UPDATES: Agreements with undrafted free agents at the bottom.
Here is the article that will appear in Monday's paper, "Niners give offense a lot of attention." And here's a rundown of offseason changes with all the NFC teams, beginning with the 49ers. (Just in case you were wondering if I did any work this weekend.)
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How did the 49ers do in this weekend's draft?
Don't bother asking. I refuse to play the game. One of the most worthless exercises we go through every year is trying to figure which teams knocked it out of the park on draft weekend. Of course, there are 32 teams - the Raiders included - that feel good because they always picked somebody at (or near the top) of their respective draft boards.
The 49ers addressed a lot of what they set out to accomplish, except outside linebacker and offensive tackle.
I figured there was a 50-percent chance they would take an offensive tackle in the first round. But once Michael Crabtree was there at No. 10, and they passed on Michael Oher, I can understand why they never felt the need to force the issue in subsequent rounds.
The fact they did not select an outside linebacker is a surprise. They weren't going to get somebody at No. 10, and that's fine. But all I've been hearing for a while is how deep this draft was with those hybrid DE/OLB types.
But, clearly, the team was not smitten with Everette Brown, Clint Sintim, Connor Barwin, David Veikune or anybody else they could have chosen with the second-round pick they ended up trading to the Panthers for a first-rounder in 2010.
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This was a lot of fun this year. Thanks for following all my stuff right here on "Instant 49ers," as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks to the 49ers for supplying some photos for my Facebook page.
Perhaps the highlight of the day was the banter and gamesmanship inside the press trailer. The most memorable sequence of the weekend occurred in the fifth round.
We all chimed in with our opinions on which player the 49ers would select.
As I re-entered the "work" area, Lynch and Bee-rows - in a well-choreographed bit - started shouting that
But not long after it was distributed to my 556 followers, the jokers came clean and revealed that the 49ers had not yet chosen. I sent an immediate retraction and admitted to being punk'd.
Well, a few moments later, the 49ers selected Pitt linebacker Scott McKillop.
But I got the last laugh 25 picks later when the 49ers took the
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Here is a complete look at the 49ers' 2009 draft class:
MICHAEL CRABTREE
First round, No. 10 overall
Position: Wide receiver
College:
Hometown:
The vision: The 49ers expect him to compete - and win - the starting job at split end, where second-year player Josh Morgan is also competing. Crabtree has a chance to immediately become the team's No. 1 receiver. The 49ers will certainly take it slow with Crabtree this offseason, as he recovers from surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. He probably will not do much until the start of training camp.
Quotebook: "When I played quarterback, I always wanted a receiver like (me). I wanted a receiver where I could just throw it up and he could go get it. Or if I threw a pass, I knew he was going to cut in front of that DB and not let the interception happen and make a play" - Crabtree.
GLEN COFFEE
Third round; No. 74 overall
Position: Running back
College:
Hometown:
Ht: 6-0; Wt: 210
The vision: Coffee is a powerful runner who has the ability to put on another 10 pounds and become an answer in short-yardage situations. The 49ers would like Coffee to work into a role of prominence to give Frank Gore the occasional breather. McCloughan likes Coffee as the No. 2 back, calling him a "one-cut power back."
Quotebook: "I watched a lot of (Gore) when he got into the league and I knew a little bit about him in college. I know he's a great back and he can do a lot of things. I'm glad to be able to practice with him and play with him" - Coffee.
SCOTT McKILLOP
Fifth round; No. 146 overall
Position: Inside linebacker
College:
Hometown: Export,
Ht: 6-1; Wt: 245
The vision: McKillop, the Big East defensive player of the year, should be a solid inside linebacker who will be an immediate contributor on special teams. McKillop will compete with veteran Jeff Ulbrich to serve as backup to Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes. McCloughan said he'll start off at the backup Ted. "That's a pick for me that I'm very excited about," he said.
Quotebook: "I kind of play like I have a chip on my shoulder. Everyone is always doubting me. All it takes is one person to make one comment about me and I'm just going to work harder and try to prove people wrong" - McKillop said.
NATE DAVIS
Fifth round; No. 171 overall
Position: Quarterback
College:
Hometown:
Ht: 6-2; Wt: 217
The vision:
Quotebook: "Personally I don't think there's really anything different. I think the big difference is he (Matthew Stafford) went to
BEAR PASCOE
Sixth round; No. 184 overall
Position: Tight end
College:
Hometown:
Ht: 6-5; Wt: 255
The vision: Pascoe is a tough, rugged inline blocker who should immediately take over for blocking specialist Billy Bajema, who signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent. Unlike Bajema, Pascoe can also be used in the passing game.
Quotebook: "Football's a rough sport. There's going to be injuries, but you have to play through them, play through the pain and learn how to handle it. And that's probably one of my best attributes, is I've got a very high pain tolerance" - Pascoe.
CURTIS TAYLOR
Seventh round; No. 219 overall
Position: Free safety
College: LSU
Hometown:
Ht: 6-2; Wt: 211
The vision: The 49ers figure taking
Quotebook: "
RICKY JEAN-FRANCOIS
Seventh round; No. 244 overall
Position: Defensive line
College: LSU
Hometown:
Ht: 6-3; Wt: 295
The vision: Francois has a lot of talent, but he did not play with a lot of consistency throughout his career. He saw action in just 25 games. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula has a project on his hands.
Quotebook: "When you look at the film at the other kid, the third pick in the draft (LSU teammate Tyson Jackson), the guy next to him jumps out and makes plays" - 49ers coach Mike Singletary.
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UPDATED
UDFA agreements: Purdue RB Kory Sheets, Ohio State OT Alex Boone, Georgia Tech CB Jahi Word-Daniels, stanford DE Pannel Egboh. (All first reported by KFFL, and confirmed here independently.) Also, just learned there's an agreement with South Carolina CB Carlos Thomas.
McCloughan would not confirm any signings he said the team will sign 8 to 12 undrafted free agents. He said it's going to be the best group of UDFAs the team has signed. The majority, he said, are priority free agents, including some outside linebackers that he really likes.
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Thanks for all your wonderful work Matt, you really bring an enthusiasm and opinionated wisdom that I enjoy. No need for you to chime in on the 49er draft grade. I will do it for you. A! I predict Kiper will give us an A as well as most credible evaluators. As I said before, best draft for the Niners in years. Thanks Scot,Mike,Scouts and dedicated fans and here is to a dominant season!!
Agreed.
Thanks Matt, great job as usual!!
Matt,
Excellent job. But then again, that's what I have come to expect from you.
By the way, the draft party at the Santa Clara Convention Center was very well run and we had a great time.
Thanks for the continuing coverage of the 49ers.
Michael
Matt-Terrific job as usual. Don't the Niners want Mortgan and Crabs (I can just see the fans now wearing crab hats) on the field at the same time? How do you think this will play out? Also, the Ricky Jean selection is a roll of the dice with a kid with tons of talent but questionable character. Here's hoping they can keep him on the straight and narrow. He could end up making the team and being a force if he keeps his head screwed on right. Finally, watch the kid Robiskie with the Browns. He can flat out play and will out work everyone. My wife taught him in high school. Just a great kid who believes in working hard.
KFFL says we also signed Kory Sheets and Jahi Word-Daniels
Matt,
Allow me to add my thanks for all your hard work and informed thoughts and opinions leading up to this draft weekend and throughout it. You really add great insigth and added enjoyment to my passion for my favorite team.
GREAT JOB MATT,
Francios and Egboh could be the pleasant suprises in camp. These are two DT who played their best football early in their college careers and have since become somewhat obscure. They have a lot to prove to themselves and to the naysayers and I believe they will come strong during training camp make the roster and be good to solid contributers (IMO).
GO 2009-10 NINERS!
Matt, Where's the Beef?
Thanks again, Matt for all of the updates!
Alex Boone, yikes! Maybe signing with the 9ers will make him clean up his act.
I'm surprised Sheets wasn't drafted. Anyone know why? Matt?
Woo - already some talent off the UDFA line. Hopefully none of them pulls an Ezra Butler!
Kory Sheets ,what a great udfa signing ! I know many fans were hoping we might draft him !
Seems the running backs are no longer a weak spot on the roster. Rathman must have a smile a mile wide !!!
WOW,with the UDFA's added to the great draft,I might just have to up my grade from a B+ to an A+ draft for the Niners ! Scotty ,who knew you were THIS sharp !!!
Razor no Harvin and you still give us an A??? What give bro!!! lol j/k You guys notice how it is getting harder and harder to make our team. I'm excited about Crabtree, McKillop, Carolina's first next year and getting Boone as an UDFA. I know he's young and dumb but I think if he gets his act together Boone has the capabilities to be a darn good RT in this league. I'm an OSU fan and got to see this kid a lot. Same with McKillop I live in Pittsburgh so got to follow this kid a lot. He's going to be our future Ted for sure. Maybe a probowler. Him and Willis are going to have bets going to see who gets the most tackles. lol He's a tackling machine. You will see!! Love the niners love this draft and may I commend you MM for all your hard work. We do appreciate you time and dedication to the team and to us the fans! Also I know he gets a lot of critisizm but I give a lot of credit to McCloughan for sticking to him gameplan and putting one hell of a draft together!!! Singletary now it's your turn to turn these kids into men. These players into stars!! Go 9ers! It's a great day to be a 9ers fan.
Crabtree makes Harvin a fond memory. To all the naysayers that were foolish enough(F49er,etc) to think he would fall out of the 1st round-check my post and you'll see I nailed it by proclaiming he would not drop below 25 let alone not get past the Vikings.
Just messing Joshin you bro
I join the chorus of thankful fans who appreciate your work-what a gift you bring us! Thanks. To my fellow 49er fans I join your excitement at the coming year(and for those of us whose cup is perpetually half full...my empathy -I know the source of your displeasure is a shared love our team!) GOOOOO NINERRRSSS!
That udfa class is great and addresses the weakness at OL and Db. Here's your diamonds. There's at least 2 that should be
Drafted.
Alex Boone sounds like Kevin Gogan, but enjoys a good kegger once in awhile.
Sing will have his hands full with this kid. Can't wait for training camp to start.
Yes Razor well done,
You did call it but I'll take Crabtree over Harvin any day. I'm going to give McC a B Grade based on getting the best WR in the draft thanks to Al Baby & having the forsight & paving the road for next year's draft with the extra 1 pick. Now the 49ers will be in position to secure 1 of the top QB's in the 2010 Draft. I also like getting as Kiper said the best blocking TE in the draft & Coffee who reminds me of a Roger Craig type of RB. The guy runs hard & will only get better when he adds some bulk to his frame.
Damn -- "Has talked publically about once drinking 30 or 40 beers a day"
MM - You were awesome all weekend. Between the Twitter updates on my blackberry and the blog whenever I was home you had us covered all weekend.
So will I my friend.
BTW - I think Kory Sheets is a GREAT pick up. He was the third fastest at the combine running a 4.47. He also was in a Purdue offense that didn't feature runners and people think his talent was not fully realized:
Analysis
Positives: Lanky build with the room for additional mass without a significant loss of quickness. Quick to the hole. Agile. Can make defenders miss in tight quarters. Quickly gets to top speed and can accelerate through a gap and to the second level. Patient runner who follows his blocks, but can stick his foot in the ground and explode through holes. Good speed for the stretch play. Good vision for the cutback. Despite a lack of prototypical bulk and leg drive, is an extraordinarily effective runner near the goal-line. Good hands out of the backfield. Experienced kick returner with the vision and speed to contribute immediately in this area. Four year contributor who has never missed a game due to injury. Enjoyed a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Could have been hidden a bit by Purdue's reliance on the passing game and surprise at the next level.
Alex Boone is also a great RT prospect:
Overview
By no means is Boone perfect -- but NFL teams will take into account his steady play, durability and willingness to work. He's a four-year starter who was named All-Big Ten the past two seasons. Boone may lack the athleticism to handle left tackle in the NFL, but he could enjoy a lengthy career on the right side.
Yes I forgot all about the signing of Kory Sheets! that guy can be the 49ers "secret weapon" I also like signing the Ohio St. OT & DE from Stanford. All in all those are bonus players from the draft. They might all stick on the roster. Excellent!
Thanks Matt!! And thanks to your family for allowing us to have all the time you spend with us!
Your the best draft pick by the Press Democrat, and prove it everyday!!
Several guys out there are of interest for udfa list-i think Mike Reilly is out there(adding decent QB's to the roster is not a bad idea ):Mitch King Dt Iowa;yes Frantz Joseph LB;Tyler Roehl FB/RB and Domonique Johnson CB etc.
Forget it - Mitch King just signed with Titans- Seahawks took Tyler Roehl- Pitt.took Mike Reilly;and ironically(for me)Oakland grabbed Frantz Joseph-dang!
Is it conceivable the Niners take 4 QB's on the roster into the season or will one have to be cut? Stashing Davies on the PS wouldn't be very smart. The other 3 don't qualify.
I say we go in with 3. Huard will be the odd man out.
Weren't they talking about allowing a QB to be kept on the Practice Squad to develope without him being exposed to being picked up by other teams? Did they pass that rule Matt ?
you also had T. Jackson under-rated - it was obvious T.J was top 10 talent...
I am looking around the net. and except for 1 guy at SI.com the niners did a great job. This kid from Ball St sure is an interesting pick. In truth I know nothing about him. But from what I understand he is #1 pick Talent!?!?! Really?? I admit I am as dumb as a rock when it comes to the draft. Some of you guys flat blew me away with your knowledge through the last few months. It was a lot of fun. All the hype and banter. Some of it got pretty ugly at times. But what a riot it was reading this blog before the draft. Some of you guys I think missed your calling and maybe should be GM's. You guys really know your football players. I think some of you guys that hit it out of the park this draft weekend deserve digi fist bump. You know who you are. A. Smith better bring his "A" Game or he could be the odd man out here. I am pretty excited about our new QB....I hope i didn't give him the kiss of death here. I don't want to offend anybody, but God Bless and thanks so much for such an entertaining blog O-thon on our favorite sports subject.
great draft by McGm,...
Crabtree - The Star - Primetime Jr - ticket sales
2nd round - 1st round - perfect
coffee - fighting for yards - first down/touchdown
McKILLOP - Willis Jr
DAVIS - finally a QB with both skills and Personality
PASCOE - run, run, run game
TAYLOR - K.Lewis not missed
RICKY JEAN-FRANCOIS - thug life is needed on DLine
Kory Sheets, Alex Boone - NO WAY!!! - must be a full moon tonite.
Exactly what we needed on the team......
guess i was WRONG about Nolan......
Receivers who have been taken in the top 10 since 2000:
Notice almost all the busts are the speedy WR's,.....
2007 - 2. Calvin Johnson, 9. Ted Ginn Jr.
2005 - 3. Braylon Edwards, 7. Troy Williamson, 10. Mike Williams
2004 - 3. Larry FitzGerald*, 7. Roy Williams, 9. Reggie Williams
2003 - 2. Charles Rogers, 3. Andre Johnson*
2001 - 8. David Terrell, 9. Koren Robinson
2000 - 4. Peter Warrick, 8. Plaxico Burress, 10. Travis Taylor
Why do you keep saying the 49ers need an OLB? They have Lawson and they just signed Harylson to a long term contract. They need a NT and a DE that can rush the pass, but not an OLB. Am I missing something?
John – I've loved Nate's moxie ever since my first MAC viewing on ESPN early in 08. He's a Singletary type of player who never stops rallying his team on offense and defense when on the sidelines.
On the field, he's got a terrific arm for such a quirky gloved delivery – it will be interesting to see what Johnson does with his delivery and snaps from center. But I guarantee that he will bring it at every practice with the desire of becoming the Niners signal caller.
Yes indeed, Alex better bring his A game, and the competition will actually be great for Alex.
Crabtree AND Davis all in one draft? I'm still pinching myself.
Sounds like Boone enjoys an entire keg once in a while . . . I hope he can get control of it. Paired up with our Choir Boy O-Linemen he should have solid support.
Yes . . depth. The depth at OLB is razor thin.
Matt, any pass rushers left as free agents that the club could look at? Sure would be nice to cover as many holes as possible to give them the best chance to succeed. Thanks for the hard work covering the draft as well as all the preliminary pre draft posts.
MM You're all aces, kid. Good looking out.
McC did a good job though it's improbable to say we hit one out of the park until we can see what we have.
I think this set of UDFA will have the greatest impact because we didn't wait days later before drafting any like last year!
Like the Sheets pick-up and I agree that Boone reminds one of Gogan but I wonder if Sing has the time to be a father-figure to this kid. If he likes to party now what's he gonna be like once he experiences NFL type success? Like the Carolina trade. They have a good chance of sucking this year, with their schedule. Though it does put pressure on Lawson, it's a good show of confidence by Sing that says "Hey, man. We think you can do it and we're not wasting a high pick on someone because we don't think you can."
For what it's worth I Tivo the Sports Reporters and Israel Gutierrez (who writes for the Miami Herald and is a regular on Around The Horn) singled us out of any other team when asked who he thought did well for themselves. Mitch Albom echoed your statement about saving his answer until a year from now.
I am hoping that our "project" OL really step it up. Wallace needs to get into the mix and hopefully de la Puente can offer some interior OL depth. I am more worried about a developmental OT type. Boone has a long way to go and needs to get his life smoothed out. I hope Smith's back is 100%.
Keep an eye out for Phillip Hunt DE/LB from Houston, a James Harrison clone!
What is with all of these "great supporters" for the Patriots. Last time I checked, they haven't won a Super Bowl in a while and didn't even make the postseason last year. They haven't drafted well in YEARS! They are a "HAS BEEN" at this point. San Diego has been the STELLAR organization when it comes to the draft. The only reason the Patriots were even viable is because of free agency, Moss, Harrison, Welker, Seau, etc. Not exactly the organization to model your draft after!
Pete Prisco gives the Raiders a B+ for drafting Heywood-Bey and a B- to the Niners for drafting Crabtree. How do these guys get their jobs, anyway? Obviously, they don't give these national pundits a Wonderlic test.
SF signed Michigan State DE Brandon Long as a UDFA. He must be one them which McCloughan "really likes".
Dude I know, I totally didn't expect the niners to sign Davis, especially after Huard joined the mix. I'm definitely happy about it though, but a lot of places have been calling Davis nothing more than a spot starter and career backup. I hope our boy can prove him wrong. Any idea what number Nate's gonna be wearing, anyone? I know Crabtree is #15...
Like I said yesterday I think we got good players. Crabtree was a gift although not our most pressing need. However I can't fault McCloughan for pulling the trigger. I would have also. The only thing I might question was trading away our 2 & 4 for Carlina's next year number one. It depends on this years results and who we draft next year.
Here is a great vid on Coffee!!! Looks like a perfect compliment to Gore....maybe eventully take his place?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHjdSkjj2Rc
Matt you did a great job this weekend...followed you on twitter also...Thank you for all you hard work!!!
The Broncos are reportedly going to cut ties with 2007 1st round pick Jarvis Moss. He is 6'6" 265 lbs. If he is released the Niners should pick him up for the pass rusher we need. It's worth a shot.
I am more confortable with our D-Line than our O-Line. Jarvis Moss would not be an upgrade and he is more of a 4-3 DE, not a 3-4 OLB. Manny Lawson has better stats and a higher ceiling. I would prefer we look for OL help.
Good stuff MM, thanks
My 2 cents about this draft:
PLAYMAKER and one of the best picks in the 09 draft @ 10 > CRABTREE
Gore's much NEEDED relief, and a guy Coach Sing clearly likes
A talented ILB who is a GAMER
Fill a NEED with a bear of a TE
Project qb, Gamble on a DT, and pick up a mid-late FIRST next year
We have our starters on the O/D lines. We will have to wait till later to get more support. Cant have it all at once.
GOOOOOOO!!!!!! NINERSSS!!!!!!
Here is the video of Crabtree meeting Jerry Rice and Deon Sanders for a training session. I love that this kid worked with JR before the draft and I can only imgaine that #80 will continue to mentor #15 along with Mr. Bruce:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8QMPPkUNus
@Skeebers - comment of the day - nice one. I wonder what wonderlic score Peter King would get?
Guys - Should we give Carolina our #1 next year (Naturally, they will think our #1 will be a higher pick than their #1) for Julius Peppers? That would sure solve our Pass Rush needs. However, I feel pretty good about Manlaw and Paryse. I think Manny is going to surprise a lot of people this year. Either way, moving forward we have some ammunition for all the players available with a first round price tag (Braylon Edwards, Brady Quinn, Julius Peppers etc).
I was following the whole draft during the weekend, but never posted a message. Thank you Matt for the great coverage.
I still feel all the anxiety in the air related to the draft, every pick being overanalyzed before the next one is made. We will only know after a few years, but one thing is clear... we drafted for the future and not desperate as before, that is my feeling.
The UFAs are great. I had my hope to get Alex Boone in the 6th or 7th, but great we get him in FA.
Now let's be patient and see how things develop with each of the picks.
Last year at this time nobody was talking about Josh Morgan and in 2005 about Frank Gore...
Let's give it some time, the team looks decent for MS to handle it.
Anyone have a good link to track the UDFA siging's ?
Question: Anyone have a good link to track the UDFA siging's ?
My response: This site is pretty good.
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/04/niners-agree-to-terms-with-undrafted-rookies.html
"The 49ers addressed a lot of what they set out to accomplish, except outside linebacker and offensive tackle."
The contradiction in this statement points out a major reason why the team will be under .500 for the seventh consecutive season.
What contradiction? They addressed needs at WR, ILB, Safety, RB. McCloughan & Singletary at one time or other pointed these out pre-draft.
Fact is there were not enough draft picks to fix everything which is why they used free agency to improve OL & DL.
shmays:
I believe Nate Davis (the QB of the future who has a better arm than Alex and has all the intangebles that Hill has,best of both and more !!! ) will be wearing # 7.