He did not say much today that had any influence on how I view this draft for the 49ers. If he had said something provocative, I might have thought he was trying to pull one over on us.
--I still do not think the 49ers are going to take an outside linebacker with the No. 10 overall pick, unless it's Aaron Curry. Of course, I don't see Curry falling that far. But if he does take a tumble, he would have to be the best-available player, wouldn't he?
--Brian Orakpo? I'm not sure he can be an every-down player at outside linebacker. He would have to be a pass-rush specialist on third downs. Is he good enough at that one skill to warrant a $14 million signing bonus? If the 49ers determine the answer is yes - and he's still around - he'll be the pick.
--My opinion about Aaron Maybin and Everette Brown has not changed. I still do not believe the 49ers would give either of them serious consideration at No. 10. In fact, McCloughan did give a hint about Brown when he said he would want that player to be at least 6-2 and 240 to 260 pounds. Brown checks under 6-foot-2.
--Because this draft is so deep at OLB, the 49ers can select a player in the second, third or fourth round, without much - if any - dropoff.
--Assuming Michael Oher is the No. 4 offensive tackle and assuming the top three tackles have already been chosen . . . would the 49ers take Oher at No. 10? Again, he would have to be the best player on the board.
--I might have become the first person to mention the 49ers and Tyson Jackson in the same breath on KNBR earlier today, though he did come out for a visit a couple weeks ago. He is a prototypical 3-4 defensive end who can move to defensive tackle to rush the passer on third downs. It's not necessarily a position of need, but if he goes unclaimed after the first nine picks, he would have to be in the conversation as the "best available player."
--And one of the reasons I mention
--Inside linebacker Rey Maualuga is another player who could be considered. And, again, it's not a great position of need for the 49ers, but it's conceivable the team might have him rated high on their board. The only reason I didn't mention him on the radio is because I was afraid I'd butcher his name.
--On the flip side, the 49ers have already invested a pretty good chunk of change on the defensive line with the Justin Smith and Isaac Sopoaga contracts. Relatively speaking, the 49ers did not spend much for first-round pick Kentwan Balmer. He is scheduled to make just $1.5 million annually over the course of his deal.
--If Matthew Stafford does go No. 1 to the Lions, as expected, there is no way that Mark Sanchez will be there when the 49ers pick. There will be some team that trades up to get him. So I don't believe that variable will come into play.
--McCloughan said he wants a playmaker at wide receiver. He said he wouldn't mind selecting two or even three wideouts. OK, perhaps he was exaggerating. I don't think there's any question the 49ers would take Michael Crabtree. But would they take Jeremy Maclin? I think so. He would certainly satisfy the team's desire to add some speed to the mix. The Niners already have Isaac Bruce, Brandon Jones, Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Arnaz Battle, Dominique Zeigler . . . so what would happen? McCloughan said it would take care of itself with a spirited training camp competition.
--For the first time I can remember, the 49ers did not make their head coach available for any pre-draft media session. Mike Singletary, leading up to the first draft as head coach, was nowhere to be seen today. It's pretty clear that this draft is McCloughan's baby.
* * *
I've said it here before: draft Rey Maualuga in first round. A Willis-Maualuga tandem is too good to pass up.
As OLB class is deep this year, the same can be said about WR. I really don't think Maclin is worth a 10 given the depth at WR. I hope it's someone else. Maybe Tyson Jackson or Oher.
As I said yesterday, it's too quiet. There's bound to be some early fireworks in this draft,.... or it will be a record breaking, predictable bore. My guess is fireworks. I just hope McCloughan has what it takes to deal with some unpredictable and crucial surprises, and keep his word to pick for the future of the team, not his job security.
GM says nothing about the draft. Matt does a good job of reading between the lines. I can't wait to read this blog Saturday night. That is going to be a hoot!!
For some reason, this article hit it out of the park for me.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andy_staples/04/22/overrated.underrated/index.html?eref=T1
The part about Baker, that kid MAULED D lineman in college for 4 years. The combine and the logic and the whole cattle drive mentality and the microscope mentality of the NFL is boring. So what if a kid smokes a little reefer. What is worst for you a bottle of Jack or some NoCal Wacky Tabacky? It is so...petty....
Given the fact that Harvin is addicted to pot, I'm wondering if we took him we could have clauses of protection in his contract. Once he enters the NFL he will automatically be required to enter the NFLs' abuse program because of the positive combine test. I've compared the way Maclin catches the ball vs. Percy and Harvin catches the ball more naturally. He still is the most explosive player in the draft. He would line up in the slot, backfield, wildcat, returner. He is just what our offense so desperately needs. Sorry to hear about McDonald. It will be years before he is 100%. Balmer, its on you. I'd rather not draft another DL unless he will make us better than a guy like Harvin will. Think of Moss, Sapp, etc.
It seems to me that if Raji is there at 10 ,that he would have the greatest impact on making the Niners better in 2009 of any of the players mentioned.
Good commentary. However I might take exception to the assertion that "this draft is clearly McCloughan's baby". I think that as an organization that is the image they want to project. But Singletary is no shrinking violet. He has too much ego and is too much of a control freak not to assert his will on player selection. Plus he has both the stature and political capital to steamroller Scott as the need arises. He will let Scott do all the grunt homework, but I think when push comes to shove Singletary will make the final decisions based on his gut instincts - not unlike how Mike Ditka operated with the Bears and New Orleans.
hmmm.... so it seems that Oher or Maclin will be the most likley players to be there at #10. I would be fine with either one then come back in the 2nd round hoping OLB English is still there.
Harvin's skill set is perfect for us.II believe Harvin,more than anyone,could make the greatest, and most immediate,impact on our team.Surely the niners can protect themselves contractually.With the excption of Harvin,I would agree that Raji is the other one-of a kind player who could quickly change our fortunes.
People are minimizing the pot thing. It isn't a judgement on whether pot should be legalized, it is a question of whether you are going to give 15 mil to guy that is either so stupid not to stop before the combine or too addicted to quit. The combine is a known date. The drug test is known. Any player should stop before the combine to protect his future. He's gotta enter a treatment program mandated by the NFL now and will miss TC. A couple of more positives and he's gone. Don't think that'll happen? Remember how fair the commish has been with us. A voice mail cost us a fifth. An ounce is going to get that first round, multimillion cap number yanked off the field. A team would be stupid to draft any player that tests positive for any drug high in the first round. Too much at stake. Take a late flyer, maybe
Matt, I'm in agreement with the philosophy to seek Tyson Jackson if the top OTs are gone.
Still gonna look at Andre at 10 if available, but would prefer to have a Trade down option available.
New England is holding everyting I want.
With Pioli in KC, I can see a very active Day 1 unfolding.
Jeff, Tyson Jackson or Rey Maualuga would be a great pick, and they seem like they would be every down type players, although they are not touted pass rush specialists. Are you down on Oher, and does he warrant being a #10 pick? Thanks for your insights on the draft prospects, it sounds like McCloughan is not a bundle of information, so we appreciate your analysis and imput (on KNBR too).
I find myself more intrigued by what the 9ers might do with their 2-4th round picks, than I am about that #10. I'd like to see them pick up Gartrell Johnson RB Colorado on the 2nd day. If a trade back doesn't occur, I really like Orakpo still myself. What I really liked about the Giants Super Bowl team in '07 was the fresh legs on every down all season up front. A consistent rotation of J. Smith, Soap, Balmer, Abrayo,McDonald(if healthy), and Orakpo could be our Justin Tuck. I just liked how the G-men had so much energy and explosivness every single down. They had young DB's making a ton of plays because of that. Our D would be awesome with a nice fresh burst at the LOS. IMO of course...
how about willie williams in the 6th round???? lots expect him 2 get sign as a UFA, but dude could be major sleepah,,,,capisci????
ok people another word from good ole karma
1.oher
2.j.gilbert
3s.greene
4.b.gibsos
5.j.williams
and i do not even think scotty knows after that.....
just remember where you heard it 1st
Karma,
If J. Williams is the RB from TN St, you're in line behind me.
Kid has some CRAZY numbers. He saw a ton of work in that program if the stats are accurate.
We would be very lucky to get J Glbert in the 2nd(I've seen C. Barwin placed in the 2nd round also...start the Gregorian chant and esoteric mantras now- we are going to need it for either one of those events to occur!) Oher has been slipping but I wouldn't wring my hands if we go with him -just feel there are other possibilities later (as in Unger ,Meredith,Murtha,etc.).10th is still perplexing without trade down-I'm hoping the first round is a little unpredictable and someone unexpected falls- we shall see!...(footnote to just a fan -yes Gartrell is on my radar too- check out DraftGuys.com video on him if you haven't he's a load- and while you are at it take a peek at their video clip on one of my fav sleepers this year ILB-Franz Joseph this guy has IT!)
Matt --
Hey, small matter but I believe 'twas me who planted the Tyson Jackson/R-Mac injury tie-in in your mind last week. Left the following comment to your "Not many openings on 49ers' defensive line" blog entry, which you must've read cuz I note you'd subsequently replied to a later post. Someone owes me a beer if we do make this selection.
P.S. Think also about Antrel Rolle at AZ (misfit CB to playmaking NB to apprentice FS) with regards to the Malcolm Jenkins scenario, seeing how our GM evaluated THAT prospect enough to include him in our final 2005 shortlist. Even if Jenkins's NFL transition proves just as rough, McCloughan can always mimic AZ with a subsequent R1 pick if a Rodgers-Cromartie happens to be the BPA.
blitzonic | April 11, 2009 1:22 AM | Reply
Didn't Ray McDonald fall in the draft because of a missing ACL? If the offseason surgery is to correct this, I can't see how he can pass a medical in 5-7 months' time, depending on whether its timing (i.e. at season's end, or closer to when Singletary confirmed it). The PUP list seems the more reasonable target.
As I see it, Demetric Evans was signed as much to provide insurance here. That means Ron Fields's berth in the rotation has yet to be filled.
Who's Jeff?
Man I just can't see the 49ers pulling the trigger on Tyson Jackson or Maualuga, those positions are just not warranted enough to go after in the 1st round. I think we can all agree that the only palyer that WILL be there at #10 is OT Oher if the 49ers can't trade out. He's a player that fits the 2 criteria BPA/Need. The closer we get to the draft the more convinced that the Seachickens draft Sanchez thus ruining the 49ers chances of trading down.
Jon,
I couldn't agree with you more about Harvin. It's total nonsense for the 49ers to draft him at #10? If the 49ers do that then Scotty might as well turn in his resignation & company car. No question that this guy Harvin has mad skills but he also has an ANVIL for a noggin. I mean the kid knew he was going to be drug tested before the Combine right? but he goes and burns the hippie lettuce anyways? C'mon, what does that tell you about the person. No way the 49ers draft him.
If McC believes there are 18 First Round picks, then the ideal spot to move down into is 18 Denver. He would be 100% certain of getting first round talent at the least cost. He just implements his BPA stategy. Or maybe the Jets at 17 would move up to get Freeman. This draft has such a wide range of possibilities, it will be entertaining. You know McC says BPA, but then we know he won't take a QB, RB, TE, OLB, or S in round 1? We'll see.
RK,
Your scenario would be great for the 49ers & getting more bang for your buck if Denver were to trade up so the 49ers get an extra 2nd round pick.
You mention the 14 Mil guaranteed in regards to the OLB, following that logic, the player needing to be a 3 down player, I see no way that Maualuga would enter the discussion at #10. Where would he be on 3rd down? sideline. You bring up the guaranteed money for some positions, but not for others in the discussion. Would the 49ers give a TED 14 mil guaranteed in FA, no way. Would they give a Right Tackle 14 mil, probably not, would need to be special. If you factor the money into it, wouldn't there only be a few positions where they'd give that much money? QB, LT, stud WR, pass rusher, NT, mike middle LB, or CB. The teams higher up in the draft will have an even harder time with this which is why I see Curry falling a bit, but prob not to us.
this draft scares me - this could be it for the niners... we would require a bailout if we pick the wrong guys...
I agree, I have a feeling they could really screw this up.
Not sure why in gods green earth we would even consider a guy like Tyson Jackson over an OT like Oher, just because he may be ranked ahead of him as an overall BPA, that would be just dumb. This whole notion of BPA is highly overrated, especially when you are talking about the top 10-12 picks. they are the BPA at their respective positions and OT's, like QB's are much more coveted commodity, the #4 OT is going to be drafted before the #1 RB or OG. You're not going to pass on the 4th ranked OT when that's a huge hole in your lineup for the 1st or 2nd ranked 3-4 DE when you drafted one last year (oh he was supposed to play NT, sure) and signed another one for a lot of money. If we don't address our O-Line / NT / OLB spots early we will be no better than we were last year. And I wish they would set their bar higher regarding 1st round picks, especially a top 10 guy, if he's not a QB he should be on the field and make an impact, if they don't get any immediate impact out of this pick it will be another enormous waste.