Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Lakers Should Trade Andrew Bynum So He Doesn't Go To Waste

2009 SB Nation Mock Draft: 2nd round pick fast approaching

FOOCH'S NOTE 10:07AM: Given the Bears-Broncos trade, we're making changes to the mock.  Starting at #18, the Broncos take Tyson Jackson Clint Sintim, instead of Jeremy Maclin.  We'll now be going back and giving each team in after that to change if they want Maclin instead of whomever they took.  More to come...

Last week we began the 2009 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft.  The 10th pick came around and Niners Nation settled on Michael Oher.  Due to the timing of it, I had to submit the pick before the Marvel Smith went down.  Even with the Smith signing, it's certainly possible the 49ers go with an offensive lineman at the #10 pick.  Much less of a guarantee, but still a possibility.

With that fact in mind, we're coming up on our Round 2 pick in the mock draft.  The draft is going on via email, with picks posted a couple days later at Mocking the Draft.  Via email we've gotten through the first pick of the second round.  I've posted the picks after the jump, but definitely head over to MTD to check out all the analysis.

In the meantime, I wanted to start looking at potential second round picks.  Given that the 49ers might still go with an offensive lineman at #10, you can always pretend Andre Smith was the guy at #10.  Given all the moves we've seen so far, this mock is outdated pretty quickly, but it's still an interesting exercise.

So, given that we grabbed an OT in the first round, which way should we go in Round 2? 

I realize the team wants to look long term, but I think WR is a position pushed a bit to the backburner, so I'd imagine no Brian Robiskie or Kenny Britt.  If he's there, do we grab Lesean McCoy, the running back from Pittsburgh?  Not quite the big bruising back folks might like.  Maybe we go with an outside linebacker?

I'll update the spreadsheet after the jump as picks come in to my email.

Star-divide

# Team Player Pos. College
1 Detroit Aaron Curry LB
2 St. Louis Jason Smith OT
3 Kansas City Eugene Monroe OT
4 Seattle Matthew Stafford QB
5 Cleveland Brian Orakpo DE
6 Cincinnati Andre Smith OT
7 Oakland Michael Crabtree WR
8 Jacksonville B.J. Raji DT
9 Green Bay Everette Brown DE
10 San Francisco Michael Oher OT
11 Buffalo Aaron Maybin DE
12 Denver Malcolm Jenkins CB
13 Washington Brian Cushing LB
14 New Orleans Clay Matthews LB
15 Houston Sean Smith CB
16 San Diego Rey Maualuga LB
17 NY Jets Knowshon Moreno RB
18 Denver Clint Sintim
OLB
19 Tampa Bay Larry English DE
20 Detroit Peria Jerry DT
21 Philadelphia Donald Brown RB
22 Minnesota Percy Harvin WR
23 New England Clint Sintim LB
24 Atlanta James Laurinaitis LB
25 Miami Vontae Davis CB
26 Baltimore Hakeem Nicks WR
27 Indianapolis Mark Sanchez QB
28 Philadelphia Brandon Pettigrew TE
29 NY Giants Darrius Heyward-Bey WR
30 Tennessee Tyson Jackson DE
31 Arizona Chris Wells RB
32 Pittsburgh Alex Mack C
33 Detroit Duke Robinson OG
34 New England William Moore S
35 St. Louis
36 Cleveland
37 Seattle
38 Cincinnati
39 Jacksonville
40 Oakland
41 Green Bay
42 Buffalo
43 San Francsico

Comment 63 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Reaching

Would Robert Ayers or Michael Johnson be reaches at #43? Better question, what are the prospects of these two playing OLB? I’m not seeing a lot of praise of coverage, so I’m assuming neither ever really dropped into zone/man coverage. Is Ayers, maybe, a little too big for 3-4 OLB?

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 9:00 AM PDT reply actions  

Ayers is really more of a LDE in a 4-3. Really not a 3-4 OLB. Johnson would be a good fit though. And Conor Barwin from Cincy.

When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.

by cornball on Apr 3, 2009 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

Ayers

Makes sense what you’re saying with Ayers. He sounds like a smaller version of Ray McDonald: plays DE, but able to slide inside in passing situations.

You would definitely rather have Brace than Johnson, though, right?

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions  

i've

seen a few mocks on legitimate sites that have Ayers going as high as 11. apparently his stock is somehow going up

by save10 on Apr 3, 2009 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Brace

If Brace is there, I say go with it. Are his back issues so severe that taking a pass rusher (and trying to convert him to OLB) is less of a risk?

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 9:08 AM PDT reply actions  

Damn beat me to it

I agree, Brace, if there at #43, is my choice. Our 3-4 needs a big brick wall in the middle, and Sopoaga doesn’t seem to have the skill set, while Franklin lacks the size and power. Recent talk seems to indicate a lot of BJ Raji’s success was due to his linemate occupying double teams.

by Sebaz49 on Apr 3, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

This

I’d love to have Brace, and not just because I’m a BC guy (I was pretty good friends with his college girlfriend). It would be huge to get a legit NT. If he’s gone, get some pass-rush. Johnson, Barwin, et al.

When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.

by cornball on Apr 3, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

Brace

MURS for President!!!!!!!

by jtoj on Apr 3, 2009 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions  

Michael Johnson

Best available player = Michael Johnson

1. DE Michael Johnson
2. DT Ron Brace
3. FS William Moore
4. OG Herman Johnson

I think Herman Johnson is the 2nd best player on that list, but you already drafted on the OL so might not be the best idea (although… who ever heard of too much line depth?)

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 9:46 AM PDT reply actions  

A second rounder...

… shouldn’t be considered “depth,” though. Depth is generally filled by late rounders or journeyman veterans. The 49ers extended Wragge and plan to extend Baas. That’s pretty solid depth, with Rachal, Baas, and Wragge (with Snyder helping inside as well).

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions  

agreed

I think Johnson and Johnson are the best players available at this spot, but Brace fills the largest team need. Still, Herman Johnson is better than any of the OG talent the Niners have and fits perfectly with a smashmouth running game. He’s like an old-school Cowboys (hate using that example) lineman in the Emmitt Smith days. I don’t see a reason to extend Baas at this point with Rachal stepping up last year.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions  

I think the 49ers...

… like having Baas playing opposite Rachal. Also, if Heitmann goes down, Baas would be the most likely replacement at center (as I don’t think Wallace has gained enough experience to step and start without significant drop off). I think when Rachal was drafted, many said he was in the mold of Larry Allen. Considering the 49ers invested a significant draft pick in Baas and he hasn’t failed, I think it’d be wiser to extend him and use the pick on another position of need.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions  

I don't think it matters

Which D-line player you take, we need young talent either way. I say M. Johnson, with Brace having an injury history. We are going to end up with half the team on the sideline holding their back.

by Arkie49er on Apr 3, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions  

Johnson..

… won’t play on the defensive line. If the 49ers take Johnson, it’ll be with the thought of converting him to OLB, which is a risky endeavor. It doesn’t sound he’s ever dropped back into coverage, and if he has, it’s probably a very minimal amount of times.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions  

Johnson was a TE converted to DE

Since he has played in space before on the offensive side of the ball, I’m sure he can adjust to playing 3-4 OLB. The benefit to taking him is that he’s raw athleticism and can use the year on the bench while learning the position.

This guy is a top 10 talent who was mentioned as a possible top 5 pick this time last year.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

hmm

I think of johnson more of a pass rusher, but he has shown he has the speed for coverage, so I guess he could go either way. I would rather see him shooting around O lineman most of the time, generating pressure. That’s more valuable at this point in my book.

by Arkie49er on Apr 3, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions  

think Julian Peterson

That guy couldn’t cover me beyond 5 yards without making two 360 spins, but was excellent at getting pressure.

I can’t imagine Johnson would be any worse in coverage than Peterson.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

OLB

The OLB in the 49ers 3-4 scheme is a pass rusher, first and foremost. So if he makes the conversion, you’ll definitely get to see him go around the OTs (or at least try to!).

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions  

10 options for 10 spots

Michael Johnson – Most talented player left
Alphonso Smith – Highly rated CB (value)
Louis Delmas – Ballhawk FS
LeSean McCoy – Quick RB
Daris Butler – CB prospect
Connor Barwin – OLB prospect
Robert Ayers – Might not fit system
Ron Brace – NT prospect
Shonn Greene – Bruising RB
Lawrence Sidbury – OLB prospect

by kiyoshi on Apr 3, 2009 10:13 AM PDT reply actions  

Pass Rush Baby! (or maybe a corner)

Since Fooch was smart in the first round and spent the pick building up the O-Line like a mature grown-up, let’s finish the consensus plan by getting a pass-rushing OLB in the second. A couple of options:

Conor Barwin
This guy looks like a beast who’s just a hell of an athlete. Check out this article http://profootball.scout.com/2/849052.html He looks to be an outstanding prospect for an OLB and he could he even play a little TE (replacing Billy Bajema, opening up another roster spot – maybe making room for a 4th QB prospect? or another RB?). My favorite parts of his scouting reports

“Barwin ran a 4.47-second 40-time at his Pro Day according to the University of Cincinnati’s timer, but some onlookers clocked him at 4.43 to 4.45 seconds. That kind of speed from a 6-foot-4, 256-pound player got the attention of the roughly 40 NFL spectators…During position drills, NFL coaches and scouts were treated to spectacle that is a true rarity. Barwin went through position drills as a defensive end, a linebacker, an offensive lineman to put his blocking skills on display, and as a tight end to show his pass catching skills. While some of the players were winded after their one set of position drills, Barwin confidently worked his way through four sets of position drills.”

Tyrone Mckenzie
OLB who looks like he can rush the passer and is a big dude. He has shown leadership skills and ESPN’s scouting gives him high grades (2 or better on a 5 point scale where 1 is the best) almost across the board.

“Doesn’t have great stats to show for it but he flashes a lot of upside as a pass rusher, especially off the edge. He displays outstanding initial quickness and closing burst. Is a powerful hitter when he gets a crease to the QB. Will need to improve his array of moves to get off blocks once reached, though…Very good natural instincts. Reads keys and diagnoses plays quickly. Picked up USF’s defense quickly. Looks on film as if he’s lining up many of the USF defenders pre-snap  even early in the season versus Auburn. Always seems to be the fist guy on defense to diagnose the play…Takes very few false steps. Wont get caught peeking much. Gets a deep drop in zone coverage. Seems to have enough range to play MLB in a Tampa-2 scheme. Has shown the ability to turn-and-run down the field with RB’s out of the backfield. Lacks ideal ball skills, though. Is often late to turn and/or find the ball in the air.”

Michael Johnson
Kind of an enigma. Doesn’t seem like the brightest player (Vernon Davis anyone?) but sounds like a physical beast. He’s really fast, which is what impresses me most about him. He’s also a guy projected to be a good 3-4 OLB b/c of this speed and his ability to rush the passer. I think Singletary could help him play smarter, but maybe I’m a dreamer.

“Film of Georgia Tech’s season-opening win over Jacksonville State shows Johnson using tremendous quickness to beat tackles off the edge, then using elite closing burst when he had a clear run at the quarterback. He also showed the instincts to recognize a screen pass and the range to get down the line and get in on the play…Shoots gaps, closes well and can deliver the big hit. Can set tackles up to the outside before redirecting inside and flashes an effective rip move. Has long arms and can tip passes when doesn’t get to the quarterback”

If we want to go in another direction…

CB Sean Smith
6’3" 214 lb. Utah
He’s huge! He’s fast! He could be a future corner or free safety and he’d match up great against the big receivers in the division. Check out the scouting, he sounds awesome and he could be a true playmaker.

“Possess elite height, elite bulk and very good top-end speed for size…[Ball skills are his] greatest strength. Played receiver earlier in career. Attacks the ball and fights for jump balls. Rarely drops passes gets hands on and flashes the ability to make spectacular catches…Instinctive and sniffs out screens. Shows good awareness and seems to understand how receivers are trying to attack the coverage. Uses hands and long arms to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. Needs to be more aggressive in run support.”

by Neon on Apr 3, 2009 10:43 AM PDT reply actions  

Smith is gone

Trust me…. if Smith was there, he would be THE pick.

I’m almost sold on Smith as a possible pick at #10 in a worst case scenario for the Niners. I saw two of his games last year and he was dominant at the Sugar Bowl against Julio Jones and Alabama.

Meet Sean Smith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9M2w9m320k

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions  

WOW

That is a clip I strongly encourage everyone to watch.

If we could trade down a few spots – maybe with the Broncos at #18? – he’d be great. He has a rare combination of size, speed and ball skills.

by Neon on Apr 3, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions  

I'm hoping they can

I’m not too optimistic about the #10 spot. If they can trade down with the Broncos or Lions and get Smith, then that’s a huge Win in my book.

This guy has the size of Asomugha with the ball skills of Champ Bailey. Obviously he’s not going to be a shutdown corner on day one, but he has the total package. Put him out there with Clements and the Niners might actually get their first coverage sack in 3 years.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

A.Rashad Johnson
B.Ron Brace
C.Darius Butler

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on Apr 3, 2009 11:17 AM PDT reply actions  

Ron Brace

I think the “no-brainer” pick would be Ron Brace due to our inconsistency at the NT position. But I also like:

Fili Moala (might be fun to see Sopoaga and Moala pregame plus he’s huge [6’4" 305] )
Conor Barwin
Andre Brown
Rashad Johnson (he might be there 3rd round)
Darius Butler
I am getting sold on Tyrone Mckenzie due to the scouting report…

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

by bayboy on Apr 3, 2009 11:28 AM PDT reply actions  

Darius Butler is a "student of the game"

Check this out – he definitely does a little bit of everything. He sounds really smart and plays physically. He’s only 5’10 1/2" though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6znwwOBvWI

by Neon on Apr 3, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions  

Honestly

I hope we take Cushing…. i hope the fact that he will vibe with Singletary so good will influence the pick…..

But in the 2nd if we go o line…. we have to go CB is William Moore is gone. T. Brown might be good… jury is still out. I wouldnt be mad with herman jonson.. biggest baby ever born in the state of Louisiana.

I dont like a DL pick here … maybe brace but i would rather have a corner.

by Qbgetter13 on Apr 3, 2009 11:28 AM PDT reply actions  

I hope we take Cushing

you sure about that?

Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal

by 49erLou on Apr 3, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions  

Theres no way

Maclin lasts this long and doesnt go ahead of Nicks

by pbra17 on Apr 3, 2009 11:34 AM PDT reply actions  

I don't know...

… a lot of people are high on Nicks. The guy is one of the most “complete” WRs in this year’s draft.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

Brace, Barwin, or Johnson, in order of preference.

all three of these players have question marks, though. Will Brace’s back problems follow him into the NFL? Barwin is an athletic 1-year wonder, and Johnson never produced in college despite his athleticism. So they’re all a little risky for a high 2nd round pick, but good NTs are very valuable players that are difficult to find and there are other options at pass rusher like Cody Brown and David Viekune who should be around in the 4th. So I say take Brace if he passes a thorough medical. A good NT could help the pass rush dramatically this year.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 11:39 AM PDT reply actions  

"Johnson never produced in college despite his athleticism"

I don’t get this criticism of Johnson at all. It’s on scouting reports, but seems to be a he-said, she-said more than fact.

9 sacks and 3 FF in 2008
3 TFL, 2 sacks, and a FF against LSU in Bowl Game
2 TFL, sack against Georgia

If that’s not producing, then what is? The kid’s getting a bad rap for no reason. Not only that, but he’s one of the best FG blockers in NCAA history (6’7" with long arms).

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions  

Were his numbers against elite competition?

I think the knock is that he got his numbers against the weaker conference opponents and didn’t show up in tough games. I don’t know enough about the conference to have an opinion, but more than one scouting report has claimed this and is likely the reason he has fallen out of the 1st round on many big boards. But he is one helluva athletic specimen and showed well in LB drills, so I would trust the coaches know what they’re doing if he was taken at #43.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

elite competition

vs. VA Tech – 2 Tkls, TFL, 1/2 Sack
vs. Florida St – 2 Tkls, TFL, Sack, FF
vs. UNC – 5 Tkls, TFL, Sack
vs. Miami (FL) – Tkl, TFL, Int, TD
vs. Georgia – 5 Tkls, 2 TFL, Sack
vs. LSU – 2.5 Tkls, 3 TFL, 2 Sacks, FF

The only “cupcake” team he had good stats against was Gardner-Webb (7.5 Tkls, 6 TFL, 1.5 Sacks)

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

I like the INT-TD return.

Looks like he may indeed be getting a bad rap and some lucky team will be getting a steal. But I’d still take Brace because there are other options at pass rusher (C. Brown, Veikune, Sidbury) and very few potential stud NTs(Sammie Lee Hill??). And Brace could get significant play time this year instead of waiting a year for Barwin or Johnson to learn a new position and adjust to the pro game, like Vernon Gholston.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

Good evaluation

If Brace’s injury problems aren’t long-term, then he fills the biggest need.

It’s really a shame Terrence Cody didn’t come out this year or we could be talking about him at #10. That guy is going to be the best NT in the NFL for the next 10 years.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

McCloughan may be the problem.

I’m not sure he thinks the NT position is as important as many here seem to. It’s been an obvious problem for years, yet McClo hasn’t attempted to address it. There was someone good available( I forget who) in the 4th last year and they took Cody Wallace instead, a center who got tossed around by every Dlineman at the Senior Bowl.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

I don't think...

… he believes NT isn’t a problem. I think he just doesn’t have any faith in the prospects that people clamor for and their ability to play a 3-4 NT in any way that significantly improves over Franklin. I think the pick of Wallace, while EXTREMELY unspectacular, may pay off in a year or two, when Heitmann starts to show his age and the 49ers are in need of an experienced center (which takes time to develop, because they, in theory, call the line audibles).

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

Doesn't Wallace have a strength problem?

I know he has tremendous leg strength, but I read that his core and upper body strength were so poor he couldn’t keep his balance. If he can correct this in the weight room, then he could pay off in the long run. But wasn’t Wragge the backup C for several years? Why couldn’t he take over if Heitman went down? He already knows the signals and assignments.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wragge is up there in years.

Wallace, for all intents and purposes, is probably being groomed as the center after Heitmann. If Heitmann goes down this year (or next), it’ll be a tossup between Wragge and Baas, I think, as for who starts in his place.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

When I say...

… “up there in years,” I don’t mean he’s some old fogey. I’m just saying he’s not going to be the 49ers starting center when Heitmann retires. If he is, then Wallace has failed and McCloughan (or whoever is GM then) will have failed to bring in someone to groom to be their center.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

I hope it works out.

But I was pretty shocked last year at that pick. I still think Wallace would have been available in the 6th. I suspect they had him ranked in the 5th but took him in the 4th after losing their 5th. With the exception of Morgan and R. Smith, who were both steals, that draft sucked.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

Sucked...

… in wow factor, but it’s a little early to count it out. Doing so would just make you look like all you want is the OMG COOL kind of picks, which isn’t necessarily what makes a football team.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

A little hyperbole, that's all.

Balmer – we don’t know yet, and he seemed to be improving last season.

Rachal – looks like a winner to me.

R, Smith – a 2nd round player, he’s moving to FS from CB.

C. Wallace – developmental player

J. Morgan – we’ll know this year, but looks like a real steal.

L. Grant – Who knows?

I think it’s just that I, along with many others, expected the team to draft a RT, a pass rusher, and a NT, which are still areas of need. Others wanted an early-round WR. OT Carl Nicks was still there in the 4th(started at LG for NO), along with a decent NT prospect. We’ll see if the team addresses these needs this year.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Good point

Let’s wait and see on last year’s draft picks. It sounds like the consensus timeline to evaluate drafts is 3 years after the fact.

by Neon on Apr 3, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

Why the Niners didn't draft a OLB or NT last year

Nolan’s ass was on the line and I’m sure the direction of the defesense, scheme wise (4-3 or 3-4), post Nolan was up in the air. They weren’t going to commit picks on 3-4 players if the new HC wanted to run a 4-3.

Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.

by methodrampage on Apr 4, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions  

let me explain

I think the Evans signing means sopoaga is back in the middle(dont know if its been announced yet)…. Franklin will backup. D Line is not a 2nd round need. Ray McDonald will be good. We just drafted Balmer who one day might be able to play NT if he gets tuff enough. Justin smith is a cornerstone. DL is not as big of a need as people are making it out to be. Another Journeyman will be fine at NT for depth.

My pick is DJ Moore if he’s still around. Got to love the SEC boys.

by Qbgetter13 on Apr 3, 2009 11:53 AM PDT reply actions  

Not NTs

Regardless of whether or not Sopoaga is slated to play NT this year (which he is), it doesn’t mean he’s an NT. The team has said repeatedly that he’s not really a NT and that he’s best suited at DE, where he has a little more space to work with. He may have the size (and definitely the strength) to play NT, but he’s still supposedly raw in terms of taking up space and following assignments, as he’s more of a penetrating kind of player.

Balmer is kind of similar. The team strongly believes his best fit is LDE, which is where he’s slated to split time with Evans, and I bet, hoping that he takes over permanently by the time Evans’s deal is up.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

Sopoaga had four years to take over NT

and couldn’t beat out either Franklin or Ron Fields, and was moved to LDE. So I don’t see that as a legitimate roster move but more of a worst-case scenario. I suspect the consensus opinion is that Franklin is a 2nd-3rd tier NT and an upgrade here would pay off big.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

This.

Sopoaga’s move to NT is, as I’ve said before, a “cover your ass” move by the 49ers, in case they can’t find someone to rotate with Franklin in the draft or FA.

Also, it’s been my understanding (which is possibly wrong) that the defense simplified and turned into a one-gap 3-4 because of the lack of a true NT. If the front three, and especially NT, can learn to two-gap, it would make the linebackers’ jobs a lot easier.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

In that case...

Why not give Lawson another chance at OLB if there are improvements on the DL?

I think Smith, Sopoaga, and Brace/Raji would be one of the best frontlines for a 3-4 in the league. The run defense could be top 5 in the league and there would be plenty of space on the outside for a pass rush.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Brace

I’m one of the people that are FOR taking Brace. I think taking Brace will be more useful to the 49ers this year than taking Johnson. While I don’t have extremely high hopes for Lawson as a pass rusher, I definitely think that Lawson/Haralson is a decent enough pair if the team can line up a true NT and shore up their defensive line.

I REALLY don’t want Raji. I’d rather the 49ers take Sanchez than Raji, now, if it came down to that.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think Manusky agrees.

My guess is that both Sing and Manusky are pretty desperate for a NT upgrade – Franklin was downright embarrassing at times last year(stood up put on his back by one OL). Outside of RT, it is the most glaring weakness. I firmly believe getting a good 2-gap NT would help the pass rush more this year than drafting a pass rusher who won’t be ready to play for a year. Now, if we could only get McCloughan to agree.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 3:03 PM PDT reply actions  

Franklin

If I’m not mistaken (which I could be), the 49ers (McCloughan, Singletary, and Manusky) praised Franklin’s late season play. Even Matt Maiocco has said he noticed Franklin playing a lot better at the end of the season. Not that he’s great or that the team can’t use a replacement, but Franklin isn’t a terrible player. He just isn’t the best option for a 3-4, where you should really have a two-gapping NT.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Because they changed to a 1-gap.

As soon as they let Franklin penetrate instead of taking on two blockers and freeing up the LBs, he started doing OK. But that was a change that had to happen because Franklin simply cannot hold the point against two blockers, as much as Nolan wanted to think he could. I don’t think he’s a terrible player, but he’s certainly not a good 2-gap NT.

by MontanaPass on Apr 3, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

Neon...

mentions CB. Speaking of which, how is FA signee Jimmy Williams?

"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 Apr 3, 2009 10:41 PM PDT reply actions  

In the 2nd rd the Niners select....

I think a great pick would be…..SS Courtney Greene from Rutgers. @ 6’ 1/4". 212 lbs, he could be on th eother side of Micheal Lewis and quickly shore up our pouris Pass Defense. Running into a 6 foot brick was a couple times leaves many receivers thinkin twice about where they deceide to venture in our secondary. Also, I think his speed (Listed at a nasty 4.55 could do wonders fro our 3-4 pass rush by coming off the end. We acn use the rest of our picks to choose another H-back to spell Frank and give him a couple breathers. As well as acquire a developmental lineman later as well. Couldn’t hurt.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Apr 3, 2009 11:26 PM PDT reply actions  

He would be my pick.

And it looks like the 9ers are interested, as they had him into their facility for a workout. But he is outstanding – good athleticism and a history of production. Right now he’s ranked #110 by NFL DraftScout, #135 by MadDog, and #83 by DraftGurus, so there’s a good chance he’ll be there at #111 in the 4th round.

by MontanaPass on Apr 4, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

Clint Sintim

Ummm…dude must be good if he got drafted #18 and #23. Maybe we should draft him a third time at #43.

by knightwxc5000 on Apr 4, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Media Requests please email ninersnation@gmail.com

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Steve_young_small
Game Day Food

Recent FanPosts

Small
Site Decorum: Remember, We Are ALL 49er Fans
Download2_small
Can the 49'ers Maintain their Turnover Differential in 2012?
Sfak_small
Why are you a 49er fan?
6a00e5500c77218833011168f234b4970c_small
FOX: "How To Save The Sport"
Small
Old Spice Patrick Willis Football ProCamp
Dave_small
Call For Moderators
Crabtree_small
Buying "fake" or old 49er jerseys
Small
Anyone else travelling to Lambeau for Opening Game 9/9 ??
Small
Alex Smith, Top 10 Quarterback

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >


Head Ball Coach

Dave_small David Fucillo

Howtheyscoredcat_small howtheyscored

313483_2054510893373_1562580382_31984672_1965025_n_small James Brady

Coordinator

Pirates_small smileyman

Bowman_avi_sm_small Tre9er

Assistant Coach

Pixies_logo_small (Florida) Danny Tuccitto

Memento-lies_small urnext

Me_on_beach_small WesHanson

Dylan_cannes_small Dylan DeSimone

Officiating Crew

Jackalope_card_small wjackalope

These3words_small these3words

Joe_and_bill_small twolfe2

428030_10150598134996875_112852666874_9167376_1157036734_n_small mikeinsp