What we learned from the 2013 Draft

Originally posted by DRUSTOPO:

Ok Zone, I need help. Something is still bothering me from the draft. Why did we select Dial over Jessie Williams? They are both run stuffing 5 technique players that have experience across 3 man fronts. Jessie was being projected as a 2nd round talent, but fell to the 5th, 20 picks before we selected Dial. We obviously wanted a 5 tech D lineman, and one would think that there were opportunities to trade up to the top of the 5th to select Jessie, but we didn't. Why do you think we, along with the rest of the teams, passed on Jessie? I cant find anything that says he's a bad seed, or lazy or not a team player. I think that's the only thing that baffles me weeks after the draft. Any ideas???

( BTW- this wouldnt bother me so much if he didn't go to the effin Seahawks! )

Dial also has pass rush ability, is more versatile than Williams, and also has the height to be effective against field goals and extra points. That combo in itself is enough to take one over the other.

Originally posted by DRUSTOPO:

I agree. When Ian came out he was known as a run stuffer. =

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NFL.com

Overview Williams is recovering from a torn MCL suffered during his senior season, but he is a quality run stopper that could be an effective two-down specialist. He is near impossible to move when he gets in good position, as he is very strong and has a thick compact body. He is also a hard worker that never gives up on the play. He can be a very stout run stopper, but he is not athletic or technically refined enough to contribute in the pass rush. Williams is a one dimensional player, but he is human hole plugger and should get picked late.

Analysis Strengths Williams has a low center of gravity and possesses a quick first step. Strong run plugger that can anchor against double teams and flashes a powerful bull rush. High effort kid that relentlessly pursues the ball carrier and is a sound tackler. Has a good attitude and is very coachable.

Weaknesses Does not have the burst to get after the quarterback or make tackles in the backfield. Lacks the hand technique to consistently shed blocks and does not show effective pass rushing counter moves. Not fluid enough to make plays in space. Has a soft body and a limited frame. Trying to return from a torn MCL in November 2010.

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I also read this from Scout's Inc at the Senior Bowl in 2010=




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Quote:
Notre Dame DT Ian Williams is having a good day. He's showing good first-step quickness, leverage and power.

Quote:
Irish spring We were surprised how well Notre Dame DT Ian Williams played today. He's not a great athlete but had a quick first step, used good leverage, showed good initial power and the ability to hold his position against the run. One of the most effective linemen during the 2-on-1 (two offensive linemen) drills.
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The fact that we kept him around on the 53, even though he wasn't making it into games, say a lot about what the staff thinks. They reconfirmed that belief by signing him to a 2 year extension and not drafting a pure NT high in the draft. He did 31 reps at the combine, more than John Jenkins and Jessie Williams did this year. Even though the "bench" is not a perfect indicator of football strength, its something to compare the apples with. Plus you know he's gotten even stronger working out for 2 years with team. Like you, I think Ian can make a Boone like jump into prominence this year.

Ian Williams has a chance to be more than a 2 down player. He had action in the nickel sets as well and got some very good pocket push. The thing that is exciting about his development is the fact that Dorsey will have more stamina toward the end of games when used as a 3 tech in the nickel. On top of what it adds to the rotation aspect. When teams can't exhale when the starters take rest on the def line...you have won the battle before the play starts. The potential of this defense is pretty f-in scary when you consider the different options at multiple positions that they can present.

Originally posted by DaDivaRecieva15:

I learned that Baalke is a BAWSE

Anyone who disagrees will not only face swift and merciless attacks upon their character, but also lewd and disparaging remarks made about their mother.

Try me.

I can't see them letting go of Goodwin this year. They need his leadership on the line. I do believe there will be a huge battle at LB, with a lot of guys not being even solid back up players (except Haralson) and just laying claim to fame on their ST skills (Wilhoite, Skuta, Moody).

Originally posted by ninergold:
I can't see them letting go of Goodwin this year. They need his leadership on the line. I do believe there will be a huge battle at LB, with a lot of guys not being even solid back up players (except Haralson) and just laying claim to fame on their ST skills (Wilhoite, Skuta, Moody).

Yeah, unless Kilgore or Looney prove something, Goodwin stays, and isnt back after 2013, with either a draft pick or one o the 2 mentioned before starting.

Haralson would make it for depth and experience at OLB. Lemonier stays for pass rush and STs.

Battle is for the 4th ILB spot. I see Skuta more of a lock, he is a ST Ace. Moody I think has advantage due to versatility.

Originally posted by reasonable1:

Originally posted by DRUSTOPO:
Ok Zone, I need help. Something is still bothering me from the draft. Why did we select Dial over Jessie Williams? They are both run stuffing 5 technique players that have experience across 3 man fronts. Jessie was being projected as a 2nd round talent, but fell to the 5th, 20 picks before we selected Dial. We obviously wanted a 5 tech D lineman, and one would think that there were opportunities to trade up to the top of the 5th to select Jessie, but we didn't. Why do you think we, along with the rest of the teams, passed on Jessie? I cant find anything that says he's a bad seed, or lazy or not a team player. I think that's the only thing that baffles me weeks after the draft. Any ideas???

( BTW- this wouldnt bother me so much if he didn't go to the effin Seahawks! )

Dial also has pass rush ability, is more versatile than Williams, and also has the height to be effective against field goals and extra points. That combo in itself is enough to take one over the other.

I think the only thing he has over Jessie is arm length ( 34 1/2 vs 32 ).

I hardly think Jessie's 6'3" instead of Dial's 6'5" is really a difference maker on ST's. Jessie is bigger and stronger than Dial and is just as versatile ( they both played across Bama's line ). Both can't rush the passer, even Dial's former roommate said as much =

http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/5/11/4322118/quinton-dial

That's not the answer, I have to go with the previous answer of his knee, even though I can't find anything that states its degenerative. Still, Jessie was projected to go in the early 2nd, the fact that he went so late means there is something that scared teams off. Just wish I knew for sure what it was.

Originally posted by AB83Rules:

Originally posted by ninergold:
I can't see them letting go of Goodwin this year. They need his leadership on the line. I do believe there will be a huge battle at LB, with a lot of guys not being even solid back up players (except Haralson) and just laying claim to fame on their ST skills (Wilhoite, Skuta, Moody).

Yeah, unless Kilgore or Looney prove something, Goodwin stays, and isnt back after 2013, with either a draft pick or one o the 2 mentioned before starting.

Haralson would make it for depth and experience at OLB. Lemonier stays for pass rush and STs.

Battle is for the 4th ILB spot. I see Skuta more of a lock, he is a ST Ace. Moody I think has advantage due to versatility.

Agreed, Goody and Haralson stay this year, both are solid vets who know the system.

Im really excited with Lemonier's explosiveness. With Tanks availability early this year, I think Lemonier is going to get lots of reps this summer in pass rush packages. There were times last year when Brooks kicked inside and did a hell of a job getting to the QB. If we are in 3rd and real long with no threat of a run, I could see a Aldon-Justin-Brooks-Lemonier rush early in the year with Tank easing in later. McDonald is much more effective when he can get a blow or two, he was on the field way too often last year. If Tank can get healthy and Lemonier can show explosiveness off the edge, it gives us GREAT opportunities to mix and match our fronts in passing situations.

Aldon-Cowboy-Dorsey-McDonald-Brooks = base
Haralson-Dorsey-Ian-McDonald-Brooks = run stuffing base package
Aldon-Cowboy-Tank/Lemonier-Brooks = passing 4 man front

Haralson can give either OLB a breather
Dorsey can give either DE a breather
Ian can give Dorsey a breather
Lemonier and Tank are the fresh pass rushers off the bench

Lots of versitiliy in the front 7, imagine if Dial, Okoye, Fleming or Cam pan out too? I think the 9ers saw a weakness on our front when Ricky Jean and Soap were on the field and addressed it with versatile players. Then they added some young legs for late game pass rush.

Also as far as STs.....the 9ers went from the 2nd ranked ST unit in 2011 to the 20th ranked unit in 2012. You better believe Jimbo replays that kick return to open the 2nd half over and over in his head. ST's received plenty of attention in the draft and FA this offseason. It will be a HUGE empasis on cut day.

Originally posted by reasonable1:
Ian Williams has a chance to be more than a 2 down player. He had action in the nickel sets as well and got some very good pocket push. The thing that is exciting about his development is the fact that Dorsey will have more stamina toward the end of games when used as a 3 tech in the nickel. On top of what it adds to the rotation aspect. When teams can't exhale when the starters take rest on the def line...you have won the battle before the play starts. The potential of this defense is pretty f-in scary when you consider the different options at multiple positions that they can present.

I hope so, the 9ers kept him around the past couple years for a reason. They knew that Soap and possibly RJF were gonna walk. Grooming a run stuffer like Ian was good planning by them. If he can provide any pocket push, then we REALLY have something cookin!!!

I agree too that keeping the Dline fresh was a priority this offseason. Having versatile linemen who can stay on the field is the key. Im excited to see the plan unfold this year!

Adam Snyder is a pretty stout run blocker but Ian Williams was shoving guys like Snyder around during his first camp. He might turn out to be impressive as a nose tackle. It appears the niners have garnered a great group of corners from the lower rounds and UDFAs. Morris, Rose and Cooper may well replace many vets and corners can also shift to safety. I suspect all 3 may be on the team. I doubt there will be any marginal dbs left on the niners team after this year.