WHOA!!!

"mark my words: If the 49ers run 60-percent of the time this season, they will win the NFC West and the 49ers' defense will rank in the league's top five."

Is that a guaranteed stone cold lock??? Me likey.

Re: the "unnamed fullback" spot, why wouldn't it be Brit Miller?

Thanks Matt!! i like your projections a lot. i hope miller and lambert make the team though. If not the practice squad then. also i hope we dont lose RJF and taylor.

Brit Miller has been better than Moran Norris...Miller is more athletic and sees what he blocks...Just because Gore likes him doesn't mean he should make the team...Zeigler gets no repsect, Niners will be sorry if he goes, he has hands like Rice...I like J. Hill but, Zeigler has more to offer...too bad we'll probably lose Zeigler for 1 more season of I. Bruce...Sheets is Clayton 2 years ago, not a big loss if he gets picked up

Brit Miller has been better than Moran Norris...Miller is more athletic and sees what he blocks...Just because Gore likes him doesn't mean he should make the team...Zeigler gets no repsect, Niners will be sorry if he goes, he has hands like Rice...I like J. Hill but, Zeigler has more to offer...too bad we'll probably lose Zeigler for 1 more season of I. Bruce...Sheets is Clayton 2 years ago, not a big loss if he gets picked up

I support the team, but how can anyone look at this 53-man and think it is any better/different than the past 6 seasons? It's not. This is a 14-point offense (Hostler, anyone?) and a no-pressure defense. In the NFC West that might win a few games, but in real football games this is a brutal roster. The good news is that Holmgren, Gruden, and Shanahan are out of NFL work.

Stampede, The 49ers plan to run 60% of the time, but if they're behind in games they'll have to abandon that plan and pass more. Matt is saying that if they actually do run 60% of the time it will be because we were ahead early and often. It could very well happen that the 49ers run 60% in the first half of every game and then fall behind at which point we'll have to pass more. Basically it breaks down like this... You dont win because you run a lot. You run a lot because you're winning.

Matt, Can you list the players at each position that you project to be cut?

If they cut Sheets he will be signed the next day by someone else, his speed reminds me of Jerious Norwood, they are massively dangerous coming out of the flat. Im glad to see that the prediction of McKillop's making the roster, not much has been said about him. He has looked really good when hes been on the field, hes always around the ball making plays.

Eric Greene did have a very good game against Dallas. He forced a fumble by knocking it from the receiver's hands and was pretty solid in coverage, althoght it was against backups. I think his experience is valuable. I think it is going to be major that we somehow continue to turn teams over in the regular season. With no passrush, we need all the quality defensive backs we can get.
We are gonna get killed by Warner and Hassleback if someone does not magically find a way to tacke a quarterback while he has the ball in his hands!!! This is driving me crazy!!!

Yeah, re: Miller; I don't know how many decent lead blockers there will be out there on cut down day, so like you, I don't know why not Miller. He can probably give us more on ST than Norris or Lorenzo Neal.

....at every position except the QB position we have a player with a high possibility of making the probowl......

- why another FB? we have MRob who does well enough at lead blocking

- I would keep 9 OL over 8, and would take Boone over Sims any day

I agree with most you wrote, but not on Sheets. I believe he's better than Clayton; better speed, quicker thru the hole, better vision and better receiver. To me he's worth protecting. I'm concerned about losing RJF too.

...i wonder whatever happened to duckket - the DL converted to tackle

So, based on your projections for the OL, Sims is the only backup Tackle?

........" There's been a long held myth in the NFL that teams win with defense and ball control, especially in the playoffs. Unfortunately for people of that camp, like Singletary, the numbers don't add up.

Take last year's Super Bowl participants, the Steelers and the Cardinals, for example. The Cardinals finished second in the NFL in passing offense behind the Saints. They finished 32nd, dead last, in team rushing yards. What many might not realize is that the Steelers finished 23rd in the NFL in rushing, and their leading rusher, Willie Parker, finished the regular season with less than 800 yards on the ground.

During the playoffs, the top three rushing teams were the Vikings, Giants, and Titans; all exited in the first round. The Steelers and the Cardinals both averaged below 95 yards rushing per game in the playoffs and ended up in the Super Bowl.

This isn't an isolated incident but a recurring theme.
Looking at the Super Bowl winners of the last
decade, there hasn't been a team since the Ravens in 2000 that didn't throw the ball with extreme proficiency and use the run game as a complementary resource."

....i can hear that voice - coach gruden or holmgren or shannan in 2010

Thanks Matt! Once again, you provide us with every morsale of information we need to feed our 9er hunger. Your the man!

Because you were not able to expand on the reasons behind some of your educated selections, here are some follow-up questions:

1) Brit Miller: Myself, and several other folks here already seem most surprised to see Miller left off this list. What is your reasoning? Do you really think another fullback would be that much better after Miller was able to spend all training camp learning the 9ers schemes and showed promise on the field?

2) Chris Green: I know we haven't seen much from him, but if they went through the trouble to sign him after going through several weeks of TC, I would imagine they were looking to unsurp a DB who's been unmotivated or unproductive ie. Mark Roman or Marcus Hudson. Either way, if he is on the fence, as you explain, why isn't he on your practice squad?

3) WR/Michael Spurlock: If you predict correctly, I think one of the 9ers strength areas becomes depleated quickly. You are left with 2 "up and coming" receivers that have shown little during the pre-season (Morgan/Hill), an always producing just enough to make the team but never owns his position receiver (Battle), an aging and possibly over-the-hill receiver (Bruce), and two players that will barely see playing time due to injury and lameness (Jones and Crabtree). I think the two receivers that showed a lot of potential in camp are Zeigler and Spurlock, and Spurlock is not even on the PSqaud...why do you think the 9ers will drop a receiver that is versitile and quick enough to add a completely different look in the slot or running the Wildcat?

Otherwise, your I pretty much agree with everything else, and I love your prediction for the year...NFC Champs!

Go Niners!

......watching the game on nfln - nate davis is the "glove"......really impressive

Matt: If Crabtree signs soon, could he be placed on the PUP list to free up a spot for a few weeks? if he isn't going to be ready why not give him 6 weeks to learn the offense and free up a spot.

Thanks

Good point...However, there is one fact that you missed...

The Steelers overall rushing YEARDAGE ranked 23rd, but as far as the amount of running plays they ran they ranked in the Top 10. They consistently ran the ball while their passing game consistently ranked 20th. The are definitely a team that based their game on the run.

With Gore handling the rock, AND THEN have Coffee and Sheets to keep him fresh, there is no doubt we can run our way to an NFC West title.

Oneniner! You are just a one bad Niner fan. You should go root for the Cowboys because you honestly can't be a Niner fan! Regarding your post about NFL myth of defense and ball control. There is no myth but a fact that DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS! I don't know where the ball control came from. I don't post that often but you are the worst fan I've come across. Please don't post anymore because you are a hater. You don't like the Niners and probably don't know there history. Sing has this team playing as a TEAM! Let's GO NINERS! GO TEAM!

So, based on your projections for the OL, Sims is the only backup Tackle?

Matt- Between Wallace and Spanos, I hope they pick the better player and not consider where Wallace was drafted. I'm not sure Hudson has shown enough over many years to retain a spot. I hope the Nate Davis decision sets the tone. Some part of the roster should be devoted to players with big upside potential. Like Huard, Rossum is a professional, but maybe Spurlock is the better choice over the next 2-3 years.

I'd rather have Zeigler in the final 53 than Jason Hill. Hill has looked downright awful thus far, almost as bad as Brandon Williams.

Miller will be needed in a year if not now,we had better not lose him. And sheets is better than clayton ever dreaned of being.

Don't forget guys that after the final 53 is set that a couple of those 53 will not stay long.Crabs will sign and probably a RT will be brought in from cut vets or in trade.
It's always so sad to see these guys fight all summer and then make the team and then a day or two later are told they are cut.From elation to depression in a day or two,sad.

Now that my guy N. Davis has locked up a spot,I am hoping for my other two favorites to stick,Sheets and Miller. They are both playmakers and you should not let playmakers go to keep people like Roman and Sims etc.

My Father in Law is 84 and a retired football coach. He has been watching the 9ers preseason games with interest. He tells me that the one O linemen that sticks out in the second group is 78 (Spanos). He says he shows well at RG but is exceptional (for a rookie) at Center.

Point being if Scott McC keeps Cody Wallace because he drafted him instead of free agent Matt Spanos he is more worried about looking right than keeping the best players.

It would be like signing a worthless free agent, then keeping him for two years (zero production) so as not to bring attention to this mistake, can you say Ashlee Lele?

As always there goes oneniner with his optimistic style!!

Bet you think we could pass 60% with Smith...

I will support who ever coach Sing appoints as starter, and we WILL make the playoffs with our new Old-school style!

I like your projection but,,, Robinson and Norris are sufficient FB's and I would keep Spurlock over a 3rd FB. He has far more value if Crabtree isn't ready, Rossum is dinged, or Jones can't return on time.
I also think I would keep RJF over Hudson, because 8 DBs are enough, and we need more help at DL. We have seen Hudson's full potential, but RJF could turn out to be a gem at an area of need.
Great column Matt! Thanks.

Spurlock has looked really good at receiver but has shown 0 talent as a return man so far with us. He has that one kick off return for TD with Tampa but anyone can get lucky once. With us he has shown nothing in the return game,less than nothing. But we don't see practice.
And Garageman, Speaking of practice,as I said ,we don't see practice and McGloughan and Sing do see everything. Sing and his coaches will tell McGloughan who they want.So don't blame scotty if they cut your favorite. Blame them all because they do it all together. If they cut your O linemanand keep Walace,then it is not because Scotty drafted him but because they think he is the best talent or the most usefull. It is also a hard balance to reach to decide which player gives you the best chance to win now and which would be best in the long run for the team. The GM usually comes down on the side of the long run ,while the HC wants to win now. But both want to win now AND in the future in the Niners case ,because they both think they will be here for many years to come.

Question: So, based on your projections for the OL, Sims is the only backup Tackle?

My response: Yes, but they're covered in a sense by having two on the practice squad. There's only going to be one backup tackle active on game days, anyway. Also, I did not rule out the more likely scenario of them adding a backup tackle at some point heading into the season. --Matt M.

Do NOT let Sheets get away! The guy has a great future if not injured. Great speed and quickness! And he shows a lot of ability and effort for a rookie! Spurlock will be an asset. And it's too bad if they can't keep him on the roster with Rossum.
I'm guessing there might be one less defensive back than Matt has listed at the end. Maybe a shocker!

I would keep Spanos, RJF, Boone, Miller, Spurlock and Green. Corey Sheets is not going anywhere.

Razor I presume when you say" Sheets is not going anywhere" you mean he should be signed-if that is so I agree with all of the above!I really hope Pascoe stays as well! Jeez Matt the practice squad you predicted looks pretty darn talented-could really get decimated on waiver line.

2 points I would like to make about Matt's article.

Point 1: 60% running the ball for the 49ers & being successful? I can't even wrap my brain around that one! Trust me if the 49ers EVEN attempt 60% running the ball they will win 4 games maybe at the most. Hill has to be able to convert 3rd downs by passing the ball...HELLO!

Point 2: I'll be BENT! if the 49ers keep more safetys than cornerbacks. With all the injuries we had at CB last year we need a secondary that can cover multiple WR's sets & sorry I just don't see that happening with safetys.

I think they keep Green and do without a third FB. Two is enough. Miller makes the practice squad, Spurlock beats out Rossum (not needed as CB with Green on the roster), Zeigler beats out Hill at WR. Otherwise looks good to me.

As for 60% running. No chance whatsoever. Recipe for 8-8 at the best. No team in the league can run that much without a credible passing attack & a stellar OL. Niners don't have either. God I miss Mad Mike.

O Line D Line QB

Three areas that haven't improve enough. We do need Crabtree. Next year he will be amazing as we will finally have a playmaker at wide receiver again. The first since TO left.
But will we have a QB to get him the ball?

Singletary will have them playing hard, but do they have enough talent to be over .500 for the first time in 7 years?

Let get this season going and find out!

Poor Alex Smith. ouch!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50KIpx-XJAQ&feature=related

HAHAHA

Ender!! Dood, that is horrible. Why would you share that? He is a football player with a family and friends. That is some of the worst stuff I have ever seen on this blog. There has been some low stuff here, but my goodness bro. That is incredible that you would post something like that. How old are you?

Great stuff Matt. But i must agree with many of the others in that there was one glaring oversight. Do you really think Brit Miller won't at least make the PS? I think he should be the 'fullback to be named'. Why take someone else's cast off when we can have some of our homegrown young talent get experience, and score touchdowns in the process? That guy has great vision and soft hands for a FB.

Matt, any idea of which O-linemen or D-linemen might be available soon, after final cuts?

Nice job as usual Matt!! I think that under the current system, this is a pretty good guess of what might happen. But my comment is about the system itself. I think that having to cut players that you have drafted, coached, and put time and money into in hopes of them clearing waivers is just crazy. The game has developed so much in the last 10 years. Teams spend tons of money in scouting and researching players and then they have to hope that they clear waivers because of some rules have not kept up with the times??? This game has come so far that 45 on game day, 53 man roster and 8 practice squad is just not working any more. I think there are a number of things that can be done that would improve the game on the field. They could name people to the practice squad without having to cut them. They could IR players for periods of 1. 2, 3 or 4 weeks and move players up and down from the practice squad without the injured player losing his roster spot. they could just expand the rosters to 60 and have 50 active on game day. Looking at the 9ers specificaly, it would be great to have Huard for 1 year at #3 and not expose Davis. We should not have to expose Boone, Curtis and RJF in hopes no one will pick them up. If the league is really cares about the product that is on the field and the injurys to the players, it is going to have to give the coaches a little more to work with. It is going to have to give these teams a better way to hold onto young players to develope the 'diamonds in the rough' and at the same time, keep vets that can still help the team. The union would go for creating more full paying jobs and the coaches would go for it because they would have more to work with.

I echo the sentiments on Brit Miller. The kid's tough, athletic, and would be a good ST player. Norris isn't getting any younger, so why not groom Miller now for the starting gig. Agree Sheets is a keeper...gives our backfield another dimension.

No arguments w/WR's...these six are fine. Zeigler's going to stick somewhere...he's got the great hands, and if not in SF, he'll be catching balls in another city. Not sure Spurlock can unseat Rossum...just yet.

TE's. I really like Pascoe...but you've got to give Finley credit, he's out performed Bear. However, agree, Pascoe might not clear waivers while Finley probably would.

OL. I'd prefer to see Spanos stick over Wallace. He's a little bigger and more versatile. I remember him from his USC days, and he's a tough guy who'd fit in very well. I do hope Mac can sign a vet OT...Sims doesn't give me a warm fuzzy.

On the DL, I'm hoping RJF sticks...for two reasons. One, not sure he'd clear waivers, and two, McDonald's nowhere near 100% healthy.

LB corps is same as I've thought for some time now. Overall, this is a solid group. McKillop's going to be Willis' sidekick soon enough. Spikes is still good, but SM could be a Zach Thomas-like player.

Haven't seen much of Eric Green, but think I'd give him the edge over Hudson. Reggie Smith looks to be the kind of player we hoped Hudson would be.

Really like Matt's PS, but I'm hoping RJF and Spanos are on the active roster instead.

Matt, assuming your 53 man roster is correct: Whom do you see as inactive for the first game?

N. Davis, K. Sheets, M. Crabtree, C. Wallace and M. Hudson seem likely to me. Whom else?

The Niners are nuts not to sign Sheets. He's 1 of ONLY 2 players on Offense that's a homerun threat that can take it for 6 at any given play. Brandon Jones being the other. We haven't even tried using Sheets yet on sweeps, screens, & short passes OUT IN SPACE where he excels. There's NO WHERE NEAR ENOUGH gamebreakers on this Offense. Whoever said Sheets is like Clayton 2 years ago you're freakin' crazy. Sheets does not hesitate hitting the hole & has been surprisingly effective running up the gut. The thing that sets him apart is he's explosive, elusive, & has breakaway speed...all qualities THAT CLAYTON DOES NOT POSSESS. Please, gimme a break. I predict 4-5 TD's minimum that Sheets will get TD's on his own due to his ability. And those critical points will play a big factor in us getting that W. He can bypass us having to even set up our RZ Offense by having that ability to take it to the house from anywhere on the field on any given play. Wake up Niners..we NEED that type of X factor. WE NEED PLAYMAKERS!

Jason Hill has been a bigtime disappointment. What is going on with him? Is he still injured? The guy does not look motivated. Morgan's said the 2-a-days took a lot out of his legs. Maybe that has something to do with his performance. Spurlock's looked much better than Hill & doubles as another returner which is valuable.

Here we go again with the Robinson debate. He's no real RB or FB. Has no true position. He's a ST's player..that's it. I love his physicality but someone with a real position should be able to fill his spot. He blocks & tackles..he's not a featured returner. How often does he come up with the tackle when the opposing ST's returns a kick/punt? NOT OFTEN & you're telling me he's that valuable as a blocker on ST's?? If Britt Miller was more of a PROVEN blocker he should be our 2nd FB. Would love to get a FB who could double also as our legit short yardage back. Miller has surprisingly good hands & good burst/speed. I suspect his inexperience as a blocker is whats holding him up. I would be looking to trade Robinson or finally release him. Do we have space for mainly a ST's player? My votes no.

I agree with you on RJ Francois & on the McDonald situation. I sure would hate to lose RJF. I know he's raw & we're still not sure what we have in him but he's got solid size/speed for a 3-4 DE. And like you said he's insurance on McDonald. The guy on our DL that's a disappointment to me is Sopoaga. We just don't get enough from him IMO. Still gets pushed around on the DL & he doesn't stand out. Has lived up to his MO of being inconsistent. I hope Balmer continues to develop quickly so hopefully he can take his spot. We need more from that position.

I think we keep Ricky Jean-Francois. He's shown too much potential to be cut, especially given the question marks along the defensive line. I'd rather cut Harris than Jean-Francois.

..."We haven't even tried using Sheets yet on sweeps, screens, & short passes OUT IN SPACE where he excels."

- Dude - Have you been watching any of the preseason games?

Question: Matt, assuming your 53 man roster is correct: Whom do you see as inactive for the first game?

My response: N.Davis (third QB), Sheets, backup fullback, Crabtree, Jones (injured), Wallace, Brooks (injured) and Lewis (concussion) or Hudson. --Matt M.

Not to throw a monkey wrench into the works, but if what PFT is reporting comes to pass I'm hoping you'll have to rethink the D-Line at the end of the week. PFT is reporting that the Steelers MAY cut NT Casey Hampton. Now I like Franklin, but he's no where near the nose Hampton is. Single handed he'd make the pass rush better simply by the constant double teams he commands. If the Steelers do cut him loose McC, better have him on the first Jet from Pittsburgh to San Fran ASAP.

I might have missed 1. What.... ONE screen pass?

0 sweeps. They hand the ball off to him then he chooses his hole. His outside runs aren't set up to be that way. He creates his own.

0 short passes. (I could be wrong & have missed another.) Don't remember seeing any routes or outlet passes to him when Nate was in trouble.

Not NEARLY ENOUGH. Yes it's preseason but it's no secret scat backs get thrown the ball out in space to take advantage of their speed. Just would have liked to seen more usage there to further test him out. Will have to wait until regular season. He better make it.

Interesting article from Lombardi at the NFP....

Bill Walsh always felt that the time to improve the team was in September, in large part because players were looking for jobs, not contracts. He was willing to risk losing some games in September to help his team win in November and December. Remember, the Bills were 4-0 last year in September and failed to make the playoffs. Walsh felt that if he had a bad hand, he would discard it and try to improve himself; he was never satisfied. He pushed the envelope for improvement of his own personnel base, as he knew most of the NFL was going to play with a pat hand. Most teams would rather stay the same, even if the same was not good enough. Change is hard for many in the NFL. He thought that prevailing logic was what gave him an advantage and he took advantage.

Forget the games this week. Watch the action off the field. Find out who will be proactive and make moves to improve their team. Remember, it takes talent to evaluate talent. This week, we find out which teams are serious about winning and which teams are living in their self-illusions of their talent level.

LINK: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/DMN-Real-action-is-off-the-field.html

Matt

Appreciate your thoughts and comments as always but I am hoping that they go with Ziegler instead of Hill, Spanos over Wallace on the offensive line, and Jean-Francois over the 9th defensive back (probably Hudson, or possibly Smith).

I for one am tired of re-building through veterans. Our young talent goes unnoticed and wastes on the bench or P-Squad. I would love to see the niners re-build through the "hungry", which is more than likely are young talent.

Nate Davis - I love the Huard cut in favor of 4 QB's and/or Nate Davis. Hopefully he can learn the playbook quickly because I would love to get him game ready sooner rather than later.

Briggs - I have not seen anyone talk this guy up but everytime he is in the game, he is putting pressure on the QB. Don't we need pass-rushers? He has earned the respect of Willis and Spikes, which I have heard both say great things about him. Cut Ulbrich but not Briggs.

Spurlock - He is Nate's favorite target, keep him around. Rossum is not so young anymore and looking towards the future, Spurlock could be our guy.

Sheets - Great change of pace back and maybe they can explore his return abilities.

Taylor - There is no way this guy clears waivers. Size will only get you so far but this guy also has talent...keep him.

Clements - How does this guy continue to keep a roster spot? Does it not seem to everyone else that he is always a step behind. I have never said anything publicly about him because he is very good in run support but his pass coverage skills are bad. Anytime they need a first down on 3-8 or 3-10, go to Nate he'll give it up. I for one think that the competition for starting corners should be for Nate's job, not Bly's.

I am hoping for a good year and please Mike put your young talent on the field and let them learn with your guidance...I do not want to drag this re-building period out any longer than we already have. Leaving your upcoming players on the bench in favor of veteran leadership, does nothing for rebuilding.

....am sure if yu watch it again you will notice the plays...

in the raiders game all they did was sweeps...

...in the cowgrlz game - screen and short pass plays were executed by Davis and sheets...

.....i dont think you should be concerned about sheets executing those plays...

He was even used in the wild cat(or wild niner) formation - i believe he gain the most yrds compare spurlock on that play all preseason

...the niners should pick up Casey Hampton immediately if he his cut...

Just saw that headline. I totally agree. While Franklin is totally underrated by 49ers fans, Hampton give us a good rotation and an anchor on our D line. Given Matt’s list above…. Who do you cut?

Seems to me you need to start questioning Michael Robinson's value if he isn't a solid back up at running back or fullback. If the Niners keep Sheets and bring in another fullback behind Norris, when would Robinson play other than special teams? Then you have to ask, would we be a better team over time if we keep someone who could be a good special teamer and have the potential to develop into a starter?

I'd rather pass on 1st downs and then convert running the ball.

...what if your pass is imcomplete on first and second down...

i cut Demetric Evans or....

... Isaac Sopoaga - enough is enough with him -

oneniner - the Cardinals actually made it to the Super Bowl with their defense and crazy sick playing by Fitz. So defense does win championships. There defense didn't show up in the forth qtr against the Steelers, hense.

Hampton could probably help us if he got cut by Pitt, but 9 teams get first shot at him on the Waiver Wire before us if they're willing to take his existing contract.

What if all you did was come up with idiotic posts?

Matt, when you say the 49ers would keep a player like Michael Robinson or Demetric Evans because of their VERSATILITY, is that the 49ers valueing versatility over youth with upside or your preference?

I don't see the gameday value of these players now, and there's not much upside. Britt Miller could develop into a starting FB this year. He plays with a passion that this offense needs. I don't see that in Norris. And I don't see much of anything from Evans.

PLEASE get Casey Hampton if he is released! That would be the Walshlike thing to do and could be the biggest offseason move we've made. Use the Crabtree money and get him!

....idiotic posts are based on the readers opinion, to you it might be idiotic but someone else might find it as conversation starter.....i rather have that ...than your unintelligent brain...

wtf...who said anything about defense?...

i believe Casey Hampton would be traded, rather than cut -

i will give up Hill for Hampton - immediately....

I knew Davis had done enough to make the cut! Now if we can just get Sheets onto the active roster as a 3rd down back/receiver, we could be in business! You have Gore and Coffee to ground and pound, and then you have Norris who can open holed gain yards, and I am not sure how Michael Robenson figures in unless its a wildcat(taser) formation with a run/throw option. I can see that working with Battle as well. We have quite a few old qb's that could still throw a spiral (or more importantly know when to tuck it and run for positive yardage) The fight for TE seems fierce and there will be a lot of action there this week. I like pascoe, but there is Daivs, who is a lock, Walker who appears to be a lock, and Finnley who has played well. Might be Pascoe is headed to the Pratice Squad if he passes waivers...

Lol Shaun Hill? Do you wear your super-hater cape everyday? Up up and away! Seriously though, I don't think the contracts match up. The Niners would have to make it a package deal, like A.Smith and some envelopes or something for Hampton.

easy Dude - as usual you fell for the bait.....always jumping before looking

i mean't Hill the WR

What…are you kidding me???? If Hampton’s available we need to SNATCH HIM UP FAST. But that article said that Pittsburgh normally doesn’t cut older players who are starters, they just let their contract run out meaning he should be starting for them in this his last year of his contract. They're not planning on giving him an extension. The only way I see landing him now is to make a trade for him.

I would love to have him as finally a LEGIT anchor for our 3-4. He has high miles but should be more stout at the point. He’s 32 (4 time Pro Bowler) & I’m guessing has about 2-3 years left in him. Getting him on our roster should be able to show these Coaches & GM what a difference a REAL NT would make for our Defense. Not knockin’ Franklin but he isn’t a legit NT & I truly believe he can be dominant at DE & there's your backup NT for the time being. Then we could still work on drafting & developing a young premium stud to takeover as the starter as I'd like to see the older Hampton ideally as a Vet backup/mentor. Sopoaga has been disappointing & inconsistent & he should go. Heck I’d even consider keeping RJF at Sopoaga’s expense but then we wouldn’t have a backup NT & would have to switch to a base 4-3 if Franklin goes down. DEFINITELY put Hampton on the wish list for next year along with Wilfork if he can’t be traded for this season.

...i will take Wilfork over hampton in a heartbeart....

....but then again there is a Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody will be available next yr.......

...the question is should we break the bank for a (27- wilfork or 32-hampton) vet NT - or should we invest in Cody?

even with hill the WR, it would still probably have to be a package deal.

I don't think Hill has shown enough to be traded all by his lonesome. maybe for a team that was in serious need of a WR.

I could be wrong though

I follow the Redskins games more so then 9ers cause I'm in the DC area.

Trust me when I say D. Evans is a true work horse. He will be valued during the year as a legitimate back-up.

...you are right......Hill wont be enough, maybe + low 2010 draft pick

...but then again the steelers are not in need of a WR...

You mean like constantly promoting your addiction for Alex Smiths' love stick?

Like you I would prefer Wilfork over Hampton due to the age factor. He equals INSTANT CREDIBLE STARTER who you could just plug-n-play right away. This an important factor to consider because our LB's & young DE's are NFL ready or are near going to be. Getting prime NT services now instead of waiting 1-2 years would be a GREAT advantage for our Defense.

If we can't get Wilfork I would go after Hampton next for the same "instant starter" reasoning. Having either I would then still try to go after some mid-RD prospects or UDFA's..1-2 additional especially if it's the older Hampton we land.

One thing to keep in mind about Cody that concerns me. He is not a BJ Raji who I absolutely LOVE because he's so versatile. Raji is BOTH STOUT & ATHLETIC which is so rare to find among 325+ lb'ers. Cody has stamina issues I'll be looking out for this year. Right now he's used only on 2 downs. He's not great at pass rushing & pushing the pocket back which Raji does. Cody is a pretty much a stout run stuffer. Because of that I want to really scout Boo Robinson out of Wake Forest. Is he stout enough + has that strength & atheticism to push back the pocket on passing plays? What's his stamina about? Just some things to look out for on Cody & to keep a watch out for Boo Robinson. I see no other legit NT's in next year's Draft. Berger likes Dan Sullivan(?) out of Tennessee but he's around 310 lbs..just too light for what we're looking for. We need a NT who can 2-gap at the point..not 1 gap & expose one of the ILB's behind him to cover the other gap vs a guard or center.

I agree completely. Why are Michael Robinson, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, and Mark Roman going to make this team??? We know what they are, not terrible, but NOT GREAT!

Britt Miller, Ziegler, Spurlock, and Curtis Taylor should make the roster over these guys without question.

I think your 53 man roster is great with one exception.

Where is Britt Williams (this is a must have)

Sorry, I did. Hook, line and sinker. Nasty is right though, those contracts definately dont' match up. Isn't Hampton making like 4mil per? And who said Wilfork is available??? Is this true???

JVI -

Robinson can play tailback, fullback, H-Back, special teams and the Taser. He stays.

Battle has been our most consistant receiver this summer. He earned a spot.

On another note, I think the 9ers need to keep Sheets, for if anything, trade bait. It is hard to keep all those backs but Robinson is one of the hearts of the team. I'd rather keep sheets instead of Spurlock. Have Rossum and sheets return kicks.

i read an article that talked about hampton and wilfork could be in the market next yr.- .....because of the expiring CBA - there is a feeling Pats wont resign him...

Wilfork is in the final year of a six-year, $18-million deal he signed as a rookie in 2004

..i agree with yur assessment of cody.....

...we definately need a consistent NT - for our defense to be sucessfull...

Matt: That mystery fullback wouldn't be Zak Keasey, would it?

Lord I hope not.

Memo to 49ers: Get. Wilfork. NOW!

Hampton would be a vested veteran and hit the street as a unrestricted free agent (ala Eric Green). No waiver wire for him.

I agree. I have not heard Jason Hill's name call this preseason except in this blog. He's spent more time on the weekly injured list than active list since coming into the NFL. Hammy and leg issues. Its time to cut this cat and give Zeigler or Spurlock at chance. Go Niners!

Even with a heavy run plan, I cant see the niners putting 6 backs on the 53.

Heavy running also means you need horses up front, and you've given us ONE (bad) backup OT. I just cant see that.

If Norris goes down, the niners have both Robinson, and whichever blocking end they keep, to get them through a game.

Any FB they could add in the next week they could likely find the quality of as a street free agent during the season if Norris were to be out for a prolonged stretch. Why dedicate the spot now?

To me, they either sign a veteran offensive tackle in the next week and ship Boone to the PS, or Boone makes the roster.

Thanks. Correction noted. The big fella sure could make a difference here!

..does anyone recall any game where Mrob was a dominant blocker?....

i was impressed with him running this yr - he looks better than last yr....

Agreed that Battle produces when he's in the game; more so than Zig. I like Zig and Spurlock, but maybe not quite enough. M-Rob's versatility and Locker Room stuff is good, but not necessarily a lock for roster.
Thanks for input on D.Evans; we don't know him well yet.

"Why are Michael Robinson, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, and Mark Roman going to make this team???"

I'd give you the fact that Hill has had a quiet offseason. The other 3 will make this team because of what they bring to their respective positions.

Battle is a clutch 3rd down receiver who is ALWAYS in the right spot. Invaluable! The Niners love Battle for the same reasons the Giants love Steve Smith. He is open when they need him to be and he makes first downs with his sure hands.

Roman is not a gambler, but he doesn't make coverage mistakes very often. Is that what we need from a starting safety? Maybe not. That's EXACTLY what we need from a 3rd safety. We need someone to continue to mentor Reggie Smith and Dashon Goldson so they can become gamblers and hitters who don't get beat deep.

Robinson is young and versatile; a true team player. He plays RB well, FB well, and is an elite special teamer. People are hyping Sheets, but against Oakland, Robinson put up 46 more yards than Sheets on only 2 more carries!

Aside from maybe Spurlock over Hill, there's no way any of those guys should make the roster over the 4 you mentioned.

Me thinks Bly and Brown should be at the corners and move Clements to Safety

I agree. I'd take a Hampton or a Wilfork. =)

zack keasey has a broken forearm, cleared waivers then reached a release settlement with the niners, he won't be back with this club.

Michael Robinson im not sure about. i know hes great in ST. but i do have to disagree with battle. Battle may not be a star wide out like some of the big names playing right now. but he has shown that we can count on him to make the must needed plays whent he ball is actually thrown his way. and in camp and in preseason he has shown more then some of the wideouts that have a spot locked down.

Matt did u see Crabtree on ESPN2 last nite?

To be perfectly honest, when you said clements at safety a light bulb went off in my head.

from what i see from nate is that he plays way to soft. i hope its just something hes trying out and will go back to the old way he played. but 1 thing is for sure, the guy loves to hit. he does have decent speed. and his hands are pretty good. why not put him at safety and let him sniff out the ball.

for some reason i think of a ed reed mixed with a brian dawkins when i picture clements at Safety.

is it just me?

" RJF is a work in progress. He doesn't have much to worry about because I think he'll be earning an NFL paycheck this season. I'm just not sure if it'll be with the 49ers or another team."

Sacré bleu!

To piggy back on what JVI 1979 said I agree on a lot of what Troy said. Get these old timer underperformers cleaned outta here.

I think this roster could use some shaking up.

Try & trade Sopoaga otherwise cut him, enter RJFrancois. Younger & hungrier as Troy said.

Same with Robinson. Try & trade him otherwise he also gets cut, enter Britt Miller OR better blocking Vet FB if we feel Miller isn't ready for the FULL TIME FB spot yet. If Vet FB, PS for Miller. Any of these 2 can play ST's. Same with McKillop who can also take Robinson's duties there.

Jason Hill out, Spurlock in who can also perform kick/punt returns. 3rd RD potential bust. Unfortunately he's really died down this TC otherwise Battle could be pushed out in favor of keeping both Hill & Spurlock. When healthy Battle is reliable & along with Bruce I think we still need that VET reliability for another year amongst this young WR core. The question is have we given up on Hill? The answer with Spurlock coming on is yes.

Don't ever call back Zak Keasey as there will ALWAYS be better FB's on the market.

I dunno what to do on Clements. He has really been disappointing esp lately. With some consistent pass rush he can be a good, not great CB vs the pass. I like Marc NJ9er's idea of converting him to FS but I also like Goldson there. **What I'd like to see is Bly & Brown as starters, Spencer & Eric Green as nickel, dime backs respectively (or vice-versa depending on how Spencer's knee is coming along & holding up.) Then at Safeties....Goldson FS, Reggie Smith at SS OR convert Clements at FS, have Goldson at SS who knows how to hit & tackle with Reggie Smith backing up both spots. Keep MLewis as a 2nd backup AND ABSOLUTELY CUT Mark Roman. Roman is always a step or 2 behind unless the rush gets there & the balls thrown right to him. I admit he has improved somewhat lately. But he's sucked for so long he should have been cut a long time ago & it's time to get the stink out of here & send the team a message. You have to perform or we'll find someone else who will. When MLewis is fully healthy from his concussions make a determination on whether he should replace Goldson or Reggie Smith at SS. If Goldson or Smith excel there keep Lewis as a backup & stick with the upgrade.

I forgot about Ulbrich. C'mon, he's SLOOOW. There comes a time when you're too old & slow & NOW is that time. Marques Harris is the 3rd best OLB pass rusher. Cut Ulbrich, keep Harris, which makes McKillop our only backup TED ILB making us thin & inexperienced there but I think McKillop could push himself through the learning curve & learn from his mistakes & get by if need be. We could go on the market & hopefully find one if Spikes/McKillop go down. Or get Brooks in there for awhile although I don't think he likes that position.

Manny Lawson. Bad subject. Another 1st RD disappointment so far. How much time does he get to start showing us something as a pass rusher?? 1 last preseason game? He has ZERO pass rush moves & is totally useless as a pass rusher. I guess this is the last year to see what we're going to do with him.

As far as this Taylor at Safety from what I've seen on him he's NOT that physical for the size & athleticism he has. He doesn't seem to want to get in there & really lay the wood. Maybe I haven't seen him play enough but that's what I've seen so far. I'm not completely sold yet.

Arnaz Battle is the WR JOKE at every Fantasy Football Draft every year. This guy is a nice special teams player but if he is the 3rd Best Receiver on this team, the 49ers are in trouble at that position. He strikes ZERO FEAR in opposing defenses. Spurlock has younger legs and the 49ers aren't sure what he is yet. Everyone knows what Battle is.

Nate Clements needs to make the Ronnie Lott move to Safety. This team is Deeper and Stronger at Corner than Safety. Bly and Brown should start with Clements and Lewis at Safety and Spencer be the 3rd corner.

Nice work, Matt.

I, like many other posters, feel that Brit Miller earned the #3 fullback roster spot. The man is easily better than Keasey because he can block and is able to exploit blown coverages. The only thing I havent seem him do is get short yards on the ground. If he can do that, he is #3. I will be disappointed if he is cut. For those praising Coffee, the man can run, but his blocking needs improvement. His failure to pick up a blitzer ended in a Hill sack. Not in Gore's league yet. I say use the money slated for Crabtree to give deserving veterans some contract extensions and let him watch the 09-10 season from his couch. If there was ever a reason a rookie cap is needed, this is a good one.

"Get these old timer underperformers cleaned outta here." Are you out of your damn mind?

By Jason Hill, you mean the 24 year 3rd year wide receiver? By Michael Robinson, you mean the 26 year old 4th year jack of all trades? And Manny Lawson, the 25 year old 4th year player. Yup those sure are old timers. i'm surprised you didn't call for Alex Smith (he's only 25).

And Spurlock? Yes everyone, ATTENTION! It's the next coming of Jerry Rice! The same Spurlock who's been cut by two other teams! This isn't Madden 2010. You can't suddenly turn a 76 OVR WR into a 95 by playing on easy and throwing deep. And Clements to safety because he's been disappointing "especially lately"? It's the damn pre-season people!

And JVI...fantasy football has got nothing to do with whether a player has value to his team, which is why you'd be a yearly joke at the NFL draft as a GM. Just ask any punter in the league whether he has any fantasy value. Battle is a damn good third down WR. I guess it really doesn't matter though. You'd call for the next guy's head and the next guy's and the next guy's...

Can we please stop calling for people's heads since none of us have a lick of scouting talent?

Hey Matt,

Out of curiosity, why isn't Tarell Brown in the running for Nate's role? His play behind Bly has surpassed Clements. Are the two cornerback positions that different?

Hey Matt, Can Terrell Brown play Nate Clement's side? Why isn't he in the running to unseat Nate as he's outplayed him on the other side?

Are the two cornerback sides that different?

Matt, I'm wondering about David Baas. He has been injured every single year and the club has shown no intention of signing him to an extension after this season. So why not cut him and give Matt Spanos a chance? He has looked really good during the pre-season and could fill the role of Wragge as primary backup at G and C. Is there any chance or is Baas good enough to warrant a roster-spot despite all that? Thanks.

Minor slip up there Steve but I FULLY STAND by my assessment. It should have read only "UNDERPERFORMERS".

Hill has shown absolutely nothing this TC & preseason. What does he have, ZERO CATCHES?? Yes, he's only in his 3rd year & he's a high Draft pick so there will be some close evaluation here. I don't know what's going on with his sudden dropoff. Spurlock ain't no elite receiver but he has looked tons better than Hill this camp & adds to his value as a ST's returner. Some players are late bloomers. Hey, could be for Hill too but he ain't showing it right now & there's lots of competition at WR.

Please give me a break on Clements. His play has been average through ALL of last season through this preseason. He consistently gives up a big cushion & has passes of 10-25 yards REGULARLY completed on him. He's a better tackler than cover guy. That's a problem that needs to be looked at & repaired SOMEHOW. Either step it up or something needs to change. I still agree with others who say he would be a very good to excellent FS.