B.J. Raji and Rashad Johnson should be on all 49ers fans watch list.

i don't know his draft status but it sure would be nice to pick up Crabtree WR out of texas tech!!

Hey Matt, completly off subject, do you think the 9ers go after Suggs if the Ravens don't franchise him again?

The Bengals staff??

Look for some arrests during Senior Bowl week in Mobile.

If Crabtree comes out I would love for the 49ers to grab him. However, that clown with the same white jumpsuit from across the bay will probably grab him to team him up with JaMarcus Russell, and Derrick McFadden.

Hey Matt.

You stated in ur last blog that Linehan is one of the candidates for the OC position. If you had to guess what is the possibility of him being the OC for the Niners, and who would he want to bring in as thr QB, and Running Back Choice. Me I give ie a 60-40 Linehan being the new OC. However, I still got 2 darkhorses 1 is Tom Rathman, and Bill Musgrave OB Coach (who did serve 1 yr. as OC under Seifert with the Panthers). Also, could see both of them bring Paul Hackett as QB coach, and possibily bring back Bishop Harris.

Question: You stated in ur last blog that Linehan is one of the candidates for the OC position. If you had to guess what is the possibility of him being the OC for the Niners, and who would he want to bring in as thr QB, and Running Back Choice.

My response: I'm not saying Linehan will be the next 49ers' O.C., but I can't think of anyone else who makes more sense. If he's the coordinator, my guesses for QB and RB coaches are Terry Shea and Art Valero. --Matt M.

Hi Matt, thanks for replysing so quickly. I agree with you. I'd still interview couple a guys like Rod Chudzinski OC for the Browns to see what his interest in becoming OC. I would also like to see Tom Rathman get a chance too given the chance he become a great OC, but like u said it will depend if Al would even grant the Niners permission to interview Rathman. Also, I like your choice as QB coach in Terry Shea former OC for Bill Walsh, and protege from the Bill Walsh tree. He could bring the WCO short passing influence to Linehan's offense. Also, would like Coach Sing bring back Bishop Harris as RB coach. I was even surprised he was even let go by Nolan. Seemed like that Gore and Harris worked well together when he was Gore's RB coach.

Comment: I'd still interview couple a guys like Rod Chudzinski OC for the Browns to see what his interest in becoming OC. I would also like to see Tom Rathman get a chance too given the chance he become a great OC.

My response: If you recall, Chudzinski was the one guy I was touting before the season as a possible 49ers head coach if things did not work out with Mike Nolan. I'd think Chudzinski could have some options, so it might be difficult for the 49ers to land him. Linehan, however, grew up in Washington. As for Rathman, as much as I like the man and think he'd do a good job, I just can see Singletary placing that much trust in somebody who has no previous NFL experience as a coordinator. --Matt M.

Here is what I hope the Niners should do in free agency and the draft. Probably won't happen, but can't hurt, and this is what's great about being a fan can always dream.

Free Agents should pick up in what the Niners Need:
1. Julius Peppers DE (Carolina Panthers)-Would make the team more of a 4-3 defense, but would team up with Justin Smith at DE.
2. Terrell Suggs OLB/DE (Baltimore Ravens)-Could come cheaper than Peppers, and will keep the team in 3-4 but still can put his hand down as a DE in 3rd downs to rush the passer. Also, Coach Sing coached him at Baltimore. Plus will give the Niners solid LB with A more healthy Lawson and Suggs at OLB, and Willis & Spikes on the outside.
3. Mark Tauscher OT (Green Bay Packers)-Cheaper than Jordan Gross, not an elite player like Gross, but solid as a starte, and has not missed a cam since 2002.
4. Bart Scott ILB (Baltimore Ravens)-Can Play the ILB/Ted position next to P Wil if Spikes is not resigned.
5. Leonard Weaver FB (Seattle Seahawks)-If Coach Sing want a power running game he will need a big brushing FB like Weaver to lead Core the way. Also, he can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Now if I had my choice of who I mentioned eventhough I would love Peppers to team with Smith at DE, I can see a Suggs (there big FA signing), Tauscher, and Weaver

As far as the draft here what I hope the Niners will do:
Round 1: Torn between B.J. Raji, and Taylor Mays. However, if he comes out I would have to take Taylor Mays S out of USC. Take about a hitter reminds me of Lott and Sean Taylor put together and great size as well. Having Mays and Willis on defense just even thinking about it makes me scared. It's like having Ronnie Lott at FS, and Mike Singletary on the same Defense.

Now if Mays does not come out then most definately I would that BJ Raji. He can play Nose Tackle on the line, or can even shift him to DT and pair him with Sopoaga with a possible 4 man front with Peppers if we sign him as a FA, Sopoaga, Raji, and Justin Smith

Round 2: Phil Loadholt OT (Oklahoma) if he last until the 2nd round when Niners pick. Can plug him at RT if Niners don't sign Tauscher, or can back both Staley, and Tauscher until ready. Can be like a Chilo Rechal where he might sit, then put him into the starting lineup later on.

Round 3: Ron Brace DT (Boston College): The draft Raji's teammate if Raji is not selected in the 1st round.

Round 3: (Compensatory Pick) Clay Mathews LB (USC)-Does not get alot of plug, but was all over the field in the Rose bowl. Also, has the pedigree with father amd grand father playing in the NFL. Also, if Spikes is signed, and sit and learn until ready to play along side P Willis

As far as remaining rounds I would love for them if he drops to round 4 pick up Jayvon Ringer RB out of Michigan State to give them a change of pace back to Gore ala Dave Meggett/Darren Sproles, and either Graham Harrell or Cullen Harper who played under center in Cleamson. As far as remaining picks round 5 pick up local product Cove Francies from nearby SJSU, Round 6 Brannan Southerland FB out of Georgia, and Anthony Dixson DT from the U.

Only way I can imagine the Niners getting Rathman is as RB coach, if they torch the place across the bay to prep for the next HC victim, uh candidate.

Love the guy, pick him up in a minute if he's free, but would I go after him to design my passing attack? probly not.

Here is what I hope the Niners should do in free agency and the draft. Probably won't happen, but can't hurt, and this is what's great about being a fan can always dream.

Free Agents should pick up in what the Niners Need:
1. Julius Peppers DE (Carolina Panthers)-Would make the team more of a 4-3 defense, but would team up with Justin Smith at DE.
2. Terrell Suggs OLB/DE (Baltimore Ravens)-Could come cheaper than Peppers, and will keep the team in 3-4 but still can put his hand down as a DE in 3rd downs to rush the passer. Also, Coach Sing coached him at Baltimore. Plus will give the Niners solid LB corp with A more healthy Lawson and Suggs at OLB, and Willis & Spikes on the inside.
3. Mark Tauscher OT (Green Bay Packers)-Cheaper than Jordan Gross, not an elite player like Gross, but solid as a starte, and has not missed a cam since 2002.
4. Bart Scott ILB (Baltimore Ravens)-Can Play the ILB/Ted position next to P Wil if Spikes is not resigned.
5. Leonard Weaver FB (Seattle Seahawks)-If Coach Sing want a power running game he will need a big brushing FB like Weaver to lead Gore the way. Also, he can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Now if I had my choice of who I mentioned eventhough I would love Peppers to team with Smith at DE, I can see a signing of Suggs (there big FA signing), Tauscher, and Weaver for the Niners.

As far as the draft here what I hope the Niners will do:
Round 1: Torn between B.J. Raji, and Taylor Mays. However, if he comes out I would have to take Taylor Mays S out of USC. Talk about a hitter reminds me of Lott and Sean Taylor put together and great size as well. Having Mays and Willis on defense roaming the middle of the defense for years to come just thinking about it gives me the shakes. It's like having Ronnie Lott at FS, and Mike Singletary on the same Defense.

Now if Mays does not come out then most definately I would take BJ Raji. He can play Nose Tackle on the line, or can even shift him to DT and pair him with Sopoaga at DT with a possible 4 man front with Peppers if we sign him as a FA, Sopoaga, Raji, and Justin Smith

Round 2: Phil Loadholt OT (Oklahoma) if he last until the 2nd round when Niners pick. Can plug him at RT if Niners don't sign Tauscher, or can back both Staley, and Tauscher until ready. Can be like a Chilo Rechal where he might sit, then put him into the starting lineup later on.

Round 3: Ron Brace DT (Boston College): The draft Raji's teammate if Raji is not selected in the 1st round.

Round 3: (Compensatory Pick) Clay Mathews LB (USC)-Does not get alot of plug, but was all over the field in the Rose bowl. Also, has the pedigree with father amd grand father playing in the NFL. Also, if Spikes is signed, and sit and learn until ready to play along side P Willis

As far as remaining rounds I would love for them if he drops to round 4 pick up Jayvon Ringer RB out of Michigan State to give them a change of pace back to Gore ala Dave Meggett/Darren Sproles, and either Graham Harrell QB from Texas Tech or Cullen Harper QB out of Cleamson. As far as remaining picks round 5 pick up local product Cove Francies CB from nearby SJSU, Round 6 Brannan Southerland FB out of Georgia, and Anthony Dixson DT from the U.

Sound thinking Mike, I'm using the FA signings, if any, to determine my Draft board too.
You know I'm big on Suggs, if he comes, Draft next biggest need at 10.
I can buy into DE/OLB too.
So many 'gotta haves', so few options it seems.
Great to speculate, keeps us busy during the offseason.

Over here in my neighborhood we have the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.
WR Kenny Britt declared early and, IMO is worth a long hard look.
Both he and QB Mike Teel put together some impressive games along the way against fair competition too.
He's big, works in traffic and has some pretty gaudy numbers. 1300+ yds this year.
Read that he and Larry Fitzgerald share Big East honors for most 100 yd games also. Given that this is a smaller program, he's compiled some good stats.
Problem is he's projecting pretty high already.
If by chance he hangs around into the 3-4 range I'd consider spending a pick on him.

The last guy listed on Matt's participants list, OG Kraig Urbik is a guy I've checked on already.
He's a converted ORT that moved inside.
He's a guy to watch during Sr Bowl week.
Anyone catch the Citrus Bowl between Wisconsin and Florida State last month?
Did Everette Brown face this guy at all?

Mike, no QB? or did I miss it?

Not sure why Linehan is such a logical choice. If the logic is to hire the guy that nobody else wants then he's golden. But if the logic is to hire a good offensive coach that will win games for you... mmmmm. Did anyone catch the Rams offense this season? Truly, truly awful.

But he would be cheap, could be hired tomorrow and would stay a long, long time. Oh yeah, he'd also suck up nicely to Jed who'll really be making the call on who to hire.

Of course the most qualified and experienced OC out there looking for a job is Mike Martz.

Just saying.

Matt, Anything new in 49er O Coordinator search '09 edition?

Scott Linehan was in the third year of a four year contract at $2 million a year. The way I read it the Rams are on the hook for 2 million next year if Linehan does nothing. That makes me wonder if he would actually take a job.

Matt, what are the realities of NFL contracts and Linehan taking a new job? Also what is the going rate for an OC?

Matt do we know yet whether Mike is planning to attend the Senior Bowl or just have it scouted?
We'll at least be able to see Raji and others in action prior to the Combines.
I'm very surprised to see the turnout with USC.
Good chance to see guys I normally wouldn't see regularly.

Checking into some of the guys you listed here Matt and noticed that Tyronne Green from Auburn is already a Nolan guy. Converted DL to OL.
Looks like he's a keeper already?

Get a look at the bio on LSU OG Herman Johnson.
6'7" 362, are you kidding me?
Johnson, a native of Olla, La., becomes the first Tiger offensive lineman named first-team AP All-America since 1997 when Alan Faneca made the team.
He's now on the watchlist too.
You can hide a small car behind this guy.
How about that M&M mobile of yours Matt?

First...Mike, love your enthusiasm, but I'd throttle my own FA expectations down a bit. Totally agree, either Peppers or Suggs would be awesome, but have to understand they'll be very expensive. And, with more cap room, some teams will have more latitude to retain more of their studs. Still, the idea makes your head swim. Tauscher would be a nice addition to OL, but we still need to draft at least an OT, better yet someone who can play both OG and OT.

As for the draft, I've had my eye on Raji all season...and the guy's one of the most consistent DL I've seen in awhile. He sure looks like a Singletary kind of player. Love all the USC LB's, but we'd likely have a better shot at Cushing or Matthews in 2nd rd. Need a QB, too...probably 2nd day, unless a guy like Stafford could fall in our laps on day one. He'll likely be a #1 pick for someone, though, and command big bucks. That's where our new OC will earn his money...by getting a QB who can learn his system.

Nice find Mark, but can he pull?? Does he have ample speed? The RB's can't be waiting for him....lol's. Otherwise OMG, how has this guy been hidden coming from LSU?

Frank - I'm just not a Stafford fan. I hope he doesn't drop to us just to get that out of the way & not let that get into Singletary's mind. We need an immediate impact NEED+BPA in our other positions instead with that 1st pick IMHO. I like Bradford or Sanchez for next year if our mid-round QB doesn't pan out next year. For Sanchez especially that's if he shows more consistency & continues to improve. Bradford's consistency & accuracy so far (Fresh & Sophomore years) have been unbelievable & amazing.

I am starting to think Taylor Mays would be the safe choice in the 1st round.....He his the only safety out there, the chances of signing a FA safety close to his talent level is very slim......we can sign a G or T and DE in FA and draft for the other positions, OLB, FB, RB, WR(returner), QB.

TRUE OR FALSE - "An Asomugha-and-Clements combination at the corner position would definitely improve the 49ers' defense, and in the NFC West, that would make all the difference in making the playoffs next year."

2003 NFL Draft was our worst draft ever - Kwame Harris, (we could have had Nnamdi Asomugha), Anthony Adams, Andrew Williams, Brandon Lloyd, Aaron Walker, Arnaz Battle*

Grumpy - this one's for you about your boy Rathman. I want him as our RB's coach to start off. We need to snag him ASAP!!

LINK: http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_11382435

I say no way we get Suggs. To expensive, plus Parys Haralson was very close to becoming our very first double digit sack guy in a while. We can get a lot of talent in the middle rounds of this years draft. Watch out for maybe Paul Kruger. Most underated DE in college football.

Mark Tauscher missed the last three games of this season with an ACL injury.

TRUE OR FALSE - "An Asomugha-and-Clements combination at the corner position would definitely improve the 49ers' defense, and in the NFC West, that would make all the difference in making the playoffs next year."

True, true, true, and even more true. Can you imagine getting Asomugha and Taylor Mays in the secondary? Kickass LB corps and a DOMINATING secondary... yum. Unfortunately, you know the Crypt Keeper will just franchise him again. Poor guy.