2015 Team Needs

According to WalterFootball the niiners will take WR Treadwell at pick number 4 in the first round next year.LOL...it's good to be underestimated!

Originally posted by dtg_9er:
According to WalterFootball the niiners will take WR Treadwell at pick number 4 in the first round next year.LOL...it's good to be underestimated!

Clearly that kind of stuff exists for kicks. Waste of time to project who's doing what where before the first ball has kicked off for the upcoming season.

Regardless of what people feel about the team, the fact is, we were an underachieving 8-8 team. We were an underachieving, injured team in 2014. And at one of the most important positions at that, which was the O-line. Remember how Steve Young looked behind an injured O-line for the first part of the 1994 season? Give us good health at that position and we are a winning/borderline playoff team. If the picks pan out, then we could be talking about winning a playoff game or two.

I don't think we have any glaring needs in terms of starters. I would've liked an an ILB, but I can see that we probably wouldn't have added much more than what we already have unless we went to that position with one of our first two picks. I think we have a few guys that can play inside, but I've been spoiled by Patrick Willis. I am not expecting another Patrick Willis, but I would love a playmaker. I think we are ok at every other position on defense, but can use an extra nose tackle.

On the offensive side of the ball, I would like a swing tackle and a backup QB. Other than that, there are no truly glaring needs at this point. I thought offensively, we looked good going into the 2014 season, but a combination of similar type of receivers and bad usage of personnel doomed us right out of the gate (not to mention the O-line issues).

Even when drafting a finished product, the draft is a crap shoot, and even more so with the more developing player needs. But based off of the players that will be added to the mix and given what we had to replace (Gore, Willis, possibly Smith, Crabtree, Skuta, Cox, etc), I think Baalke did a decent job in filling most of the needs. The needs he filled weren't the needs that everyone else saw (CB, ILB, and OL), but more so, competition at TE (Vernon has a year left on his deal and Vance McDonald hasn't stepped up yet) and getting back to the bruising style of defense that we played in 2011. I think we have more complementary players than we did last season, even though the players last year were much more proven.

But much like our coaching staff, everything remains to be seen. I just need our draft picks to show flashes that they belong, much like Patton and Ellington did when given the chance at the end of last season. I also would like Arik Armstead to be on the game day roster.

Don't disagree...but on the other hand, it's a waste of time to watch the draft or read about any of this year's players until fall...so I just think it's interesting that the concensus or group think around NFL footballi is that the 9ers are a bunch of losers for firing Jim Harbaugh...or mutually parting ways...

But as I said...it's always better to be under estimated!

Originally posted by dtg_9er:
Don't disagree...but on the other hand, it's a waste of time to watch the draft or read about any of this year's players until fall...so I just think it's interesting that the concensus or group think around NFL footballi is that the 9ers are a bunch of losers for firing Jim Harbaugh...or mutually parting ways...

But as I said...it's always better to be under estimated!

This. Playing against teams that finished 3rd in their division last year will help some.

Not to be a giant pain in the ass but can you flag guys in their contract year on page one in the depth chart? Would be a good way to see who needs to prove it now!

For everyone who says we didn't draft a QB in the traditional sense your right; but I invite everybody to look up Blake Bells footage as a read option QB and you'll see a guy that was tebowesque when it came to picking up short yardage and 2 point conversions. If we used him this way we could save Kap a lot of wear n tear and give The Belldozer a chance to produce while he's learning to play TE.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by Young2Rice:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by Young2Rice:
None of the top three need addressed?

Huh? All three were addressed.

Oh, I didn't realize Arik was considered DT. I thought DE.

What about WR though? If we are red shirting him I don't know if i would consider that need met, for this year at least.

What about ILB?

And, btw, i'm going off the OP. Not sure if that was the latest up to date need post.

I guess it depends on your perspective of "need." But for me, Baalke nailed almost ALL of the needs coming into this draft.

Originally posted by NCommand:
So far Baalke has hit on 3-4 of our top needs through day 2 plus acquired an additional 4th rounder (117) and a 5th next year.

Top Tier: Theme = "4-down players"
OLB - This was my top need coming in and we got a 1st/2nd round-talent at pick #79 with Eli Harold. We'll have a sick rotation now with Aldon/Harold and Brooks/Lynch. Confirmed he'll play ST as well.
DE - Safe to say Baalke got his 4-tech rare 3-4 DE in Arik Armstead. He'll work in slowly on passing downs freeing up Aldon. He'll also be on block-FG teams. We also added a 4th (TE Blake Bell) and high 5th next year.
WR - We missed out on DGB just like Benjamin last year. Bummer. We needed that rare X WR who is big bodied and a playmaker outside. We got that in Boldin's heir apparent in DeAndre Smelter on the all ACL-team. He's already 6 months into his rehab but we don't "need" him until 2016.
ILB - Technically, Jaquiski Tartt fills the Kam Chancellor role of being our hybrid FS/ILB on the nickel/dime defensive sets while he grows into the SS role and also plays outstanding ST's (coverage units). Tone-setter.
RB - With Hyde, Bush, Hunter and others plus CK, and possibly moving to a ZBS, we may not even need another RB here. But the hell with that. We added Mike Davis anyhow! Baalke just closed out the top 5 needs with ease.

Second Tier:
LG - Trenton Brown clearly fits that "big-bodied pulling G."
CB - We're deep big time in numbers here and with the middle of the defense strong, insane depth in the front 7 and rotational DL and pass rushers inside and outside, the secondary may lead the league in TO's again. Look for an UDFA to be added or a post May 12th add but otherwise, this group is deep and competitive.
FS - See ILB
LT/RT - We added a beast in Ian Silberman and Dallas' 6th in 2016.
NT - We were (this close) to getting Danny Shelton. But I'm happy with how things worked out.
QB - Logan lost out on both Garrett Grayson & Sean Mannion so look to UDFA's for this camp body.

Third Tier:

PK - Bradley Pinion's leg cover P and a backup PK!

P - See PK

TE/H-Back - We added not one but two tall redzone threats in Blake Bell & Rory 'Busta' Anderson

Baalke actually ended up covering more of my top needs than my own mock draft!

In the end he didn't address NT (missed out on both Shelton and Goldman), QB and CB. But technically, we have 3 NT's on the roster right now, our #1 & #2 QB's are more than secure and we're very deep and competitive at CB (as Baalke already alluded too).

So IMHO, this was another draft that will pay dividends in packages in 2015 and starters in 2016 replacing old veterans!

I'm reposting this as a reminder that if you are upset b/c we didn't draft the players you wanted or that you thought we didn't address YOUR team needs, read above. These team needs were stated in the OP for a long time...well in advance of this draft. In the end Baalke's board aligned with these needs as well. I know Tomsula stated in watching the process that many guys, like CB, were on the board and those players ended up going right before our picks. This happened several times. So they stayed true to the board and took BPA and in the end addressed all these needs with highly talented players. Plus we ended up with 10 picks plus 2 more for next year.

Good teams don't draft for need in the first 2-3 picks. Usually the BPA is what is taken. I think that's what Baalke has been religiously doing since he got here. Some picks that were BPA that ended up also being a need is what I think fans are expecting, but with the Niners I don't think there is such a glaring need at the moment. The team went 8-8 with sooooo much injuries and we basically had 2nd and 3rd stringers playing by the end of the year.

By the way, people forgot that our offense got better in the offseason... we got rid of Greg Roman.

Here is where I feel the team stands after the draft:

Colin Kaepernick is the unquestioned starter and Blaine Gabbert is the unquestioned backup. I'm ok with the first, not ok with the second. But what could we really do about it? Very weak QB draft.

Once again, we appear to be "deep" at running back. The difference between this year and last year however is that we know at least 3 of the guys (Hyde, Bush, and Hunter) can play. Even though Hyde is likely the starter, I'd be comfortable with either of the three. Mike Davis is a welcomed addition, but my guess is that he will not be on the game day roster unless there is an injury, which is fine by me. We have the needed depth at the position, we have a mixture of ability, and most of the group is proven.

Trent Baalke feels our wide receiver group is set. We don't need to strike fear into anyone in the offseason. What we did need is the ability to strike deep and have a player that could complement Anquan Boldin's skill set. We have two in Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson. We also have two quick guys that will have the opportunity to make an impact this season in Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton. We aren't really prepared if hit by injuries, but we have 3 guys that we know that can play and two that have shown flashes in the minimal opportunities they have been given. I would've liked Jaelen Strong, but DeAndre Smelter works. We will just have to wait a year.

Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald are on notice. I expect to see the Vernon Davis from 2009 to 2013 and he should likely win the starting job. But the competition will do him some good. I like Vance McDonald, but at this point, it's mostly based on potential and he has more misses than hits. Now there are two other guys in play that have potential also, the size to be inline blockers, and H-backs if needed. So that all-important number 2 TE job in our offense is definitely up for grabs. The winner in this if all three guys step up will be Trent Baalke. I am hoping there is some kind of way we can keep Derek Carrier however.

The O-line may be the most important position going into this season, even more so that Kap. I believe in Kap (especially with protection). The question is, is this group up to the challenge of providing just average pass protection? I don't know and I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic about it. I do know that they will be healthy and will have Brandon Thomas added to the mix. I am really curious about the battles that will take place. The only spot that is assured is probably LT. It's too bad they gave Boone that extra money, because he would be the perfect swing tackle, with Thomas, Kilgore, and Martin in the middle. Marcus Martin is the perceived weak link right now. Hopefully having last year's experience will help him.


Cornerback is a position I give Trent Baalke the benefit of the doubt on. We find corners the same way Pittsburgh drafts receivers. I'd feel comfortable if we had another guy capable of starting in the mix (we always do it seems). I like Dontae Johnson and Tramaine Brock as our starters. I'm curious to see how Jimmy Ward responds this season. We also have Keith Reaser and Ken Acker in the mix, who are essentially like having draft picks. Jimmy Ward hopefully will look better with another season under his belt. Chris Cook did well in his roll last season. The talent is there, it's just there are many unknowns. I'm sorry people, but drafting more corners wasn't going to fix this. This is a situation where the season will have to play out so we can see what we have.

At safety, I am hanging this on Eric Reid's health. If he can go 16 games healthy, we should be fine. Antoine Bethea had a good season for us last year, so we are set with our starters. Backing them up, Jimmy Ward could get some work in at safety also, I am looking for LJ McCray to be one of our special teams aces, and now with the addition of Jacquiski Tartt, can we finally say bye bye to Craig Dahl? It may also mean no more Raymond Ventrone. No problems here. Get younger, faster guys that can play STs and safety when called upon.

At LB, it seems like we have a hole with Patrick Willis there, but we'll be fine with Wilhoite. I seem to recall some people saying for years we didn't need two All-Pro ILBs and that Willis would be a cap casualty. I wonder if these are the same people that are upset that Baalke didn't draft an ILB? Wouldn't surprise me in the least bit. We have talent to spare at OLB . Arguably the strongest position on the team.

I am looking forward to Jim Tomsula working his magic on AA. I didn't want the pick, but I know if anyone can get him to realize his potential, it's our head coach. For that alone, everyone should at least reserve judgment on Armstead if they preferred we didn't draft him. I expect more push from this D-line. I'm hoping our nose tackles can stay healthy. I am still not confident in our ability to contain Marshawn Lynch, but who can? I will say if we finally have an offense, there won't be so much pressure on the defense to stop Lynch anymore.

All in all, this roster has a lot of questions and unknowns. I can't say that we are a bonafied Super Bowl contender or even a playoff team. What I do feel is that this will not be a losing team. I kind of feel like we have hit the reset button and are going back to 2011 when we infused so many great players to our roster of talent from the Nolan/Singletary days. We are in a position where we will have no choice but to play the draft picks from 2013 to 2015. All eyes are on Eric Reid all the way down to our most recent UDFA signing. This season could really be Trent Baalke (and Jim Tomsula's) masterpiece if those guys step up.

Originally posted by LifelongNiner:
Here is where I feel the team stands after the draft:

Colin Kaepernick is the unquestioned starter and Blaine Gabbert is the unquestioned backup. I'm ok with the first, not ok with the second. But what could we really do about it? Very weak QB draft.

Once again, we appear to be "deep" at running back. The difference between this year and last year however is that we know at least 3 of the guys (Hyde, Bush, and Hunter) can play. Even though Hyde is likely the starter, I'd be comfortable with either of the three. Mike Davis is a welcomed addition, but my guess is that he will not be on the game day roster unless there is an injury, which is fine by me. We have the needed depth at the position, we have a mixture of ability, and most of the group is proven.

Trent Baalke feels our wide receiver group is set. We don't need to strike fear into anyone in the offseason. What we did need is the ability to strike deep and have a player that could complement Anquan Boldin's skill set. We have two in Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson. We also have two quick guys that will have the opportunity to make an impact this season in Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton. We aren't really prepared if hit by injuries, but we have 3 guys that we know that can play and two that have shown flashes in the minimal opportunities they have been given. I would've liked Jaelen Strong, but DeAndre Smelter works. We will just have to wait a year.

Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald are on notice. I expect to see the Vernon Davis from 2009 to 2013 and he should likely win the starting job. But the competition will do him some good. I like Vance McDonald, but at this point, it's mostly based on potential and he has more misses than hits. Now there are two other guys in play that have potential also, the size to be inline blockers, and H-backs if needed. So that all-important number 2 TE job in our offense is definitely up for grabs. The winner in this if all three guys step up will be Trent Baalke. I am hoping there is some kind of way we can keep Derek Carrier however.

The O-line may be the most important position going into this season, even more so that Kap. I believe in Kap (especially with protection). The question is, is this group up to the challenge of providing just average pass protection? I don't know and I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic about it. I do know that they will be healthy and will have Brandon Thomas added to the mix. I am really curious about the battles that will take place. The only spot that is assured is probably LT. It's too bad they gave Boone that extra money, because he would be the perfect swing tackle, with Thomas, Kilgore, and Martin in the middle. Marcus Martin is the perceived weak link right now. Hopefully having last year's experience will help him.


Cornerback is a position I give Trent Baalke the benefit of the doubt on. We find corners the same way Pittsburgh drafts receivers. I'd feel comfortable if we had another guy capable of starting in the mix (we always do it seems). I like Dontae Johnson and Tramaine Brock as our starters. I'm curious to see how Jimmy Ward responds this season. We also have Keith Reaser and Ken Acker in the mix, who are essentially like having draft picks. Jimmy Ward hopefully will look better with another season under his belt. Chris Cook did well in his roll last season. The talent is there, it's just there are many unknowns. I'm sorry people, but drafting more corners wasn't going to fix this. This is a situation where the season will have to play out so we can see what we have.

At safety, I am hanging this on Eric Reid's health. If he can go 16 games healthy, we should be fine. Antoine Bethea had a good season for us last year, so we are set with our starters. Backing them up, Jimmy Ward could get some work in at safety also, I am looking for LJ McCray to be one of our special teams aces, and now with the addition of Jacquiski Tartt, can we finally say bye bye to Craig Dahl? It may also mean no more Raymond Ventrone. No problems here. Get younger, faster guys that can play STs and safety when called upon.

At LB, it seems like we have a hole with Patrick Willis there, but we'll be fine with Wilhoite. I seem to recall some people saying for years we didn't need two All-Pro ILBs and that Willis would be a cap casualty. I wonder if these are the same people that are upset that Baalke didn't draft an ILB? Wouldn't surprise me in the least bit. We have talent to spare at OLB . Arguably the strongest position on the team.

I am looking forward to Jim Tomsula working his magic on AA. I didn't want the pick, but I know if anyone can get him to realize his potential, it's our head coach. For that alone, everyone should at least reserve judgment on Armstead if they preferred we didn't draft him. I expect more push from this D-line. I'm hoping our nose tackles can stay healthy. I am still not confident in our ability to contain Marshawn Lynch, but who can? I will say if we finally have an offense, there won't be so much pressure on the defense to stop Lynch anymore.

All in all, this roster has a lot of questions and unknowns. I can't say that we are a bonafied Super Bowl contender or even a playoff team. What I do feel is that this will not be a losing team. I kind of feel like we have hit the reset button and are going back to 2011 when we infused so many great players to our roster of talent from the Nolan/Singletary days. We are in a position where we will have no choice but to play the draft picks from 2013 to 2015. All eyes are on Eric Reid all the way down to our most recent UDFA signing. This season could really be Trent Baalke (and Jim Tomsula's) masterpiece if those guys step up.

Very very nice post. Agree with almost all of it. Also, check out the UDFA thread...there will be additional fierce competition there in camp at all 3 WR positions and a lot of those boys can play!

Originally posted by DarthNiner:
Good teams don't draft for need in the first 2-3 picks. Usually the BPA is what is taken. I think that's what Baalke has been religiously doing since he got here. Some picks that were BPA that ended up also being a need is what I think fans are expecting, but with the Niners I don't think there is such a glaring need at the moment. The team went 8-8 with sooooo much injuries and we basically had 2nd and 3rd stringers playing by the end of the year.

By the way, people forgot that our offense got better in the offseason... we got rid of Greg Roman.

Well stated!

Originally posted by DeUh:
Complete San Francisco 49ers 2015 NFL Draft Class / Scouting Reports



1st Pick Arik Armstead Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182237-welcome-newest-49er-1st-round-pick-arik-armstead/page34/#post510

2nd Pick Jaquiski Tartt Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182250-welcome-newest-49ers-jaquiski-tartt/page12/#post169

3rd Pick Eli Harold Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182252-welcome-newest-49er-eli-harold/page6/#post78

4th Pick Blake Bell Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182264-welcome-newest-49er-blake-bell/page3/#post39

5th Pick Mike Davis Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182266-welcome-newest-49er-mike-davis/page2/#post28

6th Pick DeAndre Smelter Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182269-welcome-newest-49er-deandre-smelter/page4/#post48

7th Pick Bradley Pinion Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182274-welcome-newest-49er-bradley-pinion/page4/#post57

8th Pick Ian Silberman Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182276-welcome-newest-49er-ian-silberman/#post15

9th Pick Trenton Brown Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182310-welcome-newest-49er-trenton-brown/#post1

10th Pick Rory Anderson Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182285-welcome-newest-49ers-rory-busta-anderson/#post2

Short reports online (also edited picture size for phone user).

Originally posted by DeUh:

Originally posted by DeUh:
Complete San Francisco 49ers 2015 NFL Draft Class / Scouting Reports

1st Pick Arik Armstead Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182237-welcome-newest-49er-1st-round-pick-arik-armstead/page34/#post510

2nd Pick Jaquiski Tartt Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182250-welcome-newest-49ers-jaquiski-tartt/page12/#post169

3rd Pick Eli Harold Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182252-welcome-newest-49er-eli-harold/page6/#post78

4th Pick Blake Bell Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182264-welcome-newest-49er-blake-bell/page3/#post39

5th Pick Mike Davis Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182266-welcome-newest-49er-mike-davis/page2/#post28

6th Pick DeAndre Smelter Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182269-welcome-newest-49er-deandre-smelter/page4/#post48

7th Pick Bradley Pinion Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182274-welcome-newest-49er-bradley-pinion/page4/#post57

8th Pick Ian Silberman Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182276-welcome-newest-49er-ian-silberman/#post15

9th Pick Trenton Brown Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182310-welcome-newest-49er-trenton-brown/#post1

10th Pick Rory Anderson Scouting Report
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/182285-welcome-newest-49ers-rory-busta-anderson/#post2

Short reports online (also edited picture size for phone user).

My man with the one-stop shopping!

Originally posted by NCommand:
My man with the one-stop shopping!

LOL

Posted them to the 1st Page.

Originally posted by DeUh:

Originally posted by NCommand:
My man with the one-stop shopping!

LOL

Posted them to the 1st Page.

Great job!