Unfortunately, the 49ers have not let me stare at their draft board and scribble notes of their rankings, so I really have little idea what they're thinking (other than what some agents have told me and some other tidbits I gleaned at the combine last month).
There is a lot of mock drafts that match the 49ers with USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. These mock drafts are generally done by people who try to fill a need at a team's perceived weakness. And it's clear that people across the country feel the 49ers have a need at quarterback.
They're not that far off the mark in one sense: If the 49ers felt secure at QB, why did they aggressively go after Kurt Warner when Warner had made it abundantly clear he wanted to remain with the Cardinals?
I've been of the belief all along the 49ers would probably not choose a quarterback with the No. 10 overall pick. My opinion has been based on the 49ers' situation, whom is likely to be available, and comments from Mike Singletary and Scot McCloughan. But things can definitely change.
McCloughan is scheduled to attend USC's pro day on Wednesday. He will get a chance to see Sanchez up close. Does Sanchez have a chance to make an impact on the 49ers' "trigger man"? Sure. But the 49ers are also at the mercy of the nine teams choosing ahead of them. If Sanchez "wows" the scouts, coaches and GMs, he might be gone when it's the 49ers' turn to pick.
I don't think I'd be shocked if the 49ers chose a quarterback at No. 10 - only mildly surprised. But the 49ers do have reason to have questions about their top two quarterbacks. Alex Smith is coming off two shoulder injuries and he has not played a healthy game for nearly two full seasons. Shaun Hill has done an outstanding job when given the chance, but there are plenty who believe he lacks the physical tools to make the adjustments over a full season.
Still, I'm just not sure any quarterback the 49ers might be able to pick at No. 10 would give the 49ers immediate help. It's doubtful you're going to see another successful first-year-QB story along the lines of Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco in this draft.
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By the way, the worst rumor I've heard is that the 49ers have taken Matthew Stafford off their draft board. The whole thing about the team psychologist interviewing
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Anyway, here are the latest quotes from Singletary concerning the 49ers' situation and the possibility of drafting a quarterback. Singletary made these comments last week at the NFL owners' meetings:
Q: Is quarterback an open competition or is it something you'll address in the draft?
Singletary: "Anything can happen on draft day. We're still evaluating and looking for the best athlete available. The quarterback position, we're very thankful to have Shaun Hill and Alex Smith competing for the No. 1 spot. I feel very good about what they're doing."
Q: When you look at this draft, what positions fit with what you're looking for?
Singletary: "The receiver position is really intriguing. A lot of speed - a lot of depth there, depending on what you're looking for. You've got some tall guys who can fly, some smaller well-built guys - (such as) the kid out of
"Obviously, the quarterback is not as deep. Maybe there's some guys in a couple of years can work into your system, but that first-year availability, there's not a whole lot."
Q: When you look at the rookie quarterbacks, such as Mark Sanchez, and you look at what Ryan and Flacco did so well last year, has it changed the mindset of what a rookie QB can do?
Singletary: "It fits more the personality. There are a lot of intangibles that are there. You look at Joe Flacco going to
"The same thing at
"That's what happens to a lot of guys. Normally, the teams that are going to draft a quarterback, they're not very good. There's a reason they're drafting early."
Q: Sanchez started 16 games at USC. How much of a factor is that?
Singletary: "It works both ways. No. 1, you're happy the kid hasn't taken a lot of hits. He's fresh. But on the other hand, how many games do you need? If a kid has it, he has it. If he doesn't, he doesn't. He can play 10 years, if he doesn't have it, he doesn't have it.
"The quarterback position is such an interesting position. Mark Sanchez, the position is such an interesting position. It's more about confidence and accuracy. Is he going to a team that has an effective running game that can help him? They don't have to put the game on his shoulders so he doesn't have to start right away. I just think it comes down to the team the kid goes to."
Q: Sanchez played in pro-style offense, how much difference does that make?
Singletary: "The guy who plays in a pro-style offense has a slight advantage coming into the pro game given the fact the team he's going to does the same thing. But I think that guy who plays in that pro-style offense has a slight advantage because he's seen it from the same steps and the line of scrimmage and there's a comfort level. Where if you came in as a shotgun quarterback your reads are different -- just 1 or 2 yards make a tremendous difference for a quarterback, I get a chance to see my reads and my mismatches early. Not only are you not just playing zone, but the safeties do a better job of disguising.''
Q: Alex Smith has gone through the wringer with just about everything that can happen to a quarterback picked No. 1. Where he is?
Singletary: "I'm very excited about Alex for a number of reasons. No. 1, there's a different look in his eye than when he first came. All of a sudden there's a chip on his shoulder. There's a fire in his gut. And he's ready to prove something.
"He is a confident quarterback. He's more confident now than he's ever been. I'm very fortunate that we have (offensive coordinator) Jimmy Raye and (QBs coach) Mike Johnson. They are very detailed on all the little things he has to do to in order to be the best he can be.
"I'm very thankful that he has the competition of Shaun Hill, so they both are an iron-sharpening-iron process with both those guys. I think it's going to be a very interesting progression from start to finish for both those guys. I'm excited by it."
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I'll be following anything USC coach Pete Carroll has to say on Twitter tomorrow. Yes, I've joined the Twitter team. Please add me to your list. Thank you.
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I never joined myspace, never joined facebook and I will never join twitter!!
Btw, that stafford story was a small paragraph in a 2 page story. Stafford even said that he understood why they asked him that(because of all the money they're potentially investing), so I don't understand why it's still a story.
Hey Matt did the Niners send anyone to Pitts pro day? I know we have Willis and no one wants to talk about drafting an ILB but Pitt has a kid named Scott McKillop who is an absolute beast. He flies around the field, he had 288 tackles in his last two years. Willis is holding down the top spot but if he got hurt who would we have? I know people want to draft need but i have seen him going as late as the fourth round, and we could use a little insurance. Just asking.
A QB lines up under center and looks dead in the face of the 85 Bear defense, right at Singletary. Singletary looks back at him and instantly knows if the QB is terrified, or ready to fight. That moment in time is more valuable to him as a ILB than any scouting report, and I'll bet he learned as a player to instantly determine if the QB means business ("He has it.") or looks terrified ("He doesn't.")
I'm hoping it's a smart move by McC to attend USC's pro day. Not because they should take Sanchez (that would be a dumb move), but because they should try to get everyone to think they have a lot of interest. Hopefully if he's still available some team that falls in love with him will offer a sweet deal to move up. Teams do stupid things for QBs.
Congratulations.
People are making it a story because it seems controversial. That's all they need.
I just can't see the 49ers pulling the trigger on Sanchez if he's still there at #10. The 49ers, of any position have more needs everywhere else. I know that's hard to swallow for some fans who aren't exactly jumping for joy with Alex & Hill but it's the truth. The 49ers have no IMPACT player on offense, they don't have a STOUT nose tackle that can anchor the line & they don't have a true PASS RUSHER which has been missing you can say since Haley left. On top of all that they need more depth on the O-line (OT). So there you have it, no on Sanchez. Plus Sanchez realistically wouldn't even be ready to contribute or play this year so you would have ALOT of money invested on a #1 pick sitting on the bench. Does that make sense for the 49ers? I think I rest my case.
Erik,
I'll give you one better & I've already mentioned this before. McC should have invited Sanchez for a personal work out to make other teams think the 49ers are really interested in Sanchez.
I think with that number 10 pick you grab who ever makes the biggest impact, period. If Sanchez will be a franchise QB in a year than he could very well be the pick and i will have no problem with that. If a premier tackle falls than fine, if either Maybin or Brown are there and the team feels they are studs than they are good too. I'll take Raji, Crabtree or even Maclin if they can make a serious impact. The point is someone will be there who can come in and within a year or two be huge for us, if it is a QB fine, if it is someone else then okay. The last thing I want is to be three years down the road watching someone like Sanchez put up big numbers for someone else while we washed out on our pick because the QB wasn't the biggest need. Go for impact with the first pick, fill needs with the rest.
Lol thats a good 1 coach! Alex Smith really does have a chip on his shoulder, literally.
"Plus Sanchez realistically wouldn't even be ready to contribute or play this year so you would have ALOT of money invested on a #1 pick sitting on the bench. Does that make sense for the 49ers? I think I rest my case."
Using that logic, the Bengals were stupid for taking Carson Palmer. And the Chargers were morons for taking Phillip Rivers. if the 49ers feel Sanchez has a higher ceiling than any QB on this roster AND he's the best player on their board, then they would be stupid not to take him. Immediate contribution should not even factor in to this, only a few draft picks make a major contribution every year.
Matt, your comment about a QB not giving immediate help does not make sense. The best case is the 49ers take Sanchez and let him watch for a year. Let Smith or Hill hold the seat warm, and get the kid ready for year two a la Palmer and Rivers. The only problem in this plan is the fact that who will Sanchez be learning from. Raye and Johnson are not renowned teachers of QBs.
IT'S OFFICIAL JAY CUTLER IS ON THE TRADING BLOCK!! I HOPE WE MAKE A MOVE FOR HIM HE'S A PROVEN FRANCHISE QB AND HES STLL A YOUNGSTER!!!
alaska,
All those players except Sanchez would be fine by me because not only are you getting value based on how the Pro Scouts rate them but you would be filling an obvious "need".
As for asdf & Montana to Clark's argument for the possibility of Sanchez. I'll just ask you 2 this, can 49er fans wait another 2-3 years waiting for another #1 pick to finally contibute & make an impact for the team? I know I can't, the time is now to improve the team enough to at least battle for a Playoff spot THIS year.
Call up Denver now,McCluesless!
Yup, get on the horn right now and Make Cutler the Niners QB, do what it takes.
Doubt it will happen, but sure would be fun if it did.
I don't think the Niners go after a QB in the first or second round, the Alex restructuring deal would make less sense at that point. Sing pretty much said it, if the QB cant stand up long enough to make a read, the team will suffer. They need to draft the best OL or DL avail. I would even be "mildly surprised" if they decided to take a WR at 10.
if you haven't noticed we're more than a player away. One guy is not going to make the instant impact that propels us into super bowl contenders. A guy who can develop into a franchise qb in a year or two can do that to a franchise as the rest of the team improves. We have enough former high draft picks that need to prove their worth.
Fans tend to be narrow sighted and want instant production but usually the best way is to develop players for the long term, especially at the qb position. Not doing that has you winding up with Alex Smith.
I hope they make a run at Cutler. Could change our fortune immediatly.
BRONCOS TO TRADE CUTLER TO NINERS.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AgRTb9BB5J_mM4ZSmeNZfmo5nYcB?slug=cr-bowlencutler033109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
That link doesn't mention the Niners, but my ESP has the hunch.
WHAT!
David R,
First of all who said anything about Super Bowl contenders? Then you go ahead & contradict yourself with the "one guy is not going to make the instant impact" but yet argue drafting the 1 player (QB)...I say WTF are you talking about? Dude you're all over the place.
Matt, isn't it more likely McCloughan is going to the USC Pro Day to check out the linebackers than Sanchez?
First of all, people need to just let the Jay Cutler pipe dream go..... ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN AND IT WOULD'NT BE WORTH IT.... Do you really think the Niners would give up the 10th overall pick and most likely their 3rd round pick to get him? That dude wont come cheap. He'll be a Jet or a Buc in no time anyway...I think Singletary and McClougan are done with the QB water testing for now. Shaun Hill starts the season and deservedly so...Second of all, as for the draft goes im predicting an OL or a DL taken at number 10 (and dont rule them out of trading down for more picks either) no one really brings that scenario up.... Last but not least I just love how our society just loves to build people up so they can tear them down... example: Mike Singletary, what this Cat did was nothing short of amazing the way he turned our beloved team around in just 9 weeks. Their attitude, their confidence, their record and their trust... Everyone was singing the praises of Coach Sing especially the people that matter the most, THE PLAYERS. Remeber that? Because I dont think alot of people do and that goes especially to the main culprets "The Media"..... This team was turned completely around after week 7 and all they've done is build on that..... Its time to ralley Faithfull.
In my opinion i feel like we should make a run for Cutler. He's a young, proven QB. Having said that, Not getting Cutler does not mean the Niners should take a chance on a QB at No. 10...we can get one in later rounds...plus im not sure whether im being extremely optimistic here, but as much as i love Hill, i have faith that if Smith is given a proper shot he will make that QB position his. His potential was on display in 06 and the last two years have been injury/Nolan ravaged...he's shown us potential, he's still young, i'm willing to stick with him just a little while longer...and with Hill in there as well, the situation isn't as bad as people are making it out to be.
no read better. Isn't the ultimate goal to be super bowl contenders? yes it is. Is qb not the most important position on a team? yes it is. Do we have a legit a legit starting qb on this roster? no not in my opinion.
Sure we can get a tackle at 10 who can provide immediate contribution but will he make a bigger impact than a qb even if he has to sit a year or two? Nope sorry. thanks.
Qb is the most important position in football, we don't have one I have confidence in and Sing doesn't seem to have confidence either. We went after Warner pretty hard so where's the confidence in Hill and Smith? There isn't much...
"Matt, isn't it more likely McCloughan is going to the USC Pro Day to check out the linebackers than Sanchez?"
Aaron, you made the post I would have after reading message after message about Sanchez. There are other players at USC, and some of them may be available after round 1.
I think you'll fine many Niner fans both appreciate and have confidence in Shaun Hill especially after the way he's gone about his business the past two years. He accepted his role as backup and when thrown in to lead that's exactly what he did. Shaun Hill is the kind of player you only appreciate once he's gone and i'm glad he's still a 49er.
yahoo sports says the 49ers are interested in Culter...
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArhFQjeF24V012nB_vsxcYw5nYcB?slug=cr-bowlencutler033109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Question: isn't it more likely McCloughan is going to the USC Pro Day to check out the linebackers than Sanchez?
My response: McCloughan and the scouts are there to see and finalize grades on every one of the USC players eligible for the draft. --Matt M.
The 10th overall and a third would be a steal! Where do we sign. Seriously, it would be worth our 1st, 3rd, Alex Smith or Shaun Hill and next years 2nd and 3rd. Cutler is great. Our QB's are not great. The NFL is a QB league. There just aren't many teams who win championships without a great QB, and the niners will be no different. If they don't get Cutler, they still will need to address the QB issue, unless Smith turns out great and he has a LOT of work to do. Cutler is proven. I'll be surprised if they don't at least give it a shot. They were willing to give Warner 15mil per year, and he is almost done playing(I know Kurt was a free agent). Cutler would change everything for the Niners. The NFC West is so poor that they would be instant contenders. Three way deal with the Browns is possible as well.
You can't wait 2 or 3 years for a pick to pan out? Are you kidding me! This myopic, knee-jerk thinking is the reason our beloved 49ers have become a joke for late night talkshow hosts. There is no surething in the draft at ANY position. the only way to assure 8 to 10 years of successful football,ie play-offs, is to have a top QB. So, Cutler for a #1 and 3 pick is a no brainer, and Sanchez is certainly worth the gamble more than an OT or LB, especially when our current choices are Smith and Hill. Of course, the point is moot, because the 49ers are led by the 3 idiots, Jed the boy-king, McSpineless, and the reverend Mike!
Alaska 77 -we would be wise to pick an ILB in mid to late rounds there are several who pique one's interest -the guy I'm excited about is Frantz Joseph from Florida Atlantic -he has IT! Some have described him as a small school Ray Lewis (hyperbole no doubt- but you get the drift ...he plays "F"hysical!) and if he gets the Big Tuna's attention(which is the rumor !) then you know something is shakin'!
Hi Matt, The 49er faithful are hoping for a shot at Cutler but let's be realistic, does anyone who follows the team think that McCloughan can pull off such a trade? I don't think so. It's way over his head. The guy has been with the organization for what 5 years and he's still in the category of on the job training. He's the only gm who lost a draft pick in my memory over he said she said. Sanchez is a possiblility, but then again would the organization take such a risk?
The 49ers are already contenders w/o Cutler(and yes that is indicative) I'm sure we take a look... but let's not get too hasty with the draft pick notions.
No. 10 and a third-rounder for Cutler? One ex-GM told Pat Kirwan of NFL.com two weeks ago that "Cutler goes for two No. 1 picks and a player, or he doesn't go at all."
Count on the Broncos making that "player" a QB - and the Browns can offer up Brady Quinn, who is more McDaniels' type (read: NE-system QB). That's something none of the other teams in Yahoo's story can match.
I like the fact that Coach SIngletary mentioned my boy Percy. I tend to agree the Cleveland has the best chance of landing Cutler.
David R,
You ARE really out there. I'm gonna start calling you "spaceman" You asked "Isn't the ultimate goal the Super Bowl? Well....yes it is but this is a team that hasn't been to the playoffs in 7-8 years & for the most part the 49ers have been irrelevent in the NFL. But you talk about Super Bowl for the 49ers? Hey you need to "crawl before you can walk".
Montana-to-Clark: Why don't you do yourself and the rest of us a favor and find a team to cheer for that has a HC,Owner and GM that you like. None of the big 3 for the Niners is going anywhere . Jed will be the owner when you are in your grave,so get over it .
If you want to see the Niners do well then you had better hope gpopd things for Jed and Scotty and Sing !!! If you hate them,as it sure sounds like you do,then that means you hate the niners,because THEY ARE THE NINERS and they are the future of the Niners!
And remember this next time you whine and cry like a little girl about how terrible these three are...Scotty has been GM only one year and Sing has been HC for under a year and Jed has been Owner/President for under a year.
Don't you get it,this IS the NEW regime NOW ! They just started ,give them time to show you what product they put on the field !
Or else get another team !!!
What is your tweet handle there Matt - Can't find ya..
found Pete's but not yours.
Twitters cool....
Im not nearly as high on Sanchez as many are...he's obviously got skills, but with only one season as a starter under his belt, I'm not convinced he's ready for the NFL. I agree with Pete Carroll...he should've come back for his senior season. I think Stafford's more battle-tested...especially playing in the very tough SEC. I predict he'll be the better pro. My bottom line: I hope we don't draft either guy. We need a top pass rusher, power RB, and OL and DL depth. Those to me are higher priorities right now.
not many niner fans are high on sanchez its just a few - who have no clue about the niners and the nfl...
best quote of the offseason -"I'm very excited about Alex for a number of reasons. No. 1, there's a different look in his eye than when he first came. All of a sudden there's a chip on his shoulder. There's a fire in his gut. And he's ready to prove something."......the last time Coach Sing looked at a QB's eyes he made a gutsy decision to keep the QB in the game - which we won.......I love this...love it..A.Smith is finally coming to his own...