UPDATED WITH A LOOK AT PANTHERS DIFFICULT 2009 SCHEDULE.
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The 49ers traded their pick in the second round - and their pick in the fourth round - to the Panthers for a first-round selection in 2010.
Here's the reasoning from GM Scot McCloughan:
"We had two players pinpointed in the five picks ahead of us, and both were taken. We did not see a player of the value at that pick for us.
"I just don't want to sit there and say, 'Well, geez, it's our pick, we're going to take a player if we don't think the value of the player is there.' As everybody is well aware, ones are huge, especially if we want to do anything with that pick any time here out to next year. Of course, we're going into next draft with two No. 1 picks."
First off, here were the five players that went before the No. 43 pick: LB Rey Maualuga (pretty sure he was one the 49ers would've taken), OT Eben Britton (probably not), NT Ron Brace, CB Darius Butler (might be the other) and CB Jairus Byrd.
I'm sure a lot of people are questioning the wisdom of this trade, especially after fan favorite Everette Brown was scooped up with the Panthers' newly acquired pick at No. 43. Also, the 49ers saw their number of picks this year shrink from nine to seven.
And the 49ers still need a running back and outside pass rusher. They could use help at safety, cornerback and offensive tackle.
But, clearly, McCloughan is not enamored of the talent in this draft. "I think the depth of this draft isn't as good as it's been in the past," he said.
Next year, one would think the draft will be better. And while the 49ers still might take a quarterback to develop on Sunday, let's think about the future. What happens if it becomes apparent that neither Shaun Hill nor Alex Smith is long-term answer?
The 49ers are perfectly situated to get a quarterback in next year's draft. The likes of Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford might be considered franchise-type quarterbacks a year from now. Heck, if Tim Tebow is able to answer some questions about his passing ability, he might enter that discussion, too.
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Obviously, the worse the Panthers fare in 2009, the better for the 49ers, who now own their first-round selection in 2010.
The Panthers finished last season with a 12-4 record. They owned the No. 27 overall pick this year. Taking a look at their schedule for 2009, and it's hard to believe the Panthers will approach that record this season.
Panthers schedule
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2. At
3. At
4. Bye
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6. At
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8. At
9. At
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12. At
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14. At
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16. At
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How is it there is no value at 43 when the talk was to move down and get extra picks because there wasn't much difference in talent from the mid 1st round into the 2nd? Plus didn't many pundits have E Brown rated in the top 20 players on the big board? There were lots of fans that wanted him at the 10 spot. We had 4 picks in the top 111 and now only 2...I guess we're so stacked that we can wait until next year to bring in more talent. Where's the RT, OLB, CB, RB, S going to come from? Dumb move Scotty.
Bengals are having a hell of a draft this year. Don't know how I feel about Crabtree yet... of course he was the best value pick at our position and arguably the best player in the entire draft, but any NFL historian worth his salt will tell you to think twice before buying a skill position first rounder's jersey.
Although I gotta admit, the new unis are pretty damn nice.
Next year's draft is shaping up to be a lot better than this years, so having two first rounders then should turn out to be a massive improvement over this years second rounder.
I have no problem with this trade....Are you kidding me? Two first rounders for a 2nd & a 4th in a weak draft class? We just stole something from Caroline & I thank them for it....We all may need to display some patience, but there's no player in that 2nd round that would make me turn down this deal....Well done Scot!!!!
Colt McCoy would look dashing in a Niners uni.
Matt, when Seattle traded out of its second round spot and got a 1st rounder from Denver in 2010, Mike Mayock said that although he liked the player Denver got, he did not like it because next year the draft class was strong but this year's was weak. ...for what it's worth.
Matt ,why do you think Britton wasnt one of the targetted players? He was projected as late 1st round talent and a natural fit for the right side. To be Britton or Brace would make far more sense than Butler.
I am mixed at this point of this trade, I am not sure if I like that we are getting less picks this year.
Matt are you telling us that u thought Alex Smith or Shaun Hill IS the long term answer? Matt u are Moses and u have many sheep following you. Just be more realistic with your flock.
Great point, next year there should be some real franchise qbs, not like this year, where the guys at the top are in a similar situation to the year Alex was drafted (the best of a weak class).
Losing 2 higher draft picks this year takes a lot out of all the speculation and guessing we like to do. But if they didn't have a guy rated as a 2nd round pick, you need to make a move. And although this draft loses some excitement, next year's will be REALLY interesting! Plus we have a lot of guys on the roster we need to see on the field in real games to find out what they can do. Tomorrow's third rounder will be a big pick. Will McC go running back?
A tip of the hat to McGM for thinking ahead into 2010. With Maualuga and Laurinaitis gone (I was really bummed the Lambs nabbed him before we did), there was really no value there at 43. Once could argue Connor Barwin, but he was 3rd round on most draftnik boards.
Prime positioning for a quebee next year – even a coveted DE. Great draft start thus far.
McCloughans actions today to me were impressive, something a lot of us wouldnt have expected. To trade away a couple of picks in a weaker draft for potentially a high to mid-round 1st rounder (Carolina has the second strongest strength of schedule) Amid speculation about his job security is impressive,Depending on what hes does tommorow and how he with some remaining FA's could help build some faith in him with the fans. Could it be that Mike Nolan was a detriment on the field and in personel also?
Lets face it. Nobody at that #2 pick was going to start this year. RT, we have three options right now. Would a 2nd beat any of them out this year? No. RB, I think this team likes Clayton and with what was available at #2 would they beat Clayton out, probably not. Hell, Deshaun Foster probably was no better than Clayton last year. ILB, nothing special there. OLB, Scott found Parys in the late rounds why not another guy? Is that not supposed to be the beauty of a 3-4? Tweener DE's convert to OLB rushers. CB...is a 2 any better than a 3? DL, was any 2 going to make the final six? No, Smith owns the right side, Soap is in town and you have the former skin in the mix as well. Looks like a really good move to stock up where you can get impact players. The mid to late first round is a great value spot. With any luck we have now have two picks next year that can make instant impact. I think in the end this is probably what Scotty felt and blew out the pick. I see a TE, ILB, OLB, OL and the rest is a crap shoot tomorrow.
I have to say passing on any pick is anti-climatic, but this is worth the risk. Take a look at Carolina's schedule next year. Besides sharing a division with Atlanta, New Orleans and Tampa Bay they have to play Philly, Dallas, New England, Miami, Arizona, Minnesota and the Giants. One little hiccup in Carolina with injuries or whatever, and this could EASILY be a top 15 pick.
For me the trade is a good deal. The problem to me is that as soon as New England jumped ahead for not one but two picks, I was concerned. I was not suprised to see the niners trade out, especially in light of the picks the Patriots took, a potential ten year starter at nose tackle and cornerback. The master, Belichick, spanked his competition again. Mcloughan turned the mistake around well, but he did get jumped.
No- Connor Barwin was rated a low 1st to high second in most value charts and would have been a great pick at 43 position -other possibles- M.Unger ;C Sintim;JGilbert(who wasn't picked today but will most likely be gone before our next pick and if not should be seriously considered )etc.-the notion that there weren't quality picks is rather puzzling to me. I'm glad we have an extra first next year but I don't buy the rhetorical jive.
Hey Matt- My theory/angle on the trade is that McCloughan is betting the new CBA will have a rookie pay scale/salary cap. Otherwise, I don't think it's so "obvious" that 49er fans should be rooting for the Panther to tank, given the high cost of a high 1st round pick. If there is no rookie pay scale next year, this seems like a bad trade. If there is, it seems very smart.
It worries me, though, to hear McC talk about how ones are "huge". He's right about the cost but not the overall value. So far it appears 2 of his 6 1's have been worth the cost. Not so "huge".
Wait - Unger, Sintim, and Gilbert weren't first-round picks in this year's universally-panned draft class. Gilbert hasn't even been picked yet. How are they more valuable than a second first-rounder in next year's (projected) strong class? What "rhetorical jive" aren't you buying?
Can someone send Al Davis a memo that Vernon Davis runs a 4.3!
And where da hell did Belichek get all them picks from, it seems like every year he has an over abundance.
You misread-Franchise mentioned Connor Barwin as a projected third rounder and I'm saying no that HE was a projected low first or high second -the comments about Unger Sintim Gilbert were in relation to S McCloughan's statement about the the dealt 43rd pick- as quoted above"we didn't see a player of value at that pick" -they(Unger Sintim Gilbert) are three examples of players of value who were available at that pick(not to mention E Brown) so I believe the comment was a rhetorical remark mentioned after the round in reference to the trade (and therefore from my prospective it seems untrue(i.e.jive!) )
Wholly Cow NinerMan it looks like the Panthers are going 0-16!! They resigned Jake the worm killer Delhomne?? (whatever) and that had me scratching my head...of course I was wrong all day all night I have no clue when it comes to the cattle show today I admit I am clueless...I had A.Smith and Gilbert for the 9ers today. NO skill positions. I thought is going to be all trenches. I thought Scotty did good. Getting Crabtree is going to change everything.
I agree the trade could be a good move if the pick is used wisely to possibly land us a QB of the future or stud OT, etc. To say there was no value there is just ridiculous but whatever makes him feel better. If we do make that pick work like I mentioned above I could change my mind about the Crabtree pick. While I really like him I am not sure he is the best fit for us right now, I would have liked to see them try and trade down a bit, there was a lot of great value in the middle of the draft that could have immediatly impacted our teams overall perfromance. Crabtree is great but with a weak O-Line, pass rush, QB situation etc. he can only contribute so much and with the schedule we have this year and the fact the new crew is on a bit of a hot seat they may not be around long enough to see him become the player he could be.
I will say I am not really going to start giving McSing a pat on the back yet. The reality is this draft just fell right in their lap and they made pretty much the only choice they could at the time. Not a lot of strategy or risk in their picks so let's not go giving them props just yet. It was pretty much an auto pilot draft them.
Belichick is just a mad genius. The guy killed it again this year, unreal how well they run that franchise.
No bull-the guy is uncanny...just have to admire his mastery!
After looking at the board again I'm encouraged- there are still quite a few good players available:RB's Shonn Green,Cory Sheets and Rashad Jennings are available :Ol J. Meredith , F Topou ,L Murtha;CB Coyle Francies;S Chip vaughn ;DE J Gilbert, M Johnson ;LB Z Follett, Franz Joseph J Brinkley etc -here's hoping we make everyone matter!
I think meredith or gilbert would be awesome in the 3rd tomorrow
Scot believes that his current roster is so strong (at 7-9) that none of the picks available in the 2nd rd would have pushed any of his starters. No FS, RT, LB, CB. Wow.
matt, any chance we give them their 1st back for Peppers?
Orrrr he thinks a first rd tackle and a franchise QB in next years draft (way better draft class than this year) is worth giving up mr brown...i agree with him, i think we'll be competitive w the cards next year for the division and hopefully we make the playoffs then upgrade our team that much more w the two first rounders next year. We aren't that good but our division isn't that good either, the trades worth the risk.
Hi Matt, Crabtree is a difference maker. He and Josh Morgan could be the answer. As far as trading away our second for next years first from the Panthers my question for Scottie is will he be around for next years draft? If you need a guide to tear apart a franchise look to the Belichick lineage, Crennel, Weis, McDaniels and Mangenuis. I guess the master did not teach them everything.
Reality:
I have to give you credit where credit is due ,you sucked it up and swallowed your pride and gave Scott credit for doing something well! Great post !
And E. Brown is only a speed rusher and if he was only that in College then he would probably be less than that in the pros. And besides,we might just have a better E. Brown on the roster already in Manny Lawson.
Good move by Scotty !
And it sure looks like Scotty thinks he has job security,because he is building for the future years,where some said he wouldn't have a job in those years,lol.
Jed loves the guy and he and Sing are on the same page. I think he gets one at least more year after this coming year ,no matter what the record is this year.And if he keeps up doing in his first draft without Nolan as he did in the first day,then he will deserve to have many more years in the job .
This has been a strange draft so far...lots of players thought to have 1st round abilities not taken 'til late 1st or early 2nd rd. Others not recognized by most as having 2nd rd abilities were picked. We gave up a lot to get Carolina's no. 1 next year...but, all reports indicate it'll be a considerably stronger field, so having two no. 1's is a good thing. Mac will need to nail the rest of the draft.
For 2010, I want Sam Bradford or McCoy and Taylor Mays........Boy, That sounds great.......
This was one of the few "smart" moves I've seen Scot make in 5 drafts. I have little confidence he would have picked the right player at #43 (see what the Pats do with their picks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I think we WILL need a premier QB from next year's draft and now we are positioned to get him (just sorry to hear that Seattle will have an extra #1 pick too though, cause they will need a young QB for sure by next year). So, looking good for the future.
Obviously a lot of things will play a part with the two 1st round picks next year, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Niners target a shut-down corner, if there is one. Or they could trade one of the firsts for a slew of later picks if the draft is unusually deep. Lots of options, really.
Matt,
You mention Tebow, but personally I am not that high on him. Does he have a good arm? Eh, decent. Yes, he can run but he has been working out of the spread option for his entire career. Unless Florida moves to a more pro style offense this season, I just don't see him as a first round pick. I would see him more around the third or the fourth.
I'll never make sense of this trade. This is something the Pats can do, a routine playoff team, NOT a team trying to get back in the mix. I want wins THIS year
Very disappointing move. Admittedly I've only seen highlight film of Everett Brown but he looked tremendous. For a team with a weak pass rush, that looked to me like another gift that fell into our laps - and McCloughan blinked. I can see some argument for giving up this year's second rounder for Carolina's next year's first - but throwing in our fourth rounder as well? It seems retarded to me, especially when there was a chance - at least a chance - of transforming our pass rush - and thereby our defensive success. I suspect it's that old story of relying on measureables rather than productivity, which is the height of stupidity (i.e. Al Davis). If Brown becomes a great sack specialist, that's reason enough right there to get rid of McCloughan.
Matt, for a team with holes, this was a risky move by McCloughan. It is a move that might make sense for a contending well stocked team, but losing the second and fourth round picks when they really need a playmaker for the defensive side of the ball is questionable. It would have made more sense to trade up to get one of McCloughan's targeted second round picks than to do this. Crabtree was a great no brainer first round pick though.