Karma's Post-Draft Roster Breakdown

I wanted to comment on a few points that people have raised since I checked in here last time:

1. Ginn is in a precarious position. He was a fantastic punt returner last year but left plenty to be desired as a kick returner and as a receiver. Harbaugh and Seely obviously want to emphasize Special Teams, but they also need versatility. Harbaugh has been charged with fixing the passing game and Ginn may just be a liability. His route running has always been sloppy and he still has way too many drops. I am a huge Ohio State fan and I have loved Ginn since his days there but other receivers bring more to the table. Johnson comes in with an established relationship with Morton. Williams is a relative unknown because of injuries last year but his skill set seems to fit the WCO perfectly. Lastly, we always seem to underestimate Ziegler. Ginn has the most to prove coming in this year and as Buck pointed out the team could definitely bring in another guy or two to push the group.

2. Boone'ss position on the team has been questioned but I see a guy that has improved every step of the way. Sims is too old and Snyder is sketchy at best as a tackle. Boone played well at the end of the season and I think he will have Solari singing his praises to the new coaching staff.

3. Free Agency will be interesting to say the least. This lockout is pissing me off. Everyone seems to be unanimous in bringing Spikes back. McDonald is another guy that seems likely to return, especially with Tomsula wanting continuity and the team ignoring the position in the draft. Franklin, in my opinion is a huge priority. Some of you feel that his skill set doesn't translate into Fangio's system, but RJF's lack of experience and Willis' urging should win in. Ultimately Franklin is not a push the line NT, but he holds the line very well. Baas is a guy I didn't mention in my original post as a priority, but it is looking more like he will be coveted. Heitmann's health is an unknown and Baas was excellent last year. The last thing this team needs is to press a converted rookie tackle into action immediately. Goldson is the hardest to project. As some of you have pointed out he is coming off a down year and might sign for a reasonable amount and the other safeties lack experience, but teams may offer him enough to pry him away based on his projected value as a ballhawk. It would be great to see him become the player we have seen flashes of, so we will see how it plays out. Finally, Lawson has gotten plenty of love. Count me among his fans but I just don't see it happening. The position has a premium on pass rushing and he simply doesn't fit the bill. Teams will also be offering substantial contracts to him as an above average coverage linebacker and run supporting edge. Keeping him would mean that we have less to offer our other guys or Free Agents we covet. You never know, Harbaugh or Leavitt could fall in love with him as a player and push Baalke to get him back, but I doubt it. Aldon Smith is locked in, Brooks has the kind of talent the new staff will want to maximize, Haralson is unpopular, but solid for now, and Gibson is going to suprise people with his ability to rush the passer and can play the DE position in the nickel packages. Lawson is too small to do.

4. Clements is a hot topic as well. He had a terrible season last year, but he has some traits that will make the new staff want him here. He is excellent in fun support, his work ethic is second to none, his leadership is invaluable, and his career stats seem to indicate that he will bounce back from last year. Plus, if we can generate a better rush this year he will look like an all-pro again. Many of the plays that he was "burned" on last year were plays that lasted so long that most CBs wouldn't have been able to maintain coverage. If we make a run at Nnamdi to pair with him he can get over the top help from the safeties as well. This is all predicated on him taking a pay cut, which is more likely than most of you think. He has already received his guaranteed money so the team can cut him for free. He'll never get the type of contract he has now after last season. It benefits him to restructure.

5. Buck, your analysis was amazing. We differ on some matters of opinion, but I respect your reasoning. Thanks for responding so eloquently.

Crap, I forgot to talk about the Fullback discussion. Norris' days seem numbered but he still has a chance to be back. Miller is an intriguing prsopect and I REALLY hope he makes a smooth transition but it is probably foolish to think he can step in and start day one. He will be a special teams guy from the get go and could be a big suprise as a situational passer. I desperately want him to be the NFL version of Marecic at Stanford. That being said, the team will need a FB to fill the gap as Miller develops. Plans might already be in the works to have Byham work back there which seems logical. Walker probably doesn't fit given that blocking is still his weakness. If Byham and Miller prove to be able to man the post we can cut Norris and save a roster spot for a sixth receiver or an additional CB. If the learning curve takes time Norris or another vet will have to fill that gap.

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
EXCELLENT POST! This post and the smart feedback is the BEST one since the draft ended, Thanks!

One pont, I thought Miller was to transition not to FB but to ILB to eventually replace Spikes. Any thoughts?

I heard the same thing but only once....and not from the Niners. I think that would be a really good idea that should be explored, especially if Spikes doesn't return.

Originally posted by nw9erfan:

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
EXCELLENT POST! This post and the smart feedback is the BEST one since the draft ended, Thanks!

One pont, I thought Miller was to transition not to FB but to ILB to eventually replace Spikes. Any thoughts?

I heard the same thing but only once....and not from the Niners. I think that would be a really good idea that should be explored, especially if Spikes doesn't return.

That might end up being the best move of all actually! And great stuff Karma...thanks for starting and adding more to this thread!

Originally posted by Karma:
I wanted to comment on a few points that people have raised since I checked in here last time:

1. Ginn is in a precarious position. He was a fantastic punt returner last year but left plenty to be desired as a kick returner and as a receiver. Harbaugh and Seely obviously want to emphasize Special Teams, but they also need versatility. Harbaugh has been charged with fixing the passing game and Ginn may just be a liability. His route running has always been sloppy and he still has way too many drops. I am a huge Ohio State fan and I have loved Ginn since his days there but other receivers bring more to the table. Johnson comes in with an established relationship with Morton. Williams is a relative unknown because of injuries last year but his skill set seems to fit the WCO perfectly. Lastly, we always seem to underestimate Ziegler. Ginn has the most to prove coming in this year and as Buck pointed out the team could definitely bring in another guy or two to push the group.

2. Boone's position on the team has been questioned but I see a guy that has improved every step of the way. Sims is too old and Snyder is sketchy at best as a tackle. Boone played well at the end of the season and I think he will have Solari singing his praises to the new coaching staff.

3. Free Agency will be interesting to say the least. This lockout is pissing me off. Everyone seems to be unanimous in bringing Spikes back. McDonald is another guy that seems likely to return, especially with Tomsula wanting continuity and the team ignoring the position in the draft. Franklin, in my opinion is a huge priority. Some of you feel that his skill set doesn't translate into Fangio's system, but RJF's lack of experience and Willis' urging should win in. Ultimately Franklin is not a push the line NT, but he holds the line very well. Baas is a guy I didn't mention in my original post as a priority, but it is looking more like he will be coveted. Heitmann's health is an unknown and Baas was excellent last year. The last thing this team needs is to press a converted rookie tackle into action immediately. Goldson is the hardest to project. As some of you have pointed out he is coming off a down year and might sign for a reasonable amount and the other safeties lack experience, but teams may offer him enough to pry him away based on his projected value as a ballhawk. It would be great to see him become the player we have seen flashes of, so we will see how it plays out. Finally, Lawson has gotten plenty of love. Count me among his fans but I just don't see it happening. The position has a premium on pass rushing and he simply doesn't fit the bill. Teams will also be offering substantial contracts to him as an above average coverage linebacker and run supporting edge. Keeping him would mean that we have less to offer our other guys or Free Agents we covet. You never know, Harbaugh or Leavitt could fall in love with him as a player and push Baalke to get him back, but I doubt it. Aldon Smith is locked in, Brooks has the kind of talent the new staff will want to maximize, Haralson is unpopular, but solid for now, and Gibson is going to suprise people with his ability to rush the passer and can play the DE position in the nickel packages. Lawson is too small to do.

4. Clements is a hot topic as well. He had a terrible season last year, but he has some traits that will make the new staff want him here. He is excellent in fun support, his work ethic is second to none, his leadership is invaluable, and his career stats seem to indicate that he will bounce back from last year. Plus, if we can generate a better rush this year he will look like an all-pro again. Many of the plays that he was "burned" on last year were plays that lasted so long that most CBs wouldn't have been able to maintain coverage. If we make a run at Nnamdi to pair with him he can get over the top help from the safeties as well. This is all predicated on him taking a pay cut, which is more likely than most of you think. He has already received his guaranteed money so the team can cut him for free. He'll never get the type of contract he has now after last season. It benefits him to restructure.

5. Buck, your analysis was amazing. We differ on some matters of opinion, but I respect your reasoning. Thanks for responding so eloquently.

Agree...and just to emphasize one of your points.... This new coaching staff places a premium on guys who work really hard and love the game. I think Boone fits this description well and because of that will make the team.

Just because some guys have talent doesn't necessarily mean they are going to be on the roster this year. I wonder about guys like Haralson, Brooks, Clements, T. Brown, and particularly Rachal. Unless these guys show that they really want to improve their games, they could be out.

That being said, a guy like Spikes, although a little long in the tooth, absolutely loves the game and because of that, may still stick.

Even with the lockout, I think you might see more turnover on the roster than we might have initially thought. Look for Harbaugh/Baalke type guys that are on the final cut board to get picked up by the Niners.

Great post, Karma!....and a tip of the cap to.....NCommand, Buck, and PTulini... Nice contributions, guys.

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
EXCELLENT POST! This post and the smart feedback is the BEST one since the draft ended, Thanks!

One pont, I thought Miller was to transition not to FB but to ILB to eventually replace Spikes. Any thoughts?

not to jump in but no, Bowman and McKillop will be penciled in as the ILB's. Both also offer great value on ST as well. Now what might save Miller is his ability to jump into the D in a pinch-he could be the #5ILB and #5/6 OLB

One more twist of irony to throw in here....

Most NFL observers feel that teams with a new coaching staff like the Niners are most likely to be hurt by an extended lockout because it decreases the time they can implement and teach their new systems.

In the case of the Niners, the above may indeed be true. However, the longer the lockout continues, the more likely it is that their free agents such as Franklin, Baas, McDonald, Spikes, A Smith, and Goldson stay with the team because they won't have time to go to a new team (and a new city), move their families, and learn their new systems.

Just a thought.

Cheers....

Originally posted by nw9erfan:
One more twist of irony to throw in here....

Most NFL observers feel that teams with a new coaching staff like the Niners are most likely to be hurt by an extended lockout because it decreases the time they can implement and teach their new systems.

In the case of the Niners, the above may indeed be true. However, the longer the lockout continues, the more likely it is that their free agents such as Franklin, Baas, McDonald, Spikes, A Smith, and Goldson stay with the team because they won't have time to go to a new team (and a new city), move their families, and learn their new systems.

Just a thought.

Cheers....

Alex wants to stay, Spikes wants to stay, Ray Mac probably wants to stay, Baas would be smart to stay, Goldson thinks he's worth top money-probably wont stay.

Originally posted by nw9erfan:

Originally posted by Karma:
I wanted to comment on a few points that people have raised since I checked in here last time:

1. Ginn is in a precarious position. He was a fantastic punt returner last year but left plenty to be desired as a kick returner and as a receiver. Harbaugh and Seely obviously want to emphasize Special Teams, but they also need versatility. Harbaugh has been charged with fixing the passing game and Ginn may just be a liability. His route running has always been sloppy and he still has way too many drops. I am a huge Ohio State fan and I have loved Ginn since his days there but other receivers bring more to the table. Johnson comes in with an established relationship with Morton. Williams is a relative unknown because of injuries last year but his skill set seems to fit the WCO perfectly. Lastly, we always seem to underestimate Ziegler. Ginn has the most to prove coming in this year and as Buck pointed out the team could definitely bring in another guy or two to push the group.

2. Boone's position on the team has been questioned but I see a guy that has improved every step of the way. Sims is too old and Snyder is sketchy at best as a tackle. Boone played well at the end of the season and I think he will have Solari singing his praises to the new coaching staff.

3. Free Agency will be interesting to say the least. This lockout is pissing me off. Everyone seems to be unanimous in bringing Spikes back. McDonald is another guy that seems likely to return, especially with Tomsula wanting continuity and the team ignoring the position in the draft. Franklin, in my opinion is a huge priority. Some of you feel that his skill set doesn't translate into Fangio's system, but RJF's lack of experience and Willis' urging should win in. Ultimately Franklin is not a push the line NT, but he holds the line very well. Baas is a guy I didn't mention in my original post as a priority, but it is looking more like he will be coveted. Heitmann's health is an unknown and Baas was excellent last year. The last thing this team needs is to press a converted rookie tackle into action immediately. Goldson is the hardest to project. As some of you have pointed out he is coming off a down year and might sign for a reasonable amount and the other safeties lack experience, but teams may offer him enough to pry him away based on his projected value as a ballhawk. It would be great to see him become the player we have seen flashes of, so we will see how it plays out. Finally, Lawson has gotten plenty of love. Count me among his fans but I just don't see it happening. The position has a premium on pass rushing and he simply doesn't fit the bill. Teams will also be offering substantial contracts to him as an above average coverage linebacker and run supporting edge. Keeping him would mean that we have less to offer our other guys or Free Agents we covet. You never know, Harbaugh or Leavitt could fall in love with him as a player and push Baalke to get him back, but I doubt it. Aldon Smith is locked in, Brooks has the kind of talent the new staff will want to maximize, Haralson is unpopular, but solid for now, and Gibson is going to suprise people with his ability to rush the passer and can play the DE position in the nickel packages. Lawson is too small to do.

4. Clements is a hot topic as well. He had a terrible season last year, but he has some traits that will make the new staff want him here. He is excellent in fun support, his work ethic is second to none, his leadership is invaluable, and his career stats seem to indicate that he will bounce back from last year. Plus, if we can generate a better rush this year he will look like an all-pro again. Many of the plays that he was "burned" on last year were plays that lasted so long that most CBs wouldn't have been able to maintain coverage. If we make a run at Nnamdi to pair with him he can get over the top help from the safeties as well. This is all predicated on him taking a pay cut, which is more likely than most of you think. He has already received his guaranteed money so the team can cut him for free. He'll never get the type of contract he has now after last season. It benefits him to restructure.

5. Buck, your analysis was amazing. We differ on some matters of opinion, but I respect your reasoning. Thanks for responding so eloquently.

Agree...and just to emphasize one of your points.... This new coaching staff places a premium on guys who work really hard and love the game. I think Boone fits this description well and because of that will make the team.

Just because some guys have talent doesn't necessarily mean they are going to be on the roster this year. I wonder about guys like Haralson, Brooks, Clements, T. Brown, and particularly Rachal. Unless these guys show that they really want to improve their games, they could be out.

That being said, a guy like Spikes, although a little long in the tooth, absolutely loves the game and because of that, may still stick.

Even with the lockout, I think you might see more turnover on the roster than we might have initially thought. Look for Harbaugh/Baalke type guys that are on the final cut board to get picked up by the Niners.

Great post, Karma!....and a tip of the cap to.....NCommand, Buck, and PTulini... Nice contributions, guys.

Exactly. THe thing that excites me the most about the offseason moves, limited as they have had to be, is that there is a first foot forward to establishing a team philosophy that can be produced by this coaching staff. THe Patriots have maintained long lasting success because they put a system in place and then brought in guys to fill in a specific purpose. Having physical freaks at positions has never been the mark of champions. Niner players now need to be:

1. Football "gym rats". You better know the game and be willing and able to learn the facets of your position and possibly others.
2. Competitors - Harbaugh having a throwing contest with Kaepernick brings a smile to my face. Winning isn't about who's the best, it's about who wants it more.
3. Versatile - THis regime doesn't want guys that isolate themselves in one position. When you have guys that CAN play multiple positions you have a team of guys that know the responsibilities of the teammates around you. This makes blocking schemes easier to adjust for the players on the fly, it makes QBs and WRs lnik their thought processes, and so on.


The point is that You want your coaches to be able to recognize effort and talent in the depth chart and have the ability to coach the younger players up to what the team needs. I could conceivably see Adams and Holcomb starting and flourishing, not because they are the most talented, but because Donatell has them playing exactly the assignments that the schemes need. THAT is what coaching should be and that is what I could see happening.

Originally posted by jreff22:

Originally posted by nw9erfan:
One more twist of irony to throw in here....

Most NFL observers feel that teams with a new coaching staff like the Niners are most likely to be hurt by an extended lockout because it decreases the time they can implement and teach their new systems.

In the case of the Niners, the above may indeed be true. However, the longer the lockout continues, the more likely it is that their free agents such as Franklin, Baas, McDonald, Spikes, A Smith, and Goldson stay with the team because they won't have time to go to a new team (and a new city), move their families, and learn their new systems.

Just a thought.

Cheers....

Alex wants to stay, Spikes wants to stay, Ray Mac probably wants to stay, Baas would be smart to stay, Goldson thinks he's worth top money-probably wont stay.

I think most of our FAs want to stay. It says more about Harbaugh that ALex, the most polarizing and demonized player on the team, has pulled a 180 and is now going to return. I'm not sure how it will play and and I certainly don't want to turn this into an Alex thread, but that is quite a feat of salesmanship.

That being said, this lockout hurts this team everyday because of the need to change the systems. We are going to have to be patient with this staff, but I guarantee every team has contingency plans. I'm sure there are secret meetings, unit "practices" and so forth. The coaches don't really have a horse in the race in this dispute and the players know that if they don't get as much under-the-table work done that they won't be playing next year. I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but book that.

Originally posted by Karma:

Originally posted by jreff22:

Originally posted by nw9erfan:
One more twist of irony to throw in here....

Most NFL observers feel that teams with a new coaching staff like the Niners are most likely to be hurt by an extended lockout because it decreases the time they can implement and teach their new systems.

In the case of the Niners, the above may indeed be true. However, the longer the lockout continues, the more likely it is that their free agents such as Franklin, Baas, McDonald, Spikes, A Smith, and Goldson stay with the team because they won't have time to go to a new team (and a new city), move their families, and learn their new systems.

Just a thought.

Cheers....

Alex wants to stay, Spikes wants to stay, Ray Mac probably wants to stay, Baas would be smart to stay, Goldson thinks he's worth top money-probably wont stay.

I think most of our FAs want to stay. It says more about Harbaugh that ALex, the most polarizing and demonized player on the team, has pulled a 180 and is now going to return. I'm not sure how it will play and and I certainly don't want to turn this into an Alex thread, but that is quite a feat of salesmanship.

That being said, this lockout hurts this team everyday because of the need to change the systems. We are going to have to be patient with this staff, but I guarantee every team has contingency plans. I'm sure there are secret meetings, unit "practices" and so forth. The coaches don't really have a horse in the race in this dispute and the players know that if they don't get as much under-the-table work done that they won't be playing next year. I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but book that.

Because Kap lives close I'm sure Jim has figured out ways to have "bro dates".

I see many fans are cynics in regards to the draft in the respect that these are projects and less proven then other more hyped players. I would be also were these type players drafted by the previous coaching staffs. Wheras Nolan, for example, drafted on the basis of this guy is fast or just hope, these present players have more then raw abilities and were chosen for their intangibles as well as their raw abilities. Sing and Nolan would consider training like tossing bananas to an ape. I think from where Baalke is coming from is that they picked the best they could but with the gold star attributes, the willingness to learn and the character to become players was just as important then superb skills with the mindset of a guy like Mallet or Ryan Leaf. Even without the gold star attributes, these guys have plenty of raw ability also so until proven wrong I think I would choose to believe we have done well.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by nw9erfan:

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
EXCELLENT POST! This post and the smart feedback is the BEST one since the draft ended, Thanks!

One pont, I thought Miller was to transition not to FB but to ILB to eventually replace Spikes. Any thoughts?

I heard the same thing but only once....and not from the Niners. I think that would be a really good idea that should be explored, especially if Spikes doesn't return.

That might end up being the best move of all actually! And great stuff Karma...thanks for starting and adding more to this thread!

In a world of fantasy, well in my fantasy world, Mr. Miller would be throw back player---the starting full back on offense, and situational pass rusher on defense.

Living in South American, in Chile, I have not been able to follow college football very well. Nevertheless, my sense is that, in his time at Stanford and San Diego State, Harbaugh has shown a intellectual flexibility that would allow him to let Miller play on both sides of the ball. In fact, I believe that Harbaugh would love to have such a player.


I agree with the opinions about the quality of this thread. It truly lacks the hubris and ego that rage in many threads about the team. Kudos to Karma and all those that have participated.

Originally posted by buck:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by nw9erfan:

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
EXCELLENT POST! This post and the smart feedback is the BEST one since the draft ended, Thanks!

One pont, I thought Miller was to transition not to FB but to ILB to eventually replace Spikes. Any thoughts?

I heard the same thing but only once....and not from the Niners. I think that would be a really good idea that should be explored, especially if Spikes doesn't return.

That might end up being the best move of all actually! And great stuff Karma...thanks for starting and adding more to this thread!

In a world of fantasy, well in my fantasy world, Mr. Miller would be throw back player---the starting full back on offense, and situational pass rusher on defense.

Living in South American, in Chile, I have not been able to follow college football very well. Nevertheless, my sense is that, in his time at Stanford and San Diego State, Harbaugh has shown a intellectual flexibility that would allow him to let Miller play on both sides of the ball. In fact, I believe that Harbaugh would love to have such a player.


I agree with the opinions about the quality of this thread. It truly lacks the hubris and ego that rage in many threads about the team. Kudos to Karma and all those that have participated.

This thread needs to be bumped, IMHO, because of the many thoughtful and intelligent posts it contains. Worth reading several times.

Specifically as to your point regarding Miller playing both ways--I too hope it works out that way. It would be like having a guy who could kick both punts and FGs--a two position guy who can save a roster spot. Only difference is that he plays one position of each side of the ball. Its a long shot, but if it works, Harbaugh will look genius. Miller looks like the kind of guy who could pull it off, although he'd probably be confined to very limited reps on D.

As to the D line, and NCommand's very intelligent and thoughtful post above, I wonder if the plan isn't to move Soap to NT. Then they'd have MacDonald, Soap and Justin Smith, flanked by Brooks and Aldon Smith, and backed by Willis and Bowman. That's an extremely fast, athletic, versatile, and aggressive front seven--built for the kind of schemes Fangio can create. Put some fast CBs and ballhawking safeties behind them and it could be alot of fun to watch.

The OL: Interesting that not one but TWO OL were drafted this year. Tells me that the OL group was much weaker than anyone imagined, even after the addition of two rookies last year. I'd love to know what Solari's input was, but I bet he loves Kilgore's mean streak. Drafting two OL (even at the expense of a rookie NT) tells me that Harbaugh wants to address a fundamental weakness of the team first (the OL), and that he expects the OL to play alot better. Also confirms what we all thought, Harbaugh is the real deal at HC.

The sometimes overly intense criticism of the Niner's draft this year shows that there are still many fans who seem to think that the BPA approach means finding some "big name" guy and just plugging him into the lineup somewhere, then expecting instant success. "All we needed was Patrick Peterson to turn this into a top five defense." As if Peterson would suddenly cure everything on the defensive side. (The Nolan approach--sign a big name FA and plug him into the lineup and expect instant improvement, while ignoring development of younger players and intelligent game planning.)

That was one of many mistakes Singletary made last year--plugging two first round picks into the OL and expecting that they'd suddenly play like all pros, and expecting that the OL would instantly improve. Then he apparently undermined whatever progress the OL might have made by playing favorites with Rachal.

Glad to see that competition and teamwork seem more important to Harbaugh.

Go Niners.

Originally posted by oldninerdude:
Specifically as to your point regarding Miller playing both ways--I too hope it works out that way. It would be like having a guy who could kick both punts and FGs--a two position guy who can save a roster spot. Only difference is that he plays one position of each side of the ball. Its a long shot, but if it works, Harbaugh will look genius. Miller looks like the kind of guy who could pull it off, although he'd probably be confined to very limited reps on D.

Speaking of fantastic posts! Man it's good to see an OND post again!

I'd like to start off by saying my eyebrows raised when I heard how successful this guys was in college as a pass rusher and then heard he would be converted to a FB (some reports say he wasn't thrilled with this; others allude to he was). He "sounds" like an ideal inside pass rushing LB next to Willis who can also play outside like Brooks and Aldon Smith. I'm very curious to see if this works out and if we pick up any undrafted FA FB's! But I must admit I winced at the thought that we were going back to the Nolan team philosophy of a jack-of-all-trades-is-a-master-of-none esp. during a time when we needed "specialists" not "general practitioners" playing in these critical offensive/defensive schemes.

Originally posted by oldninerdude:
As to the D line, and NCommand's very intelligent and thoughtful post above, I wonder if the plan isn't to move Soap to NT. Then they'd have MacDonald, Soap and Justin Smith, flanked by Brooks and Aldon Smith, and backed by Willis and Bowman. That's an extremely fast, athletic, versatile, and aggressive front seven--built for the kind of schemes Fangio can create. Put some fast CBs and ballhawking safeties behind them and it could be alot of fun to watch.

Now THIS is an excellent point and I'm sure a huge topic of dicussion for Tomsula who had ended the back-and-forth mind games with Sop from DE to NT to DE to NT, etc. He has settled in at the LDE spot and to my calculations has done and gotten better each year at what was being asked of him. BUT, we have a FA on our hands who we don't want to let go who has much more natural pass rushing skills then Sopoaga (though Sopoaga may just be untested at this juncture d/t his role under Manusky). So if we sign McDonald, do we make claims that he has a real shot at starting at LDE? How is he against the run? Can he tie up blockers for stunts in/outside? Can he direct RB's towards the "help?" Can he hold the point or is he only an attacker and if so, is that what Fangio wants from his DL now? Ohhhh, so many questions!

If I "had" to make an educated guess here, I see McDonald becoming a starter somewhere else on a 4-3 team or splitting time with Sopoaga to maximize his pass rushing skills. That said, I also see Fangio using Sopoaga more as an upfield pass rusher as well. There was a time the Niners D lived in the oppositions backfield via penetration. Maybe that time is returning?

Originally posted by oldninerdude:
The OL: Interesting that not one but TWO OL were drafted this year. Tells me that the OL group was much weaker than anyone imagined, even after the addition of two rookies last year. I'd love to know what Solari's input was, but I bet he loves Kilgore's mean streak. Drafting two OL (even at the expense of a rookie NT) tells me that Harbaugh wants to address a fundamental weakness of the team first (the OL), and that he expects the OL to play alot better. Also confirms what we all thought, Harbaugh is the real deal at HC.

I wonder if this too is more of a FA sign than anything. Baas can command great money now and we end up drafting a guy that sounds like his twin when you compare both rookie cards esp. re: the "mean streak." Obviously, the RG spot is being heavily reviewed right now and it's open season.

I would love someone who REALLY knows the Standford/Harbaugh teams to clue us in on how their players were used on game day (schemes, designs, specific players, game-planning, etc.) and how that might translate to our personnel and what HarBaalke will try to employ here. This would make for a very interesting topic as we transition out of SingleNoWin to HarBaalke!

[ Edited by NCommand on May 4, 2011 at 15:40:04 ]