeff.
keep up the good work going against those we don't speak of.
"Long live Camelot"
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:46 PM
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Rawdel
Great read!
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:38 PM
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The_Real_Randy
Obviously we won't be able to make a real analysis of this draft until at least 3 yrs later. But part of the art of drafting is knowing not just what you want but what other teams want too. Baalke clearly has a problem with this. He traded up one spot to get Anthony Davis when there was no chance of him being taken by that team. And while Aldon Smith ended up being a great pick, he still could have been taken a few spots later. And from what I'm hearing Jenkins may very well have been there when we were picking in round 2. Baalke may be a good evaluator of talent but value is something he struggles with. I am bubbling with excitement for LaMichael James though.
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:37 PM
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ddmur
I have been a 49er fan for more than 50 years, but I have been forced to live in the midwest. People who follow Big Ten football will assure that AJ Jenkins was no "reach." One can make a strong case that he was the best receiver in the draft this year.
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:36 PM
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Frank
Jeff...you speak the truth, and that's always welcome. For the Niner fans who just don't get "it", I feel sorry for you. They seemed to forget we had a full roster going into this draft...it was mostly for depth. However, Baalke got two very fast, very skilled playmakers to give the offense a boost. Also got a big, nasty OG whom I'll bet becomes the starter at RG. OLB depth, a steal of a good S in the 6th rd, a promising C, and Cam Johnson, a guy Mike Mayock had as #50 on his list of 100 best players. Then, just to put a nice cherry on top of it all, Baalke deftly maneuvered to get 3 additional picks in the 2013 draft. Now that, ladies and gentlemen, is the work of a crack GM.
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:21 PM
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louie
Jeff, I think you went a little overboard, but there is no doubt that Harbaugh and Baalke have earned our trust. It was a unique experience for me to observe this year's draft with confidence that the 49ers would make some impactful good/great picks. The fun in being a 49er fan is back.
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:17 PM
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Singapore Niner
To the editor of the Press Democrat, allowing nepotism will ruin your paper. When Press Democrat articles pop up on the Niners News Wire, I don't even click on them. When reading your writer's comments I feel like I am wasting time.
To the webzone, ignore Grant. And hopefully his articles won't even get posted anymore. I am going to remind him every time Jenkins does something great that he was given an "F".
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:11 PM
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Wilson
So much luck is involved in drafting that at this point, nobody knows how good a draft this is going to be - including this blogger, Grant Cohn, and even Baalke himself. The intelligent opinion is to withhold judgment until these guys have played. Certainly Baalke and Harbaugh have earned our trust, and there's a good chance that this draft will be a good one, but let's not make the mistake of assuming that Baalke and Harbaugh are infallible, either. For example, if Kilgore - so far our most likely option at RG - was better than Snyder last year, shouldn't he have played? And wasn't it a mistake to not bring in another wide receiver at the end of the season? I think those guys are fantastic, but nobody's perfect.
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:10 PM
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stodgman
Great comment . . . give the little boy Grant Cohn the proper spanking he deserves for writing hogwash on a daily basis.
Apr 29, 2012 at 5:58 PM
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Matt
Since the Harbaugh/Baalke team took over it has been a lot of fun to watch the "experts" be proven wrong over and over again. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them looking really stupid once again 6 months from now regarding this draft. I will laugh at them just as hard this time around.
Apr 29, 2012 at 5:38 PM
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overthemiddle
Nice read Jeff, I am glad to see the trust you are beginning to show with the front office. We still are dealing with potentials as we really don't know what we have till they play. With the signings in the offseason with Moss and Manningham and the drafting of Jenkins, our number one receiver last year, Crabtree, might be fourth best this year, now I say that is a definite improvement. Speed kills and other defenses are going to be wondering what hit them.
Apr 29, 2012 at 5:17 PM
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Zach Ameen
No he is not, not this year. He could have landed coby fleener and landed Jenkins or Silatolu afterward with some late-round dealmaking. Also I wouldn't allow R Randle to go to a rival team if I were drafting players. We lost an opportunity to land Stephen Hill who was a big and tall receiver who could break tackles and stretch the field.
Apr 29, 2012 at 5:06 PM
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JeffinJapan
Grant, you're no Maiocco.
Apr 29, 2012 at 3:45 PM
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rjberryx
Way to capitulate Jeff; no other choice presumably.
Last year Baalke proved he could evaluate talent - zen-like, really. That good. If his picks pan out this year, his status will be elevated to "elite" - even with a miss or two.
Most of us were ready to second-guess the 49ers' talent evaluation last year based upon a recent history of the team's instability. All that has changed, so our bloggers need a fresh perspective. This article is evidence of yours; quite artfully.
Suddenly this team is LOADED. Let's ride with it Jeff, even though for you and others like you, the team's operational performance strains your creative writing skills.
As JH would say, "keep your powder dry."
Your day will come again at the first sign of a crack in the hull of our ship, revealing the true nature of the obsessive cynicism expressed on your blog.
But this is a happier time. Our ship is mighty and the set of the sail well thought-out. Every indication is Jed, Trent, and Jim are putting the planks in place for an ascending juggernaut.
Oh God, what a time for 49er fans.
Thanks for the article Jeff!
Apr 29, 2012 at 3:26 PM
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rec49er
Jeff:
In the past I hammered your logic, but you are right on this time. Let me re-phrase that without my ego in the way--I agree with your assessment.
Honestly, Grant Cohn needs to go! He writes to please his dad because his dad always wrote crap even when the Niners were winning Super Bowls. For any reader who reads this comment, do not waste your time reading any of Grant Cohn's posts, as I used to, but not anymore because Grant does not use any logic in his writing about the Niners. All Grant Cohn does is write negative crap about the Niners so his cronies can agree with him and then he probably feels like a human being. Grant Cohn is nothing but a waste of memory space on the Press Democrat's servers!
Apr 29, 2012 at 3:23 PM
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Oahuan
It warms me to see you step outside yourself and see the "logic" in what was at the top a surprising (almost shocking to me) draft. The 49ers got close last year, and they did a great job of bringing almost the entire team back, losing only two easily replaceable (I think) players. The front office might not be able to do as well in future years, so as I reflect on the first part of the 49ers' draft, I really see the logic in going for it all right now while the opportunity is there. Was there a better receiver available? Maybe, but on that I have to defer. I do wonder if Fleener might have been a better choice than a wideout, but . . . We'll see if Fleener becomes a red zone and third down terror. As DeCastro fell down the board, I was thinking that the 49ers should trade up to get him, but on reflection, would a solid right guard with All Pro potential get us closer to the Super Bowl next season than Jenkins and James? Don't think so. You gotta hand it to Baalke and Harbaugh. There is method to their madness.
Apr 29, 2012 at 3:11 PM
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ChipDouglas510
Great read, in HarBaalke we trust!!!
Apr 29, 2012 at 3:09 PM
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Justin
Bravo!! I am no expert, and Baalke has done nothing to make me doubt his pick qualifications. His picks may not be trendy, but the quality of picks he has selected is top notch.
Apr 29, 2012 at 3:07 PM
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Max1985
Seriously, how did Grant Cohn get his job? Are they paying minimum wage (i.e. he is supposed to be flipping burgers but writes a blog instead)? Every time I read his articles it reminds me of my high school Sports Journalism class. Lots of words, not very much comprehension and ideas.
Apr 29, 2012 at 2:55 PM
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lemdew69
That is the best article i have read off of any site in quite some time. Every time i read something other than barrows or maiocco i just want to throw up. This was quite refreshing.
Apr 29, 2012 at 2:53 PM
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TarHeelNiner
COMPLETELY Agree with this analysis. Pre-draft we were all wondering whether there were seven players that could even make this roster but when you improve the team, improve the depth of the team, and are planning for contract expirations a year in advance you are doing a helluva job.
In Harbaalke we trust!!
Apr 29, 2012 at 2:26 PM
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lance
Hey Niner in case u don't watch the games there is no way Hunter is gone. Dude is a solid player.
Apr 29, 2012 at 2:16 PM
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Niner Fan
Grant is proof that even a sniveling little butt-wipe can get a good job if Daddy pulls enough strings for him.
Apr 29, 2012 at 2:12 PM
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RCHamakua
Seems to me the gm and coach and staff have spent a lot of time getting to know these guys and their athletic ability. Reporters can offer their 2 cents but that is about the value. I trust the experts a little more than the reporter headline-grabbers, who are frustrated fake experts.
Apr 29, 2012 at 2:11 PM
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niner
i think a lot of people would have liked to see a "name" guy get picked but the strategy seems sound. guys to help on 3rd down, pass-rushers, RG. Now we'll see how they pan out. doesn't look good for hunter, dixon, or williams though.
Apr 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM
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Wakingbake
LOL @ Grant Cohn. Spoiled little boy thinks he's an NFL GM.
Apr 29, 2012 at 1:57 PM
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Jon Niners
In HarBaalke We Trust
Apr 29, 2012 at 1:56 PM
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Rich
Can I hear an Amen!
Apr 29, 2012 at 1:53 PM
The San Francisco 49ers' defense delivered an impressive performance in Sunday's 42-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite reportedly exploring options for another starting-caliber cornerback before the October trade deadline, the team ultimately stuck with Charvarius Ward and Ambry Thomas on the outside.
Thomas playing outside has allowed Deommodore Lenoir to move to the slot corner spot. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks seems to have found a recipe for success.
Thomas has been impressive in recent weeks, earning his highest-ever overall Pro Football Focus grade (90.2) on Thanksgiving night against the Seattle Seahawks. We'll have to wait until Monday morning to learn how his performance against the Eagles compares, but it's evident that Thomas is
The San Francisco 49ers passing game isn't only full of weapons, it's full of unselfish weapons. Greg Papa sat down with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan on the latest edition of NBC Sports Bay Area's "49ers Game Plan" on Friday and discussed some of his offensive stars, and the unselfishness of these players who are willing to block for each other.
Papa noted that blocking is part of tight end George Kittle's game, but he also pointed out that Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey all block well. Shanahan confirmed that his players take a lot of pride in blocking for one another and don't want to let each other down. Shanahan said, "And also if they do, they know we're all going to watch it together on Friday, which is when we do it and people don't like that. But