2009 Roster Projections: Wide Receivers
by Fooch on May 26, 2009 11:00 AM PDT
in News
67 comments
Now that the initial OTAs are finished, it's time to take a look at another position projection for the 2009 season. Thus far we've checked out the cornerbacks, offensive line, running backs and defensive line.
Today I thought we'd take a look at a particularly interesting position: wide receiver. Barrows and and Maiocco have both noted at times that this is the deepest group of 49ers wide receivers since 2003, when they still had Terrell Owens in camp. I actually think this current group is deeper. In 2003, after TO the 49ers rolled out guys like Tai Streets, Cedrick Wilson, and Brandon Lloyd. Not exactly a murderers' row of receivers.
Locks
Isaac Bruce, Brandon Jones, Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Michael Crabtree
No Chance
Micheal Spurlock, Maurice Price, Dobson Collins, Mark Bradford
Bubble
Arnaz Battle, Dominique Zeigler
Among the locks there are certainly big issues surrounding playing time. For the purposes of this article, we're focusing more on the bubble guys. In this instance, it's a very clear-cut battle between Arnaz Battle and Dominique Zeigler. On the one hand you've got the veteran Arnaz Battle. He's certainly not spectacular and has stood out more as the only decent receiver on some crappy teams in the past. It's easy to see how he might have been overvalued given the players around him. At the same time, he has been a productive receiver for this team.
On the other hand you've got the youngster Dominique Zeigler. Zeigler spent the last season and a half on the practice squad before finally getting promoted, coincidentally enough, after Battle got hurt. Zeigler has shown some very solid hands, but did not exactly light up the world in his half season of play.
It's safe to say none of the no chance guys will get that spot. Maybe one of them shocks the world and makes it happen, but I'm not holding my breath. For now, there are a couple options, thanks to the fact that Zeigler does in fact still have practice squad eligibility remaining. The options are:
1) Cut loose Battle and give the spot to Zeigler
2) Keep Battle and place Zeigler on the practice squad
3) Cut Battle, place Zeigler on the practice squad and go with 5 receivers
If there's an injury in training camp that certainly changes the equation. However, for now, assume everybody stays healthy. How do you see this playing out? Looking back at parts of last year, the 49ers actually only carried 5 wide receivers for various stretches of the season (Bruce, B. Johnson, Morgan, Hill, Zeigler/Battle). And that was with the supposed aerial attack of Mike Martz.
Does that change your thoughts on carrying Zeigler or Battle as a sixth receiver? If the 49ers are switching to a strong run-oriented offense, is a 6th receiver a useless commodity? Throw in the fact that you can use Delanie Walker and/or Vernon Davis in a typical receiver role on occasion and it makes even less sense. I think in these last two paragraphs I might well have talked myself out of it. And I'm a big Zeigler fan. Thoughts?
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I think the team goes with 5 WR
While I like the steady contribution Battle has made over the years, the time has come to move on. Zeigler has upside, but with Morgan, Hill, Bruce, Jones and Crabtree, I don’t see the need for a guy like Zeig. He is a thin frame, and won’t find a lot of room on the field to make plays. The guy can catch though.
With Morgan and Hill having injury issues, and Crab recovering from offseason surgery, it could be debated that the Niners go with 6 WRs. However, I’m under the impression that the 49ers will go with 4 RBs instead (Gore, Coffee, Sheets, Robinson) instead of 6 WRs. Especially with the power run game philosophy. I don’t see the team running more than a 3 wide set often, so the need for 6 WRs (other than injuries) isn’t really necessary.
I wish there was a trade market for these fellas, but unfortunately, there isn’t.
by Andrew Davidson on May 26, 2009 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Robinson has been used out of the backfield to good success so if he’s on the roster he could provide the equivalent to another wide receiver. And then there are the tight ends.
by Bob On The Coast on May 26, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
However there could be a deal out there with the Bears, they shouldbe in the market for a veteran possession receiver. From another view I like the 4 RB suggestion, and I hope we do a lot of 4wr sets. My vote is 5WR and 4RB but I would go with 2 qb’s if I keep Robinson.
Bye Bye Battle
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on May 26, 2009 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much would we get for Battle?
Assuming the Bears want to trade.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 26, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a veteran...
… who’s in the last year of his deal? Probably a 6th rounder, if that. If the Bears even catch wind that Battle may get released, they may not give anything up at all.
by sfgfan on May 27, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He won't be released.
Or at least I don’t think so
by chikmagnet_565 on May 27, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My opinion’s pretty well known here by now, but I see no point in keeping both Robinson AND Battle. Robinson is younger and just got a new contract extension, so I think he’s more likely to stay.
by sfgfan on May 27, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
Unfortunatly I think I am going to make some people mad. One Brandon Jones is going to rob the team blind so my opinion I think they need to look at what they have. Jason Hill is going to have a break out year. We already see what he and Josh Morgan can do. Ike Bruce is going to be the one who rights the ship. Michael Crabtree is going to be the X-factor in all of this because he has the talent, but I am not going to sell my soul to him just yet. I did not like the Brandon Jones signing. I mean if you felt that way about him, why not keep Bryant Johnson. Brandon Jones is just getting paid off of a subpar year if that. I hope he does not make it past training camp so Arnaz and Zeigler can stay on the roster. Dominique has shown that he can step in when the opporitunity is given. Now the injury thing, I am not sold onthat cause Josh is not injury prone, and Jason was injured but not injury prone. I just hope they get rid of Brandon Jones. He is garbage. He is not worth an arena league roster. The 9ers drafted Michael Crabtree in the 1st round. They may run the ball, but when they get vertical, you got 3 man forget it I mean 4 players that are ready. If you give Zeigs time and Arnaz is the most consistant reciever other than Ike, I mean what do you have to lose. The 9ers air attack will be real good. Mark my word
by Perfect49 on May 27, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Zeig
i don’t know why some people are that excited about him. i don’t see his potential being higher than what Battle is or was.
i think the 9ers will keep just 5 active WRs on the roster, cutting battle and placing Zeig on the Practice Squad.
also if there is a serious injury to one of the top guys i think the 9ers might just try to resign Battle if he is still available rather than promote Z.
by Drewage81 on May 26, 2009 11:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
With Morgan and Hill having injury issues, and Crab recovering from offseason surgery, it could be debated that the Niners go with 6 WRs. However, I’m under the impression that the 49ers will go with 4 RBs instead (Gore, Coffee, Sheets, Robinson) instead of 6 WRs.
I agree. Having Michael Robinson gives the Niner management all kinds of options. We don’t need to carry 6 WRs or two other FBs. Robinson is an outstanding receiver, our best special teams player and captain, and his versatility would allow the team to carry one or two fewer players on offense and a couple of extra players on defense. During OTAs, Robinson and Hill teamed up on a couple of great plays including a 50-yard bomb for all you guys who call Hill “Noodle-Arm”.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on May 26, 2009 11:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously.
Please use the reply button if you’re replying/commenting on someone else’s comment.
by sfgfan on May 26, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Robinson is a good reciever and will almost always create a mismatch.
I am not so sure that a 50 yard pass is a “bomb”.
by goatfather on May 26, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 50 yard pass
Is still pretty awesome.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 26, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't lose Zeigler
Someone may have an eye on him if he goes to the PS.I would rather keep him on the team and work for the future. Battle has been a faithful, but after eight years, it time to look to see if he worth keeping or lose Zeigler. There is that possibly. 4 RBs? Don’t know about that. Preseason will sort that out when injuries will determine what sing will do.
by LASVEGASNINER on May 26, 2009 11:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Battle
Battle has been by far the most effective blocker the team has had at wideout, which would seem to be fairly important for a run-heavy team. It should also be noted that before he got injured after game 8 (first time he’s missed a game in the past 2 years. Pretty good for someone who always seemed nicked up), he was the team’s leader in reception. When combined with the fact that he has continually beat out challenger after challenger (Bryant Johnson and Ashley Lelie come to mind) Battle will definitely make the team with Zeig going to the PS.
by HaloFanInDC on May 26, 2009 12:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think
Zeigler is practice squad eligible anymore.
Brandon Jones is being touted as our WR that can block (that’s what the word was from the front office when we signed him), so I don’t think Battle fits in the plans. Yes, he’s been reliable, and the most steady WR we had, but Battle didn’t have to compete with a lot of high-caliber guys. Lelie and Johnson? Not exactly pro-bowl caliber. The years Battle led the Niners in receptions, it was because the rest of WR corps was garbagio. I like Battle, I just think its time to move on.
by Andrew Davidson on May 26, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes he is..
..available for the Practice squad, but I have to agree, if he goes to the PS, another team will tkae him, he made some good catches last year, I think that is enough for most teams to take interest.
Don’t know who will make the roster, Battle is a true vet, and Ziggy, has a lot of upside. One of them won’t make the roster.. but I say one will, and we keep 6 wideouts. If we Keep Battle, Ziggy will get picked up by another team, shortly after being placed on the practice squad, if we cut Battle, he is sure to at least end up a specialty player somewhere in the league, I think both will be on NFL rosters next year, just no the same one.
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he goes to the PS, another team will tkae him
Just like other teams did the last time he was there?
by sfgfan on May 26, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He didn't have any real game footage then..
..Now his agent has some nice clips of him making some great grabs, and the Seahawks, definitely could be interested..
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah.
Five catches provides a great sample size!
by sfgfan on May 26, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not great..
..but I think it is much more likely to make an NFL roster, after establishing gametime production, and teams like the Seahawks are hurting bad enough at receiver that they should take a serious look at him if he ends up on the PS.
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
...but not good either
Zeigler would be very safe IMO on the PS, because every team has a guy like him on their PS that their fans think is ready for the NFL, but is in reality nothing more than a marginal backup.
I want winners!!
by loudiamond on May 26, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree..
..IMO..I think he is still better than 50% than what the Seahawks got right now.
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
every team has a Zeigler?
Prove it.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 26, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coaches are alway scanning the PS list.
Why lose a potentail WR when Battle and Bruce will not be here next year.You got to protect a future player.Otherwise you spend another pick next year. I’m in favor of saving Zeigler and a draft pick.
by LASVEGASNINER on May 27, 2009 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see it coming down to Zeig or Sheets...
And in such a senario, I find it very hard to compare Zeigler’s potential to that of Sheets. Battle is finished here. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on either. If he really thinks he should have a shot to be on this team’s recieving corps, he should have down “something” while we were depleted.
by Patrick J Smiles on May 26, 2009 1:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hypothetical Question
Ok, I know there will probably be alot of groans with this one.
But, how does this picture change, both with the RB’s & the WR’s if by some wierd stroke of chance….we pick up Michael Vick?
With a run favoring offense, to throw in someone like Vick into the mix.
If this is a really dumb question, I don’t mind being told so. I have never posted before.
Just seemed like this would tip the balance one way or the other in a very interesting way.
by Mapman53 on May 26, 2009 2:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The 49ers will not pick up Vick.
The Yorks will NOT pay that man one penny.,
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Instead of crapping on you
I’ll toy with the notion….
If the 49ers pick up Vick, Nate Davis will be placed on the practice squad and Damon Huard will be cut.
Kory Sheets and D. Ziegler will also be placed on the PS.
If that happens, Davis, Sheets, Ziegler, Huard, and Battle will all be picked up by other teams and we will have lost 5 quality players.
And S. Hill and Smith will probably ask for trades about a year later.
(this is all assuming that Vick becomes the undisputed starter at QB)
by chikmagnet_565 on May 26, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Chikmagnet_565
I do appreciate the answer.
And, I didn’t think of that kind of an impact. But, yeah it makes sense that Hill & Smith would be pretty upset with a move like that after all they have been thru.
Thanks for answering.
by Mapman53 on May 26, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wouldn't happen like that.
Nate Davis on the Practice squad, not gonna happen.
They would release whoever doesn’t win this QB “Battle”, presumably Alex Smith.
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on May 26, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No they wouldn't
Alex Smith and Shaun Hill would fit perfectly as back-ups.
Nate Davis is just a rookie.
Of course, this is all assuming that Mike Vick gets the starting job and holds it.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 26, 2009 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check Vick's completion percentage
Absolutely the wrong guy to fit into the Niner offense.
by Bob On The Coast on May 27, 2009 7:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed!
In 74 games, he’s pass for 300 yards only once. Run for 100 yard,8 times.He’s never avg. 200 yards pass per season. He’s not any better than what we got. Why mess with the chemisty,Sing is trying to delevop.Plus, the whole season stories will on Vick and not the Niners.Very disturbing.
by LASVEGASNINER on May 27, 2009 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa!
I never said I wanted Vick!
I was just answering a hypothetical question.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 27, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not vick
we are in san fran and trying to get a new stadium vick will not come here and jed knows it he city would eat them alive i think personally what he did was bad but its over know but the peta and dog lovers wont let it go and san fran being the place it is dog loving city it wont happen we need a stadium not bad publicity it wont happen so just forget it.
cppeter
by foreveryoung66 on May 27, 2009 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Way to misunderstand everything being said.
It was just a hypothetical question.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 27, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder how many teams..
Are paying attention to our depthat receiver, and wonder, what others teams have over-depth at a position of need, that we should be paying attention too? Can anyone think of a team, that is likely to lose say a corner, or Saftey, or Pass rusher (highly doubtful), that could help us?
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 3:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seems like a good topic for a new thread.
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on May 26, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but..
..who’s gonna do the research? ..not me..lol
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha,
I know what you mean. We need a full on, “who’s your team gonna cut+” thread for all NFL blogs.
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on May 26, 2009 4:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn, reply fail.
Sorry.
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on May 26, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just read..
..Greg Ellis and the Cowboys are parting ways, any thoughts on the 49ers signing him to a one-year deal?
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spurlock
Spurlock could end up being the 6th receiver if he was to beat out Rossum as the KR/PR which is why I believe he was signed.
by Black47 on May 26, 2009 4:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Spurlock..
..ends up on the PS, but will be elevated if a WR or ST player goes down, this is of course assuming Ziggy is not on the PS.
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I though I heard
That Spurlock was not PS eligible…
And I don’t thin he’ll beat out Rossum.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 26, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
PS eligibility
I’m pretty sure he’s out of practice squad eligibility as well.
by Fooch on May 26, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard he's been doing good..
..too bad.
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about
Zieg and Battle to the Cowbytchis for Ellis
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on May 26, 2009 6:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll take it..
..plus a 6th rounder from the Calous Dowboys..
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're going to release him
Why bother trading?
If the 49ers really want him they can wait until he’s a FA.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 26, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think..
..the 49ers would go after Ellis? I would be happy to have him here, personally..
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on May 26, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no idea
For him to make the roster either Jay Moore or Ahmad Brooks would have to be cut.
We also signed M. Harris, and there’s a chance he might not make the roster.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 26, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Battle stays
But not for long if Hill and Morgan bust out this year. I’m as hopeful as anybody about the Crabtree-Morgan-Hill trio over the next decade, but, for now, Bruce and Battle are our only proven quantities at WR. I think that counts for something. As some people have mentioned, Zieg’s potential is exciting…but we’re already loaded on potential. I think the no-nonsense coach chooses to stick with the dependable receiver…
by karltwo on May 26, 2009 6:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hill and Morgan passed Battle last year, and Jones is just as proven as Battle.
by DesertFox on May 26, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope and Nope
Battle got injured and Morgan stepped in.
Jones hasn’t proven anything….he’s young and has potential but he’s not as proven as Battle.
by chikmagnet_565 on May 27, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you pay attention last year? Morgan was the talk leading up to the season, and the only thing standing in the way of a starting spot was an illness.
And the only thing Battle has proven is that he is injury prone.
I liked Battle, but it’s time to move on, as he’s in the last year of his contract and could very well be the 5th or 6th wideout.
by DesertFox on May 27, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That actually supports my argument...
1) 1 injury in 3 years hardly labels a guy as “injury prone.”
2) I never said that Battle was anything more than a steady backup. That’s what I think he becomes. I think that, until Morgan and Crabtree and Hill actually get in the game, produce, and avoid injury for a long period of time (as opposed to being “the talk”), Sing would take comfort in knowing he’s got a guy on the team that he can stick in and expect a reliable, albeit unspectacular, performance out of. To be clear, short of injury, I hardly expect Battle to see the field. But, you have to admit, it would be nice as coach to have a steady fan favorite to fall back on if something doesn’t go as planned.
by karltwo on May 28, 2009 7:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s what Issac Bruce is for.
It isn’t a good use of roster space to keep a veteran receiver (who’s not in the future plans) as an inactive 6th guy.
He’s already in the last year of his deal, so it’s very tempting to make him among the first cuts.
Battle was already pretty butthurt last year when they brought in Bruce and Johnson. How do you expect him to take
being inactive every week behind 5 guys who haven’t been here more than 2 years?
by DesertFox on May 28, 2009 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow- close vote
i think Battle gets the edge because with Crabtree on the roster. Rookie WR’s rarely make an impact, let alone rookies who start late because of injuries. Battle has really good hands and i think ziegler will get Squaded
If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.
by 9Custs on May 26, 2009 9:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Keep Sheets, Roll the dice with Zig
All players being healthy…I’d say go with 5 receivers, put Zeigler on the PS, and keep Sheets as the 4th RB. Putting Zeigler on the PS is a risk, but I think he’s less likely to bolt.
I think if Sheets were to go to the PS, we’d lose him. There are plenty of teams who would be willing to take a chance on a scat back with his speed, especially after seeing the success that guys like Sproles/Bradshaw had last year. Sheets adds an element that the 9ers don’t have, which would give them one of the most versatile backfields in the league.
by Edge6 on May 27, 2009 7:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
Seeing Sheets in the backfield every once in awhile could cause fits to a defense.
I can’t wait to see how all this potential plays out on the field.
by Bob On The Coast on May 27, 2009 7:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One item that nobody
pays any attention to is the fact that both Coffee and Sheets lost their starting jobs in college at one time or another due to that awful disease — fumbleitis. Let’s hope they’ve recovered and have been cured. Add them to Gore and we have potential for many yards and hopefully, not so many fumbles.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on May 27, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point.
Let’s hope that “illness” doesn’t carry over….
by chikmagnet_565 on May 27, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the wide outs
I say keep battle and zig both and let bruce go, he’s done after this season anyway. I also agree with keeping sheets to go along with gore,coffe and robinson.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on May 27, 2009 11:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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