Could Raji be getting the "Marino Treatment" by a team that needs a 3-4 nose tackle that is drafting later in the first round?

I say take Raji or Brown if on the board, but if we end up with one of them or Oher or Ayers, I would be very happy. The only pick that would greatly dissappoint me is Andre Smith. The talent is there but too many red flag issues.

Matt - when you say "Smith's reported problems are not nearly as serious..." as Raji's, to what problems are you referring? Was it the falsely reported positive pot test (which I can't imagine is really a problem since it's been debunked) or are their other actual problems that have been reported? I haven't heard anything else but haven't been following that closely. Thanks.

Raji would be a huge pick for us. So would either Oher or Smith and if one of those 3 is there at #10 they would do well to draft them followed by Orakpo. I just hope both WR's or QB's are off the board early because that means we get a shot at one of those 4 guys and IMO upgrading one of those 3 positions would give us the most substantial and immediate impact.

I find it interesting that Malcom Jenkins doesn't even enter the discussion. I would imagine only because he ran a 4.5. I'm sure a 34 year old Walt Harris doesn't run a 4.5. Wouldn't Jenkins be either a starting CB or at worst a starting FS by next year at the latest? Seems like a safe pick. Check out what Rob Rang says at nfldraftscout.

Question: when you say "Smith's reported problems are not nearly as serious..." as Raji's, to what problems are you referring?

My response: It has been widely reported he failed a drug test while at Boston College. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090417/PKR01/90417149/1058

--Matt M.

I believe Raji also missed an entire year for academic reasons. But, during this year, I believe he worked the entire year on the scout team because he wanted to help his O-Line get better...

Comment: I find it interesting that Malcom Jenkins doesn't even enter the discussion.

My response: I'm not sure "interesting" is the right word. I think what you're trying to say is that you disagree with my opinion. That's all it is: An opinion. And, you're right, Walt Harris probably wouldn't run a 4.5. But the 49ers also wouldn't pay Walt Harris more than $14M guaranteed, either. (That's what the No. 10 pick is going to make.) --Matt M.

Thanks for the answer re: Raji, Matt. Also would possibly explain why he may not have wanted to come out and tell all the media he didn't test positive at the Combine - because then they would have asked him about the college test.

Matt, I will be unable to attend your live chat tonight. I'm pretty bummed about it. Is there any way I'll be able to hear or read it later tonight?

Matt, assuming Matthew Stafford is gone, if either Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe and Aaron Curry slide to 10, would you have them in your "Take him if he's there" Catagory?

Matt, do you think this year is one of the toughest to predict our pick in recent memory? Last year was different I think, because we picked so late, but before that we knew Smith/Willis/Vernon were very likely choices. This year it seems like we have an idea, but it could very easily be one of 6 or 7 guys.

Hey Just a Fan, I'm pretty sure the WebZone has transcripts for all of their live chats that they do. www.49erswebzone.com is the address and I think they've got recent chats with Barrows and maybe Kevin Lynch as well.

Sweet! thanks. I'll check later.

I have to totally agree with you on your sleepers. When I read your last minute draft thoughts yesterday when you said that Mauluga was your sleeper. Well I had the thought that T. Jackson would be our sleeper If the four OT's the trade possibilities for trade aren't there with the QB's and Curry and Crabtree aren't there. I've had the feeling that when started looking at T. Jackson and our Dline. He would be a perfect fit. He's a monster and I feel that he is what we wanted when we drafted Balmer last year. Can you Imagine Haralson being set free with that athletic specimen of a man!!! He will even be able to get to the QB once in awhile for an added bonus. Ecspecially with the the health of McDonald being uncertain and in question. If you go with any of the DE's that are going to be OLB's then you don't have anything that you don't already have in Lawson. Only thing is Lawson already knows the system. Okrapo is exceptionally strong but isn't a speedster and gets lost in coverage. Maybin is short and needs to bulk up but has a fast first step.(Nobody is doubting Lawson's speed and first step) and It is just too high for E. Brown. No on Maclin, I'm scared of Big 12 WR's other than Crabtree. Pass friendly offenses combined with bad secondarys equals overratted WR's. Remember that Reshawn Woods was the most polished WR in his draft class!! We all see how that worked out. I would rather get Robiske in the second if he doesn't go in the first. I would even trade up in the second to get him.

I think Robiskie would be perfect for the 49ers. I don't think he'll be available for our second round pick though. It would have to be a trade.

I don't see how we could draft Tyson Jackson. We can only play 2 DE's, we just signed Soap to a fairly large deal, and Justin Smith to a large deal, and, used a #1 last year on Balmer. Seems like a lot of investment when only 2 can play at once.

Sorry but don't see how you can call Jackson a sleeper and put Everette Brown in the "no" category. Brown is probably the 2nd best 3-4 OLB in this draft next to Orakpo, there is no way we draft a DE at the 10 spot over a guy who could flourish as an pass rushing OLB in a 3-4. Oh and Ayers is more of a 4-3 end don't see why he would even be added to the list. Although he will probably be a great 4-3 DE but not for us.

Hmmm, I thought the Niners would lean more toward Raji, Orakpo or Oher if they happen to be there at 10. Raji esp.

I find it hard to believe that our improved pass rush is going to come from Manny Lawson. I can't see how we'll rely on him going from being on the sideline on 3rd down, to being our pass rush threat. Can he do it, I hope so. But, can we take Maybin and E. Brown out of the discussion entirely? I don't see how. Simply relying on nfldraftscout.com, Maybin and Brown are the best pass rushers. Orakpo's scouting report scares me and has bust potential. With Rod Green and TBC gone, there is a starting nickel DE position open. I don't see how we can ignore the top pass rushers of the draft. The guys falling to rounds 2 and 3 and later all fall for a reason. They have more holes in their game and have a higher risk factor.

Did anyone just see Brian Baldinger's take on the Niners draft needs on Nfl Network...he reckons we're looking for a WR and a Pass rusher with that No. 10....He's supposed to be close to the team as he's going to be with them on draft day for Nfl Network, so i wonder if he has some insight that we don't know about it

Comment: find it hard to believe that our improved pass rush is going to come from Manny Lawson.

My response: The 49ers will get an OLB in hopes of improving the pass rush. But I don't think it's going to happen in the first round. This is a very deep draft at that position. --Matt M.

I disagree that Everette Brown should be out of the discussion. I think he's the best 3-4 OLB in the draft(I like Orakpo more with his hands down) and should be considered at #10. Maybin is my #1 bust, so hopefully Matt is on mark with that one. I still think Jenkins is an all-pro CB but I can see where SF has more pressing needs and outside shot that he goes before 10 anyway. Moreno and Wells shouldn't be top 10 picks, so I agree with that too.

Andre Smith is a talent but the 49ers signed Marvel Smith to a reasonable deal. My thinking is the 49ers can get a versatile right sided player like Cadogan in the 3rd or 4th round. Wragge and Sims aren't very good, so adding a potential starter to backup for a year or 2 is a good idea. I wouldn't have a problem with drafting A. Smith if he's there, he might not and I wouldn't take Oher #10.

I like both sleeper picks. Too bad we couldn't get both. A guy like Jackson is as college proven as it gets coming from the SEC & I love his measurables. He has the prototypical 3-4 DE size we lack. I want stout & athletic 300-310 lb'ers...we have 2 4-3 DE's in Evans & Smith who are both great players (that's what I hear about Evans) but just not the exact fit for what we're running. Jackson is exactly what we need in being STOUT on the line & setting the edge. He's not known for being a penetrator but if Manusky wants that from him he should be able to provide just enough on passing downs. He's a safe pick IMO, a 100% legit stud DE for us. I'm surprised he hasn't been talked about more for picks #9 & 10. I know Green Bay also has their eye on him.

I'm a huge Maualuga fan. He won't disappoint. He'll be a 3-down LB for us. One of the rare times I disagree with Mayock. You see the real Maualuga once he gets the PADS ON in action on gameday. You're telling me he's not better than Derek Smith, an older Spikes, or backup Ulbrich? He can do what they can in all 3 downs. Plus coming here would be ideal in that what he lacks in technique/fundamentals/reading plays properly HOF LB'er/HC Sing will give him the right tutelage to develop him properly from the ground up like he did with Willis. It could be a blessing for Maualuga & for us.

"we have 2 4-3 DE's in Evans & Smith who are both great players (that's what I hear about Evans) but just not the exact fit for what we're running."

Not sure about Evans but I thought Smith played well as a 3-4 DE, especially when he played there full-time in the 2nd half of the year. Not the biggest guy but I like how he plays against the run and he even nabbed several sacks. I like Jackson but not at 10. I think he goes several picks later. Maybe if the 49ers trade down but I think they really need an OLB. At least they have some depth at DL, they don't have much depth at OLB.

If we are lucky enough to have Raji there when we draft at #10 we should grab him and be deleriously happy.
And going back in time ,when Nolan was running the team and especially pushing his weight around in the 1st couple of rounds of the draft (according to Jed),to TRY to understand what Scott might or might not do this year(the 1st draft without Nolan ) is rather skimpy evidence to go on.
I am sure that Scott and everyone in the org want to draft players with good character BUT they also believe that Sing can keep ANY player in line . And as Jed said recently,it was Scott that reached for some questionable character players in later rounds of the draft (Jed said after the 1st 2 rounds that Nolan let Scott have his selections).So ,as I said,it was rather unconvincing of you (Matt) to say Scott has stayed away from possible character problems,when he is THE one that is known for reaching for some questionable character players.

GET RAJI !

One more comment on the possibility of Malcolm Jenkins, I'd image this is the last year for Walt Harris, We lost Strickland to FA, we moved our #3 pick Reggie Smith to safety, that would leave us with Tarell Brown and Spencer to play opposite Clements. Spencer has already been beaten out previously. I don't see passing on Jenkins would be an easy decision. - a portion of his scouting report : Lockdown corner. … Very physical at the line, has a strong punch to knock receivers off their route. … Attacks ballcarriers behind the line, making secure tackles. … Also willing to assist in tackles downfield or inside. … Effective playing off receivers as he can flip open his hips and accelerate, close quickly on the ball in front of him or change direction to mirror receivers. … Stays with even the fastest receivers down the sideline. … Plays free safety on occasion and has all of the tools to succeed there in the NFL. … Excellent hands for the interception, and he has the vertical to high-point the ball and strength to fight for it. … Can make plays with the ball in his hands.

We talked about this a few days ago. Runs on Justin Smith's side behind the Offense's LT we ranked 28th. Smith's strength is to penetrate. He just doesn't have the ample size/strength to hold his blockers as a 3-4 DE. He HAS TO PENETRATE & as Matt pointed out a lot of times takes himself out of the play when doing so. With Manusky's D I'm still not sure if he wants us shooting gaps on all 3 downs. It seems to me on running plays we should hold the blockers. If not, then maybe the bigger athletic body would make the difference in succeeding more consistently vs the run. He would still penetrate but would be able to stop & hold his ground without getting washed away from the play if he reads run as he's going in. Then he could be in position to try & make a play on the runner.

I love Smith as a player. He's the total anti-Jonas Jennings who gives it 110% on every snap & plays every game. I'm just saying if we're sticking to the 3-4, & with Singletary we are since we're keeping Manusky, I'd like us to build it right & get prototypical size/weight/athletic DE's. We can get by for now. Go ahead & fill the major holes. But sometime down the line if we're going to build this D right IMO we have to build the front 3 correctly. I had this talk with allforfunnplay & others. Look at the 3-4 in New England's or Dallas' front 3. Their all athletic 300-310 lb guys. Big & stout enough vs the run but athletic enough to also rush the passer. These guys are hard to find I know but that's what we need IMO.

Link to Matt's old blog of his analysis of our D vs the run:
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/01/closer-look-at-49ers-run-defense-of-08.html

J. Smith had to fight a lot of double teams too though. That limits a 3-4 DE's ability to hold blockers. It helps if you have a NT that effectively demands a lot of attention from guards. This makes life a little easier for a "size/strength" challenged DE and they'd be better able to beast on QB's and ball carriers. A Raji/Franklin rotation would be nice.

If I recall, wasn't Raji pushed around in the Senior Bowl?

Matt- Good analysis and opinions. I would add Oher to the take em group. I would add Jenkins to the further consideration group. Regarding character, there are two kinds: life and football. Life when you break laws and hurt people (or animals). Football when you don't work very hard or bad mouth your team mates. Coaches love to think they can polish up that diamond in the rough, but its usually a fantasy. In the first round get guys that have impecible character and have proven themselves as football players.

There's little doubt that Raji smokes dope which is why his agent kept him well away from the press. Their first obvious question would be "do you do it?". The only real question was whether they caught him or not at the combine.

I don't think its a big deal, based on the college players I know, I'd say 90% smoke on an occasional basis. Doesn't enhance performance. Doesn't cause societal problems like killing folks with your car when they're crossing the street. So what's the big deal?

Mike -I'm with you on Maualuga -and surprised by M Mayock's estimation as well ...might be my own shortcomings in analysis but for some reason I don't see Jackson at #10 but given your paradigm I can see the logic (nice to have allforfunnplay here yesterday -seems pretty sharp in his understanding of defensive schemes)-for me if Jarron Gilbert is still standing at #43 he's a quick pick(still raw but high ceiling)...

That's the point. He's not stout enough for 3-4 end. Sure a legit 2 gapping NT like Raji would greatly help. But we should really have stout + athletic D Linemen in ALL 3 positions. That's how you'll maximize the play of all the LB's esp the Mike playmaker in Willis.

Now the easy fix is to go back to a 4-3 full time where we have the right personnel & draft Ayers who's a legit stud 4-3 pass rusher. You could go something like:

DL >> Evans-Balmer / Sopoaga / Franklin / Smith-Ayers

LB's >> SAM Lawson-Haralson / MIKE Willis / WILL Spikes

Groom Ayers & use him as a situational pass rusher to get started. It's not going to happen since we're committed to the 3-4 & we have Manusky. I'm just saying we're better suited personnel wise go to a 4-3. But I do like the deceptiveness/versatility of the 3-4 & just want to get it right if Sing continues to stick to it in the long run (ex - who knows...Manusky could get hired as a HC & Sing would have to bring in his own guy). I want the 3-4 to get finished the right way. Odds are 90-95% Raji will be gone. Brace is nothing special & too high in RD 2. So we could take our chances this year on Chris Baker/Hampton or Sammy Lee Hill/Stillman in the 4th-5th RD's for our NT. Both 6-3 325+ lbs. Still raw but have had some good reviews.

Unless Raji or Sanchez falls to # 10 the 49ers would be better off going to a traditional 4-3 and draft accordingly. Jackson and Smith would make great bookends, and the need for another impact linebacker would go away.

I think Mayock is thinking more of Maualuga not being a fit for a 4-3 MIKE. He has limited range (4.7/40..but IMO plays faster when the pads are on) to cover all that space vs the run & pass. But at TED in a 3-4 there's not as much ground to cover. He can also be used as a solid blitzer. He excelled in USC blitzing up the middle.

I would love Gilbert at 43. We're full at DE but he might be the BPA at that spot. He's 288 but has the frame to easily pack it up to 300+ & not lose his quickness. Plus he's already stout/strong. This won't happen (getting 2 DE's) but I would salivate over Jackson/Gilbert as our DE's. Yeah I'm dreaming.

Would love to get a trade down + extra pick. My fav OLB pass rusher for us is Larry English in the lower 1st. I also love Barwin but he'll be gone by our 2nd RD pick & he's too high for the 1st RD. Give him 2-3 years to develop (only 1 year at DE last year) & he's gonna be a stud NFL player. Real high upside.

Realfan-I hear you about er...ah ..."tea"-and given our hosts' Humboldt roots I'm sure he has a take on college kids' habits but bottom line- against the rules ...period full stop etc so for how many million dollars(?) my suggestion is to put down the bong- at least for a few years and entertain your vices in private when not in the public eye-

I'm feeling reticent to talk about Barwin again- lest I sound like a one trick pony- I've mentioned him so many times here as as my first round fav in trade down model (a increasingly slim possibility I know ) with Gilbert as my round two extra pick and Unger as 43rd slot but since you mentioned him... I keep throwing Franz Joseph's name out here but not one response he seems like bona fide sleeper in mid rounds at ILB...

Andre Smith is not worth are pick at 10 because he is a fat slob and not even strong(225 11 times) I can lift more than that and I weigh 190! His character concerns are for real and he can not be relied on since he showed up out of shape for his biggest interview ever. He may be a big man but he is a big fat man who will get beaten often because he will be sloppy. Michael Crabtree is not worth #10 because he is a receiver and there is a lot of depth in the first 3 rounds at that position. B.J. Raji is the best player for the 49ers at #10 if hes there. I have witnessed him destroying opponents on a consistent basis. He works hard. Great inside rush, scrapes, rips and completely blows plays up. If Raji is not there Rey Maualuga more than likely will be and we should take him. Again another big time playmaker. His intensity is exactly what we want on our team. He lays the wood on a consistant basis as well as makes turnovers. Both of these players are physical with an F and that is why I believe one of them will be a niner. Also on Michael Oher, Sporting News rates Oher as a player who is bust-bound saying While he possesses elite athleticism, his technique is poor and inconsistent, which allows defenders to dominate and often beat him. His tendency to make mental mistakes is a large red flag because of his learning disability(as documented in the book,"The Blind Side", which raisesthe concern that he may not be able to process information well enough to become a dominant NFL tackle. Sound like a guy you want with 10, not me!

"Andre Smith is a talent but the 49ers signed Marvel Smith to a reasonable deal."

Agree. But with it came a very reasonable risk. Pitt's O-line wasn't exactly their strength and THEY didn't even want him back.

If Smith ad Raji are even on the board when we pick McC should consider it Christmas come early. These character issues deals are a crock. If his play is a factor fine but Raji dominated opponents and is better than ANYBODY we've had since Stubblefield (save B.Y.)

hightop - haven't heard of Joseph. Unger's plus is he can play ALL positions on the OL but he's more finesse. I'd rather have a dominant beast who blocks with an attitude...Mack would be awesome (lower 1st & is a SAFE pick) or Eric Wood who should be there in our 2nd RD pick. Both can play center/guard. Wood has STARTED IN 49 STRAIGHT GAMES, is a leader, devoted film room student of the game, & plays with a mean streak. The type of OL guys we need!

Watch Justin Smith's productivity go up if we draft Raji. Ditto Evans. We've never had anything close to a dominating NT...once we get one, our 3-4 will take off. I say Raji's worth any potential risk. If he's off the board, then Orakpo would be good, but he's really more of a DE than OLB. We may need someone like him due to McDonald's balky knee. Another guy I really like is Lawrence Sidbury. If Raji's gone when we pick, then Orakpo, Brown, in that order. Wouldn't mind seeing us get Brace in the 2nd. I think we need to beef up both our DL and OLB. I can also see where Maualuga would be a good pick. He and Willis could be...awesome. That's what makes this draft so compelling...a lot of directions Singletary can go. I can hardly wait for Saturday...

Mike-agree on Mack(again, like Connor pick, would most llkely occur in trade down scenario ) and definetly Eric W. from Louisville is intriguing- as far as Franz Joseph goes a good intro to him can be found on DRAFTGUYS.com (a good sight for all you guys who haven't discovered em'-really amusing and informative!) they also have a piece on Myron Pryor a late round NT I like !

faith,

Totally agree with your take on Raji. If he's there at #10 you can't run fast enough to get the card to the Commish.

How come some fans are putting so much emphasis on the #1 pick as if it's "do or die"? I mean there are 7 rounds in a draft & the 49ers do have 9 picks possibly more if they're able to trade down. As Matt said there's alot of talent in this draft outside of the 1st round. So some people need to understand that.

Matt, you said that Smith's problems weren't as serious as Raji's? Is there stuff about Raji that we don't know? Because Smith showing up fat and out of shape and seeming uninterested when millions of dollars are on the line at the beginning of his pro career seems like much more of a problem than a guy who smokes a little pot... Am I alone here?

Matt,

I need to clear up something I commented on the other day. I said John Mclain was adamant that Charley Casserly had nothing to do with the Texans 2006 draft. I actually heard Mclain on the radio the other giving Casserly credit for directing the Texans to Mario Williams. I went back and checked some articles from the Chronicle to figure out which reporter I read. It's actually Richard Justice who has written and said Casserly was out of the process that year.

1-Those who say we should draft this guy or that guy and go to a 4-3 defense must be talking about another team,not the 49ers,
We are and will remain a 3-4 team ,at least as long as we have Manusky as out DC.

2- Raji dominated in the Senior bowl,not GOT dominated.

3-Fans are focusing so much on that 10th pick because that is where the Niners must select properly to get a guaranteed impact player. Sure they can get lucky and get a real gem or two in later rounds,but that 10th pick is a rare(hopefully) opportunity to plug in a starter who is a playmaker.

-Raji is the guy ! (unless they want to stock the shelf with a franchise QB for the future,that would be the only reason to pass on Raji and select Sanchez).

Are you referring to me? I understand there is talent in the lower rounds, of course there is. But look at our #1's... Willis, Staley, Davis, Lawson. Those are impact guys that are some of the best players we have. The lower rounds have a much longer road to make it and have a higher risk. After the 3rd round, the guys getting drafted have a very low risk of making it. Just look back over the last few drafts and its clear. So yes, I believe the #10 pick is very important and I hope they make the right pick. Take the 05 draft, everyone is saying we can find late round pass rushers, as we did with Haralson. Sure, he's pretty good, but its taken a few years to get here, and he still isn't a dominant guy. Compare to the 1st round pass rushers from that year, Demarcus Ware and Merriman. There is a difference in talent between 1st round and later rounds.