Preparing for the Offseason: Wide Receivers
by David Fucillo (Fooch) on Nov 30, 2009 1:00 PM PST
in News
87 comments
Although the 49ers are in the thick of the playoff chase (who knew I'd be rooting for Brett Favre and the Vikings?), I'm always looking ahead for the purposes of site content. Whether the 49ers make the playoffs or not, there are a variety of issues that will need to be addressed in the offseason. In order to be better prepared for the offseason, every so often I'll roll out a "Preparing for the Offseason" post. It will be something to give me a better idea of what kind of information folks will be looking for. I want Niners Nation to be your first stop for any 49ers related information, so I want to make sure I know what that information is.
Earlier this season, as the Michael Crabtree holdout saga dragged on, one of the many frustrations came from the fact that the 49ers might need to spend another high pick on a wide receiver. The 49ers do have the spare first round pick, but most of us probably felt even without Crabtree, wide receiver was still a little lower on the needs chart than both offensive linemen and potential pass rushers. Fortunately though, the 49ers and Crabtree came to an agreement and the 49ers are obviously better for it.
The question I raise here is where wide receiver now ranks in the grand scheme of things. The team has Crabtree and Josh Morgan, as well as a great receiving tight end in Vernon Davis. They've started to get Jason Hill back in the mix and there's always potentially Brandon Jones and Dominique Zeigler out there to consider as well. So now I wonder if wide receiver is even something that will be addressed in the draft? Maybe the 49ers snag a body in the 6th or 7th round, but barring that or some insane player drop, does anybody see the 49ers grabbing a wide receiver in the draft?
Accordingly, how much research do we need to be doing on the wide receiver front? I'd like to be able to focus my efforts on areas of significance and I just don't know if wide receiver will be such a position either in free agency or the draft. Maybe a player or two will be added to the roster, but any sort of impact player? I don't think so, but if you disagree let me know in the comments.
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I honestly think that
the only reason they should pick a wr in the draft would be for kick returning purposes if there is anyone out there capable. We need a josh cribbs type returner who can take it back and honestly it wasn’t until this year that cribbs was used often in the passing game for cleveland. We don’t need any receivers, we are fine there, but we desperately need a KR/PR unless we see something out of Morgan in the next 5 games.
We all know that Jones isn’t cutting it!!!!!
I agree
We need a stud returner. Josh Cribs played qb in college. Maybe the qb from Oregon would be a late round returner prospect and he’s from the bay.
by Mr. Jesse From Anchorage, AK on Nov 30, 2009 1:07 PM PST up reply actions
We all know that Jones isn’t cutting it!!!!!
What are you talking about??? I’ve never seen anybody do a better job of calling a fair catch on the three yard line than Brandon Jones!
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 2:08 PM PST up reply actions
you need to reword
it should read, “I’ve never seen anybody do a better job of NOT calling a fair catch on the three yard line than Brandon Jones!”
why would you call a fair catch on the three yard line?
just let the ball bounce… I think he got it right the first time.
Other kids may be sayin' hi-ho, but The Gooch just says yo.
Yeah, if I have to see Brandon Jones plant his feet on the 10-yard line, and then back up 6 yards while waving his arms for a fair catch one more time…
I mean, how hard is it to stand on the 10, and then let the ball bounce if it’s going over your head?! How hard is that???
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 4:24 PM PST up reply actions
Two Words
Mardy Gilyard.
He’s a wide receiver, but more importantly, the University of Cincinnati gets great field position because he’s a very good kick off and punt return guy. I don’t believe he will have character issues.
Truth has a well-known liberal bias.
He's probably going to go to high though
Why take a receiver like him in the second round?
by Brendan Scolari on Nov 30, 2009 11:46 PM PST up reply actions
Kill two birds...
..pick up Javier Arenas in the middle rounds. 50 yards or so from breaking Wes Welker’s FBS record (already has the SEC kick and punt return records), and can be a solid second/nickel corner
49er and ATL Hawks fan since '86, Braves fan since '90, Bama fan since birth.
I second this
Dude is a great returner and he would add some good depth to the secondary
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Nov 30, 2009 10:25 PM PST up reply actions
Darn shame..
How D-Love gets lost in the mix here. The 49ers really should use him more in the passing game.
Well, we're waiting....
D-Love… D-Love… Delanie Walker?
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 2:08 PM PST up reply actions
Well, since Love isn’t actually the first syllable of his last name, you technically don’t have anything to worry about. I mean, you don’t gain any Howie points. But you don’t lose any either.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions
Weirdly, the current leader in Howie points is KORY SHEETS WAS OUR FUTURE.
How’d that happen?
GROUGTHINK ALERT
The first Chester Arthur fanboy ever.
You get extra points for the strategic use of all-caps.
For instance, you just jumped three spots in the rankings.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 5:36 PM PST up reply actions
how many points do I have?
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Nov 30, 2009 10:26 PM PST up reply actions
0
I took all your points a couple weeks ago.
by Brendan Scolari on Nov 30, 2009 11:47 PM PST up reply actions
Steals are legal.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Dec 1, 2009 8:00 AM PST up reply actions
What was that about "first initial of the first name, first syllable of the last name" nickname business again?
by Mr. Nice Guy on Nov 30, 2009 9:25 PM PST up reply actions
time to say goodbye to Battle and Ziegler
As much as I love Battle, if he cant cleanly catch punts there just isnt a place for him anymore. Ziegler will not have any more PS eligilibility so it’ll be hard to justify a roster spot if we draft someone. I say come back in with Crabs, Morgan, Hill, and Jones, let the 3 I mentioned last duke it out for #2 and slot receiver rights in training camp and draft a speed guy who can return both kicks and punts with a second day pick.
Saw both Golden Tate and the return guy/WR on Cincinnati this weekend and liked them both. Where do they fall in terms of the draft? I just dont want to waste a 3rd rd pick and have another Brandon Williams on our hands
I see WR as super low priority. VD helps this a lot.. VD + Crabtree means you have two extremely talented options to throw to and Morgan is definitely good enough to be a third target.
Nobody likes money
I agree
the WR position going into the draft is a low priority.
Crabtree + Dez Bryant = Fitz + Boldin
The contrarian view, which I’ve seen a lot of over at 49erwebzone, is that it would be wise to take Dez Bryant if he’s there when we pick (especially if we’ve already taken a tackle w/ CAR’s pick). That would give us TWO dynamic, explosive playmaking WRs — the only other team like that is Arizona.
We would have, potentially, three perennial pro-bowl receiving threats (Crabtree, VD, and Bryant). Bryant can also return punts and kicks.
After we get a right tackle, all other considerations are about evenly. One could even make the case fo Rolando McClain, the Inside LBer from Bama. He’s considered a Willis clone, so if you paired the two up on defense you could do ‘special’ things on defense, like shutting down the run with a 7-man front. You could also play a lot more nickel on third down running plays (3rd and 3, 3rd and 4). Offenses couldn’t game plan to stop one of them either: key on Willis, McClain gets you, or vice versa.
"The contrarian view, which I’ve seen a lot of over at 49erwebzone"....
That’s where brain cells go to die.
Well, we're waiting....
A lot of shouting over there on the main board
But the draft guys are pretty level-headed and a wealth of info.
This is the Matt Millen plan
Continually drafting 1st Rnd WRs while the team is in desperate need of talent at other key positions.
We have one MAJOR Need: Right Tackle...everything else is Best Player Available
Our only real NEED is a RT…that’s it. Our secondary is much much better when healthy. I’d like a return man as well, but Dez Bryant is a stellar return man as well.
Yea, need an RT I agree
and I also love Iupati at OG.
I don’t think Bryant is an NFL return man, college-only in my opinion.
by whistlingmountain on Nov 30, 2009 2:52 PM PST up reply actions
I think we have more real needs... LG, RT, S & ILB.
Baas will be a free agent next year and his play has been shaky at time… I think we need to spend a 1st round pick on a big OG and RT.
Goldson has not shown enough for his spot to be safe next year and Lewis is getting up there in age.
Speaking about age… we would have to consider life without Spikes as ILB. Maybe we can get his nephew to take his place. Or if Crowder is available as a FA we can pick him up
Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.
agree
spikes is close to retiring I think.
We need all the players we can get on the O-Line because of age and talent (both going in the negative direction currently).
Goldson I still think migrates to SS as Lewis ages. Sing said Goldson tries to anihilate (screw it I can’t spell that word) the ball carrier…so we channel it, coach it, and let him come up in run support/blow up receivers over the middle.
We need help in the pass defense. Cover guys and pass rushers. I hope Brooks uses his increased playing time at OLB wisely and develops into a Harrison-esque OLB.
I still think we take best OL available (LG, RT preferrably) and then look for the biggest playmaker on defense be it Safety, Corner, or LB. If no one is special at that second pick…go OL again.
As far as return man goes…what about a little RB returner like a Sproles/Spiller type? Of course we’re talking 3rd round or later so would have to be a diamond in the rough…
I agree with this...
I would also include a quality CB… Clements needs help, Spencer is ok but like my Spikes arguement we need depth. I like Florida’s Haden.. instant starter.
Clements- solid
Brown- still under review
Hudson- see brown
Spencer- is ok but hasn’t shown much to impress
Bly- doubt they will resign him
Reggie Smith can become FS and (as you suggested) move Goldson to SS
so a good CB in the first or second round would be nice
Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.
?
Major needs: RT, LG, CB, S, 3-4 OLB, KR/PR
Other needs: OL (depth), LB (special teams), CB (more depth)
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Nov 30, 2009 10:30 PM PST up reply actions
Slightly Unfair
Considering the 3rd WR was the ultimate WR prospect and could not be passed on.
by whistlingmountain on Nov 30, 2009 2:38 PM PST up reply actions
Good point
One injured, one flop, one quality starter, and one superstar.
I think Rogers would have been a star if he was never hurt. He busted his collarbone 2x while Mooch was the coach — he sat at home getting stoned and fat while hurt.
WRs
I can certainly see how a guy like Bryant would be incredibly enticing. At the same time, I think the team’s other needs are so prevalent that they need to use those first rounders on players that will improve areas of weakness, whether that be offensive line, pass rush, secondary, etc… If there is a significant drop off before one of the picks I’d have no problem trading down with one of the picks.
by David Fucillo (Fooch) on Nov 30, 2009 2:31 PM PST up reply actions
It's going to be very hard to trade down
Because of the value this year in the 20-40 range.
I would not be upset with Bryant with the 2nd pick, depending on who has gone prior. I might actually rather have Spiller and use him all over like Harvin.
by whistlingmountain on Nov 30, 2009 2:41 PM PST up reply actions
I like Spiller too
but I’d rather see Bryant. Think of a base spread offensive package of Crabtree, Bryant, Gore, VD, and Walker/Morgan.
You could have a 2wr/2te/1rb set and option in or out of a running play on the fly. Come to think of it, THAT’S what INDY DOES.
I'd rather see good linemen than either
I will say I soured on Dez before his suspension a bit because he was dropping balls. Kind of sick of players that drop passes.
He is a physical specimen though, so does offer something different than the other 49er receivers.
by whistlingmountain on Nov 30, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions
My thoughts
I was going to say, a guy like CJ Spiller might do wonders for the return game. But seeing that he was a Heisman candidate he might be tough to pick up in the middle of the first round. Nonetheless, the niners biggest need will be to trade up if possible and get someone we know is going to make an almost immediate impact at OL.
Won't need to trade up.
They’ll have a top 10 pick and likely a top 15 pick. There is a question though if the truly good tackles will impress and go higher than that. Okung probably unreachable ( and not really an elite prospect anyway ), there’s a big Davis following, I personally love Campbell. Some people like Williams ( I do not ), Bulaga might be a reach in the top 15 over some other super talented players like Haden, Spiller, McClain, Hughes, Morgan, etc.
by whistlingmountain on Nov 30, 2009 2:56 PM PST up reply actions
take both Iowa guys.
There has hardly been a “miss” at OL coming from Iowa. Ferentz is a former OL coach and those boys are corn-fed SOB’s.
I "like" Bulaga, don't like the RT
but even though I seem to like him more than most, I still put him in the 16-25 range. I think they will take an OT with the first pick in order to get who they want, but the 2nd pick will be more of a wild card BPA.
by whistlingmountain on Dec 1, 2009 7:49 AM PST up reply actions
Spiller would be a nice change of pace back too
if the kid could pull off a Sproles-esque role…that would go a long way in the running game too…
All of this depends on what we do in free agency
49ers Al Grito De Guerra!!! hahaha
by 49erSalvatrucha on Nov 30, 2009 4:42 PM PST up reply actions
would pretty much suck either way
but it will especially suck because of the no CBA ( I think we can drop the if at this point , no way are they coming to an agreement in the next 4 months )
by whistlingmountain on Dec 1, 2009 7:50 AM PST up reply actions
Why take a WR high like Bryant
only to have him risk his career returning punts? Sure someone come prove to me that it’s done all the time, ok. I just can’t see taking a guy that you project to be a pro-bowl caliber WR back there fielding kickoffs and punts with special teams LB’s running 60 yards with a full head of steam at them…
I'd rather draft 2 0-linemen with our 1st round picks in the 2010 draft...
than one o-lineman and a receiver. Because while it is true that our o-line didn’t give up a single sack yesterday…I doubt there will be a 2nd consecutive superb performance from our o-line next week @ Seattle…unless of course Jimmy Raye really is gradually opening up the playbook for Alex. And even then, that might be asking a bit much. Here’s hoping I’m wrong!
as for special teams returning in general...
we had friggin’ Rossum. I’m still wondering why we haven’’t picked him back up???
I think he could be picked up again. He supposedly got picked up by the Cowboys and got released again.
Worth it though?
But if he’s been waived twice in one year, does he really have any stock left as an NFL player?
Get ready.
Dominique Zeigler making his way to an active roster. 2010. Book it.
You can never resist the game... nor could I... we're the same, so don't even try.
If we pick a receiver in the first 3 rounds
I’ll be pissed off
We have a quality group right now. There’s no need to draft somebody higher when there are other needs we need (I’m not a fan of the BPA argument).
Our needs are RT, RG, Pass rusher, secondary, return man specialist. At least that’s the way I see it.
Yup those are very big needs. Hopefully we can address the o line during FA and address everything in the draft. In order the biggest needs RT Pass rusher, RG, safety, then return man
49ers Al Grito De Guerra!!! hahaha
by 49erSalvatrucha on Nov 30, 2009 4:46 PM PST up reply actions
Right after your RT, RG I would add GOOD OL Coach
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
We can draft OL coaches?
lol
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Nov 30, 2009 10:32 PM PST up reply actions
yes, his name is Kirk Ferentz
Wanna know why Iowa OL’s are always great NFL OL’s?? Kirk Ferentz and company. Former OL coach turned Head Coach (not to mention Big 10 coach of the year this year)
drafting a reciever because we need a return man just doesn’t make sense. We have 3 quality wideouts plus a good tight end. I like CJ Spiller for a myriad of reasons.
1. Instant boost to the return game
2. He can run routes like a reciever
3. He’s really good. Until yesterday Clemson was ranked 18 despite having a bad o-line, bad quarterback, and mediocre recievers. He is their team.
4. Frank Gore is injured every damn year. We need to keep him safe. A change of pace back like Spiller is perfect for that.
5. He can pass protect.
6. Eventually frank gore is going to have to retire, probably sooner than we’d all like. We could have an experienced quality running in place to take over for him.
We could probably get him with our 2nd first round draft pick. minor need+ massive value= good pick
3 quality wide receivers?
I think that’s a bit too optimistic. I like the potential of the WR’s on the Niners but I’m not ready to stand pat if a good option was available in the middle rounds. This was supposed to be Josh Morgan’s break out season and he’s got 30 catches for 348 yards which isn’t very impressive for a number 2 wide out. Bruce is likely retiring, Hill and Battle have less then 7 catches a piece, and Jones has yet to catch a pass this year. I am not that confident in the receivers after Crabtree.
i liked Spiller anyway...
but you’re really pissing me off by making me want to use a 1st round pick on him! ;-)
We need OL’s…but you paint this rosy picture that sorta coincides with what I was dreaming too…
Blount from Oregon
He’s a big back who stock is low because of his suspension. Just bringing him up because as a Jr. He was a 1,000 yard rusher as a back up and all his yards come from a spread offense that we seem to be moving to so he would be fine running out the shotgun.
As far as a returner that back on Old Miss is one heck of a returner as is Javid Best from Cal.
by Mr. Jesse From Anchorage, AK on Nov 30, 2009 6:09 PM PST reply actions
A WR and/or Returner should not be a priority on our list
Until we bolster the O-line. Or else the only returns we’ll be seeing are pick for 6’s.
Hey BTW, what actually happened to Curtis Taylor last Sunday? I was at the game and I never quite picked up the actual prognosis.
hip strain
or something to that effect. Maiocco said looks worse than it is…what did SIng say yesterday? haven’t read/watched the PC yet
hurt his hip flexor
I’ve hurt my right hip flexor twice. Hardly any pain, but impossible to play with it ( one took around 2 weeks to get over, the other almost a month ).
by whistlingmountain on Dec 1, 2009 7:52 AM PST up reply actions
Return Man
I agree. A legitimate return-man is a must in this draft. We need a special teams threat. Delanie Walker isn’t gunna cut it. He’s a TE…not a KR. And as for Morgan returning kicks…. we will have to see.
I think a fast WR and return man
Like Jacoby Ford from Clemson in the mid to late rounds could be a good pick. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t spend a high pick on a receiver unless a guy fell quite a bit farther than where he should go.
by Brendan Scolari on Nov 30, 2009 11:50 PM PST reply actions
I sorta do think the team needs another WR
Josh Morgan still comes across as very green. I read about him making lots of plays in the off season and camp but haven’t witnessed much this season. He manages to do the little things but his primary job is to get open and make plays in the passing game.
Jason Hill has made his way back on the field but hasn’t really answered any questions.
Brandon Jones looks like a complete bust. His stat sheet is a bust but I don’t know the true back story.
Dominique Zeigler is still behind all these guys.
The offense is going to need one more passing weapon and I’m hesitant to say any of the above can get the job done in 2010. Certainly this group hasn’t done enough to prevent the team from shopping for a #2.
I know you have been waiting, HERE I GO!
WTF…………………………….
Are we seriously thinking about adding another WR? Are we seriously considering that Safety isn’t one of our top two needs? Frankly, I have appeared to be an avid Goldson hater, hey fellas it’s not true, I think Goldson is playing out of position and will be better served as a SS. Enter the Berry Banter, yeah FS, no way I would draft another WR in rounds one or two, rounds 3 and 4, that’s another story. We have a speed guy (Hill), we have a possession WR (crabs), we do not have an ultimate speed guy or the throw it up and I’ll get it player. DeMaryius Thomas, if he enters the draft, and is here he is a must have. Kid has 40 receptions and 900 plus yards on the best running team in the nation. We know he can block, but he has speed and hands and runs decent routes. The bears will snatch him in the 3rd IMO (again if he declares). I’m not forgetting about the Return game at all, I would follow this pick with Syd’Quan Thompson from Cal (really like the kid for D and ST’s) only if Dexter McCluster is gone by now. Chris Johnson is adding some value to small and fast RB’s.
Would I take a WR, yeah if it gives us another redzone threat, we don’t need a high round punt returner slash potential number 1 (Dez Bryant) and we have to go T and G in 2 of our first 3 picks. That (site decrum in Denver) Nolan, will draft Berry since the Bears may not win another game, unless they get to the 3rd or 4h pick, then they will take a DL, or OL.
1a E Berry
1b R Buluaga
2. Best G avail.
3 De Thomas
4. Syd’Quan Thompson
5. DE prospect
6. fastest player in draft remaining
7. fastest player avail in draft.
I’d be very satisfied with the draft and the future would be near set.
"Optimist Prime"
"CHILD PLEASE"......................-E. Ochocinco
Morgan dropped a TD, and the whole blogospere went nuts!!
Yes I want Eric Bery to be a 49er!
Why because it isn't your mock
Let’s see take out that mock and add drummer and I think that quite is a winner.
"Optimist Prime"
"CHILD PLEASE"......................-E. Ochocinco
Morgan dropped a TD, and the whole blogospere went nuts!!
Yes I want Eric Bery to be a 49er!
I just wanted...
to use this gif somewhere. No real reflection on your post.
Well, we're waiting....
honestly though, the mock is bad
Berry will not be available and “R Buluaga” is not a real person.
“Best G Available” is a pretty thin statement considering there are only 2 OGs remotely worth a second round pick. If they’re both gone, you think make a massive reach for an OG over an OLB?
“Fastest player in draft remaining” – Are you Al Davis?
by whistlingmountain on Dec 1, 2009 6:18 AM PST up reply actions
Bulaga, Iowa
Al Davis takes speed guys WAY too early ala DHB. We’re talking late rounders.
Not that I necessarily agree with the general “fastest guy” approach…but it’s not really Al Davis-esque
I know he meant Bulaga, but
the fact that he didn’t know his first name or even come close to his last tells me he’s going off of hype reports.
by whistlingmountain on Dec 1, 2009 7:56 AM PST up reply actions
i like your mock there
i think we take a returner in round 2 only if he’s a RB or DB. We need quality depth there. Beyond that yeah a speedy guy that we won’t be blowing a pick thinking he’ll contribute elsewhere.
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