The Draft

by montasmob69 on Jan 2, 2009 9:18 PM PST Comment 92 comments

My favorite part of the off season in all sports is the NFL draft. What could be better? We get to add 5-10 of the nations top 250 stars. The hype and events is unlike any other event. And unlike the NBA draft, each year, there are stars found throughout the draft. But that all said, obviously, the first round mounts clear significant and superiority over other rounds. With the tenth pick, there are many options that we can explore. However, after listening to what Jed and Mike have said, it looks like the niners are going to rip a page out of Pittsburgh Steeler philosophy and draft the "best player available." That said, there are several players that stand out as top athletes that the niners could grasp their hand on during the April afternoon in New York.

Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

Freak, Beast, Monster, Orakpo is all of that and then some. In the weight room, his performance is unbelievable. He can bench 515, squat over 600, power cleans 380 (out of all nfl probowl LB, 40 times and bench press results vary, but the are all incredible power cleaners), has a 42 inch vertical, and runs a 4.6 40. On the field, he has been nothing short of amazing. In his 12 games this season, he had 40 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 18 TFL, 4 FF, and 27 hurries. Although some people feel his 6'-4", 260lb frame is better suited for a 4-3, since he has more quickness and explosiveness then straight up speed, if you watch him, he plays with instinct first, a key part of being a linebacker. Although expected to be a top 5 pick, Aaron Maybin could declare and steal his spot. Other than the chief, I don't see any team who would take Orakpo before us.

Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

Unless Andre Smith does something dumb, he is going in the top 3. And as good as Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are, they are pure pass blocking LT, and we have Staley for that. Now I understand that it is not traditional thinking to pick an offensive linemen in the first round unless there is a LT, or occasionally a LG, but we are not a normal team. Between the 55 sacks the niners allowed, a large portion came from the dreadful play of Barry Sims/Adam Snyder. That said, Michael Oher would be a great pick. At 6'-5" and 320 lb, Oher's quickness, technique, and IQ is like no other. Unlike Monroe and Smith, he is a solid run blocker. He does lack a little strength, but a person with his type of discipline and character should not become an issue.

Taylor Mays, FS, UCS

Wow, a mix of Ronnie Lott and Ed Reed, this guy can straight up play. His combination of size (6'3" 230lb) and speed (4.28 40) makes him arguably the top athlete of this year’s draft. Mays has the speed to be a corner, the ball skills and vision of a safety, and the punch and even the size of an undersized OLB. He excels at recognizing the run and attacking. He is also great in man coverage and even better in zone. At times, he is known to be a little too aggressive, but that said, he is an elite athlete and a guy who would be much more than just an upgrade from Mark Roman.

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Although I am always one to say WRs are easy to come by and they can be found in any place, it would be foolish to ignore this man. Although Morgan, Ziegler, and Hill have created a nice young WR core, they are no Michael Crabtree. Without a doubt, the most productive WR in college football in the last ten years at least. 3137 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 231 receptions in 26 games (that’s 121 yards, 1.5 tds, and 9 rec per game) speaks for itself. Crabtree may lack, elite speed, but has a knack for getting open, runs clean crisp routes, has excellent hands and excellent hands in traffic, and can make plays in the air with his strength, body control, and jumping ability. If Oher, Mays, or Orakpo are taken, I don't see why the niners wouldn't capitalize on such a rare find.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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Orakpo and Mays

Do want

I see the future, and it is Pablo

by CB30 on Jan 2, 2009 9:48 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I want all 4

MURS for President!!!!!!!

by jtoj on Jan 2, 2009 10:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

With a side of Zack Follett from Cal

by mikev on Jan 2, 2009 11:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

follet in the 2nd? or maybe even 3rd? He’s the rare college player familiar with the 3-4.

by sam23 on Jan 4, 2009 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No. And probably not.

Maybe a 4th rounder for Follett.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 9:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you think Follett will go that low?

I have no idea, so I’m asking. Seems like it would be a steal if he was a 4th rounder?

by mikev on Jan 5, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's possible

He’s being ranked as anywhere from the #5 to the #10 OLB, being closer to the later more often than not, which would project him as a 3rd/4th rounder. So it’s possible.

I do realize that he’s played in the 3-4 but he’s pretty small, ~235 lbs, for an NFL 3-4 OLB. I know it’s cool and all that he does crazy stuff with his hair and that he played at Cal but with what Haralson showed last year I just don’t think he’s anywhere worth a 3rd round pick to the Niners.

Personally the 3rd round is when I think the Niners should start considering taking a QB and I think (and obviously it depends who there) I’d a QB 9 times out 10 over Follett in the 3rd.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 12:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

His hair? I don't even know what that is about.

But if he’ll be a good player and is there in round 4, nab him.

by mikev on Jan 5, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He’s shaved his hair all crazy in the past. Even sported leopard spotted hair. Basically what I’m getting at is, he’s getting a lot of love around here because he plays at Cal and because some people around here know more about him than other college OLBs. I’m just not sold on him being that much better than Haralson.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 12:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yep

I’d be happy with any of those 4.

by sam23 on Jan 4, 2009 5:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Orakpo

Since it seems like he’s destined to be a 3-4 OLB, how do you work him in with Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson? Given the money you’d be paying him, he’s not some guy you can just platoon.

by Fooch on Jan 2, 2009 11:08 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Orakpo

Well here’s the thing about Orakpo, he is just as much a 3-4 guy as a 4-3 guy. He does not have to much consistant speed, meaning most of it comes off the snap, in an explosive way. He still is insanely fast though. What makes him able to play the 3-4, is the fact that he has such good instinct and when he drops into coverage, you have a 6’-4" monster with a 42 inch vertical leap. I like him because he really gives us some options with the defense. Saying Singletary played in the 4-6 bear, I would not be shocked if we change back to a 4-3. As for Haralson, as good as he was last year, he is mainly a third down guy.
i hope that we get Orakpo, maybe we should trade for all of them lol.

According to the comminsioner of the nfl, 104 people retired last year. 7 due to age, and the rest because of Patrick Willis

by montasmob69 on Jan 3, 2009 10:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

you really think we could go back to the 4-3? I cant see it.

by sam23 on Jan 4, 2009 5:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

4-3 does make sense

The Niners as currently constructed probably have a better 4-3 front 7 than a 3-4 front 7. The Niners are still lacking a dominant NT and dominant OLB which are paramount to the 3-4.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 9:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

lacking a dominant NT, yes. But I think the dominant OLB could well be on this roster and emerge with the addition of a dominant NT. I guess 4-3 could make sense but who are you putting on that line? Sopoaga and Balmer at DT? Manny Lawson at LB or DE? Justin Smith at DE full time? Lots of question marks transitioning back to the 4-3, though I wouldnt be totally against it, simply because I just generally like the 4-3 better.

by sam23 on Jan 5, 2009 9:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"Justin Smith at DE full time?"

Are you just asking questions for the sake of asking them?

I don’t see why Smith can’t play DE full time. I don’t see why any of the “NT” on the team can’t play DT, can they be any worse at DT than they are at NT? The 4-3 would let McDonald play a more natural position and Lawson could even be brought in as a DE on passing downs if he can’t stick at OLB (passing downs you could even move Smith down to DT).

Who’s this dominant pass rusher that might already be on the team? Or are you keeping him your special little secret?

by methodrampage on Jan 6, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Smith wasnt nearly effective as a 4-3 DE over the past 4 years as he was in his hybrid role last year here. I’m not saying he COULDNT be a good 4-3 DE and he has been a very good one before, just that we know he’s pretty good in his DE/OLB role in the 3-4. The 4-3 would likely suit Balmer and McDonald better…….but among current players on this roster thats about it. I wasnt trying to say we couldnt go back to the 4-3 at all, I was just wondering how you envisioned the front 7 in a 4-3.

Who’s this dominant pass rusher that might already be on the team? Or are you keeping him your special little secret?

Other good 3-4 D’s over the past 10 years have almost always had dominant DT’s but many (like the Steelers) have turned journeymen and late round draft picks into great pass rushers at the OLB position. So I dont think its a huge stretch to say Haralson, Tully, Green or a mid to late round pick could emerge next year if we add Haynesworth at DT.

by sam23 on Jan 6, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If I'm not mistaken...

… Smith stopped playing the 3-4 OLB around the time Singletary took over. If I’m not also mistaken, his play improved dramatically over the last few weeks of the season, no?

by sfgfan on Jan 7, 2009 9:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

4-3

If the team fails to find a nose for the 425626th time in as many tries, I think the team would be best suited running a 4-3. Lawson, Willis and Spikes could man the three linebacker positions. A 4-3 line would allow Justin Smith to slide inside from time to time and make room for guys like Orakpo, Haralson, and McDonald.

by sfgfan on Jan 5, 2009 9:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

4-3

Sopoaga and balmer for now at DT- Sopoaga stud… i personally think balmer is a bust and a terrible pick on our part

Smith and Lawson/Mcdonald/Parys at DE- let the latter 3 pass rush … if mcdonald can stay on sides(nothing makes me more upset than when he lines up in the neutral zone). Could try Lawson at OLB.

LB- willis in the middle….spikes and Lawson at OLB

think of all the tweeners we would probably not need anymore though

this would allow us to draft LBs instead of gambling on college DE’s… it would also allow us to have more of a DT selection instead there being about 3 guys in the draft that are probable NTs

by Qbgetter13 on Jan 6, 2009 6:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that if we dont land a nose it might be better to go back to the 4-3,but I’d rather just land Haynesworth than have to use a top pick on a pass rushing DE.

by sam23 on Jan 6, 2009 8:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

all 4 players are great, but...

Orakpo, Oher, and Crabtree will most likey be off the board by the time it’s the 49ers turn. The only one that might still be there is Taylor Mays.

This is my mock draft 1-10: (I dont have Sam Bradford declaring)
1) Detriot Lions-Matt Stafford QB
2) St. Louis Rams-Andre Smith OT
3) Kansas City Chiefs- Brian Orakpo DE
4)Seattle Seahawks- Michael Crabtree WR
5) Clevland Browns- Chris Wells RB
6) Cincinnati Bengals- Michael Oher OT
7) Oakland Raiders- Aaron Curry LB
8)Jacksonville Jaguars- Malcolm Jenkins CB
9)Green Bay Packers- Everette Brown DE
10)San Francisco 49ers-Taylor Mays S

The 49ers could also go with Michael Johnson, DE.

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 3, 2009 10:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

here is Todd McShay's mock draft

just for reference

1. Lions- Sam Bradford
2. Rams- Andre Smith
3, Chiefs- Matt Stafford
4. Seahawks- Aaron Curry
5. Browns- Malcolm Jenkins
6. Bengals- Aaron Maybin
7. Raiders- Eugene Monroe
8. Jaguars- Jason Smith
9. Packers- Gerald McCoy
10. 49ers- Michael Crabtree

by 3eyes on Jan 3, 2009 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

In this case I would go with Oher instead of Crabtree with number 10.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 3, 2009 3:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i think that...

michael oher is the best tackle in the entire draft.

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 4, 2009 10:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

what if...

all 4 of them are off the board? it is very possible.

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 3, 2009 10:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

trade down?

Pick up picks to maybe move down? I’d imagine there’s someone out there who’d like to move up and grab sam bradford if he decalres for the draft and is there. If there isn’t someone you really want with your pick I’m a big fan of trading down in the first round.

by Fooch on Jan 3, 2009 11:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

question..

how does trading down work? does that mean we give up our #10 pick for a later first round pick and second round pick? sorry, im not sure how it all works yet.

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 3, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

trading down

Trades happen throughout the draft, but the most prominent occur with first round picks. Sometimes a team will have a pair of first round picks, but want to move towards the top of the draft for a specific player. To do that they might package both their first rounders. Or they could package a first and second rounder to move up a little less in the first round. Those are just two of many examples.

by Fooch on Jan 3, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The Eagles have 2 first round picks. # 16 and # 29

I doubt they would trade both of those for our number 10 but for us to go down six spots it would be close to that.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 3, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

picks

I don’t have the “draft chart” in front of me, but maybe #16 and a future #1? Or #29, a future #1 and some other pick? Not something I’d expect, but just some thoughts.

by Fooch on Jan 3, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I just looked it up again and the Eagles actually now have the 22nd and 29th.

At this point they own the 22nd and also Carolina’s 29th.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 3, 2009 5:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

In the NFL Draft trade value chart the 10th pick is worth 1300 pts.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Value-Chart.php
The Eagles’ 22th pick is 780 pts and their 29th is 640. So they would end up paying more to jump down to number 10 than the 1300 pts.

I also think that their picks will change with the playoffs. I wouldn’t mind us making the trade to 22 or even 24 in this case and getting two late first rounders and then our early 2nd round pick. There are still some good RTs available late 1st and early 2nd.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 3, 2009 5:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

other picks

Can always package in lower round picks to make up the difference.

by Fooch on Jan 3, 2009 5:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

=D

yea, i hope we trade down then. the value from picks 1-20 are relatively close right now.

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 4, 2009 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm...

Seems like Fooch made a good point about Orakpo playing OLB in a 3-4 and having to displace either Parys or Manny. Who do you bench? Also, the point with Goldson instead of Taylor Mays. It would really be hard to predict until the team makes offseason moves. If they move Michael Lewis, draft Mays. If they move Manny, draft Orakpo. If the 49ers keep both, don’t draft Crabtree. As good as he is, the team needs some help in the DL, specifically NT/DT. If the 49ers draft Orakpo, he and Justin Smith can both rush the passer and create a lot of mayhem. That will allow the DB’s time to adjust to WR’s routes. If they draft Mays, they got a potential superstar.

"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Jan 3, 2009 11:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

DT/NT

Unfortunately, the draft is thin on DTs in the first round. Terrence Cody is good and all, but honestly, if he doesn’t drop 20-30 pounds, nobody is going to draft him. And the great thing about Mays is that he can play 4 positions. We don’t have to move anyone that we don’t want to. As for the Manny/Parys situation, as good as Parys can be, he is a third down pass rusher and is no Brian Orakpo. I think Orakpo would be our first option. I hope we go RT in the second, and maybe trade something to grab a late second and swoop a DT.

According to the comminsioner of the nfl, 104 people retired last year. 7 due to age, and the rest because of Patrick Willis

by montasmob69 on Jan 3, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

cody

Plus he said he was heading back for his senior season. We’ll see if that remains the same. And he’s shown the ability to drop weight as he was over 400lbs as a freshman.

by Fooch on Jan 3, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Mays' speed

I’ll eat my shirt if he actually runs a sub 4.3 40 at the combine. He’s a good player, but I think draft talk leads to ZOMG-itis, and this seems a perfect example.

Throwback unis? Yes. Throwback afros? YES!

by grantmp on Jan 3, 2009 11:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

You know who had a GREAT 40 time?

Vernon Davis.

I really don’t understand why people care so much about 40 times. They’re unreleated to actual football skill.

Why not go after guys who have shown to be good players, regardless of 40 times or how many times they bench press 225 pounds?

by mikev on Jan 3, 2009 4:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Vernon

40 is a good stat. Honestly, for WRs and Dbs it is pretty important. 20 is even more. About your statement, when drafting a raw guy(orakpo, mays) it is less about the players and more about the coaches. Look at the Raiders. From the eyes of a football expert, it looks like they made some good picks. However, the real reason for so many busts is poor coaching. With iron mike, I hope we don’t have the same issue. And BTW, you know who else had good 40s; Manny Lawson and Patrick Willis.

According to the comminsioner of the nfl, 104 people retired last year. 7 due to age, and the rest because of Patrick Willis

by montasmob69 on Jan 3, 2009 11:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Unless I'm mistaken, both Lawson and Willis were really good in college too.

Not that Davis wasn’t, but his potential draft position absolutely skyrocketed because of his 40 time at the combine.

I guess I could have been more specific — guys who don’t really get talked about a hell of a lot, but then become these potential superstars in the NFL because they did a good job during a bunch of controlled drills, well, I guess I don’t put as much stock in those kinda guys compared to proven college talents.

by mikev on Jan 4, 2009 1:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The 40 as evaluation tool

It’s a good stat, but it’s overblown. When guys all of a sudden rocket up draft boards because of it, I start to get skeptical. It’s something that guys can’t really improve that much on, so it does measure something. I think Mays will be a good pro, but not because he’s got a great 40 time—though also not because he doesn’t have a great 40 time, you feel me?

Throwback unis? Yes. Throwback afros? YES!

by grantmp on Jan 4, 2009 8:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Vernon Davis

His draft value rocketed not just becuase of his 40 time. All of this measures we’re pretty much off the chart. GM’s tend to drool over athletic freaks, which Vernon is.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 9:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly what I mean.

Athletic freak? Yup.

Really good football player? Um, maybe not so much.

Worthy of being picked 7th? Negative.

by mikev on Jan 5, 2009 11:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Really good? Possibly.

With his blocking Vernon’s a league average TE at worst, which makes him nowhere near worthy of a top 10 pick but I don’t think he’s a total bust and I do think he’s still got some room for improvement. I believe that his progression may be slowed due to him being behind the game mentally his first couple of seasons. After the ‘07-’08 season a 49er player was quoted as saying something like he’d never seen a professional make so many mistakes.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 12:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

40 times aside...

Mays could be good. No one needs to be reminded of Flash 80’s 40 time.

"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Jan 3, 2009 11:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

curious...

what was it?

by shlecko on Jan 3, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

4.6

Check out The Examined Life. Or don't. Whatever.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jan 3, 2009 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If you truly want to know...

college—- he was timed 4.6

Draft workouts - 4.7

"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Jan 3, 2009 12:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Whoops, didn’t see you’d posted it.

Check out The Examined Life. Or don't. Whatever.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jan 3, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

In fact, sometimes the best thing for us is for a guy to time poorly.

Throwback unis? Yes. Throwback afros? YES!

by grantmp on Jan 3, 2009 12:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Lol

Not sure if it is legal, but we could pull a Pittsburgh Steelers. In the 70s, they and like 10 tens formed a combine. They told John Stallworth to Sandbag the events, and they got him in the 10th round or something. I think they got 4 hall of famers in that draft lol.

According to the comminsioner of the nfl, 104 people retired last year. 7 due to age, and the rest because of Patrick Willis

by montasmob69 on Jan 3, 2009 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Question

I’m new to football, but a longtime SF Giants fan. (baseball) Can anybody tell me what date the NFL draft takes place?

thanks

by Matt Rox on Jan 3, 2009 12:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

it 111 days from now. Not sure when that is but I saw a draft countdown ticker.

According to the comminsioner of the nfl, 104 people retired last year. 7 due to age, and the rest because of Patrick Willis

by montasmob69 on Jan 3, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i think...

it is on april 26-27th

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 3, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

April 25-26

Close…

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80dc0fdd&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true

by Fooch on Jan 3, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Combine dates

While we’re posting dates, the ~~Meat Market~~ er, Scouting Combine is scheduled for the 18th to 24th.
http://proathletesonly.com/news/locker-room/under-armour-to-sponsor-2009-nfl-scouting-combine/

Throwback unis? Yes. Throwback afros? YES!

by grantmp on Jan 4, 2009 7:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I would add Eugene Monroe to that list

But he might be gone before the Niner’s pick as well. The best chance to grab a OT might be Smith from Baylor but I don’t know too much about him other than he is projected to go in the first half of the first round.

If the good OT’s are gone I would hope the Niners look to upgrade the pass rush. For me that would be getting a good edge rusher like Orakpo. The best 3-4 teams have a disruptive OLB, and I’m not convinced that Manny or Harylson can be the Merriman, Ware, Suggs type rusher that the Niners need.

All that being said I would find it very hard to pass on a talent like Crabtree if he fell to the 10th pick. It isn’t the biggest need but he really looks like a special talent to me and I would be pretty psyched to see him in red and gold next season even knowing the bust rate of WR’s.

by DiegoAsFan on Jan 3, 2009 2:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Right tackle

In Maiocco’s Q&A posted today, he mentions the 49ers have considered moving Chilo Rachal to right tackle. McCloughan has said he doesn’t value guards all that highly, so maybe move Rachal at some point and grab a guard at a later point in the draft, or plug wragge back in?

by Fooch on Jan 3, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Chilo

If that’s true, and crabtree, mays, and orakpo are offer the board, maybe we can trade to 20ish, and a second, and pick put Duke Robinson, plus B.J. Raja and a pass rusher in the second round. \

According to the comminsioner of the nfl, 104 people retired last year. 7 due to age, and the rest because of Patrick Willis

by montasmob69 on Jan 3, 2009 4:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Chilo @ RT

There is precedent for this kind of move. After all, they put Staley at RT as prep for his move to LT, and they already had a look at Chilo as an RT last spring. Regardless, I’d like to see a run-blocking machine over at RT to open some holes for the new-look smashmouth Niners offense!

Throwback unis? Yes. Throwback afros? YES!

by grantmp on Jan 4, 2009 8:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wraggae is awful, first of all

and he’s much better at tackle than he is at guard – the guy can’t pull for beans.

Also, I don’t know if Chilo really fits the mold for a tackle. Maybe it’s just following tradition too much, but he’s more of a stout bruising type of lineman who likes to grab the guy in front of him and run him into the ground. His footwork was a question coming out of college, and I think being a tackle would really put him into a position where that would get exploited.

by shlecko on Jan 5, 2009 10:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Eugene Monroe

The issue with him and Jason Smith is that they are pure LT. They are not very good run blockers, unlike Andre Smith. We could move Staley to the right side, but I don’t think he would like that too much, and you a move like that could hurt a young guys morale.

According to the comminsioner of the nfl, 104 people retired last year. 7 due to age, and the rest because of Patrick Willis

by montasmob69 on Jan 3, 2009 4:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's a good point

I guess I don’t put too much stock into side, especially in draft picks. If he looks to be a good NFL LT I tend to think he could be a good RT as well. If his run blocking is really poor I could see passing on him, but he was pretty good in college and I don’t think he’ll be significantly worse than the tackles available later in the draft.

I think the ability to protect the QB is a big need for the Niners and Monroe would definitely help in that regard. Even if he needs to work a bit on his run blocking I think if you put Davis on his hip you could still run to that side.

by DiegoAsFan on Jan 3, 2009 4:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Playing a certain side

switching sides is doable but if you have a guy coming out of college that has always played the same side moving him is a transition. If you are always shuffling left to pass block because you are a left tackle and they move you to right then i think it’s a lot harder to pass block a speed rusher.

DE is the same way … if you are used to one way as a speed rusher switching sides causes you to lose a step

by Qbgetter13 on Jan 5, 2009 6:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Slightly off topic

I think I might want to draft Rey Maualuga as our Ted-of-the-future after seeing him dance with Erin Andrews…Hilarious!
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/allthingstrojan/2009/01/maualuga-andrew.html

Throwback unis? Yes. Throwback afros? YES!

by grantmp on Jan 4, 2009 8:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

if we drafted maualuga,

our LBs would be scary

by 3eyes on Jan 4, 2009 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yea....

rey maualuga or aaron curry with pattrick willis. omgg…crazy!

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 4, 2009 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Never gonna happen

Maualuga that high is not what the 49ers need. Spikes was a beast so let’s ride that train. He is a great emotional leader and brings the intensity that Mike is trying to get out of everyone else. I’m not gonna pay Maualuga to ride the pine bc as good as people think he is he wont beat out spikes when we resign him and we will pay spikes less.

Let’s go with Jasper Brinkley in the 5th or 6th round. He is huge at 6’2" about 270. Perfect for the Ted spot and he can ride the pine behind spikes for awhile. Of course i’m biased bc im a south carolina grad but this kid can flat out play. i say we take him to knock someone in the mouth and let patrick willis make plays.

Taylor Mays fills an instant need at FS. He is a starter before rookie camp if we draft him. Duh.

by Qbgetter13 on Jan 5, 2009 6:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Mays will not play FS in the NFL

Ain’t gonna happen.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 9:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

SS

I think he makes a better strong safety than Free but i think he can play there… i think he could play OLB which is probably where u are going with this but i dont think a team is going to do that.

by Qbgetter13 on Jan 6, 2009 6:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he’s more likely to be a Pro Bowl caliber SS than an above average FS.

by methodrampage on Jan 6, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

my heart is telling me

to go with crabtree for offensive explosiveness, but we really need a solid a d-line man. so, i’d go with a beast like Brian Orakpo.

by onexmanxshow49 on Jan 4, 2009 9:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Here we go

Take Orakpo if he’s available.
If Orakpo is taken, take Oher.
If Orakpo and Oher are taken, take Curry.
If Orakpo, Oher, and Curry are taken, take Smith.
If Orakpo, Oher, Curry and Smith are taken, take Crabtree.
If Orakpo, Oher, Curry, Smith, and Crabtree are taken, take Mays.
If Orakpo, Oher, Curry, Smith, Crabtree, and Mays are taken, trade it.
Happy?

MURS for President!!!!!!!

by jtoj on Jan 4, 2009 10:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

yayy (:

I would just change it a little bit.

1. Michael Oher
2. Andre Smith
3. Brian Orakpo
4. Michael Crabtree
5. Aaron Curry
6. Taylor Mays
7. Malcolm Jenkins
8. Trade

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 5, 2009 2:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Awards

If you watched the college football awards when smith won lineman of the year then u saw his interview…. it was bad… he sounds like a girl with a lisp… i just cant get over that… no swagger and seems like no fight… just a fat kid that is semi quick for his size…. mike is gonna go for that kid….

by Qbgetter13 on Jan 6, 2009 6:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"he sounds like a girl with a lisp"

Best player analysis of the year.

Care to say something of a similar nature to Mike Tyson?

by methodrampage on Jan 6, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts......

1) Detriot Lions-Matt Stafford QB
2) St. Louis Rams-Andre Smith OT
3) Kansas City Chiefs- Chris Wells RB
4)Seattle Seahawks- Michael Crabtree WR
5) Cleveland Browns- Aaron Curry LB
6) Cincinnati Bengals- Michael Oher OT
7) Oakland Raiders- Taylor Mays S
8)Jacksonville Jaguars- Rey Maualuga ILB
9)Green Bay Packers- Brian Orakpo DE
10)San Francisco 49ers-Malcolm Jenkins CB or trade down

Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.

by bayboy on Jan 6, 2009 7:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

It would be just like Green Bay to screw us over again by taking Orakpo, huh?

Just like they took AJ Hawk and left us with VD :(

by mikev on Jan 6, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This makes sense. Although I could easily see the Chiefs and Bengals flipping their picks and the Packers drafting Malcolm Jenkins ahead of the 49ers.

by MinerNiner on Jan 7, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I like the Chiefs and Bengals potentially flipping picks but the Packers have Woodson and Harris why would they go for Jenkins?

Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.

by bayboy on Jan 7, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They’d go for Jenkins because Al Harris is 34 years old and I think that Charles Woodson has been moved to Free Safety. They need youth at corner back like peanut butter needs jelly.

by MinerNiner on Jan 7, 2009 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would the Cheifs take Wells?

If they can’t move Larry Johnson. They’ve got bigger holes to fill with that first pick.

by methodrampage on Jan 7, 2009 1:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Johnson and the Chiefs are both pretty set on Johnson not coming back to KC.

GROUGTHINK ALERT

by groug on Jan 7, 2009 3:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Even if Johnson gets dealt, I still wouldn’t spend my first round pick on the easiest position to fill.

by methodrampage on Jan 7, 2009 5:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

(: mock drafts

many mock drafts predict that the 49ers will draft a qb with our first round pick (10th). either matt stafford or sam bradford. what do you think about this?

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 6, 2009 11:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Mock..

… schmock. It’s highly unlikely the 49ers go QB in the first when they have someone who should be able to run a run-first offense just fine (Hill).

by sfgfan on Jan 6, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

after watching the Fiesta Bowl..

I think the 49ers can go a couple of rounds and get a good safety in Kurt Coleman… he was a beast and was all over the field. Also I saw Orakpo give up in a couple of down but not his fellow lineman Roy Miller NT… he was in the back field all day… these players can be steals especially a player like Miller he can develop to be a great NT.

Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.

by bayboy on Jan 6, 2009 1:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Wow!!!

That Roy Miller looked good in that highlight film. He could be a very good DT in the NFL. Reminds me of BY. Besides, his dad was with the 2nd Infantry Division.

"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Jan 6, 2009 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Another safety worth a look in the 2nd or 3rd round (depending on his 40 time) is Otis Willey from Michigan State.

by MinerNiner on Jan 7, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i like mock drafts! =)

WalterFootball.com: Matt McGuire predict that the 49ers draft: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State

NFL Draft Experts predict that the 49ers draft: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
Sports Fantasy Guide predict that the 49ers draft: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Sideline Scouting predict that the 49ers draft: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Draft Guru predict that the 49ers draft: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
Seahawks Draft Blog predict that the 49ers draft: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
Draft King predict that the 49ers draft: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
NFL Draft Blitz predict that the 49ers draft: Taylor Mays, S, USC
Heaven Has Fallen predict that the 49ers draft: Matt Stafford QB Georgia
Fanzak predict that the 49ers draft: Jason Smith, T, Baylor
WalterFootball.com predict that the 49ers draft: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
FF Toolbox: Dimon predict that the 49ers draft: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
New NFL Draft predict that the 49ers draft: Taylor Mays, S, USC
NFL Draft Connection predict that the 49ers draft: Taylor Mays, S, USC
Draft Headquarters predict that that 49ers draft: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
NFL Draft Prophecies predict that the 49ers draft: Taylor Mays, S, USC
NFL Mock Draft Aces predict that the 49ers draft: Taylor Mays, S, USC
Draft Empire predict that the 49ers draft: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
NFL News & Rumors predict that the 49ers draft: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Lucky Lester predict that the 49ers draft: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
Con Draft predict that the 49ers draft: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
No Limit Sports predict that the 49ers draft: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
FF Jungle predict that the 49ers draft: Jason Smith, OT Baylor
APFootball predict that the 49ers draft: Matt Stafford, QB,Georgia
APFootball: Andrew predict that the 49ers draft: Taylor Mays, S, USC

This is the 25 most recent mock drafts and who they predict the 49ers pick with there #10 first round pick. I got a list of mock drafts from WalterFootball.com. Anyways, this was just for fun =P

I see the name Taylor Mays pop up alot, but I have heard rumors that he is going back to school. Also Terrence Cody.

Yadida

by Mill3R on Jan 10, 2009 12:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs