Most notably, he talked about finding a running back to share some of the workload with Frank Gore. McCloughan said he's not talking about a 235-pounder who runs a 4.4. After all, those guys are a little difficult to find.
But here are some of the running backs in the draft who have very good size coupled with decent speed: Chris Wells (
* * *
On to the Q&A with McCloughan . . .
Q: Where does the quarterback situation stand?
McCloughan: Well, from the standpoint of who is under contract for us right now, with Shaun Hill, with Alex Smith both being under contract. Everybody is aware of the Alex Smith situation. Discussions have been ongoing with the player and with his representation. They've been very positive. We're going to keep going forward with it and hopefully get something done . . . with Alex. We'd like to have him back. There is a value in having him back right now. . . . But I'm excited about the way it's gone so far. I'm very excited about Shaun Hill, the way he ended his season. The way his teammates believe in him when he steps into the huddle and walks to the line of scrimmage, and the way he proved he can make plays down the line, late in games, to help us win and put us in position to win. That's a good situation to be in. The open competition, I respect. I think you have to have that, until you have, for sure, a proven commodity year in and year out that can go in and do it day in and day out. We're working our way in that direction. I'm positive about it. I think it's important to get Alex back because I think at his age he still has a lot of good football ahead of him. We have not seen his best football yet, and hopefully it's with the 49ers.
Q: Is there a downside to that kind of open competition in camp? Last year the battle
between J.T. O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill dragged out and O'Sullivan got most of the reps. Have you learned something as an organization how to make it more fair and balanced?
McCloughan: Yeah, I have. Again, it's not the general manager's decision to make. We've got a new coordinator in Jimmy Raye and a quarterback coach in Mike Johnson and it's going to be vital what they think. In the perfect world, you don't have an open competition. In a perfect world you have a proven commodity that you know is your guy. That's the building of that structure, and we haven't had that on the offensive side, at coaching or at the quarterback position, since I've been here. That's something we need to strive to get to. From the coordinator standpoint, this will be the fifth one in five years, which, looking back, that's the one thing that's really affected this offense. If I could change it, I would love to have changed it back then. But we lost the first two (OC's) to head coaching jobs and that's going to happen and there is nothing you can do about it. But what is important is not to lose sight that, it is open right now, but when it's all said and done you want your guy (quarterback) in place and everyone knows from the top on down who that guy is.
Q: How much of a priority is offensive line for you in this draft, with all the talk about improving protection for the QBs?
McCloughan: I think the offensive line and defensive line, you're always looking to upgrade or
add depth to. We feel good about how the season ended, the way some of our younger guys
went out and played and coming together a little bit. Again, I think the chemistry in coming together and playing together is important. But if there is a good linemen there on either side of the ball, you always think about taking him. If it's the first round or the seventh round, it doesn't really matter. But you can never have enough of them.
Q: Is Joe Staley set at left tackle or is there an accomplished left tackle out there that would allow you to move Staley to the right side?
McCloughan: From our standpoint it's great that we have Joe Staley. As a first-year player, played every snap at right tackle; last year he took every snap at left tackle. If we can get better and move Joe Staley to the right side, then we've improved the offensive line quite a bit. If that's possible, I'd love to do it. I know this - with Joe Staley being out starting left tackle, we can win a lot football games with him.
Q: What do you think he's better suited at - left or right?
McCloughan: Again, it's going to prove out that he can play either or. And I think that's important. The thing that's great about it is, if a guy is a right tackle only, then it says he's limited in certain things. With Joe, he proved that he can be a functional left tackle, with upside at left tackle. So I feel good about it. Again, if we're able to get better than Joe and move him back to the right, then we're going to go in the right direction.
Q: At running back there has been talk of having more of a shared load with Frank Gore. Singletary said a back who "is not like" Frank Gore. What does that mean, a shifty, change-of-pace back or big pounder?
McCloughan: What I look for, and from talking to coach Sing about it, what we would like to have is a bigger back that can take some of the workload off of Frank. Frank needs to be on the field the majority of the time. But we also understand that our plan is not to have a 16-game season; it's to have a 19-game season. We have to keep Frank healthy for us to be as good as we can late in the year. I think it's proven out in this league nowadays and especially in the system that we'll be running in the run game, that having a second back is vital. I feel really good about this offseason about us addressing that. And I feel really good about us possibly getting a young guy to address that. It's going to be important not only from the running standpoint but from pass protection and catching the football as well.
Q: Are you talking about another back in addition to a fullback?
McCloughan: The fullback is important for lead blocking. The big back, I'm talking about a back that is 215, 230. I'm not talking about a 235 pound guy that's going to run 4.4. I'm talking about a football player that has some special teams value but also go out there and carry the ball if we need him to, 10-15 times a game. And be a starter at any time.
Q: Would you get that player in the draft?
McCloughan: It's a very deep year at the position. And I'm excited about that. If it's early, it means that he's the best player on the board and it's a position of need. If it's later on, then it means we drafted somebody we think can come in here and make the team. We feel good about bringing back Thomas Clayton this year. I think he's proven in preseason he has some value. We were able to get him on the 53 at the end of the season. He never got in a game, but I think he's proven that he can be a back for us as well. It's a position that's very important to us. We understand that we're going to have to run the football to have the success we want next year, and it's going to have to be a two-back system.
Q: How important is pass catching ability going to be with this back?
McCloughan: I think it's very important because not only do you have the running threat but you have the receiving threat. A checkdown guy. We're not going to be an offense that's going to throw the ball 30 times a game and stretching the field and trying to make the big plays down the field. We're going to be a possession-type team where the checkdowns are very important. Depending on who the quarterback is and the arm strength, the checkdown becomes even more important.
Q: Where do you stand this year on the veteran free agent quarterbacks on the market? Are they value free agents and could they help the 49ers?
McCloughan: Without getting into any names, which I wouldn't do, anyone who is in free agency at any position has a value. Some are greater than others. The important thing is now, with our new coordinator, and the system we're going to run is, which ones fit that. And what value are we willing to go do know that not only will it upgrade the position but it's a position that it upgrades the rest of the offense. There has to be a chemistry where he's able to fit in with everybody. It's hard in free agency because you're bringing guys in who have been trained in different systems. They've been trained to act one way, to call plays one way. And you can't lose sight of that. There is value out there. It's a position we need to address. And there is a chance that we do it in free agency. There is a chance we do it in the draft. But it needs to be addressed.
Q: What are your impressions of USC quarterback Mark Sanchez and Georgia QB Matthew
McCloughan: I haven't studied them enough. I really don't get into the quarterbacks until I come down there and see them in person, throwing. And the majority of guys here will throw. Then I'll go back and do some work. The impressions are very positive, from my college scouts who have seen them. It's a position that's very hard to figure out. But I don't think you ever lose sight of production over their careers, arm strength, the athleticism and the fact that they were able to win a lot of football games.
Q: What do you make of quarterbacks who would rather throw to their receivers at their Pro Days?
McCloughan: That's understood. Which is why some guys would rather have their own private day where they can throw to their own receivers. The accuracy down here is not important to me. It's just seeing them move around and seeing how they handle themselves and how the ball comes out, the velocity, the tightness, the spin of the ball. Accuracy is not important out there, because there is no timing. They haven't worked with these guys and they might throw to five different receivers throughout the workout. On the tape it's very important. But down here it's how they carry themselves, how they throw the ball, the physical attributes that they have.
* * *
After McCloughan stepped down from the podium he spoke on several other topics:
On spread offenses affecting the evaluation of defensive players: "What you're seeing now with the spread offenses is a lot of undersized defensive ends. The defenses are adjusting and saying, 'We don't need the big run-stopper on the field. We need more speed on the field because it's all misdirection.' You see the 220- to 240-pound defensive ends playing with their hands down. The bigger bodies don't get on the field as much."
On the 49ers' need for a nose tackle: "We could always use another nose. The thing I've learned about the 3-4 is how important that nose is. If you can get a dominant nose, you definitely go get it. It's vital."
On whether he's talking about replacing Aubrayo Franklin or adding depth: "The way we're approaching it right now is we have a couple guys on this team who can play in a rotation and can play well enough for us to win with in a rotation. If we have an opportunity to get an impact nose tackle, we'll definitely consider it."
On whether
On the thought of adding a safety: "If we're able to get an impact player in the draft or free agency for the price we want to pay him, we'll do it. We have good enough talent on this team to go out and play and have a little bit of depth there."
On whether newly acquired Jimmy Williams is a free safety: "Free or strong. He's up to 230 pounds. . . . It's bigger than he's been, but he's a unique athlete at 230 pounds. He's not a corner."
* * *
Ah, McGM has shown his cards I believe...
"On whether Boston College's B.J. Raji is that kind of impact nose: "I don't really want to get into that. I know he's a good football player.""
Smokescreen. If B.J. is sitting there at 10, he's wearing a red and gold ball cap folks.
I don't think they should draft Raji, even though he's a unique talent. They'd be stupid to pass up on one of those franchise OTs with their first pick. Whether it's Monroe, Smith, or Oher (or the kid from Baylor--forgot his name, but he's a monster too), that would solidify the line and give the team a pair of bookend tackles for a long time (with Staley). How about Igor Olshansky as a FA nose? He is a load in the middle and is familiar with Manusky. Btw...I heard skeebers hangs out in here. That's hillarious.
In the NFL, winning teams begin and end at the QB position. Since the 49ers do not have a franchise QB, no matter how much they want to spin Smith and Hill, if there, they would be insane to pass up Mark Sanchez. Any player drafted is a crap shoot, that is why a team should never pass up a potential franchise QB.
I'm thinking just the opposite. There may be a team that wants him bad and McCloughan is just positioning here ;-)
Welcome aboard. Join me in the upper deck with cabin chairs...
Unfortunately it won't happen. I have a hunch Sanchez will be donning a Chefs ballcap after the 3rd pick.
Now I won't be crying in my Sam Adams if Nate Davis falls in our laps at round 2.
The 9ers are going to play the BPA game at #10. If one of the top 3 OT's are there, they draft him. If not, they'll take whoever they rate higher, Orakapo, Curry, Raj. THere are too many holes that need to be fixed to draft "need" and reach.
Mr. Montana to Clark, first of all I think your user name is great , and I understand what you mean about needing a franchise qb, but I have a huge problem with you having sooooo much faith in Mark Sanchez transforming into a franchise QB in the NFL, The list of reasons why drafting Sanchez at the number 10 pick in the draft is a bad idea is to long to list here!!! But I think the most important reason for why we shouldn't draft him is because we have already seen what happens when their is no offensive line to block for your QB and no receivers for him to throw the ball too......which is exactly why the 49ers will be smart enough to address those problems immediately
Hi Matt,
Just throwing in my two cents...I'm interested in hearing from scouts, not McCloughan or Singletary because they've got to be very careful in what they say,about some of the good players, but maybe players with some question marks next to their names, as well as less obvious draft names that might be positions of need for the 49ers.
Example,
Raji is well known at NT, but Ron Brace might be a better value in the 2nd round for the 49ers needs.
Andre Smith would be an obvious choice at RT if he falls to 10, but Fenuki Tupou is sort of intriguing to me as a 3rd round choice if he falls that far.
There's quite a bit of talk of Everett Brown, Orakpo, or Maybin at rush LB, but if what are the odds of Michael Johnson falling to the 2nd round, and how would he compare.
And I've got to ask about Ramses Barden from Cal Poly. He certainly has the size and athleticism for the 49ers system as a 2nd day selection.
Have fun at the combine.
Matt after hearing this:
On the 49ers' need for a nose tackle: "We could always use another nose. The thing I've learned about the 3-4 is how important that nose is. If you can get a dominant nose, you definitely go get it. It's vital."
Is there any chance the 49ers spend the money on Haynesworth?
A couple of thoughts:
1. Taking Raji at #10 could be looked at as redemption for passing on Vince Wilfork and trading down for Rashaun Woods. Perhaps finally shedding the sins of the T. Donahue era.
2. Matt - how feasible or reasonable would it be to exit Free Agency with the following:
-J. Garcia to compete with Hill;
- J. Philips as Safety; and
- an Established veteran Rt. Tackle...any suggestions?
I'd rather have these three than to over pay for TJ "WhozyaMama"....CHAMPIONSHIP!
Thanks.
Haynesworth would cost a bit too much for this team, unless they cut Jennings and A. Smith before the 27th but even then, it might be pushing it. He's the crown jewel of the FA class that has taken a big hit these past 2 days. If there is a name player the 49ers could go after, its probably Houshmandzadeh.
The 49ers are likely to see what they have in Goldson than go after Phillips, at least thats what McCloughan seemed to indicate this AM. I think the FS they really wanted was Atogwe, who was franchised by the Rams.
Not much left at RT. Vernon Carey just re-signed with Miami.
FYI - both Raji and Everette Brown will be gone by the 10th pick.
Everette Brown might be there.
I'm certain that Raji will be gone though.
"Have you learned something as an organization how to make it more fair and balanced?"
For goodness sake give it a rest Maiocco. We started the season with the only QB on the roster that could run the Martz offense. We switched to a better QB when that QB finally learned it. Now move on.
Olshansky is a 3-4 DE. He is not a nose. There is not much at that position in free agency. Haynesworth is not worth the money, he had his best seasons trying to get this payday. NT is a position the 9ers will have to address somewhere in the first 3 rounds of the draft.
"Accuracy is not important out there, because there is no timing". That explains how we ended up with Alex. Don't you think there is a flaw in that logic? I remember watching a QB competition before we drafted Alex. Rogers was right on the money with his throws and Alex was all over the place. In fact I think he came in last!
The NT, Raji, is so good, at such a difficult position to fill, he has to be, in this draft, the no. 1 target. The next most difficult position to fill is rush OLB. If a rush OLB that grades about the same as the OTs is there at no. 10, he has to be the pick. That is because you can find an adequate RT later in the draft, but you can't find an adequate rush OLB after the first round, unless you are just plain lucky. However, if the only remaining rush OLB scores, in your scoring system, at 90 and the stud LT still on the board scoires at 93, then you take the BPA (the LT) and wait and hope for your OLB.
Comment: "Have you learned something as an organization how to make it more fair and balanced?" For goodness sake give it a rest Maiocco.
My response: I didn't ask the question, but I'll be happy to take full responsibility. --Matt M.
"We're not going to be an offense that's going to throw the ball 30 times a game and stretching the field and trying to make the big plays down the field. We're going to be a possession-type team where the checkdowns are very important. Depending on who the quarterback is and the arm strength, the checkdown becomes even more important."
OMG! That sounds BORING! If it's effective and leads to wins I'll live with it but it sounds like we're planning to go into our slowdown offense from the opening tip.
As yet another possible OT FA signs for big bucks, does anyone doubt how valuable these guys are? I hope we get one of the top 4 at #10, because in Sing's offense, an "adequate" OT won't cut it.
Houston9er.
Look at the highlights from the 86 Giants win against Denver in SB XXI.
Simms was 22-25. Nothing boring about that kind of offense.
Hi Matt, looks like the Raiders have cut Gabril Wilson. What are the chances of the Niners picking him up? He plays FS where the Niners need help in. He is still very young, and played pretty well considering we was playing for an awful team. Also, he is a leader, and has a super bowl ring just 2 yrs. ago with the NY Giants. Your Thoughts!!!
"standpoint, standpoint, standpoint" nolan vibes...
anyways, i think we need a running back too.
I'd refer to the 1991 Giants. Simms was no Shaun Hill, but Jeff Hostetler would be a closer comparison - 20-32 and 1 touchdown. That sounds like a Hill performance on a career day to me.
Come to think of it, the Niners are a DE, NT, and FA S player away from putting together that kind of caliber defense. Oh wait a minute, the Giants had someone named LT... the one and true LT. Ah well, we have PW.
There's an article in Yahoo Sports. It appears the Browns are willing to part with Derek Anderson for as little as a third round pick.
I think the Niners should consider this deal and make a serious run for the young QB.
I'd expect Spagnolo in StL to have him on the phone already Mike, but you never know?
I certainly wasn't making a direct comparison between Simms and Hill. I just used that example because that number (22/25) is burned in my memory bank (cause it's a SB record). I was trying to reassure him because some people think that only throwing 30 passes a game is somehow the almost like "Three yards and a cloud of dust."
30 passes, effectively thrown, is more than enough to put the ball in the endzone and keep the defense off balance.
Watch Sammie Lee Hill NT/Stillman during the workouts.
He's huge, has good numbers and appears to be a decent athlete.
Granted, I like Raji, but feel that the OT is better investment if the top tier guys are there at 10.
It will be interesting to see what Scot does with the card, but if we land Haynesworth or a starter at RT, the DE probably gets taken at 10.
On Jimmy Williams, he was a top tier CB when he arrived in Atlanta a few years back.
Since he missed time last year because of his weed habit, I'm hoping he truly has seen the light on what his habit has done to his income bracket and gets his head back into football.
At 230lbs, I don't expect to see him running in the 4.3 anymore, but he's got coverage ability and size working for him now.
He could be a STEAL if he comes to play and stays clean.
Watch Sammie Lee Hill NT/Stillman during the workouts.
He's huge, has good numbers and appears to be a decent athlete.
Granted, I like Raji, but feel that the OT is better investment if the top tier guys are there at 10.
It will be interesting to see what Scot does with the card, but if we land Haynesworth or a starter at RT, the DE probably gets taken at 10.
On Jimmy Williams, he was a top tier CB when he arrived in Atlanta a few years back.
Since he missed time last year because of his weed habit, I'm hoping he truly has seen the light on what his habit has done to his income bracket and gets his head back into football.
At 230lbs, I don't expect to see him running in the 4.3 anymore, but he's got coverage ability and size working for him now.
He could be a STEAL if he comes to play and stays clean.
Sorry folks, it looked as if the submission failed, didn't mean to stutter post -
McClueless' remark about accuracy has me scratching my head as well.
Hey Matt,
with the 10th pick do you see them picking best available, or is there some wiggle room with that?
what indications are they giving you about where they will go with the pick and what they might do?
Does the injury to Crabtree have any implications for them?
Glad to see McC getting involved and speaking about what seems ahead for the 49ers! I don't really think McC is great at what he does, but I do believe that he is relaying what the 49ers are planning on doing for the upcoming season. It's a waste of time asking Mr. Sing what he thinks or what he plans to do about anything. That was quite apparent after the fiasco Mr. Sing created about Vick at the "state of the 49ers" get together.
Why worry about Alex Smith and what Mr. Sing will do with him? Mr. Sing will do what he's told to do with Smith if the team keeps Smith. Sing's on a short leash now!
Mr. Sing knows squat about what it takes to be a successful QB in the NFL. And after the "state of the 49ers" fiasco, Mr. Sing will do what Dr. Daddy York, little Jed a McC decide, period. Mr.Sing has already pulled an alarm lever by opening his mouth wider than the top boys wanted him too! And his ignorance of the position of QB just becomes more and more exposed after each of his discussions on the position.
Yea! He told Martz to put in Hill when ANYONE could see JTO was imploding! My dog could see that! He had no other choice!
But now that big mouth Sing has had the firefighters called out by Dr. Daddy York after the Vick bomb, you can bet that you'll be getting the REAL scoop from McC!
But for you Sing lovers I have a question? What QB has Mr. Sing been involved with that attained a successful career in college or the NFL?
Terry: You are a complete idiot! I would elaborate more on that but honestly, I just don't have the energy!
In answer to your last question though, Sing's QB with the Bears, Jim McMahon, authored one of THE greatest comebacks in college football history (1980 Holiday Bowl) as well as leading the 1985 Chicago Bears to the highest point total in the NFC in 1985.
GeoMak: I understand! Your too blinded to see your hand in front of your face.
And to prove it, I didn't know Mr. Sing was at BYU as a QB coach showing McMahon the ropes! And I also didn't know he was the QB coach and OC when he played for the Bears back then! I must have missed that part of history! I thought Mr. Sing was a middle linebacker? Sorry!
Maybe next time read a comment! Try with your little brain to understand it!
But you sure had the energy to make yourself sound like a fool on this Blog!
GeoMak, Terry's staked out a position of being completely anti-Singletary. Virtually every post gets around to mocking, ridiculing, insulting, and belittling Singletary and those who support him and think he'll be a good HC. There's nothing you can do for Terry except let him rave. He's not operating on all cylinders and no one takes him seriously.
Skeebers: Thanks for the info. Now that I know he's insane, I'll soon just start to ignore him.
BTW Terry: If it helps you out (LOL) McMahon was the QB of the offense and MS was the QB of the defense. They used to meet sometime before every game to find out how many points McMahon thought the offense would be able to score on the opponent's defense and Singletary would tell McMahon how many points he thought the Bears defense would be able to hold opponent's offense to.
Those guys each led their respective units.
Now to further help you out, MS talks about week three in 1985, how the Bears were losing in Minnesota 17-9 in the 3rd quarter without McMahon who was injured and didn't start the game. And how the aforementioned INJURED Jim McMahon finally came off the bench and threw a TD pass on his first snap, a TD pass on his first pass of the next possession and another TD pass on the Bears next possession.
Three possessions, three TD passes from Jim McMahon. AS Singletary would later say "When McMahon came in, MAGIC HAPPENED!"
That bit of wizardry by McMahon kept the Bears from their first loss and instead left them at 3-0 and helped launched their magical season of 1985.
Mike Singleatry, based on his Bear experience, knows as much as anyone how important it is to have a QB who can strike and strike quickly.
P.S. LOOK IT UP!
They need to draft someone from the SEC. Someone noone heard of. Draft him in the later rounds, pay him Rubles and he'll be a great addiction to a 1 - 2 punch. Like NYG. I don't know who is available, but spending it on an overrated name is dumb, especially if you know how to run the ball well.
always informative,
Mike Dukakis