2014 Team Needs - Updates | Page 31

NCommand · 2014-02-21T09:05:24-08:00

FYI: For 2013 Front Office moves: http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/171861-2013-team-needs-updates/ Trent Baalke on... Free Agency - "We've never been big players in the early part of free agency. This year is no different. We feel good about the football team that we have. There are things we know we need to address and we will address." Personnel/Cap Management - Trent Baalke said. "This move (on Kilgore's extension) is another example of our philosophy to extend the contracts of our own young players." Indeed, the 49ers have a history of signing promising backups to extensions before they step into starting roles. In December 2011, they worked out an extension with right guard Alex Boone, who has started the past two seasons. In March, they extended nose guard Ian Williams, who started the first two games in 2013 before he sustained a broken ankle. In November, they signed cornerback Tramaine Brock to a four-year, $16 million extension. Brock assumed a starting role near the end of the regular season. Drafting/Player Evaluation - One of Baalke's favorite books, "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" by Malcolm Gladwell, helped the 49ers lead personnel man's approach to recent drafts, including the decision to select (Eric) Reid. Baalke explained the book's role in his draft evaluation process."The first time you look at a player, you're usually right," the general manager said. "Your gut is usually right. Through the process, you gather more and more information and you watch more and more film. And sometimes the process is so long and it's drawn out another two weeks that you end up talking yourself out of that first impression. So I always go back to the book. If you've read it, you understand where I'm coming from. And if you haven't, you should. It's a great book." Year-round Planning - This is simply how the 49ers operate (re: the Draft board 65% done by March 1st) in "offseason" mode. Preparations are year-round, leaving little room for sudden alterations. This is an excellent article for how this FO also prepared for CK's cap hit as well: Read more at http://sfo.scout.com/2/1381221.html Paraag Marathe on... Contract Negotiation Philosophy - "Both sides in a contract negotiation, both sides are using analytics and data to help support -- it's confirmation bias to the max, everybody's trying to find evidence that supports whatever theory or contract demand they want to make," he said. "They can cut it and slice it in a lot of ways that help you. "Here's one that may not help them as much (on ESPN the Magazine article noting CK's 54.6% under pressure last season, the worst mark in the NFL. Meanwhile, he was sacked on 20.2% of snaps when under duress, the fourth-worst rate among starters), so that's why I'm looking forward to reading it." Later in the discussion, Marathe was asked more generally about the importance of a quarterback to a team's success. "That's the single biggest differentiator," he said. "If you can get by with average talent, but if you have a superior quarterback, you'll see the best quarterbacks -- the Hall of Fame quarterbacks -- it doesn't matter what kind of talent they have, even if they have really bad talent around them, they're going to finish 7-9 [or] 8-8. They're never going to go 3-13." Jim Harbaugh on... Contract Extensions/Relationship with Baalke/Jed - "I've told my owner I don't want any more power," he said. Harbaugh on Baalke and the amount the talk/communicate: "daily, hourly." "We're both demanding and we want to be accountable for ourselves, for each other," Harbaugh said. "If you haven't had a brother, you probably don't understand the relationship between the GM and the head coach. We're partners on the same team. I have great respect for him. He works extremely hard at it and is very good at it. We are all part of a team. I believe in the structure we have. I don't want to change anything that we do in that regard." Harbaugh, the third highest-paid coach in the NFC West, insisted he's content with his $5 million annual salary...but thetre is no timetable for an extension. "What I do know is this: I make plenty of money," Harbaugh said. "And I don't do five times as much work as any other coach on the staff. I get paid extremely well. Jed York has always been square dealing with me. I don't think about that as an issue I've seen it written like fact: 'Harbaugh wants to be the highest paid coach in football', or 'desperately covets a new contract.' For the record: I make plenty of money. I mean, plenty of money.'" "Zero opportunity or chance of that in my mind (leaving the 49ers)." Losses: Defensive Assistant/Outside Linebackers Coach, Peter Hansen Coaches Tim Drevno & Paul Wulff OL Jonathan Goodwin (35 @ $3.16M) - Cut SS Donte Whitner - Signed with the loser Browns for 4-year, $28M range, per @RapSheet. AB81Rules expected that we'd resign him to a 3-year deal, worth $15M, a $5M base average (good reference for how much the Brown's are getting ripped off). CB Terell Brown - Signed a 1-year $3.5M contract with the loser, Raiders. CB Carlos Rogers - Released and will be completely off the books accounting for an extra $6.6M on June 1st in salary cap relief. Also signed with the loser Raiders (where Niner's go to die - the Black Hole). WR Mario Manningham - Signed with the loser Giants. RB Anthony Dixon - Signed with some loser team like the rest. QB Colt McCoy - Unrestricted and gone (27 @ $1.44M); signed with the Redskins. FB Alex Debniak & WR Brandon Carswell - Cut OLB Darius Fleming, DT Christian Tupou, WR DeMarco Sampson & CB Dax Swanson - Cut CB Eric Wright - Retired G Fou Fonoti - Waived, injured QB Kory Faulkner - Waived WR Jon Baldwin - Waived Morris/Seymour/Winston - Notable losses to the Texans & Browns WILL Aldon Smith - Lost to a 9-game suspension RB LaMichael James - Granted his release DE DeMarcus Dobbs - Waived RB Marcus Lattimore - Retired LDE Ray McDonald - Cut Neutral: ST/WR Kassim Osgood - Will be on-again, off-again for ST needs all year QB Josh Johnson - Will be on-again, off-again for QB needs all year ST/S Bubba Ventrone - Will be on-again, off-again for QB needs all year Gains/Moves: Clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the agents of players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. No contracts can be signed until March 11 at 1 p.m. (PT). Another great resource for contract details: http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/yearly/ 2015 Draft Picks - # 7 inlcuding the 4th back that we lost for Stevie Johnson. 2014 Draft Picks - 11 picks with 6 in the first 100. CB Tramaine Brock - Signed to a 4-year, $16M extension (last 2013 move back in November) WR Jon Baldwin - Base salary in 2014 is now $645k (down from $1.4M). $755 available in (unreachable) incentives. S Craig Dahl - Base salary has been reduced from $1.35M down to $825,000. That would be a $525,000 savings, plus he may have had his $250,000 roster bonus, and $50,000 workout bonus eliminated, which would make the savings as much as $825,000. C Daniel Kilgore - The 49ers signed Kilgore, 26, to 3-year extension today that could keep the 2011 fifth-round pick with the team through 2017. The contract averages $1.8M per season with escalators of $900K available in the last two years, plus $900K in incentives in '17. DK's 2014 base is guaranteed and he also has a separate $600K roster bonus due April 1st, 2015 guaranteed for injury. WR Anquan Boldin - Signed a two-year contract @ $12M with $9M guaranteed. Matt Maiocco: Anquan Boldin's first year cap number is $2.364M. Deal is actually 5 years (for cap reasons) but voids after 2 years. Secondary/Assistant Defensive Coach Ed Donatell - Agreed to a two-year deal. If Donatell signed just a one-year extension, he could have been a candidate for defensive coordinator jobs next year. But the 49ers coveted him and clearly made it worth his while to stick around for the next two years. Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio - The FO has extended Fangio through 2015. ILB Michael Wilhoite - Exclusive rights (will be back). 13 players signed to reserve/future contracts - Those players include: QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, RB Jewel Hampton, WR Devon Wylie, WR DeMarco Sampson, WR David Reed, WR Chuck Jacobs, OG Al Netter, OT Carter Bykowski, DT Christian Tupou, NT Mike Purcell, CB Dax Swanson, SS D.J. Campbell & P Colton Schmidt DE Demarcus Dobbs - #49ers expected to place lowest level tender ($1.4M) on RFA defensive end Demarcus Dobbs. First reported by @TomPelissero. K Phil Dawson - AB81Rules projected a 1-year deal, worth $2.5M, with a $1M signing bonus, a $100,000 workout bonus, and a $1.4M base salary. Updating previous reports, San Francisco 49ers PK Phil Dawson received a two-year, $6.134 million deal with a $2 million signing bonus. He receives $3 million in the first year and can earn $25,000 in incentives each year. SS Antoine Bethea - #49ers have reached agreement with Antoine Bethea on a four-year deal worth $21M per MB. Per AB81Rules: 2014- $3M ($1.25M base, $1.25M prorated bonus, $400K roster, and $100K workout)2015- $4.75M ($3M base, $1.25M prorated bonus, $400K roster, and $100K workout)2016- $5.75M ($4M base, $1.25M prorated bonus, $400K roster, and $100K workout)2017- $7M ($5.25M base, $1.25M prorated bonus, $400K roster, and $100K workout). 2014 base is fully guaranteed, 2015 is on signing, becomes fully on April 1 2015. QB Blaine Gabbert - Adam Schefter, Jacksonville traded him to SF for a 6th round pick, per sources @ $2M a year; expected to rework final year of his original contract to, potentially, serve as backup. CB Eric Wright - Resigns to a 1-year contract. Details pending. OT Jonathan Martin - The Dolphins will get a seventh-round pick in 2015 if Martin is on the opening day roster this season. The 49ers play so many six-man O-line sets (used to be Daniel Kilgore's job who is now poised to start at center), so they needed another quality sixth man." He also doubles as our swing-T and will compete with OT Luke Marquardt. CB Chris Cook - As expected, newly added cornerback Chris Cook signed a one-year deal for the league minimum $730,000, according to NFLPA records. He will count $570,000 against the salary cap. CB Chris Culliver - A source told CSNBayArea.com the 49ers plan to enter into talks with Culliver's representation on a contract extension this offseason. Culliver is entering the final season of his rookie deal. FB Bruce Miller - $645,000, along with new base salaries of $1.1 million in 2015, $1.25 million in 2016, and $1.45 million in 2017, he also received a $1.786 million signing bonus.He also is eligible for $160,000 per game roster bonuses in 2015-2017, along with $40,000 workout bonuses in 2015-2017. He also has $200,000 escalators for 2015-2017, base on making the pro bowl the previous year.The 3-year extension is worth $5.4 million. ST/WR Kassim Osgood - Osgood getting $955k base, $20k first game roster bonus. CB Perrish Cox - Has agreed to terms on one-year deal, source said (per MM). WILL Aldon Smith (FYI) - We picked up his 2015 5th-year option, worth $9.754 million, which doesn't hurt the 2014 salary cap in any way. According to MM, with the 5th-year option signed, we have him signed for 2014 and 2015. In short, we don't expect to sign him long-term any time soon. We get him cheaper now for 2 years than if we had signed him to an early LT contract and we always have the option to place the Franchise Tag on him in 2016 & 2017. Technically we could have him for 2014, 2015 at a cheap rate for a premier pass rusher and tag him in 2016 and 2017 without having to sign him to a long term deal. Good business sense. The 49ers would like to complete Kaepernick's new contract before the start of training camp in late-July. WR Brandon Lloyd - Lloyd's contract with the 49ers consists of the veteran minimum $955,000 base salary with $50,000 available through a workout bonus. His contract includes no signing bonus, the source said. He has more than the allowable amount of incentives in his contract, a source said, which means the 49ers do not receive the minimum salary benefit. Lloyd's deal counts $1.005 million against the 49ers' salary cap. WR Stevie Johnson - 6'2" 210 and runs a 4.45 (Revis & Dick-Shaker) for a conditional 4th/3rd round pick in 2015. 3 straight seasons of 1,000. Cap numbers are $3.925M ('14), $6.025M ('15), and $6.125M ('16). ILB Chase Thomas - Back with the Stanford coaches. ST Blake Costanzo - MB & MM report that he and the Tony Montana Hit Squad have rejoined the team. G/T Al Netter - resigned. OT Joe Staley - signed an extension through 2019. RB Alfonso Smith OT Michael Philipp OLB (SAM) Ahmad Brooks - RT @Jason_OTC: Looks like OLB Ahmad Brooks has restructured contract with #49ers, creating just over $2M in cap. WR L'Damian Washington RB Glenn Winston LB Kion Wilson NT Glenn Dorsey - Ian Rapoport â€@RapSheet 3h. In other news, that extension #49ers gave DT Glenn Dorsey yesterday is for 2 more years worth $6.1M in new money with $2.6M guaranteed. He is now signed through 2016. Ian Williams is signed through 2015. RG Alex Boone - According to bleacher report Boone secures 2.3 M raise over next 2 years and can't be franchise tagged in 2016. ST/WR Kassim Osgood - Brought back on a cheaper contract after initially being cut. Also, Glenn Dorsey was moved to the I.R. (designation-for-return) list. LDE Ray McDonald - The 49ers restructured and dropped Ray McDonald's salary-cap figure from $5.346M to $3.23M for this season. TE Xavier Grimble & CB Leon McFadden - Signed to the practice squad. To make room on the practice squad, the team has waived CB Chance Casey & OLB Shayne Skov. G Andrew Tiller - Signed to the PS and we waived T John Fullington. RB Kendall Hunter - Was resigned today through 2015 CB Chance Casey - Resigned RB Alfonso Smith -Resigned RB Phillip Tanner - Signed ILB Desmond Bishop - Signed CB Cameron Fuller - Signed 2014 Draft: 1. (1)(30): CB/S Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois. 4 years, $7.112M, including $3.492 million signing bonus. Note: Total of $5.722 million, including his first three years' salary, is fully guaranteed against skill, injury and cap. 2014 cap figure: $1.293 million. 2. (2)(57): RB Carlos Hyde, Ohio State. 4 years, $3.681M, including $997,584 signing bonus. Note: Total of $1.954 million, including first two years' salary, is fully guaranteed against skill, injury and cap. 2014 cap figure: $669,396. 3. (3)(70): C Marcus Martin, USC. 4 years, $3.058M, including $671,252 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: 587,813. 4. (3)(77): ILB Chris Borland, Wisconsin. 4 years, $2,897M, including $617,436 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $574,359. 5. (3)(100): C/G Brandon Thomas, Clemson. 4 years, $2.731M including $506,016 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $546,504. 6. (4)(106): WR Bruce Ellington, S. Carolina. 4 years, $2.694M, including $474,428 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $538,607. 7. (4)(129): CB Dontae Johnson, N. Carolina State. 4 years, $2.620M, including $400,544 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $520,136. 8. (5)(150): OLB Aaron Lynch, South Florida. 4 years, $2.418M, including $198,000 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $469,500. 9. (5)(170): CB Keith Reaser, Florida Atlantic. 4 years, $2.384M, including $164,800 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $461,200. 10. (6)(180): CB Kenneth Acker, SMU. 4 years, $2.340M, including $120,600 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $450,150. 11. (7)(243): DE Kaleb Ramsey, Boston College. 4 years, $2.268M, including $48,200 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $432,050. 12. (7)(245): FB Trey Millard, Oklahoma. 4 years, $2.267M, including $47,148 signing bonus. 2014 cap figure: $431,787 UDFA's: Kory Faulkner QB Shayne Skov ILB Morgan Breslin OLB - Cut L.J. McCray S Asante Cleveland TE Dillon Farrell C Fou Fonoti OT Read more at http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/nfl-draft/178469-top-udfa-signings-tracker/ The Current 53: Offense: (Injured) QB: Colin Kaepernick; Blaine Gabbert & Josh Johnson RB: Alfonso Smith; Phillip Tanner (Frank Gore & Carlos Hyde) H-Back: Asante Cleveland TE: Vernon Davis FB: Bruce Miller X: Anquan Boldin; Brandon Lloyd Y (SLOT): Quinton Patton; Stevie Johnson Z: Michael Crabtree; Bruce Ellington LOT: Joe Staley ROT: Jonathan Martin; (Anthony Davis) LG: Mike Iupati; Andrew Tiller RG: Alex Boone; Joe Looney C: Joe Looney; Dillon Farrell (Marcus Martin) Defense: (Injured) RDE: Justin Smith LDE: Tank Carradine; Tony Jerrod-Eddie NT: Quinton Dial WILL: Aldon Smith; Dan Skuta & Corey Lemonier SAM: Aaron Lynch; (Ahmad Brooks) MIKE: Nick Moody; Desmond Bishop TED: Michael Wilhoite RCB: Dontae Johnson; Keith Reaser (Chris Culliver) LCB: Perrish Cox; Marcus Cromartie (Tramaine Brock) SLOT/NICKLE: Leon McFadden FS: Eric Reid; Craig Dahl & Bubba Ventrone SS: Antoine Bethea; L.J. McCray Special Teams: LS: Kyle Nelson PK: Phil Dawson P: Andy Lee PR/KOR: Bruce Ellington; Perrish Cox & Carlos Hyde Injured Reserve: RB: Kendall Hunter WR Kassim Osgood WR: Chuck Jacobs TE: Vance McDonald TE: Derek Carrier TE: Garrett Celek G: Fou Fonoti C: Daniel Kilgore NT: Glenn Dorsey NT: Ian Williams ILB: Patrick Willis ILB: NaVorro Bowman ILB: Chris Borland CB: Kenneth Acker CB: Chris Cook DB: Jimmie Ward OT: Luke Marquardt Reserve/Non Football Injury: FB: Trey Millard OG: Brandon Thomas CB: Keith Reaser Reserve/Physically Unable To Perform DE: Kaleb Ramsey Practice Squad: OT Chris Martin WR Lance Lewis TE Xavier Grimble RB Kendall Gaskins NT Mike Purcell DE Lawrence Okoye OLB Shane Skov OLB Chase Thomas CB Cameron Fuller Cap Ramifications/Potential Cuts: No updates after Boone's extension and McDonald's restructure. Week 2: Kickoff Coverage Unit (Defensive Team) We kick off: 25 Ward, Jimmie 96 Lemonier, Corey 46 Carrier, Derek 50 Borland, Chris 14 Osgood, Kassim 09 Dawson, Phil 54 Moody, Nick 22 Cook, Chris 31 McCray, L.J. 43 Dahl, Craig 36 Johnson, Dontae Kickoff Return Unit (Offensive Team) #1 They kick off: Deep in their territory 10 Ellington, Bruce 49 Miller, Bruce 50 Borland, Chris 14 Osgood, Kassim 54 Moody, Nick 63 Jerod-Eddie, Tony 59 Lynch, Aaron 22 Cook, Chris 43 Dahl, Craig 46 Carrier, Derek 31 McCray, L.J. Kickoff Return Unit (Offensive Team) #2 They kick off: Deep in our territory 10 Ellington, Bruce 49 Miller, Bruce 50 Borland, Chris 14 Osgood, Kassim 54 Moody, Nick 63 Jerod-Eddie, Tony 43 Dahl, Craig 46 Carrier, Derek 31 McCray, L.J. 89 McDonald, Vance 51 Skuta, Dan Punt Coverage Unit (Defensive Team) We punt: 04 Lee, Andy 25 Ward, Jimmie 31 McCray, L.J. 43 Dahl, Craig 49 Miller, Bruce 51 Skuta, Dan 57 Wilhoite, Michael 54 Moody, Nick 86 Nelson, Kyle 96 Lemonier, Corey 14 Osgood, Kassim Punt Coverage Unit (Offensive Team) #1 They punt: Deep in their territory 10 Ellington, Bruce 14 Osgood, Kassim 25 Ward, Jimmie 28 Hyde, Carlos (22 Cook, Chris) 31 McCray, L.J. 36 Johnson, Dontae 43 Dahl, Craig 46 Carrier, Derek 50 Borland, Chris 54 Moody, Nick 59 Lynch, Aaron Punt Coverage Unit (Offensive Team) #2 They punt: Deep in our territory 10 Ellington, Bruce 22 Cook, Chris 14 Osgood, Kassim 52 Willis, Patrick 43 Dahl, Craig 95 Williams, Tank 54 Moody, Nick (?) 92 Dial, Quinton 63 Jerod-Eddie, Tony 59 Lynch, Aaron 36 Johnson, Dontae Total Current Cap Figure: As of 9/8/2014 (reference, AB81Rules) The 49ers are $5.025M under the cap. I'm unsure if this figure counts Boone's current return/new contract. The cap is set at $133M for 2014. Any team can carry over unused salary cap room from the prior League Year. Read more at AB81Rules: http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/98000-2014-49ers-salaries-5244-million-under-cap/ Read more at Over The Cap: http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/san-francisco-49ers 2015 Team Needs: (Order of Tier Importance: Top Tier, Second Tier & Third Tier) Top Tier: No particular order within the tiers... #1 HC/OC + Staff - New HC/OC with a professional offensive system and proven coaching staff. Many of the offensive picks will be based on players who fit that new system (i.e. WCO). #2 Z WR/Dynamic Returner - This may be priority #1 for personnel. We could probably use a speedster as well as a bigger-bodied possession WR who's got top-talent to pair with Boldin/Johnson. #3 QB - Veteran backup and hand-picked QB by the HC/OC in round 2 to fit the offensive system and develop over time (and push CK). #4 LCB & RCB/Dynamic Returner - This could be a top pick if Cox, Culliver & Cook take off esp. if he doubles as a dynamic returner. This could drop down a tier with the long-term signings of either Culliver, Cox and Cook (or all 3). #5 LT & RT - You can never have too many good T's. Second Tier: #6 SAM - This will be a bigger priority if Brooks is cut. #7 TED - Will need another backup if Wilhoite is gone. #8 RB - Whether Frank stays or goes, the new HC/OC may still want to go with Hyde and will draft another RB just in case for his system. #9 TE - We could us a tall 6'6" TE who can catch for the RZ and to split out wide. #10 LG - Could use a push-player here. #11 RDE - Could use a top talent here as well to be safe. Third Tier: # 12 NICKLE CB - It couldn't hurt to push the group we have already. Overall: I see 14 "needs" with many being taken care of well before the draft (i.e. resignings and restructuring of our own players such as Cox, Culliver, Cook, Smith, Gore, Brooks, Wilhoite, etc.). I anticipate much cap space opening up as well for us with some of these aging players moving on and the continued development of our youth-movement. I figure by the time we get to the draft, 1/2 of these 14 needs will be shored up in FA whether in-house or outside. Translastion: This is already a stacked roster, it's now an even more experienced roster due to all the injuries this year and cheap!

Apr 29, 2014 at 4:58 PM

#451

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by pasodoc9er:
Good Lord, NC. I recall reading this (but forgot), and am stunned by just how good we could be going into the draft. If we can field a 3 CB press, whether the 3rd presser is CB, S or LB, then I would say we are in great shape. I guess watching practices, not just games, JH and Trent just know so much more about what we have out there that while some guys(like me)worry, the F.O. just goes about its business, making the team better where THEY KNOW they need to. Maybe my choice of 2 CBs as our first two picks was a tad foolish. It could happen, but after reading this list again, ok, we get 1 starting CB, then the WR... The CB trent wants tho, may not be there after #15 so like last yr with Reid he goes up 15 slots...if he does that, then we know that CB is a starter out of the gate. He doesn't jump unless he really likes a guy to start.

Again it points to your really nice piece on the farm system that trent has built. One wonders just what kind of talent we do have sitting, just waiting for their chance to start. Obviously jH and Trent aren't infallible , as they would have started Brock over the guy he replaced earlier on. Still Brock ultimately got out there. But it could have been a lot sooner. The SEA game in the NFCC really impressed upon me the need for 3 press CBs or 2 CBs with a press S or LB, because it seemed they played press all game long...and there were 3 of them, not two. On the fateful pass to crabs, there were two all pros there to defend...and that ended the game. Not sure if SEA used 3 CBs or 2 with a S but whatever, it was impressive. Our guys were covered well.

I have to be honest, I may be more excited about the UDFA's we bring in and perhaps, some late "camp fodder" FA's we sign given the talent evaluation of this staff. They certainly find some gems out there and I want to spot the new ones early again (like last year, Cooper, Morris, etc.). I could certainly see us jump up to nab a CB if he is a Reid-like blue-chip rookie but the difference is, Goldson left a gaping hole there and Rogers and Brown did not. We need a blue-chip CB who can push the #2 and earn a spot outright or push the winner even more (i.e. Culliver or Wright) and make the #1-#6 that much stronger and talented.

We don't have that dilemma at S. If Reid or Bethea go down, we're screwed. Period. This is why I think the FO is going to be looking at S Calvin Pryor as the #1 should he fall into our lap around #30. Then, naturally, it's all about the deep CB and WR draft pool and other "future" starters in next year's (Leap Year). The thing I genuinely feel we need is a top S and a dynamic returner (huge hole for us) and supreme talent/competition/upside at CB and WR. But like the Pipeline listed previously, we may already have a few of these guys sitting on the roster/bench! Can you spot them?

Apr 29, 2014 at 5:52 PM

#452

LVJay
Veteran
Posts: 27,847

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by dtg_9er:
Paso--Cook is suppose to be good at press, but I really don't know. The way Donatell gets these guys to play I really think they must have an idea of what they have. One thing that may say a lot is what they do in the first round of the draft...will they trade up for a top CB? Or Pryor? But if they go WR in the first then I think the coaches are fairly happy with the depth at CB.

One thing I always try to remind myself (in my pre-draft frenzy) is they don't generally use rookies in key positions. So they may have their starters and key players already on the squad...that's what I'm trying to watch in the list of CBs. If Brock and Culliver can start, and Wright/Cox/Cook are all good backups then Morris and a draft pick this year can be groomed for a year. Not sure what to think of Swanson...

dtg_9er and Pas got me wanting to repost/update my previous post of what I call our Leap Year players. Who do you see on this list that will surprise everyone and become the next Brock, Boone, Williams, Whiloite, Skuta, Dorsey, etc.?

And just to reiterate, of the 43 AB already ID'd as locks to make the 53, we have monster competition already...even before the 6 picks in the top 100 and 11 picks overall. Now THIS is a deep roster. Before we even consider how many 2014 draftees will make the 53, 46, etc. take a look at all these players who are expected to make huge jumps this year and compete for starting positions (by positions). Here is our internal "farm system" or pipeline of players for this Leap Year:

DB's:
Cox, Perrish - Will Cox be this year's version of Brock? The guy absolutely balled out during the playoffs and s/h started over Rogers who cost us another shot at a Superbowl.
Cook, Chris - Will be competing for an outside CB position to back up Culliver/Brock/Wright and will also be a "press" CB which is a shift in philosophy for us. With S help and us playing to his strengths (press), he could be another one of those "camp fodder" players that ends up surprising.
Morris, Darryl - Will be competing with a slot CB in this year's draft for a starting role; already the best gunner on ST and don't be surprised, with his speed, that we try him out as a returner on ST.
Wright, Eric - Already the #3 and will have a full off season to hit the ground running and compete for the #2 with Culliver and Cook. He has the most NFL experience and is now familiar with the defensive playbook/coverages/calls. This off season could be his season to steal a #2 CB spot over a blue-chip rookie and Culliver while he gets back into NFL shape.
Swanson, Dax – 5'10" 186 4.44 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mdwiZjEQtC4. One NT poster has eyes for this CB so I'll be keeping my eye on him as well.
Campbell, D.J. – 6'0" 201 4.54 Scouting Report from DeUh: "I would definitely add S DJ Campbell to that list. He was a 7th round pick by the Panthers in 2012. He started their last 4 games of the season at strong safety (4-game winning streak). The issues scouts had with him were his raw instincts, his ability to make pre-snap adjustments and his ability to play the ball in the air though none of those issues were visible in those 4 games, especially against the Falcons. What scouts liked about him was his speed and tackling ability. He was also a highly touted recruit coming out of high school (had an offer from LSU). He also plays ST. In 2013 he lost his starting job to Mike Mitchell. He was then put on I.R. due to a leg injury and later waived. Signed onto Dolphins practice squad on October 18, 2013 and then signed a one year contract with us on January 7, 2014. It may be a long shot to say that he makes the team but I will definitely keep an close eye on him during Training Camp/Pre Season. Measurables include: 40 Yrd Dash 4.54 (would have been 2nd among safeties); 10 Yrd Dash 1.63; Bench 22 (would have been tied for 1st among safeties); Vertical 38 (would have been 2nd among safeties); Broad 10´07" (would have been 2nd among safeties); 20 Yrd Shuttle 4.22; and 3-Cone Drill 7.08.
Spillman, C.J. - An excellent ST but also may fit the "FS" role well which is important in today's game (vs. the SS role); Although the SS and FS positions are interchangeable in our 3-4 as well. I've always had a good feeling about this guy on the field. He just rarely gets a shot.

DL:
Williams, Ian - Welcome back kid! Now you get to face a starting competition with Dorsey and split time with him at NT. Your injury will now force Seattle to play a different kind of blocking scheme. He should be even stronger since the injury was so long ago and he is a slasher who can get into the backfield and distrupt things.
Dial, Quinton - Already got some field-time last year, will know the defense and can continue to grow under Tomsula this year. Let's watch the growth of this one closely.
Okoye, Lawrence - Speaking of growth, who is going to be more fun to watch grow in this Leap Year? I expect him to make a big jump this off season!
Carradine, Tank - High expectations for this man and he's hungry as hell esp. after getting that scar tissue removed.
Jerod-Eddie, Tony - Played very well last year and may even push Dobbs off the roster
Dobbs, Demarcus - Tendered but may not even make the team with our depth! I believe this is his 3rd year but he seems to get better each year.

LB:
Fleming, Darius - May be looked at to make the move inside but came out of college as a pass rush specialist. And we haven't given up on him yet which says something, right?
Lemonier, Corey - Already a great start last year and will be expected to step up even more this year esp. with a possible suspension of Aldon Smith
Moody, Nick - The FO liked this kid a lot and with Bowman out, he'll be leaned on heavily to step up this off season. In fact, he trained with CK all off season so perhaps with more single-high FS looks, he will play a hybrid S/LB role on passing downs while Wilhoite plays running downs until Bowman gets back.
Skuta, Dan - What a find. He is already our #3 OLB and a very good ST and will only get better; can also play inside if needed which is even more important now.
Wilhoite, Michael - Played very well for Willis and now, we expect him to play great for Bowman esp. with a full off season to develop "knowing" he'll be the starter.

QB:
Gabbert, Blaine - While he was recently signed, he is still going to have big expectations put on him given his former first round status. Reports are he is an excellent practice player as well. He will be expected to become a viable backup this year (and trade-bait in the future?)

OL:
Martin, Jonathan - Game on Snyder! There is even talks of him learning the LG position as well which cross-training, we do alot of with our OL.
Kilgore, Daniel - (2nd year/1st-year starter). Already slated to be our starting C and compete with Looney this off season.
Looney, Joe - Played well at RG in spot-duty last year and is expected to make big strides. Iupati, look out! He even has an outside chance of starting at C over Kilgore.
Seymour, Ryan - Heard good things about this G at the end of last year so keep an eye on him.
Marquardt, Luke - Already heard great things about his progress late last year; prototypical H/W/S-guy.

RB:
Hampton, Jewel - Love this guy; could surprise everyone while Lattimore gets his playing-game/legs back; will get lots of carries this off season again
Hunter, Kendall - Underused, in so many ways, unfortunately. But with talks of an expanded offense, could this bode well for Hunter finally?
James, LaMichael - Similar story to Hunter here.
Lattimore, Marcus - We all have big hopes for Marcus as a player and as a person! Gore will push him hard, train him well but won't give up a starting position that easy!

TE's/H-Back/FB:
Carrier, Derek - Watch out Celek as he may take your roster spot! We could have our next H-back formally held by Delanie Walker. Heard good things about him late last year. He too will now have a full off season to hit the ground running.
Celek, Garrett - Is going to have a heck of a time making the team this year, no doubt.
McDonald, Vance - Coaches already said they plan to incorporate him now into the passing game now that he has the entire system down and has excelled in the blocking game (run and pass)!

WR's:
Baldwin, Jon - Is expected to make big strides like Wright with a full off season and some experience in our system. This is his last shot but will have huge competition thanks to the draft/depth. But don't count this former first round draft pick. He could end up surprising some fans esp. if we do look to expand the offense.
Patton, Quinton - Man, is this guy hungry or what? Currently the #3 and may be worked into the slot more. If not, he'll have to work hard against a blue-chip X/Z WR or a more dynamic Y/Slot WR.
Sampson, DeMarco - 6'2" 204 4.41. New addition. Anyone have a scouting report and how he'd fit in with us?
Reed, David - 6'0" 191 4.46. New addition. Anyone have a scouting report and how he'd fit in with us?

ST:
Schmidt, Colton - Andy had a poor year last year by his standards and Colton will push Andy this year again.
Wylie, Devon – 5'9" 187 4.30. Could Devon be that slot WR/Dynamic Returner we've been missing? http://www.nfl.com/videos/kansas-city-chiefs/0ap2000000230928/Wylie-big-punt-return
Ventrone, Raymond, Dahl, Craig, Osgood, Kassim & Morris, Darryl - That coverage unit should be even better together in this Leap Year!

For anyone who has additional information, other players to add, scouting reports, system-role players (i.e. how'd they fit into our 53/46), etc. please add.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their contributions to this thread. It's safe to say we all have a very comprehensive perspective on our team needs and this FO has done a tremendous job signing our core players and securing our present and long-term future of being a Championship-caliber team!

Thanks!!

Apr 29, 2014 at 6:23 PM

#453

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by LVJay:
Thanks!!

Absolutely my pleasure, LV!

Apr 29, 2014 at 8:37 PM

#454

AB81Rules
Hall of Fame
Posts: 33,930

Interesting fact, only 12 pre-Baalke guys remain, add in 4 players from the 2010 draft class, and we have 16 of 73 players who weren't drafted or signed by Baalke/Harbaugh and company.

But most are big factors

Andy Lee(2004-6th)
Frank Gore(2005-3rd)
Adam Snyder(2005-3rd)
Vernon Davis(2006-1st)
Joe Staley(2007-1st)
Patrick Willis(2007-1st)
Ray McDonald(2007-3rd)
Justin Smith(2008-UFA/CIN)
Ahmad Brooks(2008-W/CIN)
Michael Crabtree(2009-1st)
Alex Boone(2009-UDFA)
CJ Spillman(2009-W/SD)
Anthony Davis(2010-1st)
Mike Iupati(2010-1st)
NaVorro Bowman(2010-3rd)
Tramaine Brock(2010-UDFA)

Of those only Cowboy, Brooks, Spillman weren't signed or drafted by the 49ers originally coming out of college. Brock and Boone were UDFAs.

Now players added after 2010.

Aldon Smith(2011-1st)
Colin Kaepernick(2011-2nd)
Chris Culliver(2011-3rd)
Kendall Hunter(2011-4th)
Daniel Kilgore(2011-5th)
Bruce Miller(2011-7th)
Michael Wilhoite(2011-FA) - Unsure if he was a UDFA by us or not
Demarcus Dobbs(2011-UDFA)
Ian Williams(2011-UDFA)
LaMichael James(2012-2nd)
Joe Looney(2012-4th)
Darius Fleming(2012-5th)
Perrish Cox(2012-FA)
Al Netter(2012-UDFA)
Garrett Celek(2012-UDFA)
Jewel Hampton(2012-UDFA)
Tony Jerod-Eddie(2012-UDFA)
Eric Reid(2013-1st)
Tank Carradine(2013-2nd)
Vance McDonald(2013-2nd)
Corey Lemonier(2013-3rd)
Marcus Lattimore(2013-4th)
Quinton Patton(2013-4th)
Quinton Dial(2013-5th)
Nick Moody(2013-6th)
Carter Bykowski(2013-7th)
Devon Wylie(2013-FA)
Kassim Osgood(2013-FA)
Will Tukuafu(2013-FA)
Dax Swanson(2013-FA)
McLeod Bethel-Thompson(2013-FA/MIN)
Derek Carrier(2013-FA/PHI)
Eric Wright(2013-FA/TB)
Ryan Seymour(2013-PS/SEA)
Anquan Boldin(2013-T/BAL)
Jon Baldwin(2013-T/KC)
Chuck Jacobs(2013-UDFA)
Darryl Morris(2013-UDFA)
Kevin McDermott(2013-UDFA)
Lawrence Okoye(2013-UDFA)
Luke Marquardt(2013-UDFA)
Michael Purcell(2013-UDFA)
Dan Skuta(2013-UFA/CIN)
Phil Dawson(2013-UFA/CLE)
Raymond Ventrone(2013-FA/CLE)
Glenn Dorsey(2013-UFA/KC)
Craig Dahl(2013-UFA/STL)
Christian Tupou(2014-FA)
David Reed(2014-FA)
DeMarco Sampson(2014-FA)
D.J. Campbell(2014-FA)
Colton Schmidt(2014-FA)
Blaine Gabbert(2014-T/JAX)
Jonathan Matrtin(2014-T/MIA)
Antoine Bethea(2014-UFA/IND)
Chris Cook(2014-UFA/MIN)

Brandon Lloyd was a 49er draft pick, but forget which year and round.

You can definitely say Justin Smith has been our biggest outside FA signing in years. Then you can make a case for Skuta, Ventrone, Osgood, and Dawson last year due to ST improving, plus emergence of Dorsey.

Hoping Bethea works out this year, same for Cook.

It's exciting to see that the main core of our team is made up of our own picks, and college signings.

Apr 29, 2014 at 9:03 PM

#455

dtg_9er
Veteran
Posts: 33,204

NC--good post and a lot to take in. Players I'll be watching this year (and hoping to see blossom):

Players who have not had a chance to show yet:
Jonathan Martin
Darryl Morris
Tank Carradine
Marcus Lattimore

Players who have given glimpses and may/need to jump up:
Quinton Patton
Daniel Kilgore
Quinton Dial

[ Edited by dtg_9er on Apr 29, 2014 at 9:06 PM ]

Apr 30, 2014 at 6:35 AM

#456

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by AB81Rules:
Interesting fact, only 12 pre-Baalke guys remain, add in 4 players from the 2010 draft class, and we have 16 of 73 players who weren't drafted or signed by Baalke/Harbaugh and company.

But most are big factors

Andy Lee(2004-6th)
Frank Gore(2005-3rd)
Adam Snyder(2005-3rd)
Vernon Davis(2006-1st)
Joe Staley(2007-1st)
Patrick Willis(2007-1st)
Ray McDonald(2007-3rd)
Justin Smith(2008-UFA/CIN)
Ahmad Brooks(2008-W/CIN)
Michael Crabtree(2009-1st)
Alex Boone(2009-UDFA)
CJ Spillman(2009-W/SD)
Anthony Davis(2010-1st)
Mike Iupati(2010-1st)
NaVorro Bowman(2010-3rd)
Tramaine Brock(2010-UDFA)

Of those only Cowboy, Brooks, Spillman weren't signed or drafted by the 49ers originally coming out of college. Brock and Boone were UDFAs.

Now players added after 2010.

Aldon Smith(2011-1st)
Colin Kaepernick(2011-2nd)
Chris Culliver(2011-3rd)
Kendall Hunter(2011-4th)
Daniel Kilgore(2011-5th)
Bruce Miller(2011-7th)
Michael Wilhoite(2011-FA) - Unsure if he was a UDFA by us or not
Demarcus Dobbs(2011-UDFA)
Ian Williams(2011-UDFA)
LaMichael James(2012-2nd)
Joe Looney(2012-4th)
Darius Fleming(2012-5th)
Perrish Cox(2012-FA)
Al Netter(2012-UDFA)
Garrett Celek(2012-UDFA)
Jewel Hampton(2012-UDFA)
Tony Jerod-Eddie(2012-UDFA)
Eric Reid(2013-1st)
Tank Carradine(2013-2nd)
Vance McDonald(2013-2nd)
Corey Lemonier(2013-3rd)
Marcus Lattimore(2013-4th)
Quinton Patton(2013-4th)
Quinton Dial(2013-5th)
Nick Moody(2013-6th)
Carter Bykowski(2013-7th)
Devon Wylie(2013-FA)
Kassim Osgood(2013-FA)
Will Tukuafu(2013-FA)
Dax Swanson(2013-FA)
McLeod Bethel-Thompson(2013-FA/MIN)
Derek Carrier(2013-FA/PHI)
Eric Wright(2013-FA/TB)
Ryan Seymour(2013-PS/SEA)
Anquan Boldin(2013-T/BAL)
Jon Baldwin(2013-T/KC)
Chuck Jacobs(2013-UDFA)
Darryl Morris(2013-UDFA)
Kevin McDermott(2013-UDFA)
Lawrence Okoye(2013-UDFA)
Luke Marquardt(2013-UDFA)
Michael Purcell(2013-UDFA)
Dan Skuta(2013-UFA/CIN)
Phil Dawson(2013-UFA/CLE)
Raymond Ventrone(2013-FA/CLE)
Glenn Dorsey(2013-UFA/KC)
Craig Dahl(2013-UFA/STL)
Christian Tupou(2014-FA)
David Reed(2014-FA)
DeMarco Sampson(2014-FA)
D.J. Campbell(2014-FA)
Colton Schmidt(2014-FA)
Blaine Gabbert(2014-T/JAX)
Jonathan Matrtin(2014-T/MIA)
Antoine Bethea(2014-UFA/IND)
Chris Cook(2014-UFA/MIN)

Brandon Lloyd was a 49er draft pick, but forget which year and round.

You can definitely say Justin Smith has been our biggest outside FA signing in years. Then you can make a case for Skuta, Ventrone, Osgood, and Dawson last year due to ST improving, plus emergence of Dorsey.

Hoping Bethea works out this year, same for Cook.

It's exciting to see that the main core of our team is made up of our own picks, and college signings.

This is fascinating AB! Thanks for this. This is how this team was really built.

Apr 30, 2014 at 6:37 AM

#457

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

dbl

[ Edited by NCommand on Apr 30, 2014 at 6:39 AM ]

Apr 30, 2014 at 6:40 AM

#458

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by dtg_9er:
NC--good post and a lot to take in. Players I'll be watching this year (and hoping to see blossom):

Players who have not had a chance to show yet:
Jonathan Martin
Darryl Morris
Tank Carradine
Marcus Lattimore

Players who have given glimpses and may/need to jump up:
Quinton Patton
Daniel Kilgore
Quinton Dial

Great one. I might have to come up with my list as well now.

[ Edited by NCommand on Apr 30, 2014 at 6:58 AM ]

Apr 30, 2014 at 6:48 AM

#459

Niners816
Veteran
Posts: 9,990

Originally posted by NCommand:
This is fascinating AB! Thanks for this. This is how this team was really built.

Brandon Lloyd was a 4th round pick in the 2003 draft. That draft always sticks in my mind cause me and a buddy of mine were debating on which WR the niners should take. He was always very high on Lloyd, and because of my affinity for FSU I was really wanting anquan boldin. If memory serves me both had 2-3 round grades and boldin's 40 time scared some teams off. Well it took a decade but I finally got my guy

Also it looks like my buddy got his guy back.

Apr 30, 2014 at 7:04 AM

#460

dtg_9er
Veteran
Posts: 33,204

Originally posted by Niners816:
Brandon Lloyd was a 4th round pick in the 2003 draft. That draft always sticks in my mind cause me and a buddy of mine were debating on which WR the niners should take. He was always very high on Lloyd, and because of my affinity for FSU I was really wanting anquan boldin. If memory serves me both had 2-3 round grades and boldin's 40 time scared some teams off. Well it took a decade but I finally got my guy Also it looks like my buddy got his guy back.

So you both win! I really liked Lloyd when he played for the niners but his tendency to check out bothered me. Made some circus catches though! This year's Boldin? Landry and I hope the niners take him. He has great hands and takes balls away from DBs.

Apr 30, 2014 at 7:21 AM

#461

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by Niners816:

Originally posted by NCommand:
This is fascinating AB! Thanks for this. This is how this team was really built.

Brandon Lloyd was a 4th round pick in the 2003 draft. That draft always sticks in my mind cause me and a buddy of mine were debating on which WR the niners should take. He was always very high on Lloyd, and because of my affinity for FSU I was really wanting anquan boldin. If memory serves me both had 2-3 round grades and boldin's 40 time scared some teams off. Well it took a decade but I finally got my guy Also it looks like my buddy got his guy back.

That is absolutely hilarious! It's sort of how we wanted Brooks in the supplemental draft and finally got him, Harbaugh wanted Owen Maracic, etc. Timing is everything!

Apr 30, 2014 at 8:24 PM

#462

LVJay
Veteran
Posts: 27,847

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by LVJay:
Thanks!!

Absolutely my pleasure, LV!

BTW, I know we have Dahl, Ventrone, Spillman as back-ups to Reid/Bethea, but what safety, do you think (in 3rd round), is potentially good enough to take away a back up spot from one of the 3 mentioned. Idk, maybe DJ Campbell can surprise us...

May 1, 2014 at 7:02 AM

#463

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by LVJay:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by LVJay:
Thanks!!

Absolutely my pleasure, LV!

BTW, I know we have Dahl, Ventrone, Spillman as back-ups to Reid/Bethea, but what safety, do you think (in 3rd round), is potentially good enough to take away a back up spot from one of the 3 mentioned. Idk, maybe DJ Campbell can surprise us...

I actually have us taking S Calvin Pryor #1 overall (for this reason). But, honestly, I'll have to defer to the experts on this one. And there are a bunch in this forum and the Draft forum. And I agree, the DJ Campbell scouting report looks really good and he has actual NFL experience. So you bring up a great point, if we don't go S as a top pick, who from the 3rd round on would be better than Campbell, Spillman, Dahl or Ventrone (he'd have to play ST's as well)?

[ Edited by NCommand on May 1, 2014 at 10:41 AM ]

May 1, 2014 at 9:33 AM

#464

AB81Rules
Hall of Fame
Posts: 33,930

To answer the question above, I think we could wait till 2015, there are some good Safeties in that class.

Landon Collins* S Alabama
Cody Prewitt S Ole Miss
Josh Havey-Clemons* S Georgia
Josh Shaw S USC
Sam Carter S TCU
Corey Moore S Georgia
Derron Smith S Fresno State
Tevin McDonald S Eastern Washington
Jon Dowling S West Virginia
Durrell Eskridge* S Syracuse

On another note, if we don't get a OG in this draft, like Brandon Thomas, or Looney doesn't step up, there are some good ones in 2015's class.

Tre Jackson OG Florida State
Jon Feliciano OG Miami(Fla.)
Landon Turner* OG North Carolina
Josue Matias OG Florida State
Vadal Alexander OG LSU
Arie Kouandjio OG Alabama
A.J. Cann OG South Carolina
Malcolm Bunche OG Miami(Fla.)
Bobby Hart OG Florida State
John Miller OG Louisville

May 1, 2014 at 9:35 AM

#465

AB81Rules
Hall of Fame
Posts: 33,930

Originally posted by Niners816:

Originally posted by NCommand:
This is fascinating AB! Thanks for this. This is how this team was really built.

Brandon Lloyd was a 4th round pick in the 2003 draft. That draft always sticks in my mind cause me and a buddy of mine were debating on which WR the niners should take. He was always very high on Lloyd, and because of my affinity for FSU I was really wanting anquan boldin. If memory serves me both had 2-3 round grades and boldin's 40 time scared some teams off. Well it took a decade but I finally got my guy Also it looks like my buddy got his guy back.

Thanks Niners816, I didn't follow the draft that closely back then, I was still in high school that last year.

I always liked Boldin. I know we tried to trade for him from Arizona, but they wanted too much, according to one of the beat writers.