2015 Team Needs

Originally posted by SofaKing:

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by pasodoc9er:
I was under the impression that gabbert was a harbaw reclamation project. He was like David Carr's brother who was a whiz bang in college , got drafted high, got shell shocked by no QB protection, and somehow lost it. You are correct, he throws a beautiful ball, but putting that to use on the field in a game just didn't pan out. Has something dramatically differernt occurred to give you all the sense that he will be a legit backup this yr. Because generally, somebody who gets the krapt beaten out of him for 2-3 yrs, doesn't have a good track record going forward....at least that has been my impression.

LOL...amazing how a constant beating changes a QBs mechanics! I've pointed out numerous times how Plunkett went from Heismann hero to bust in NE...then Super Bowl winner with Oakland after a number of years of rehabilitation. Just brutal what happens to some guys. If Gabbert can sit another year and have some game time here and there he may reach his potential. He's an odd fit as CK's backup but that helps sometimes when a QB has to leave a game and a totally different type guy comes in to play.

Maybe, but I never liked Gabbert. Even in college he looked shaky to me. He's just plain bad throwing downfield and literally shrinks in the pocket at any sign of pressure. Those flaws were magnified in the pros when he wasn't in Mizzou's QB friendly offense piling on weak college defenses.

But we re-signed him, so the FO/Coaching staff must see something in him worth developing. He seems like a good/smart guy, and has the physical talent to be a really good backup if he improves. I just question his instincts for the position.

It may just be that her doesn't respond well to the pressure of being the man - a backup role might be his best option as it lowers expectations and maybe frees him up a bit, time will tell I guess.

Originally posted by Buchy:

Originally posted by SofaKing:

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by pasodoc9er:
I was under the impression that gabbert was a harbaw reclamation project. He was like David Carr's brother who was a whiz bang in college , got drafted high, got shell shocked by no QB protection, and somehow lost it. You are correct, he throws a beautiful ball, but putting that to use on the field in a game just didn't pan out. Has something dramatically differernt occurred to give you all the sense that he will be a legit backup this yr. Because generally, somebody who gets the krapt beaten out of him for 2-3 yrs, doesn't have a good track record going forward....at least that has been my impression.

LOL...amazing how a constant beating changes a QBs mechanics! I've pointed out numerous times how Plunkett went from Heismann hero to bust in NE...then Super Bowl winner with Oakland after a number of years of rehabilitation. Just brutal what happens to some guys. If Gabbert can sit another year and have some game time here and there he may reach his potential. He's an odd fit as CK's backup but that helps sometimes when a QB has to leave a game and a totally different type guy comes in to play.

Maybe, but I never liked Gabbert. Even in college he looked shaky to me. He's just plain bad throwing downfield and literally shrinks in the pocket at any sign of pressure. Those flaws were magnified in the pros when he wasn't in Mizzou's QB friendly offense piling on weak college defenses.

But we re-signed him, so the FO/Coaching staff must see something in him worth developing. He seems like a good/smart guy, and has the physical talent to be a really good backup if he improves. I just question his instincts for the position.

It may just be that her doesn't respond well to the pressure of being the man - a backup role might be his best option as it lowers expectations and maybe frees him up a bit, time will tell I guess.

Great overall points about the psychology, physical ability, circumstances, roles, etc. I do agree, that sometimes, like Steve Young, you just need to step back, start anew with a new team, better coaching and develop over time. Given that Logan likes him and that we're going to run a more QB-friendly offense now, I'm willing to bet he looks a whole lot better this pre season compared to last year. But that still remains to be seen of course...tick tock!

Originally posted by NCommand:
Why so scared? A quick glance at the REAL concerns centered around our current roster. When reviewing each position group, I'd like your concerns stated (outside the major-injury perspective; I highly doubt we end the year with 19 players on I.R. again). This is how I predict the final 53 will be (July review).

Starter --- Rookie --- (Injured Reserve/Inactive PUP)(Key Backup)

Offensive Personnel:
QB: Colin Kaepernick; Blaine Gabbert (Blake Bell)
Notes: In a recent interview with Geep, he noted that d/t the new CBA rules, coaches are forced to encourage players to look outside the team for additional work and training. CK did just that. With an emphasis now on balance (inside/outside runs), explosive plays coupled with the short passing game (introduced), and an added emphasis on tempo and turning game plans into more QB friendly-centric now, are fans really worried about regression from CK? And if so, why? What are your concerns?

RB1: Carlos Hyde; Mike Davis
RB2: Reggie Bush; Kendall Hunter
Notes: This is probably the most diverse (skills + experience), deep and experienced group of RB's we've ever had. Any real concerns here?

H-Back: Trey Millard
TE: Vernon Davis; Vance McDonald & Blake Bell
Notes: Even with Carrier potentially on the PUP, there is all-world potential here esp. given the coaches want to reintroduce the TE position to the passing offense again. With the speed of VD and respect he garners, McDonald's potential to be an important outlet for CK + blocking ability (if used more than one time every three games) and Bell's RZ height plus Millard's versatility, collectively, this group should do some damage. Any real concerns here?

FB: Bruce Miller; (Trey Millard)
Notes: Miller may be the best overall FB in the game and now we have depth/versatility in Millard behind him in case he were to go down again (a killer for us in the past). Any real concerns here?

X WR: Torrey Smith; Jerome Simpson
Y WR (SLOT): Bruce Ellington; DeAndrew White
Z WR: Anquan Boldin; Quinton Patton (DeAndre Smelter)
Notes: Without a doubt, this could be the most dynamic set of WR's we've had in a very very long time. With electric speed and athletic ability and respect that will be given to Smith/Simpson outside coupled with the versatility and short-area quickness of Ellington/White (even out of the backfield) and with muscle, passion and physicality in Boldin/Smelter/Patton, you have all the parts for a well balanced passing attack that should help stretch the field vertically and horizontally, attack the RZ and open up things all day for swing passes and the TE's. Any real concerns here?

LOT: Joe Staley; (Alex Boone)
LG: Alex Boone; Brandon Thomas
C: Daniel Kilgore; Joe Looney
RG: Marcus Martin (Joe Looney)
ROT: Erik Pears; Trenton Brown
Notes: Last year 9 OL in Staley, Iupati, Kilgore, Boone, Looney, J.Martin, Davis, Farrell & M.Martin gave up 52 sacks and countless other pressures and it was players like Looney/Dillon/Martin at C/G and J.Martin at T who actually enabled Gore to get his 3 big games to reach 1,000 at the very end of the year against 2 playoff teams. That said, of any of the position groups, this is still the one I have concerns about not just in talent and depth but b/c we're also moving to a new scheme. Can it be worse than last year? Probably not. Reports are that Pears may be a surprise at T in the new Zone Blocking Scheme (ZBS) - not power, we know there is a ton of interior talent with Kilgore, Martin and Thomas and Staley is always a rock at LT. Plus, will this be the year Boone moves out to T? There are reports that we're looking at G Evan Mathis, a top all-pro ZBS interior lineman. What are your concerns?

Defensive Personnel: (25)
RDE: Quinton Dial; Arik Armstead
NT: Ian Williams; (Glenn Dorsey & Quinton Dial)
LDE: Glenn Dorsey; Tank Carradine & Darnell Dockett
Notes: This, without a doubt, like Tomsula noted, is probably the deepest and most talented group of DL we've ever had here even when considering the entire DL when Justin/McDonald were in their primes 2-3 years ago. The experience, versatility and skill sets should allow Mangini to create specific game plans and change on the fly...you want pass rush all game coupled with our top-notch OLB's in Aldon/Brooks/Lynch/Harold? We have Carradine and Dockett and possibly AA/Dial. You want pocket collapsers? You've got Dorsey, Dial, AA and Williams. You want run-stuffers and disciplined two gap-control? They all grade out high save for Dockett (with AZ). Any real concerns here?

WILL: Aldon Smith; Corey Lemonier & Eli Harold
TED: Michael Wilhoite; Philip Wheeler
MIKE: Navarro Bowman; Nick Bellore
SAM: Ahmad Brooks; Aaron Lynch
Notes: Wilhoite was an above-average TED in year one and graded out well in pass coverage. Bowman is all-world MIKE if healthy. Wheeler is a proven NFL talent and is working with his former position coach again where he had his most success and Bellore can actually play and is a young ST ace as well. If Wilhoite arrow-ups in year 2 as expected (leap year) and Bowman returns to even 90% of his former self coupled with THE best OLB group in the game and with Mangini's new attacking/dictating-style defense, this group could end up being very special. When you factor in Tartt who also will play the hybrid ILB/SS role and sub out one of the two ILB's, lots of damage could be done with this group and they can stay fresh and are cross-trained. Any real concerns here?

RCB: Dontae Johnson; Chris Cook
SLOT (S/CB): Jimmie Ward; Keith Reaser
LCB: Tramaine Brock; Shareece Wright
Notes: If there was a silver lining that came from an 8-8 season, 5 give-away-games and 19 players on I.R.'s it was that a LOT of rookies/newcomers got valuable playing time and experience and development in real games last year. With this group you have size and length and physicality in Johnson and Cook outside, versatility (Johnson can play the slot vs. Graham with Cook starting outside; Wright started as a slot CB), plus speed/quickness (Ward/Reaser) and proven NFL experience and depth in Brock and Wright. Most of you can't even name who we finished the year with at CB yet we lead the lead in INT's and were top 5 defense in coverage (top 7 against the run). Any real concerns here?

FS: Eric Reid; (Jimmie Ward)
SS: Antoine Bethea; (Jaquiski Tartt)
NICKEL/DIME (SS/ILB Robber): Jaquiski Tartt; L.J. McCray
Notes: Two pro-bowl S's with added depth and versatility (including a ST ace)? Any real concerns here?

Special Teams: (3)
LS: Kyle Nelson
PK: Phil Dawson; (Bradley Pinion)
P: Bradley Pinion
Notes: NT lost it's mind when Baalke went with Kyle Nelson over the legend. NT is now losing its mind over Pinion for another legend. Any real concerns here?

PR/KOR: Bruce Ellington/Reggie Bush/Kendall Hunter
Notes: This seems like a legit group right here and we can't forget the added push from Hayne and others. Any real concerns here?

Inactive PUP: Z WR DeAndre Smelter & H-Back Derek Carrier
Notes: Any real concerns here?

Anybody else willing to give it a go? So far, some great feedback! The thing I like so far about the optimistic crowd is that they are also able to ID the areas of concerns as well. Come on Suicide Posters...would love your objective input re: your fears/concerns regarding our roster and depth.

Originally posted by NCommand:
Anybody else willing to give it a go? So far, some great feedback! The thing I like so far about the optimistic crowd is that they are also able to ID the areas of concerns as well. Come on Suicide Posters...would love your objective input re: your fears/concerns regarding our roster and depth.

LOL! So much easier to be negative if you don't need to cite any facts to back up your view!

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Anybody else willing to give it a go? So far, some great feedback! The thing I like so far about the optimistic crowd is that they are also able to ID the areas of concerns as well. Come on Suicide Posters...would love your objective input re: your fears/concerns regarding our roster and depth.

LOL! So much easier to be negative if you don't need to cite any facts to back up your view!

Have the SP ever met a challenge? We could respect them at least if they at least tried. LOL

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Why so scared? A quick glance at the REAL concerns centered around our current roster. When reviewing each position group, I'd like your concerns stated (outside the major-injury perspective; I highly doubt we end the year with 19 players on I.R. again). This is how I predict the final 53 will be (July review).

Starter --- Rookie --- (Injured Reserve/Inactive PUP)(Key Backup)

Offensive Personnel:
QB: Colin Kaepernick; Blaine Gabbert (Blake Bell)
Notes: In a recent interview with Geep, he noted that d/t the new CBA rules, coaches are forced to encourage players to look outside the team for additional work and training. CK did just that. With an emphasis now on balance (inside/outside runs), explosive plays coupled with the short passing game (introduced), and an added emphasis on tempo and turning game plans into more QB friendly-centric now, are fans really worried about regression from CK? And if so, why? What are your concerns?

RB1: Carlos Hyde; Mike Davis
RB2: Reggie Bush; Kendall Hunter
Notes: This is probably the most diverse (skills + experience), deep and experienced group of RB's we've ever had. Any real concerns here?

H-Back: Trey Millard
TE: Vernon Davis; Vance McDonald & Blake Bell
Notes: Even with Carrier potentially on the PUP, there is all-world potential here esp. given the coaches want to reintroduce the TE position to the passing offense again. With the speed of VD and respect he garners, McDonald's potential to be an important outlet for CK + blocking ability (if used more than one time every three games) and Bell's RZ height plus Millard's versatility, collectively, this group should do some damage. Any real concerns here?

FB: Bruce Miller; (Trey Millard)
Notes: Miller may be the best overall FB in the game and now we have depth/versatility in Millard behind him in case he were to go down again (a killer for us in the past). Any real concerns here?

X WR: Torrey Smith; Jerome Simpson
Y WR (SLOT): Bruce Ellington; DeAndrew White
Z WR: Anquan Boldin; Quinton Patton (DeAndre Smelter)
Notes: Without a doubt, this could be the most dynamic set of WR's we've had in a very very long time. With electric speed and athletic ability and respect that will be given to Smith/Simpson outside coupled with the versatility and short-area quickness of Ellington/White (even out of the backfield) and with muscle, passion and physicality in Boldin/Smelter/Patton, you have all the parts for a well balanced passing attack that should help stretch the field vertically and horizontally, attack the RZ and open up things all day for swing passes and the TE's. Any real concerns here?

LOT: Joe Staley; (Alex Boone)
LG: Alex Boone; Brandon Thomas
C: Daniel Kilgore; Joe Looney
RG: Marcus Martin (Joe Looney)
ROT: Erik Pears; Trenton Brown
Notes: Last year 9 OL in Staley, Iupati, Kilgore, Boone, Looney, J.Martin, Davis, Farrell & M.Martin gave up 52 sacks and countless other pressures and it was players like Looney/Dillon/Martin at C/G and J.Martin at T who actually enabled Gore to get his 3 big games to reach 1,000 at the very end of the year against 2 playoff teams. That said, of any of the position groups, this is still the one I have concerns about not just in talent and depth but b/c we're also moving to a new scheme. Can it be worse than last year? Probably not. Reports are that Pears may be a surprise at T in the new Zone Blocking Scheme (ZBS) - not power, we know there is a ton of interior talent with Kilgore, Martin and Thomas and Staley is always a rock at LT. Plus, will this be the year Boone moves out to T? There are reports that we're looking at G Evan Mathis, a top all-pro ZBS interior lineman. What are your concerns?

Defensive Personnel: (25)
RDE: Quinton Dial; Arik Armstead
NT: Ian Williams; (Glenn Dorsey & Quinton Dial)
LDE: Glenn Dorsey; Tank Carradine & Darnell Dockett
Notes: This, without a doubt, like Tomsula noted, is probably the deepest and most talented group of DL we've ever had here even when considering the entire DL when Justin/McDonald were in their primes 2-3 years ago. The experience, versatility and skill sets should allow Mangini to create specific game plans and change on the fly...you want pass rush all game coupled with our top-notch OLB's in Aldon/Brooks/Lynch/Harold? We have Carradine and Dockett and possibly AA/Dial. You want pocket collapsers? You've got Dorsey, Dial, AA and Williams. You want run-stuffers and disciplined two gap-control? They all grade out high save for Dockett (with AZ). Any real concerns here?

WILL: Aldon Smith; Corey Lemonier & Eli Harold
TED: Michael Wilhoite; Philip Wheeler
MIKE: Navarro Bowman; Nick Bellore
SAM: Ahmad Brooks; Aaron Lynch
Notes: Wilhoite was an above-average TED in year one and graded out well in pass coverage. Bowman is all-world MIKE if healthy. Wheeler is a proven NFL talent and is working with his former position coach again where he had his most success and Bellore can actually play and is a young ST ace as well. If Wilhoite arrow-ups in year 2 as expected (leap year) and Bowman returns to even 90% of his former self coupled with THE best OLB group in the game and with Mangini's new attacking/dictating-style defense, this group could end up being very special. When you factor in Tartt who also will play the hybrid ILB/SS role and sub out one of the two ILB's, lots of damage could be done with this group and they can stay fresh and are cross-trained. Any real concerns here?

RCB: Dontae Johnson; Chris Cook
SLOT (S/CB): Jimmie Ward; Keith Reaser
LCB: Tramaine Brock; Shareece Wright
Notes: If there was a silver lining that came from an 8-8 season, 5 give-away-games and 19 players on I.R.'s it was that a LOT of rookies/newcomers got valuable playing time and experience and development in real games last year. With this group you have size and length and physicality in Johnson and Cook outside, versatility (Johnson can play the slot vs. Graham with Cook starting outside; Wright started as a slot CB), plus speed/quickness (Ward/Reaser) and proven NFL experience and depth in Brock and Wright. Most of you can't even name who we finished the year with at CB yet we lead the lead in INT's and were top 5 defense in coverage (top 7 against the run). Any real concerns here?

FS: Eric Reid; (Jimmie Ward)
SS: Antoine Bethea; (Jaquiski Tartt)
NICKEL/DIME (SS/ILB Robber): Jaquiski Tartt; L.J. McCray
Notes: Two pro-bowl S's with added depth and versatility (including a ST ace)? Any real concerns here?

Special Teams: (3)
LS: Kyle Nelson
PK: Phil Dawson; (Bradley Pinion)
P: Bradley Pinion
Notes: NT lost it's mind when Baalke went with Kyle Nelson over the legend. NT is now losing its mind over Pinion for another legend. Any real concerns here?

PR/KOR: Bruce Ellington/Reggie Bush/Kendall Hunter
Notes: This seems like a legit group right here and we can't forget the added push from Hayne and others. Any real concerns here?

Inactive PUP: Z WR DeAndre Smelter & H-Back Derek Carrier
Notes: Any real concerns here?

Anybody else willing to give it a go? So far, some great feedback! The thing I like so far about the optimistic crowd is that they are also able to ID the areas of concerns as well. Come on Suicide Posters...would love your objective input re: your fears/concerns regarding our roster and depth.

I think this is one of your strongest posts to date!

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Anybody else willing to give it a go? So far, some great feedback! The thing I like so far about the optimistic crowd is that they are also able to ID the areas of concerns as well. Come on Suicide Posters...would love your objective input re: your fears/concerns regarding our roster and depth.

LOL! So much easier to be negative if you don't need to cite any facts to back up your view!

Have the SP ever met a challenge? We could respect them at least if they at least tried. LOL

In their defense, being factual requires...like...facts...research...effort...ugh!

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
I think this is one of your strongest posts to date!

Thanks so much man!

What are your concerns with the talent/depth thus far? I'm looking forward to these camp battles and seeing if any of the concerns will become non-concerns.

49ers training camp preview: Inside linebackers

Who they have: NaVorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, Nick Moody, Nick Bellore, Philip Wheeler, Desmond Bishop, Shayne Skov

Who they lost: Patrick Willis, Chris Borland

Looking back: All-Pro performers Bowman and Willis saw action in a combined six games last season, as Bowman sat out the entire year after the knee injury he sustained in the NFC Championship game in Seattle in January 2014. Willis' season ended after he opted for toe surgery. Despite those key absences, the 49ers' run defense still was strong. Wilhoite started all 16 games for a defense that ranked seventh-best in rushing yards allowed per game. Borland was exceptional in his eight starts with a team-high 128 tackles.

Overall outlook: Willis and Borland announced their retirements in the offseason due to their personal health concerns. Bowman returned in the offseason program to reclaim his spot at the 49ers' mike linebacker. Wilhoite figures to remain the starter at the other inside linebacker position. Moody started the final two games of last season. While his primary role will be on special teams, Moody will likely be in the competition with veterans Wheeler and Bishop for the first inside linebacker off the sideline.

Camp competition: Skov, the former Stanford star, had a strong offseason and will be in a battle for a spot on the 53-man roster against some backups with extensive NFL experience, such as Wheeler, Bishop and Bellore. Contributions on special teams will determine most of the backup spots, and that's where free-agent pickup Bellore has an edge.

Bottom line: The losses of Willis and Borland are huge blows to the team's depth. But this unit can still be solid, as long as Bowman returns to his pre-injury form. Wilhoite will not make as many plays as Willis, but he is very adept at sticking to his assignments and doing the work that will enable Bowman to roam sideline-to-sideline to make plays. The 49ers will no longer be able to match an inside linebacker against a top tight end, so defensive coordinator Eric Mangini must get creative with his coverages.

http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/49ers-training-camp-preview-inside-linebackers-0

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
I think this is one of your strongest posts to date!

Thanks so much man!

What are your concerns with the talent/depth thus far? I'm looking forward to these camp battles and seeing if any of the concerns will become non-concerns.

2 MAJOR concerns are:

A). The Oline

The wars are still won in the trenches and losing 2 starters, having a Center returning from a tough injury, a rookie who was less than average filling in AND a new offensive scheme, new plays, new coaches.

That's a BIG challenge.

I'm VERY confident from everything I've read in the Zone and online. I feel the team will be faster, the play calling MUCH, MUCH better and in the end, we'll be in the playoffs.

Still, its a lot of change and pressure on the OLine. I'm a little skeptical on how fast it will gel.

B). The D Secondary

I feel confident about the players BUT for the most part they are untested as a unit.

I'm stoked about Reaser BUT he hasn't played in one game - so in reality it's just optimism.

Reid is 1-2 concussions away from retirement, Brock returning from injury - how rusty will he be.

New coaches, new schemes and a basically revamped DLine. The Dline has to apply the pressure for the secondary to succeed

2 MINOR Concens:

A). Will Navarro be able to pick up where he left off?

Sure, he's running well and all but until they start making contact - the jury's out.

In my gut, I feel he's going to be a terror however his injury was MEGA serious and he's not a kid.

B). The DLine

LOVE the rotation.

LOVE an all out attacking D.

I just have a VERY small concern about the pressure they'll be able to apply.

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
I think this is one of your strongest posts to date!

Thanks so much man!

What are your concerns with the talent/depth thus far? I'm looking forward to these camp battles and seeing if any of the concerns will become non-concerns.

2 MAJOR concerns are:

A). The Oline

The wars are still won in the trenches and losing 2 starters, having a Center returning from a tough injury, a rookie who was less than average filling in AND a new offensive scheme, new plays, new coaches.

That's a BIG challenge.

I'm VERY confident from everything I've read in the Zone and online. I feel the team will be faster, the play calling MUCH, MUCH better and in the end, we'll be in the playoffs.

Still, its a lot of change and pressure on the OLine. I'm a little skeptical on how fast it will gel.

B). The D Secondary

I feel confident about the players BUT for the most part they are untested as a unit.

I'm stoked about Reaser BUT he hasn't played in one game - so in reality it's just optimism.

Reid is 1-2 concussions away from retirement, Brock returning from injury - how rusty will he be.

New coaches, new schemes and a basically revamped DLine. The Dline has to apply the pressure for the secondary to succeed

2 MINOR Concens:

A). Will Navarro be able to pick up where he left off?

Sure, he's running well and all but until they start making contact - the jury's out.

In my gut, I feel he's going to be a terror however his injury was MEGA serious and he's not a kid.

B). The DLine

LOVE the rotation.

LOVE an all out attacking D.

I just have a VERY small concern about the pressure they'll be able to apply.

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. And spot on too IMHO. Thanks for doing this. Those are the two major ones I'll be watching closely as well regarding personnel.

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
2 MAJOR concerns are:

A). The Oline

The wars are still won in the trenches and losing 2 starters, having a Center returning from a tough injury, a rookie who was less than average filling in AND a new offensive scheme, new plays, new coaches.

That's a BIG challenge.

I'm VERY confident from everything I've read in the Zone and online. I feel the team will be faster, the play calling MUCH, MUCH better and in the end, we'll be in the playoffs.

Still, its a lot of change and pressure on the OLine. I'm a little skeptical on how fast it will gel.

B). The D Secondary

I feel confident about the players BUT for the most part they are untested as a unit.

I'm stoked about Reaser BUT he hasn't played in one game - so in reality it's just optimism.

Reid is 1-2 concussions away from retirement, Brock returning from injury - how rusty will he be.

New coaches, new schemes and a basically revamped DLine. The Dline has to apply the pressure for the secondary to succeed

2 MINOR Concens:

A). Will Navarro be able to pick up where he left off?

Sure, he's running well and all but until they start making contact - the jury's out.

In my gut, I feel he's going to be a terror however his injury was MEGA serious and he's not a kid.

B). The DLine

LOVE the rotation.

LOVE an all out attacking D.

I just have a VERY small concern about the pressure they'll be able to apply.

Great post! As a fan, I believe in suspending disbelief in the teams coming year just as I allow myself to watch a movie and enjoy seeing people fly or melt buildings with their minds. So many areas are in flux for the team but I will insist on expecting the best until otherwise proven.

OL:

• Players who have not reached their potential but have high celings--Martin, Thomas, Brown
• Vets who may shine in new scheme--Boone, Pears, Looney, Tiller, Farrell (edit-addition)
• Vets who are proven at their current positions--Staley, Kilgore

It's scary to have only two guys who have graded out well, but there are so many other players with potential...keeping fingers crossed!

DB:

• Players who have not reached their potential but have high ceilings--Johnson, Acker, Reaser, Hicks, Tartt, McCray, Ward
• Vets who may shine in new system (with rotation--aggressive)--Wright, Cook, McFadden
• Vets who are proven in their current positions--Reid, Bethea, Brock

Having 3/4s of the starting backfield returning is better than most years under Fangio.

ILB:

• Experienced players--Bowman, Wilhoite, Wheeler, Moody, Bishop, Bellore
• Young guys--Skov?

Position is deep but the level of talent has fallen quite a bit. Expect more schemes to get them off the field in favor of DL, S or CBs.

DL:

• Starting quality players--Williams, Dorsey, Dockett
• Young guys who need to prove themselves--Dial, Carradine, Armstead, Jerod-Eddie
• On the bubble--Okoye, Rush, Ramsey

Agree that they may be using more subbing and will switch to various fronts--2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 guys at times. If Carradine and Armstead jump out and become important elements on the line this year it will be a very strong group. If they need to rely on Jerod-Eddie and Dial alone it will be time to cross our fingers and hope the injury bug stays away!

RB/FB:

• Likely starters--Hyde and Miller
• Exciting additions--Bush and Millard
• Depth--Hunter and Davis

I really love the addition of Bush and Millard. They may add quality depth that the team hasn't had in years. Davis may as well but he may take a year or so behind these guys. Read that he is already a very good and willing blocker which will definitely help his chances of being used...and make Kaepernick happy!

WR:

• Likely starters--Boldin and T Smith
• Vets with experience--Simpson, Ellington and Patton
• Rookies--wow! I like so many of these guys I may go into a funk as they are all cut except for Smelter...or Anderson?

Best quality depth and starters since...ever?

Such an exciting time of year! Can't wait for TC and the season...go 9ers!

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
2 MAJOR concerns are:

A). The Oline

The wars are still won in the trenches and losing 2 starters, having a Center returning from a tough injury, a rookie who was less than average filling in AND a new offensive scheme, new plays, new coaches.

That's a BIG challenge.

I'm VERY confident from everything I've read in the Zone and online. I feel the team will be faster, the play calling MUCH, MUCH better and in the end, we'll be in the playoffs.

Still, its a lot of change and pressure on the OLine. I'm a little skeptical on how fast it will gel.

B). The D Secondary

I feel confident about the players BUT for the most part they are untested as a unit.

I'm stoked about Reaser BUT he hasn't played in one game - so in reality it's just optimism.

Reid is 1-2 concussions away from retirement, Brock returning from injury - how rusty will he be.

New coaches, new schemes and a basically revamped DLine. The Dline has to apply the pressure for the secondary to succeed

2 MINOR Concens:

A). Will Navarro be able to pick up where he left off?

Sure, he's running well and all but until they start making contact - the jury's out.

In my gut, I feel he's going to be a terror however his injury was MEGA serious and he's not a kid.

B). The DLine

LOVE the rotation.

LOVE an all out attacking D.

I just have a VERY small concern about the pressure they'll be able to apply.

Great post! As a fan, I believe in suspending disbelief in the teams coming year just as I allow myself to watch a movie and enjoy seeing people fly or melt buildings with their minds. So many areas are in flux for the team but I will insist on expecting the best until otherwise proven.

OL:

• Players who have not reached their potential but have high celings--Martin, Thomas, Brown
• Vets who may shine in new scheme--Boone, Pears, Looney, Tiller, Farrell (edit-addition)
• Vets who are proven at their current positions--Staley, Kilgore

It's scary to have only two guys who have graded out well, but there are so many other players with potential...keeping fingers crossed!

DB:

• Players who have not reached their potential but have high ceilings--Johnson, Acker, Reaser, Hicks, Tartt, McCray, Ward
• Vets who may shine in new system (with rotation--aggressive)--Wright, Cook, McFadden
• Vets who are proven in their current positions--Reid, Bethea, Brock

Having 3/4s of the starting backfield returning is better than most years under Fangio.

ILB:

• Experienced players--Bowman, Wilhoite, Wheeler, Moody, Bishop, Bellore
• Young guys--Skov?

Position is deep but the level of talent has fallen quite a bit. Expect more schemes to get them off the field in favor of DL, S or CBs.

DL:

• Starting quality players--Williams, Dorsey, Dockett
• Young guys who need to prove themselves--Dial, Carradine, Armstead, Jerod-Eddie
• On the bubble--Okoye, Rush, Ramsey

Agree that they may be using more subbing and will switch to various fronts--2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 guys at times. If Carradine and Armstead jump out and become important elements on the line this year it will be a very strong group. If they need to rely on Jerod-Eddie and Dial alone it will be time to cross our fingers and hope the injury bug stays away!

RB/FB:

• Likely starters--Hyde and Miller
• Exciting additions--Bush and Millard
• Depth--Hunter and Davis

I really love the addition of Bush and Millard. They may add quality depth that the team hasn't had in years. Davis may as well but he may take a year or so behind these guys. Read that he is already a very good and willing blocker which will definitely help his chances of being used...and make Kaepernick happy!

WR:

• Likely starters--Boldin and T Smith
• Vets with experience--Simpson, Ellington and Patton
• Rookies--wow! I like so many of these guys I may go into a funk as they are all cut except for Smelter...or Anderson?

Best quality depth and starters since...ever?

Such an exciting time of year! Can't wait for TC and the season...go 9ers!

Absolutely love how you broke this down. I esp. love your point about 3 of the 4 DB's have not changed (maybe 4 of 5 if Ward is healthy).

Notice how not one single SuicidePoster has joined to play? Notice how all the 'kool-aid' drinkers can still objectively ID areas of concerns? Hmmm

Originally posted by NCommand:
Absolutely love how you broke this down. I esp. love your point about 3 of the 4 DB's have not changed (maybe 4 of 5 if Ward is healthy).

Notice how not one single SuicidePoster has joined to play? Notice how all the 'kool-aid' drinkers can still objectively ID areas of concerns? Hmmm

Wait...what? Something is terribly wrong!

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Absolutely love how you broke this down. I esp. love your point about 3 of the 4 DB's have not changed (maybe 4 of 5 if Ward is healthy).

Notice how not one single SuicidePoster has joined to play? Notice how all the 'kool-aid' drinkers can still objectively ID areas of concerns? Hmmm

Wait...what? Something is terribly wrong!

Odd huh?!