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Every once in awhile, a rare talent comes along who has the ability to change the fortunes of a franchise. Although they're few and far between, we've seen quarterbacks like
John Elway,
Peyton Manning and
Andrew Luck be touted by many as "can't miss" prospects. In that scenario, it's easy to see why a team would become enamored and pay a hefty price to land such a player, as the risk is perceived to be minimal.
If you're not dealing with an Elway, Manning or Luck though, it might be best not to bet the farm on something that basically amounts to a crapshoot. The NFL graveyard is littered with the names of first-round quarterback busts who've set their respective teams back for years, and cost general managers their jobs. Even having the top overall pick doesn't guarantee you anything, just ask the brain trusts who settled on
Tim Couch,
David Carr and
JaMarcus Russell.
With these cautionary tales in the front and center of my mind, I have to commend the San Francisco 49ers for standing pat at number seven, and not mortgaging the farm to get either
Jared Goff or
Carson Wentz.
First and foremost, neither Goff or Wentz are anywhere close to a sure thing behind center. Some would say they're not even one of the top five players available. However, this is a quarterback driven league, and apparently it causes some teams to do crazy things. Just take a look at what the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles gave up to move to the number one and two spots (respectively) in this year's draft.
The Rams sent the Tennessee Titans their first-round pick in 2016 (No. 15 overall), two second-round selections (Nos. 43 and 45), a third (No. 76 overall), plus a first and third rounder in 2017 for this year's number one overall pick as well as a fourth (No. 113) and a sixth (No. 177).
Philly gave the Cleveland Browns their 2016 first-round pick (No. 8 overall), a third (No. 77), a fourth (No. 100), next year's first and a second in 2018. In return the Eagles got the second pick in 2016 and a fourth rounder next year. Philadelphia did this despite having already guaranteed $34 million combined to quarterbacks
Sam Bradford and
Chase Daniel. And do they know who the Rams are picking, or are they just kind of cool with either guy? I'm starting to understand why
Chip Kelly had such an issue with
Howie Roseman.
Anyway, those are both crazy packages for two unproven, possibly hit-or-miss prospects.
Now despite me commending them for their willpower, do I believe the 49ers still desperately need a quarterback? Yes, they absolutely do and I'd argue that in today's NFL it's impossible to sustain success without a good one. Even still, the cost to move up would have been too much to pay for what they'd get in return, especially considering the amount of holes San Francisco has on it's roster.
General manager
Trent Baalke has now given himself the opportunity to sit back, as he's all but guaranteed an elite prospect will fall into his lap at seven (although it most likely won't be a quarterback). The top of the draft is loaded with defensive talent, as well as options at offensive tackle. While OT
Laremy Tunsil and CS/S
Jalen Ramsey will probably be gone, the Niners have a legitimate shot at landing
DE Joey Bosa,
DE DeForest Buckner,
ILB Myles Jack,
CB Vernon Hargreaves, or
OT Ronnie Stanley. Bosa, Buckner, Jack, Hargreaves and Stanley are all potential franchise cornerstones who can also come in and make and immediate impact in an area of need.
While there isn't a quarterback worth taking at that point, the 49ers have the ammunition (12 total picks) to maneuver around if need be, and target someone like
Paxton Lynch or
Connor Cook. There have been rumors that the team is very high on Cook, and he could be the guy they're looking at. Although, they'll almost certainly need to trade up to get him.
Another option could have San Francisco actually trading down from number seven into the middle of the first round, gaining another pick or two in the process (although for me, it would be hard to pass up on someone like Buckner or Jack if he's fully healthy). In this scenario, think prospects like WR
Laquon Treadwell, DE
Shaq Lawson, OLB
Darren Lee, or even OT
Jack Conklin.
With options abound, Baalke and the Niners look to be in a very favorable position as the draft draws closer. The franchise made the right decision by not being overly aggressive, but now they have to execute a solid draft plan that nets impact players who can be centerpieces for years to come.
Al Sacco has covered the 49ers for various sites over the years. He's been a guest on multiple podcasts and had his work used by ESPN NFL Insiders and USA TODAY. Follow Al on Twitter @AlSacco49
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice, the first of the week, as the team prepares for its Week 14 game against the Seattle Seahawks. The conversation eventually led to wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who just earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Shanahan had ample praise for Samuel, acknowledging his impressive performance in Sunday's 42-19 rout of the Philadelphia Eagles. Samuel finished the game with 116 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions, adding 22 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
"Deebo is awesome," Shanahan
It's mailbag time again. I know you're excited. I can tell by the look in your eyes.
As always, thank you so much for submitting your questions. You are the reason the 49ers Webzone Mailbag is a fun read. So thank you for bringing your questions each week. Alright, let's jump right in to see what's on your mind.
Were there any changes made between the first two failed offensive drives and the rest? It seemed to be a major turnaround. - Frank W.
I'm sure they made some adjustments. The play-calling seemed to change a little. For example, in the first two drives, the 49ers ran one run play and five pass plays. Christian McCaffrey didn't touch the ball on either possession.
On the third drive, McCaffrey ran the ball on the first play
This article was first published by Audacy, written by Ryan Gilbert, and syndicated with permission.
Brock Purdy introduced himself to the NFL late last season, and the San Francisco 49ers quarterback is breaking out in a big way this year. He has the Niners at 9-3 through 12 games after an impressive win over the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Purdy racked up 314 yards and four touchdowns on Sunday in the 42-19 blowout win against the reigning NFC Champions. He's rocketed up
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