2009 starters you didn't see coming
by these3words on May 23, 2009 7:53 PM PDT
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PrintEvery year, we fans like to speculate throughout the offseason as to what our team's depth chart will look like during the upcoming season. And every year, someone ends up starting that no one saw coming. I personally didnt think Parys Haralson was anything more than a career backup heading into 2008 and he ended up leading the team in sacks. Takeo Spikes was signed in August to shore up depth at inside linebacker and ended up third on the team in tackles (could easily have been second on any team that doesn't include Patrick Willis). And I'm sure that Josh Morgan, the lowly sixth round draft pick, would have been a starter by the end of the year if it weren't for that groin injury. And then there's the ultimate surprise starter, J.T. O'Sullivan, whose biggest accomplishment in life is to have four capital letters in his name. If you had told me before the preseason that he would be our starter on day one, I would have screamed. In fact, I think I did scream when I heard the news.
So who will it be this year? Will Reggie Smith have such a strong camp that he gets promoted over Michael Lewis, despite his two years of great play? Will Dashon Goldson's health get the better of him and make way for Curtis Taylor to start at free safety before the end of the year? Maybe Takeo Spikes, one of last year's unexpected sensations, will fall to Scott the Killer by week 17. Josh Morgan is the only reciever that I think has already locked down a starting job, but Jason Hill would still be a big surprise if he managed to earn the other starting spot. And while Alex Boone is a little far-fetched, despite Marvel Smith's injury worries, I don't think it's crazy to believe Cody Wallace could pull a Chilo Rachal and earn a starting spot away from a solid guy (Eric Heitmann) based on potential. (Chilo did the same thing to Tony Wragge last year.)
I personally think that Cody Wallace has the best shot of anyone I mentioned above to start by the end of 2009. Feel free to add to my list in the comments, but keep in mind that guys like Shaun Hill/Alex Smith, Kentwan Balmer/Demetric Evans, and Tarell Brown/Dre Bly wouldn't count as "surprise" starters since they are already known to be competing for a starting job.
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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Boone
Good idea for a post.
I voted for Boone. If Marvel Smith goes down with an injury (a distinct possibility), Snyder would be the next likely starter. But, if Boone has a good camp I could see him moving ahead on the depth chart at some point.
The other option could be Curtis Taylor. If Goldson gets hurt, Roman get a crack, but Taylor could work his way up to a close second.
so, this begs the question
who do you think is most likely to start—because of injury. My call is Boone, too. Marvel Smith is old enough that his body is likely to break down. After that I’d rank them R. Smith, McKillop, Taylor, Wallace, and Hill.
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
I would think Ulbrich would step into the Ted if Spikes were hurt.
McKillop was a great pick, and he’ll get his chance to play down the road…but I don’t know if you want a rookie playing that role in this defense. Cody Wallace starting in place of Eric Heitman would be something of a disaster scenario.
As for the rest of the players you listed – it’s impossible to tell who will be injured, so it’s kind of pointless to wonder who will get injured first. These guys aren’t starting for a reason, and we should just hope that the reason stays in place.
Ulbrich?
I don’t know….McKillop will have the opportunity to jump ahead of him come training camp.
by SportsChicken on May 24, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Surprise starter 2009
I gotta believe that Reggie Smith has the best shot to take a starting position this year. I’m not going to compare him with Ronnie Lott but it is an easier transition from corner to safety and I think I’m hearing some praise from the HC.
I also like Jason Hill’s chances this year. He really improved in 2008.
It is just possible that the team could have the most solid receiving corp this decade!
a starter by seasons end.
I think Michael Crabtree will be a starter before the season end, way before.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on May 23, 2009 11:37 PM PDT reply actions
i didnt include any receivers other than Jason Hill
because Isaac Bruce was the starting Z receiver last year, Brandon Jones and Crabtree have too good of a shot, and Dominique Zeigler doesn’t have enough of a shot. Anyone else probably wont even make the 53-man roster, unless Spurlock beats out Rossum as the return guy.
oh yeah, and as i already mentioned, i think Josh Morgan is a starter as of right now.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
then again
i guess if Michael Spurlock was the return guy he would be a starter.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
Starters at WR
I’d say both BJ and Crabtree are more likely to start at WR than Hill. I think Hill ends up on the squad as a special teamer (where he’s great), but there’s just too much money invested in those other two guys for them not to get some run.
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
Who?
Is behind Issac Bruce in the depth chart?
Jones?
by SportsChicken on May 24, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I think so.
If all that VD has shown us is that he’s a great blocking TE, and Bear can catch, and block like a beast, why not? I can see this happening.
by Poundtherock on May 24, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Because Bear - at his best - can't block nearly as well as VD can.
Considering the fact that he was drafted specifically to be a blocking TE, that doesn’t bode well for his starting chances.
Also, as a defese, would you really feel more threatened by Pascoe than Davis? VD’s speed and physical gifts, even if rarely harnessed, present a force that has to be recognized by opposing defense. You can’t let him run down the field uncovered – and if you do, he’s got the potential to make teams pay big time. Even if VD drops 15 passes a year, the chance that he’ll go for one long score is more valuable than 15 six-yard completions from the alternative.
In more sarcastic news: there’s this guy named Delanie Walker. Have you heard of him? I’m pretty sure he’s ahead of Bear on the depth chart. Word on the street is that he’s pretty good. His contract extension might seen to validate this rumor.
Bear
Is a very good athlete and you are kind of writing him off before he even takes the field.
Don’t let your love for VD get in the way of seeing that this guy is a good football player.
(Delanie Walker can’t block as good as Bear and we don’t know exactly how good Bear’s catching skills are)
by SportsChicken on May 24, 2009 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Look, man.
I’m being realistic. VD and Delanie Walker are better athletes. They’ve both received high praise from the coaching staff, and they have healthy paychecks to earn. Bear Pascoe is a late round draftee (taken a round or two higher than projected) to the role of a guy who played almost exclusively in short-yardage situations. Even in the unimpressive WAC, he was highlighted as a blocking TE in a run-first system. The probability of this guy leapfrogging two solid NFL players due to an unforseen ability to catch the ball…well, I wouldn’t bet on it.
I’d love for us to have discovered a diamond in the rough, but there’s really no reason to believe that we have. Don’t let your mancrush get in the way of seeing the big picture.
Not that it will ever change your mind.
But Bear was never highlighted as a run first TE… he was our lifeline bro. As a Fresno State football fan I can tell you that. Just because his measureables arn’t like Delanie’s, or VD’s doesnt mean that he cant leapfrog two pretty disappointing TE’s over the years.
Not that its going to change your mind, you’ve most definitely made your choice.
And my friend, just a suggestion as a fellow contributor, you wont make many friends on this site by accusing people of having a man crush when this is a site of speculation.
But I digress…
They mean absolutely nothing. lol
by Poundtherock on May 25, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I lol'd
But I didn’t mind any of his comments (man crush)
It was pure speculation, Bear leapfrogging Walker and VD isn’t very realistic (and I wouldn’t be happy about VD being considered a “bust”) but the topic of the discussion are “surprises” wouldn’t Bear starting at TE be a surprise?
by SportsChicken on May 25, 2009 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, no one in the organization is going to tell you that he was drafted as a pass-catcher.
And because he was only selected to address the loss of Billy Bajema, I would think that his role on the team is pretty clear-cut.
Also, identifying yourself as a Fresno State fan puts reason to the otherwise inexplainable hope for the guy. Like you, I won’t spend time trying to convert someone who has already made up their mind to my own line of thought.
As to your last comment, I can assure you that I meant no offense by the term “man crush” In fact, I think that the phrase itself is sort of incapable of being used as an insult. Your view on the guy would seem to be no different than my alleged “love” for Vernon Davis (who, honestly, I find it extremely hard not to dislike). How you can throw out that kind of comment and then take one very similar so personally is beyond my understanding.
Lastly, I guess it’s a good thing that I’m not here to make friends =)
Mistake:
Getting posters confused, as you seem to have taken offense at something that wasn’t even directed at you. The target, chikmagnet_565, seems to have received the point as intended.
?
I have to say, I’m a little confused….?
I didn’t take any offense from the “man crush” comment….
by SportsChicken on May 26, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions
lol
I wasnt offended guys. Its all in good fun. lol. I must say though, I just love that picture, haha.
by Poundtherock on May 26, 2009 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
15 SIX YARD COMPLETIONS
Seems like a good way to keep the chains moving. Chains moving usually = POINTS
by REDneck_N_GOLD on May 27, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
J.T. O'Sullivan, whose biggest accomplishment in life is to have four capital letters in his name
that made me laugh…i can’t give you a surprise starter though…my crystal ball is a little fuzzy at this point
I like to shake them haters off, so sometimes I just sit here shaking.
I Voted for McKillop
For no apparent reason except i think our LB situation right now would enable him to get in there and have a shot at it. Cant say if he will be a stud or not, but i think he’ll have a chance.
Reggie Smith
If Michael Lewis continues to lose a step and becomes a liability in coverage a la Roy Williams in Dallas, then Reggie Smith would be next in line to step in. Given the fact that Lewis is already an aging, stiff in the hips, in-the-box safety I see this as a very real possibility. Especially that Manusky keeps saying that both safety positions are interchangeable in his system. In other words, both guys have to be able to tackle and cover.
I want winners!!
Brooks
I think he atleast splits time with Harralson, getting some “starts” at OLB.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
I hate to say it...
But given Frank’s injury history, it could be the guy no one else has mentioned: Glen Coffee.
And, yeah, I REALLY hope I’m wrong here.
Heitmann?
I know this is just speculation, but I really don’t see that happening, unless he gets injured. He’s our second best O lineman. Wragge was OK, but they chose Chilo in the top of the 2nd round for a reason. Wallace was chosen just to give depth at the position, just in case Heitmann did get injured.
Cody Wallace
was the second center taken in last year’s draft.
he was named the best offensive lineman in the Big 12 in 2007. Not the best center in the Big 12, not the best offensive lineman at Texas A&M, the best offensive lineman in the Big 12. That’s tops out of 60 starters in the second best conference in NCAA football.
and on top of that, there were comparisons between him and Jeremy Newberry, our own stud at center until a year earlier.
you’re telling me a guy like that was drafted just for depth?
source: http://sfo.scout.com/2/750370.html
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
If he was so great
He would be starting over Heitman.
There’s a reason he’s a backup.
by SportsChicken on May 26, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Please.
The center is the toughest position (mentally) along the offensive line to pick up. That is why you see a lot of undersized or untalented players starting at center on NFL teams. It takes a lot of understanding of the offense as well as reading blitz packages to call the offensive line audibles on the fly. Heitmann is starting because he’s pretty well regarded in that sense. Wallace will have to earn his stripes by watching film and picking Heitmann’s brain for a little while longer.
Heitman
Is a better option at Center than Wallace…for now.
by SportsChicken on May 26, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Heitman has consistantly been our best lineman!
So yeah, he is a better option than Wallace!! He’s a brain too, which is very much needed in the complex defensive schemes of the NFL today. (Centers score some of the highest grades on the Wonderlik test, even higher than QB’s)
by Poundtherock on May 27, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions
As I understand it...
He was compared to Newberry because people thought he might be able to play guard or tackle while Heitman occupied the starting center spot, with the possibility of sliding back if/when Heitman were ever to get hurt or lost to free agency.
Similar to what Newberry did when he was drafted while unquestioned starter Chris Dalman was on the squad.
Yes, he's a backup.
He was also chosen in the 4th round. A lot of times, guys chosen in the forth round don’t even make the team. So yes, with a proven starter like Heitmann, I see Wallace chosen to give depth at the Center, or if need be, Guard position.
Here's what scouts inc had to say about Wallace durring the '08 draft.
Wallace is a little too light and his footwork is still inconsistant at this point but he has the strong upper body, frame, tenacity and smarts to develop into an excellent backup or capable starter in time.
What about Smith?
I’m surprised no one has said Alex Smith. I’m not sure it will happen, but it’s just as likely as some and more likely then others.
Likely but not surprising
We’re talking about surprise starters.
I’m pretty sure a lot of people are expecting him to start.
by SportsChicken on May 26, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Ok, I just re-read the end of the post and saw that you said Alex Smith wouldn’t be considered a surprise, but I disagree. How many people actually think Smith will be the starting QB at the begining of the season? I’m guessing it’s less then 25%, so in that respect it would be a surprise. And if you get rid of everyone else that you listed at the end, I don’t think they’ll be a surprise, unless their’s an injury.
upon further review
it seems that i am in a significant minority to believe alex boone is far-fetched while cody wallace has the best shot.
i’m sticking to the cody wallace thing, but depending on how many o-lineman we keep for the 53-man roster, i guess alex boone could easily be the immediate backup at right tackle. and the guy behind marvel smith is two vertebrae and a separation away from starting.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
i'm sure snyder will be on the squad
thats why i said “depending on how many o-lineman we keep”
but i can see boone leapfrogging snyder as the immediate backup during the year if he makes the roster.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
No way
Snyder is our best back-up
He can play nearly every position on the line…
Boone has to worry about beating out the other back-ups if he wants to make the team….
by SportsChicken on May 27, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
This.
Even if Boone makes the roster, he’ll be right there with Wallace on the “inactive” list for each game. When it comes to backup offensive linemen, teams tend to only keep three (sometimes only two) on the active 48, so versatility matters. With Snyder and Wragge being locks to be on that active 48 list every week, Boone would have to be battling (in the coaches’ eyes) with Sims to get that last active backup offensive linemen spot on game days.
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