Rising Players

Originally posted by NCommand:
Alright, I'll edit as we go but who are your early picks of players that may make a huge jump next season and why (whether that's from an injury to strong contributions on the field or PS player or red-shirted rookie to key role player or starter). How about some other young gun surprises? This thread is about rising players for US even if they are just a crucial "role player" for us b/c as you know, every Superbowl team has to have a number of these guys. It could even include players who push and win starting roles that came out of nowhere (ala Brown a few years ago).

Examples in the recent past were Boone and Williams (both PS players) and Brock and Wilhoite and Skuta (some UDFA's).

My original dark-horses where as follows: Two dark-horse guys I'm keeping a close eye on are OT Luke Marquardt (placed on I.R. again) b/c we need a real swing T and he's described, "He's 6-8, 315 pounds with nary an ounce of fat" and RB Jewel Hampton (obviously Hyde erasing his chances here) who had a great pre season and is hungry (he'll surprise b/c of all the talk about Gore, Lattimore, Hunter and James). He seemed to have some Gore in him but also has the speed to get outside. Another guy on the cusp that may surprise people is DE Lawrence Okoye with a year of training under his belt under Tomsula coaching him up.

Updates: Given the additions via FA and the Draft, I will reassess to the following. I have to be honest, in the past, I had a good eye for some surprise players but this year, it's very difficult given the known starters and depth behind them. So I'll go with some long-shots in Ian Williams, Darryl Morris, L.J. McCray, Lawrence Okoye, Quinton Dial & Derek Carrier. First, Williams was the forgotten man but he clearly won the starting NT job and was slashing through gaps while being strong enough and stout enough to hold the point. He'll regain form and be even stronger/quicker and will stand out on film. Morris is my Cooper this year. While he may not have a ton of opportunities with Ward playing Nickle/Slot, when he gets on the field in the slot, you are going to see lightning out there helping to shut down Harvin and Austin and all the other electric slot WR's. Reports are he looks bigger and stronger and even faster which is scary. He's also returning kicks as well which is ideal plus he's already our best gunner on coverage units. McCray. Who? This kid is not only going to make the 53 as a backup S but as a dynamic returner. Keep an eye out for this guy. Okoye and Dial. Okoye will have come miles from last year and is going to surprise many (longest shot though IMHO) and Dial can now play NT and DE which is critical in our front 3 and in making the 53. Carrier is going to become that H-back we've missed since Walker left and is going to surprise quite a few in here.

Other guys I expect to now become "starters" or key "role players:"
CB Culliver to win the opposite spot opposite of Brock.
CB Cook is going to push Culliver VERY hard as is the rookie D. Johnson.
CB Morris is going to win and earn that slot-CB position to start the year over Ward.
NT Williams is one determined dude and don't be surprised if he pushed Dorsey hard for the starting spot again (and wins it). Health is the concern.
NT/DE Dial should also push for a significant rotational job this year at both DE and NT but don't count out TJE either.
OLB Lemonier is a guy who got used less and less but I have a feeling he'll earn a spot in a more serious rotation with Brooks/Aldon-Skuta
OLB Skuta played great last year and was ahead of Lemonier and now if Aldon is suspended, he'll get extended time.
C Kilgore is primed and ready and experienced but Martin could be the future.
G Looney (don't count him out at C either) but with Boone's holdout, he could surprise many here. Watch out for Seymour as well.
DE Carradine is healthy and ready to play and should start to split time with Justin/McDonald on a serious basis.
RB Lattimore (Harbaugh was already prepping fans for this move right after the NFCCG) but Hyde may be the future.
TE Carrier is intriguing and I would not be surprised to see him used more in the more traditional "Walker role" on certain sets.

PS: Last year I had some guys named in Hampton, Cooper, Morris...some others like Williams, Kilgore and FB Jason Schepler.

Well, how did we do?

This is why I'm so excited about this team this year and well into the future:

This acted as my own personal prediction thread prior to TC:

After game 3 (a bit early):

My three original "dark horse" picks were OT Luke Marquardt, RB Jewel Hampton & DE Lawrence Okoye prior to the draft. But Luke got hurt, again, and placed on I.R. and we drafted Hyde and had a healthy Hunter/James. Therefore, I had to revise my original picks to the following 6 players:

Ian Williams – Ian took a while to get cleared to play and isn't a 100% back to health but he's looked active and pretty strong at the NT position and just in time as Glenn Dorsey went down. So far, so good and he has a chance to regain his starting role and be very important to our team's success.
Darryl Morris – We all knew Ward would be given every opportunity to win the slot-DB position and he has BUT Morris was neck-and-neck with him for quite a while and THEN was moved to play outside CB (like Cox). And he had an excellent break/INT last game. He's played very well and looks thicker and even faster so far which is crazy. He'll also be one of our #1 gunners again on ST.
L.J. McCray – The 53 hasn't come out but this is a real SS and consequently, he's been our #1 gunner on ST the whole preseason as well. He essential could boot off two expensive ST guys in Ventrone/Spillman while adding REAL SS skills. Fangio likes him.
Lawrence Okoye – Man, did this guy make strides from last year's preseason finale game to the first preseason game this year. Sadly, both ended the same way…in an injury; and this one was real (high ankle sprain). That said, Staley (film review confirmed) really likes him and what he's done thus far and is currently one of the 75 on the team. He has loads of potential and clearly, just needs more in-game reps and opportunities. It will be interesting to see what the coaches do with him? Inactive but on the 53? Move to the PS? Cut? Big props to Tomsula and him for the hard work and dedication!
Quinton Dial – Another one I was proud to claim (ppl thought I was nuts) but he's been even more active that Tank Carradine AND can play NT!
Derek Carrier – Ah yes, my H-back. This kid better make the team. He doesn't drop anything and can be a real mismatch for defenses!

So overall, I'm pretty happy with the dark horses I picked before training camp! They haven't disappointed me.

Here were some other bold predictions I had with – Follow-up Comments:

Other guys I expect to now become "starters" or key "role players:"
CB Culliver to win the opposite spot opposite of Brock. – I was right about this one!
CB Cook is going to push Culliver VERY hard as is the rookie D. Johnson. – Not only did he not "suck" he actually is Culliver's backup at the moment and he's looked great. And Johnson has looked very good too and is now the primary backup to Brock!
CB Morris is going to win and earn that slot-CB position to start the year over Ward. – Well, I was a bit ambitious on this one (esp. given that Ward was our #1 pick) but I'd probably be just as happy with him in the slot as I would Ward right now. He's a keeper!
NT Williams is one determined dude and don't be surprised if he pushed Dorsey hard for the starting spot again (and wins it). Health is the concern. – I was right about the health. LOL. Too bad they both didn't get a chance to compete with one another...b/c of the health.
NT/DE Dial should also push for a significant rotational job this year at both DE and NT but don't count out TJE either. – Spot on on this one!
OLB Lemonier is a guy who got used less and less but I have a feeling he'll earn a spot in a more serious rotation with Brooks/Aldon-Skuta – Well, thanks to the suspension, we're about to see a whole lot more of Lemonier and he's poised and ready.
OLB Skuta played great last year and was ahead of Lemonier and now if Aldon is suspended, he'll get extended time. – I love Skuta and he'll probably make the team and continue to contribute but right now, I have us cutting him d/t the cap savings and the growth of Lemonier and Lynch and given that Aldon will be back at some point.
C Kilgore is primed and ready and experienced but Martin could be the future. – Well damn, I was right but sadly, we have to wait awhile for the competition as Martin got hurt x2 but he certainly looked like the near-future in film study and he wasn't 100% healthy.
G Looney (don't count him out at C either) but with Boone's holdout, he could surprise many here. Watch out for Seymour as well. – Spot on on both of these dudes. The right side of the OL has been very good and Seymour is our new Snyder (just better).
DE Carradine is healthy and ready to play and should start to split time with Justin/McDonald on a serious basis. – It's safe to say, Tank showed a lot and he's going to shine come regular season rotating in with Smith.
RB Lattimore (Harbaugh was already prepping fans for this move right after the NFCCG) but Hyde may be the future. – I believe at this juncture, everyone feels like Hyde is the immediate future and Lattimore is back on the NFI sadly.
TE Carrier is intriguing and I would not be surprised to see him used more in the more traditional "Walker role" on certain sets. – He better make this team!

Other Transactions:
QB Josh Johnson – If it wasn't for Gabbert's 2M contract, he probably would be our primary backup to CK (still has a chance)
ILB Chase Thomas – This guy is eligible for the PS and has played pretty well.
ST Blake Costanzo – Bummer deal. Got hurt and cut.
G/T Al Netter – Is eligible for the PS and looked much better to me this year.
RB Alfonso Smith – Nice find and competed with Glenn Winston well.

2014 Draft:
CB/S Jimmie Ward – Welcome to the slot and backup S position, son! Keep making plays and get in that weight room.
RB Carlos Hyde – Welcome to big shoes to fill. You are our future.
C Marcus Martin – Dude is going to be our future starting C. Book it!
ILB Chris Borland – Will be an absolute ST ace for us and provide better quality at ILB.
C/G Brandon Thomas – Could be quite the steal when he straps on the boots next year.
WR Bruce Ellington – Already the #4 WR and #1 returner and could push for the #3 very soon. Can line him up anywhere including the backfield.
CB Dontae Johnson – Love this kid. He loves to hit on run support and has a bright future with us in coverage.
OLB Aaron Lynch – Welcome Ahmad Brooks 2.0 but bigger!
CB Keith Reaser – This too could be a special keeper next year.
CB Kenneth Acker – Came out of nowhere and is forcing everyone to redo their 53 projections to get him on there.
DE Kaleb Ramsey – Here is another stud that will wait a year to show up Dial/Carradine-style.
FB Trey Millard – Best FB in the draft, bar none. Wait, where have I heard that before?

UDFA's:
QB Kory Faulkner – Gave it a go but was the first cut once Johnson came on board.
ILB Shayne Skov – This dude was the "green dot" defensive player and is eligible for the PS.
OLB Morgan Breslin – Cut
S L.J. McCray – Has a very good chance to make this team!
TE Asante Cleveland – Eligible for the PS.
C Dillon Farrell – D/t the injury to Martin, this guy had a quietly good preseason and could very well make this team right now. He's looked good!
OT Fou Fonoti – Bye!

Others:
WR L'Damian Washington – Eligible for the PS.
RB Glenn Winston – Could very well make this team over James as the #3 RB esp. when you factor in cap savings/dead money.


I just want to give major props to Baalke and the scouting department, to all the young kids that worked so hard to shine and make this one of, if not THE deepest teams in the NFL...now and WELL into the future! Bravo

"Drop-the-mic" Draft (and off season).

Please add Seymore into that great list

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:

Please add Seymore into that great list

Naturally! Thanks for the keen eye!

Originally posted by NCommand:
This is why I'm so excited about this team this year and well into the future:

This acted as my own personal prediction thread prior to TC:

After game 3 (a bit early):

My three original "dark horse" picks were OT Luke Marquardt, RB Jewel Hampton & DE Lawrence Okoye prior to the draft. But Luke got hurt, again, and placed on I.R. and we drafted Hyde and had a healthy Hunter/James. Therefore, I had to revise my original picks to the following 6 players:

Ian Williams – Ian took a while to get cleared to play and isn't a 100% back to health but he's looked active and pretty strong at the NT position and just in time as Glenn Dorsey went down. So far, so good and he has a chance to regain his starting role and be very important to our team's success.
Darryl Morris – We all knew Ward would be given every opportunity to win the slot-DB position and he has BUT Morris was neck-and-neck with him for quite a while and THEN was moved to play outside CB (like Cox). And he had an excellent break/INT last game. He's played very well and looks thicker and even faster so far which is crazy. He'll also be one of our #1 gunners again on ST.
L.J. McCray – The 53 hasn't come out but this is a real SS and consequently, he's been our #1 gunner on ST the whole preseason as well. He essential could boot off two expensive ST guys in Ventrone/Spillman while adding REAL SS skills. Fangio likes him.
Lawrence Okoye – Man, did this guy make strides from last year's preseason finale game to the first preseason game this year. Sadly, both ended the same way…in an injury; and this one was real (high ankle sprain). That said, Staley (film review confirmed) really likes him and what he's done thus far and is currently one of the 75 on the team. He has loads of potential and clearly, just needs more in-game reps and opportunities. It will be interesting to see what the coaches do with him? Inactive but on the 53? Move to the PS? Cut? Big props to Tomsula and him for the hard work and dedication!
Quinton Dial – Another one I was proud to claim (ppl thought I was nuts) but he's been even more active that Tank Carradine AND can play NT!
Derek Carrier – Ah yes, my H-back. This kid better make the team. He doesn't drop anything and can be a real mismatch for defenses!

So overall, I'm pretty happy with the dark horses I picked before training camp! They haven't disappointed me.

Here were some other bold predictions I had with – Follow-up Comments:

Other guys I expect to now become "starters" or key "role players:"
CB Culliver to win the opposite spot opposite of Brock. – I was right about this one!
CB Cook is going to push Culliver VERY hard as is the rookie D. Johnson. – Not only did he not "suck" he actually is Culliver's backup at the moment and he's looked great. And Johnson has looked very good too and is now the primary backup to Brock!
CB Morris is going to win and earn that slot-CB position to start the year over Ward. – Well, I was a bit ambitious on this one (esp. given that Ward was our #1 pick) but I'd probably be just as happy with him in the slot as I would Ward right now. He's a keeper!
NT Williams is one determined dude and don't be surprised if he pushed Dorsey hard for the starting spot again (and wins it). Health is the concern. – I was right about the health. LOL. Too bad they both didn't get a chance to compete with one another...b/c of the health.
NT/DE Dial should also push for a significant rotational job this year at both DE and NT but don't count out TJE either. – Spot on on this one!
OLB Lemonier is a guy who got used less and less but I have a feeling he'll earn a spot in a more serious rotation with Brooks/Aldon-Skuta – Well, thanks to the suspension, we're about to see a whole lot more of Lemonier and he's poised and ready.
OLB Skuta played great last year and was ahead of Lemonier and now if Aldon is suspended, he'll get extended time. – I love Skuta and he'll probably make the team and continue to contribute but right now, I have us cutting him d/t the cap savings and the growth of Lemonier and Lynch and given that Aldon will be back at some point.
C Kilgore is primed and ready and experienced but Martin could be the future. – Well damn, I was right but sadly, we have to wait awhile for the competition as Martin got hurt x2 but he certainly looked like the near-future in film study and he wasn't 100% healthy.
G Looney (don't count him out at C either) but with Boone's holdout, he could surprise many here. Watch out for Seymour as well. – Spot on on both of these dudes. The right side of the OL has been very good and Seymour is our new Snyder (just better).
DE Carradine is healthy and ready to play and should start to split time with Justin/McDonald on a serious basis. – It's safe to say, Tank showed a lot and he's going to shine come regular season rotating in with Smith.
RB Lattimore (Harbaugh was already prepping fans for this move right after the NFCCG) but Hyde may be the future. – I believe at this juncture, everyone feels like Hyde is the immediate future and Lattimore is back on the NFI sadly.
TE Carrier is intriguing and I would not be surprised to see him used more in the more traditional "Walker role" on certain sets. – He better make this team!

Other Transactions:
QB Josh Johnson – If it wasn't for Gabbert's 2M contract, he probably would be our primary backup to CK (still has a chance)
ILB Chase Thomas – This guy is eligible for the PS and has played pretty well.
ST Blake Costanzo – Bummer deal. Got hurt and cut.
G/T Al Netter – Is eligible for the PS and looked much better to me this year.
RB Alfonso Smith – Nice find and competed with Glenn Winston well.

2014 Draft:
CB/S Jimmie Ward – Welcome to the slot and backup S position, son! Keep making plays and get in that weight room.
RB Carlos Hyde – Welcome to big shoes to fill. You are our future.
C Marcus Martin – Dude is going to be our future starting C. Book it!
ILB Chris Borland – Will be an absolute ST ace for us and provide better quality at ILB.
C/G Brandon Thomas – Could be quite the steal when he straps on the boots next year.
WR Bruce Ellington – Already the #4 WR and #1 returner and could push for the #3 very soon. Can line him up anywhere including the backfield.
CB Dontae Johnson – Love this kid. He loves to hit on run support and has a bright future with us in coverage.
OLB Aaron Lynch – Welcome Ahmad Brooks 2.0 but bigger!
CB Keith Reaser – This too could be a special keeper next year.
CB Kenneth Acker – Came out of nowhere and is forcing everyone to redo their 53 projections to get him on there.
DE Kaleb Ramsey – Here is another stud that will wait a year to show up Dial/Carradine-style.
FB Trey Millard – Best FB in the draft, bar none. Wait, where have I heard that before?

UDFA's:
QB Kory Faulkner – Gave it a go but was the first cut once Johnson came on board.
ILB Shayne Skov – This dude was the "green dot" defensive player and is eligible for the PS.
OLB Morgan Breslin – Cut
S L.J. McCray – Has a very good chance to make this team!
TE Asante Cleveland – Eligible for the PS.
C Dillon Farrell – D/t the injury to Martin, this guy had a quietly good preseason and could very well make this team right now. He's looked good!
OT Fou Fonoti – Bye!

Others:
WR L'Damian Washington – Eligible for the PS.
RB Glenn Winston – Could very well make this team over James as the #3 RB esp. when you factor in cap savings/dead money.


I just want to give major props to Baalke and the scouting department, to all the young kids that worked so hard to shine and make this one of, if not THE deepest teams in the NFL...now and WELL into the future! Bravo

"Drop-the-mic" Draft (and off season).

Frisco reminded me of this thread. Maybe we should do another one!