Why would we keep Keasey when IMHO the guy does not deserve a roster spot on this team? As for Clayton I think that is the right move. Even if we were to part ways with him permanently I would agree. We have what could very well be the best 3 RB's collectively in the league with Gore, Coffee, and Sheets.

The NFL can be cruel. That's why I don't blame any player making as much money as he can when he can. It can be gone in one play.

I feel really bad for this kid. With an established player, it's almost a given that he'll come back as long as he puts in the work. With Clayton, his career may be over before it really ever started. By all accounts, he put in all the work necessary to chase his dream and be an NFL running back. Now this happens to him. I wish him well in life if the football thing never comes back.

True, although I am less happy with the rooks who wan t so much without playing. It's the young guys at the end of the roster and the vets that I am more sympathetic about than the Crabtrees of the world.

McKillop was a tackling machine, but I think he needs to get bigger if he is going to be a TED. Right now he tackles people 4 yards down the field. He is Derek Smith at a couple of years ago. Given some time, coaching and lifting, hopefully he can be a young Derek Smith

Marco,

You are high if you consider our running back group to be the best in the league. I liked what I saw out of Coffee and Sheets, but c'mon. It was a preseason game. There are at least a half dozen teams, and probably more, that have better running back groups.

This is not to say I am not optomistic about our backs, I am. But let's keep some semblance of reality.

Nice comparison with Derek Smith. I do see him the same way as a young Smith once he develops & the game slows down for him. My take on him is he has good instincts, is a smart player with average to above average physical tools. If he's to stay at TED I agree he needs to bulk up. I'd want ANY TED to be ideally at 260 lbs which is why I hoped Brooks could stick or we drafted Maualuga.

It's 1 game. I like the confidence I see with this kid early. He looks like he's one that's striving to understand the game, schemes, responsibilities, fundamentals, & is trying to get those things down as fast as possible. You could see him reading the backfield on the pre-snap, re-positioning if necessary, & directing his young peers around him if he thinks a guy is out of position. (Or maybe also yelling out to watch for a certain play coming based on what he's reading?) A player wouldn't be doing that if it didn't come naturally or he isn't sure of himself & his understanding of the game let alone a Rookie doing that.

I like the confidence. The way I see him tackling runners for shorter gains or making the play on the spot instead of further downfield is for him to read the play quickly, sometimes almost instantly once he gets good & has more experience, & use those instincts to get to where the ball is early as possible then make the play. His speed/range is average but he'll make up for that with his understanding of the game & instincts which will get better in time. Like you said getting more muscle & stronger will also help. For a 5th RD pick he's a potential steal. Watching him + his past resume I see him more as a 4th - 3rd RD talent. His combine & base measurables put him under the radar. If he can become a solid starter at TED ILB compliment next to Willis for a number of years no doubt he's a no brainer steal. Also great attitude & work ethic. Lunch pail guy..those are usually your best core players.

Man that's a terrible injury for Clayton! I loved Clayton as a player! You could tell he put out 150% everytime he was on the field! I hope he comes back strong! And if it's here or another NFL team, he'll continue to play 100% everytime on the field!
Get better quick Thomas! You made the preseason worth paying for because you were always putting in your all!

Matt - Some of us have been talking about this off-line and would like to know if you think this scenario is even remotely possible... If Shuan Hill is named the starter, and the Niners do not want to carry 4 QBs on the 53-man roster, is it possible Smith could be cut or traded? Here's what's behind that thinking: 1) Alex Smith and Nate Davis are not that far apart in age and both are still being "developed" at this stage (remember, Smith has essentially missed the past two years, with only three healthy games during that 32-game stretch; and he is just 25). 2) Hurad is a proven and very solid back-up. 3) SF will not want to expose Davis to the practice squad. 4) And finally, does it make sense to develop two young QBs (Davis and Smith) simultaneously to take your team forward?

As I typed that last post I'm watching some 2nd half action. 3rd RD's too high. He's not a dominating player with that standout size/speed. You're right he needs to bulk up. Looks like he was lining up at the MIKE LB spot. (Need to double check that.)

Hate to break it to ya' but Marco didn't make that assertion- Razor did! Better stay away from the Kool Aid yourself before start calling people "high".

I'm pretty sure he was playing mike. He played a bit with spikes when he first came on. He should be able to replace Keasey on ST's. He got used by Royal in coverage, but made a bunch of tackles. He's got a great example in Spikes. He'll be pretty good. He isn't flashy or have great measurables so that's why he lasted

Rentmeester was Wisconsin's backup FB, forced to play special teams (where he excelled) cuz Chris Pressley was entrenched at starter.

Did McCloughan like something in him, or was just a convenient pickup (the rookie possibly still in the vicinity after being wavied by SD last week).

Too bad about Clayton. I really wanted him to catch a break this year. I hope he gets another shot at the NFL. I wish him the best and if He ends up running in this league I'll be rooting for him.

Wish you a speedy recovery Mr. Clayton.

What are we thinking holding on to Keasey? I've seen him get blown up a few times now. A small converted LB to FB from Princeton?? Give me a break. Keep Miller instead. He should also be able to play ST's. Agree, same with McKillop.

At this point Miller looks good as a pass catching FB & a better receiver than Pascoe at TE. Miller's got some good burst & speed. Question is can he block?? Has better size at just above 240 lbs. We should easily be able to find a better backup FB than Keasey. I can't believe he's still on this roster.

Also..I don't know ANY LB that can cover Royal. Total mismatch. Dudes way too quick & shifty. There's probably a lot of nickel corners that can't cover him.

My bad. I clicked the wrong reply box on accident.

The comments still stand though.

Apologies to Marco for any long term trauma that my comments may have caused him or his family.

If there were trade rumors, he may be in training camp somewhere next year.

If you reread what I said was "could be" and "collectively".

....hate to bust yur love bubble .... but the truth is Clayton sucked....Dude was all muscle, no speed...

...I am happy his time in niner land is over, he was like a pest that wont go away....its time for my main man Sheets to take over....

...one rookie that looked really good was Matthew Stafford...

Ya I don't get keeping Keasey the guy is NOT a FB plain & simple. As for Clayton it's a bummer that he got hurt but a blessing in disguise because he wouldn't have made the team anyways. If Clayton passes thru waivers though I believe the 49ers pick him up again. They've invested alot of time with this kid.

You're celebrating a potential career ending injury. I knew you weren't very bright but now I also know you're a complete piece of sh*t.

...relax Hater ....I am not celebrating his injury, how sick can yu be to assume that....

...He wasn't going to make the team anyways.....and I really didnt think he was good or better than sheets....

I am celebrating his goodbye from the team -....

Boz no problem! We are all just here having fun. My trauma wasn't too much to overcome

I do think Coffey is a talent and time will tell if Sheets is a jewel who was over looked because of his attitude.

Now if we can just get good QB play and an O Line that consistently gives them protection along with a defensive pass rush we could be something.

Rentmeester was Wisconsin's backup FB, forced to play special teams (where he excelled) cuz Chris Pressley was entrenched at starter.

Did McCloughan like something in him, or was just a convenient pickup (the rookie possibly still in the vicinity after being wavied by SD last week).

*************************************

Probably a family connection . . . Jimmy Raye III, the son of our OC is the director of Player Personnel for the Chargers.

Marco that's some of the biggest questions on this team along with 2nd starting CB & Safety play (esp at FS.). How well those are answered determines our success this year. I'm sticking to 8-8 as a start...above or below depending on how those questions are answered.

I don't know how much of a talent your thinking Coffee is. To me right now he's a serviceable NFL RB. I see him as exactly what everybody's saying....a tough, 1 cut downhill runner.

I noticed on 1 of his big runs if he had more vision & elusiveness & could put on more moves he could have broke for more yardage. For example..doing a lower the shoulder & head fake right, quick stop, & cutting left but instead he runs 90% straight ahead. Or just a quick stop, cut sharp left letting the runner coming from his left overshoot then breaking behind him & going down the left sidelines.

He's not a big powerful tackle breaking back like NYG's Jacobs & he's not that elusive. He also doesn't have top breakaway speed. (He's not a homerun hitter Defenses fear.)

Like I said he'll fit here as a LEGIT complimentary RB to spell Gore. His strengths are he hits the hole fast & isn't afraid of contact. Watching him & reading some of his interviews he likes it. I do think he SHOULD put on more weight because of his pounding running style. I like him but he's not a top tier back. He's a simple downhill physical runner with limited elusiveness & speed. Maybe occasionally he'll break one. I was hoping for Shonn Greene who's bigger at 5-11, 227 lbs & does have some elusiveness. Greene can go around or bowl you over. But he went with the 1st pick in the 3rd RD. Like I said I do like Coffee & his toughness & he'll be a legit serviceable RB for us & in this league.

@oneniner

I'm sorry but Thomas Clayton was slow??? I believe his 40 time was 4.53.

Are beloved Frank Gore ran a 4.58, Yes Sheets might be faster then both. And honestly im happy to have him. but if you are going to call cCayton slow then you might as well bash Gore too.

Clayton was not slow and he sure as heck did not suck. I'm not sure what Clayton you were watching but the dude was a play maker and it should the last 2 pre-seasons. Now after watching training camp, i can confirm he wasn't the best at blocking, but to say he sucked is just stupid.

It sucked to see clayton go down. I've had high hopes for the guy that he would catch a break soon. but with this happeningz, it just don't look good.

I wish you well clayton and hopefully you will still be able to get your chance to shine, even if it's not with us.

....yes sure he was fast running a straight line...but his game speed was very slow - could be cuz he never too seriously the technique and fundamentals of a NFL RB instead focuses so much on his physical attributes..

If he was so good - how come he never played for us or any other team for 2 yrs....

Good read on the Crabtree situation.

I thought it would put the pressure on Parker once Raji (& also #8 Monroe signed). IMO it still does with the public & media opinion mostly on our side esp the longer it drags out. But this NFP contracts & salary cap expert says Parker is solely focusing on the Heyward Bey deal for the ongoing holdout/negotiations. Parker seems to be a very respected & tough agent according to Brandt.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/The-last-picks-standing.html

Correction: Not a "good" read but an informative one.

How do you know he never took the technique and fundamentals serious?? how could you possibly know that unless you know him or are on the field watching him practice? what say makes no sense at all, which just leads me to believe you are just riding sheets coat tails and are happy because clayton is no longer a threat to him. To say his game play was slow when he lead the league in rushing during preseason is about as stupid as Realfan49 saying we need to pay Crabtree what he wants.

How come he didn't play for us?? I think that's a question a lot of niner fans would like to know. We heard from Matt that his blocking wasn't as good as it could be but he was getting better at it. I saw it for my self at camp when they made everyone give him a round of applause. Could it be that we had Gore? and other vets on the roster? who knows but that don't make him any less of a good player.

Come on dude get real

...I have watched clayton play pre-season games for 2yrs ( also watched sum of his games when he was in college).....

....I watched coffee in college and watch few of sheets game when he was in college...

...THE FACT IS both rookies played better or i should say they showed glimpse of "how to" than Clayton did in his 2 yrs + 1 pre-season games

Vernon Davis: impressive catches, pro bowl year
Brit Miller: where did this guy come from? he needs to stay on the team. he is a football player.
Coffee: on a couple of running plays, he just plowed into the pile. nothing terribly special.
Sheets: potential star in the making

i think Keasey was a "Martz" type of player. in this run dominant offense, he is not as useful, because he can not block. Miller is impressive: I hope that the 2 TD catches are not just flukes, but a precursor to what is to come (reminds me of Brent Jones, the way he plays).

hey my comment got delated. wth?

There were two identical versions of this blog post intitally. One of them got deleted along w/ the comments. At least I think this is what happened.

oh thanks! i was like matt delated me! nooo lol