Leonard Davis Update

by David Fucillo on Feb 25, 2007 10:31 PM PST in San Francisco 49ers News

While perusing some of the other SB Nation sites, I came across a tidbit about the Cowboys being interested in Leonard Davis. Earlier this month, there was a brief mention in a diary about Leonard Davis as an option for the offensive line. Since then, I've noticed several notes about Davis, free agency and possibly the 49ers.

February 12 - Rotoworld: "San Francisco and Dallas are considered the early favorites to sign free agent offensive lineman Leonard Davis."

February 17 - Rotoworld: "The Arizona Republic reports that the Cardinals will not attempt to re-sign OL Leonard Davis after choosing not to tag him as their franchise player."

February 25 - KFFL: "KFFL has learned the San Francisco 49ers are showing serious interest in Arizona Cardinals OT Leonard Davis. KFFL has learned the Dallas Cowboys are showing serious interest in Arizona Cardinals OT Leonard Davis."

The 49ers have obvious needs on both sides of the ball and free agency is an excellent way to address these issues. The offensive line was a strength for the team last year, but could always be improved. The current starting offensive line consists of Jonas Jennings, Larry Allen, Eric Heitmann, Justin Smiley and Kwame Harris (with Adam Snyder threatening Kwame's starting spot). If the team were to sign Leonard Davis, would they dump Kwame, move Smiley to tackle and make Snyder solely a backup? Or maybe they sign Davis and work out a trade with their extra depth on the line? No matter what, it's going to make for an interesting March, that's for sure.

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I'm going to go on record

as being a big fan of almost any move that puts pressure on Kwame Harris's roster spot.

I know Nolan was a little disappointed, but I liked what Snyder has done during his time starting and would like to see him hold onto a first string job, but if he gets thrown to second string based on a set of circumstances involving Leanord Davis there's probably nothing like forcing your way back into the starting five to impress a coach.

The offensive line was a strength, but it had very limited depth (Wragge was a stroke of luck, IMO, and thank god for that), and I want to see as many quality players added to that area as reasonably possible.

But I'm a huge O-Line guy, possibly to the point of overvaluing. I'm also a big Frank Gore guy (and Alex Smith's future guy), so an O-Line that works is pretty important to me, even if Jennings, Allen, and player x are all hurt.

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down... over and over...

by howtheyscored on Feb 26, 2007 12:20 AM PST reply actions

Davis

I wrote about Davis in my list of free agents I'd like to see the team pursue. I think adding Davis at the RT position would improve the run game, while allowing Snyder and Wragge to provide excellent depth for the O-Line. I think with Jennings' injury history and Larry Allen's age, having such quality backups in Wragge and Snyder is a must.

And I must say, beating the Cowboys to Davis would feel pretty nice. :)

by gatling on Feb 26, 2007 6:58 AM PST reply actions

The O-Line

Kwame's strength is his run blocking. The OL needs to improve on pass protection. If Davis will do that, I'm for it. If he is just another good run blocker/not so good pass protector type guy, I'd pass. But I don't really know much about him.

Bring back Eddie D.

by nostocksjustbonds on Feb 26, 2007 11:53 AM PST reply actions

Eh...

From what I understand of Leonard Davis, he isn't much better than Kwame or Snyder, IF at all. Unless he signs for an amount slightly more than a backup, which I strongly doubt, then why do it?

I think if the team wishes to add an offensive lineman, they should aim a little higher. Eric Steinbach, who's an Unrestricted Free Agent from Cincinnatti is loads better than Davis. He can also play ANY posision on the line, which makes placement of him on the 49ers line that much easier.

I remember Matt Maiocco saying somewhere on his blog that he doesn't believe the 49ers are interested in Davis, for the reason I stated above. I believe he also mentioned that even if they were interested in Davis, it would actually mean that Jonas Jennings could be dangled as trade bait. I could be completely wrong, and I don't have the time right now to look through his back logs.

Matt Maiocco and other sources have also noted that the 49ers may actually be shopping Justin Smiley, which would make a Steinbach signing that much more enticing. I mean, I'm not necessarily a penny pincher, but my belief is that if they don't upgrade the team by much, why pay them as such? Overpaying for Steinbach would be better for this team than overpaying for Davis.

by sfgfan on Feb 26, 2007 12:10 PM PST reply actions