Backup playing time: The one perk to the exhibition season
by Fooch on Jul 28, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
in News
47 comments
A few days ago, when the 49ers signed Nate Davis, Matt Barrows had an interesting comment that got me thinking:
Where [Nate Davis] ends up likely will depend on how much exposure Davis receives during the preseason and how well he plays when he gets that exposure.
The point Barrows was making was that it's a tough call if Davis makes the roster (as apparently he thinks Huard has a good chance at making the roster). If he impresses in the preseason, it would be considerably harder to hide Nate Davis on the practice squad. Some folks will throw out Thomas Clayton as an example of a guy excelling but not getting snatched up. The difference is that there was a time when Nate Davis was getting much more respect in mock drafts and general player rankings. Obviously things changed, but this is not a nobody people don't know about it. Just wanted to get that out there.
However, Barrows' comments got me thinking about something else. Rookies are reporting today and veterans are reporting Thursday. The 49ers kick off the preseason Friday August 14, meaning action will be happening pretty quickly. Most of us have certain random 49ers we are intrigued by heading into the preseason. I realize many want to see the likes of Crabtree, Gore and so forth. But for now I'm talking about more under-the-radar options. What players are you particularly intrigued to see perform in the preseason?
For me, Nate Davis is definitely on that short list. Of course, it's gonna be tough for him to get a lot of playing time, even in the preseason. In looking at week 1 against the Broncos, do all four QBs get a quarter of playing time? Whatever the case may be, I really want to see what Nate Davis can do with an NFL offense....even if it's with some scrubs at the skill positions.
Elsewhere on offense, Bear Pascoe falls on my short list. I realize that he's going to be spending any regular season time blocking. However, in the preseason we might get a chance to see his receiving skills. He put up solid numbers in college so we'll see if he can convert that at the NFL level. Or at least the NFL preseason level.
On defense, Dashon Goldson and Kentwan Balmer are both on my list. Goldson has been a ballhawk in practice, but struggled to stay healthy in game situations. If he can stay healthy, it could be fun seeing a safety that actually forces turnovers. Balmer provided next to nothing last season and I'd imagine will see a LOT of playing time in the preseason.
So who are you excited to watch in the preseason?
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I can't wait to exercise my 2nd ammendment rights...
BEAR FIGHT!
Blind devotion.
by ProfessorBigelow on Jul 28, 2009 8:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I admit
1st on my list is Pascoe!!!!!! I’m also interested in the OL, DL, Coffee, and of course Crabtree
by sundaysfinest on Jul 28, 2009 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alex Boone
The dude has a lot to prove and I have a soft spot for slightly crazy tackles. If he keeps off the fire water, I think he’ll have a chance to push some people.
Tinman
by Tinman17 on Jul 28, 2009 9:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If he impresses in the preseason, it would be considerably harder to hide Nate Davis on the practice squad. Some folks will throw out Thomas Clayton as an example of a guy excelling but not getting snatched up. The difference is that there was a time when Nate Davis was getting much more respect in mock drafts and general player rankings.
If he impresses, Davis won’t even make it to the practice squad. Aside from the pre-draft hype of both players, a major difference between Clayton and Davis is that the value of a QB, even a backup, is infinitely higher than a backup RB.
by sfgfan on Jul 28, 2009 9:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I want to see: Manny Lawson, Chilo Rachal, Kory Sheets, Glen Coffee… Not necessarily in that order.
by 49ers Rule on Jul 28, 2009 9:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Honestly
I really want to see how legit all this talk of Alex Smith’s improvement in practice is. More importantly, if it is a drastic improvment, how does it translate to game situations, even if nothing’s on the line.
by CraftyLefty2126 on Jul 28, 2009 9:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I am intregued to see a bunch of guys.
Pretty much all of the above. I am especially interested in checking out all of this years drafts. There are many players, positions, and such to look at but for the “must see” is the OL protection, QB battle, and pass rush.
Yea I know it’s a short list but what are ya going to do. Also I truely hope Crabtree signs so that we get a look at him as a pro.
*
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 28, 2009 10:14 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I want to see
Michael Crabtree, Nate Davis, Bear Pascoe, Alex Hill, and Alex Boone.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 28, 2009 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
At the risk of looking foolish
Who is Alex Hill?
The love child of Shaun Hill and Alex Smith?
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 28, 2009 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last year's number 1 draft pick, silly!
Just kidding. I meant to type Alex Smith, thanks for pointing that out.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 28, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At first
I thought it was an UDFA I hadn’t heard about.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 28, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marvel Smith, Crabtree, tackling machine Scott McKillop
by illini49er on Jul 28, 2009 10:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm interested in
Curtis Taylor – I want to see if this guy can earn a roster spot and contribute.
Bear Pascoe – For obvious reasons, as I’m jumping on the Bear Bandwagon too. I want to see his route running abilities more so than his demolishing blocking (although seeing him jack someone up will be fun).
Scott McKillop – Will he be Jeff Ulbrich 2.0 or Scott McKillop tackling machine from Pittsburgh?
Kory Sheets/Thomas Clayton/Michael Robinson – I don’t mind if the 49ers take 4 RBs into 2009, I do mind if they don’t choose the right 2 (to compliment Gore and Coffee). Clayton has had preseason success in his past, and its only got him a practice squad spot (other than a short time on the roster last season). Robinson is a special teams ace, and a pretty good third down back. If Sheets can produce on special teams, and show a receiving ability, I think he bumps Clayton off the roster.
Adam Snyder – Let’s hope 2008’s nightmare is behind him. The best cure for a hangover? Hitting people in the mouth.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 28, 2009 11:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Still think your nuts
Nate Davis making the 53 man roster is a long shot. There is no demand out there for his services. You think a team is really going to add him to their 53 man roster as a rookie, 5th round QB pick, without a wiff of training camp in their system?
by bignerd on Jul 28, 2009 11:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nate Davis
Nate Davis really isn’t that much of a long shot to make the roster. Rememeber, Damon Huard is camp fodder. This preseason is all about seeing what we have in Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. Damon Huard is an arm, no more, no less. Nate Davis should see a good amount of preseason action, and I think he’s a lock on our 53-man roster at this point.
The great news, most of Davis’ action should be against third stringers and rookies, so he stands a pretty good chance to succeed. We just have to see Nate Davis play like a rookie learning the system, in order to grant him a roster spot. Davis really has to stain the sheets to get cut.
The team is probably comfortable (as comfortable as possible) with Shaun Hill and Alex Smith as the top 2 QBs on the team and don’t envision having to use a third QB this season. If an injury happens, the team can always call Huard back, since he was here for camp, he’ll know the system. It’s unlikely Huard gets a contract offer from another team if the 49ers cut him.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 28, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has considerably more upside than your average practice squad candidate.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 28, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate may make the squad depending on how Hoard does in camp.
I don’t see the niners going with 2 QB’s at this point. To be sure one of the 4 QB’s on the rooster will go but unless Smith or Hill get injured in camp or pre-season, then Hoard or Davis will be on the bubble. Anything can happen but the more likely scenario will be to keep the draft pick..
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 28, 2009 11:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, it's Huard not Hoard,
" no doubt about it Rock, I gotta get a new keyboard"
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 28, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's also not a rooster ...
… unless Pascoe has brought a few little chicks with him from that farm of his old man’s, but nobody is counting your keyboard strokes … Just playing, WC-Ninerhead ;) Much love and respect ;)
by LondonNiner on Jul 28, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the trouble with spell checker,,
It doesn’t tell if you chose the wrong word. No problem..
Hey how’s it going across the pond?
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 28, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
All good!
Thanks WC-Ninerhead … would it surprise you at all if I told you it was raining?! Just like you guys, I cannot wait for the start of the season. I’m going to be on in Spain for some of the warm-up games although we don’t ever get those on TV here anyway. But I’ll will be right back here, in front of my TV, for that Arizona game, which is going to be live on TV and radio here. Bring. It. On.
by LondonNiner on Jul 28, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well hang in there LondonNiner
Keep your umbrella close and the season will start before you know it.. Good luck in Spain
And GOOO NINERSSS
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 28, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The running backs
I figure it’s Gore and Coffee, but what’s after that? Does Sheets make it as a change of pace back? Does Clayton stick around? If Clayton doesn’t make the roster I expect someone like the Eagles to pick him up.
by Bob On The Coast on Jul 28, 2009 11:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Clayton
If Clayton fails to make the roster, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a mid-season add on another team. While I’m not saying the guy sucks or anything like that, but I just find it unlikely another team will immediately give him a 53-man spot.
by sfgfan on Jul 28, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, it will be a tough call..
It will depend on who can be the most productive on special teams and any injuries that crop up over camp and preseason.
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 28, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Word on the street is that Philly was eyeing Clayton last season
There could be some other interest out there but I do find it unlikely but more likely than I may have thought before.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Jul 28, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to see some hits
I’ll be watching the DBs. Brown and Goldson smacking and intercepting. If they do this, I be very happy with the chances of seeing the DBs improve.
by LASVEGASNINER on Jul 28, 2009 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
QB
I just wana see how alex smith is doing.. (i’m a fan of his)
by dalien82 on Jul 28, 2009 12:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Jimmy Raye
Although not a player, if he pencils out like a Jim Hostler it doesn’t matter how the rest of the team performs.
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on Jul 28, 2009 12:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
But how much can you tell about OCs and HCs from a warm-up game? I’m with you, Deific16, I think much rests on Jimmy Raye this season, but I don’t know how much an OC will want to give away about his playbook in exhibition games? Would be interested if anyone can tell me.
by LondonNiner on Jul 28, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Raye has 32
years of coaching experience and brought a 200 page playbook for the guys to learn. Hostler was in his first year as an OC and was drawing plays on the back of his hand.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on Jul 29, 2009 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hostler was in his first year as an OC and was drawing plays on the back of his hand.
Where do you get this stuff sometimes? It was said that Hostler had actually been gameplanning as-if he were a coordinator for years. Part of the reason that Nolan chose him over Hoener or Sullivan for OC was that Hostler presented him with all the “gameplans” he mocked up in previous years.
It didn’t make him a good coordinator, but I’m sure he did more than “draw plays on the back of his hand.”
by sfgfan on Jul 30, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was just
a joke — as was Hostler.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on Jul 31, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to see Kentwan Balmer
Because my friend and have been ripping on him since we got him. I hope he shows he is more valuable than kick returns
Go 49ers
by iaalexeeff on Jul 28, 2009 1:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Boone and Frenchy
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Jul 28, 2009 1:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Next to...
… Alex Smith, I think these two pique my interest most going into camp. I want to see if Boone is as “good” as his hype seems to imply.
by sfgfan on Jul 28, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frenchy
RJF for sure now that Ray will be put on the PUP.
Frenchy certainly has swagger, now that he’s in the NFL, I hope doesn’t turn off his motor every other down.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 28, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he does turn his motor off his ass is grass
It is the NFL and UDFA don’t have jobs if they don’t give full effort. If there was a time for Frenchy to be motivated it’s now.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Jul 29, 2009 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
7th round picks don’t have jobs if they don’t give full effort either.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Jul 29, 2009 7:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
if this isn’t enough to motivate, he doesn’t belong in the 49ers.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 29, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that what she said
and in his 4th season, VD broke through the wall, Niners fan rejoiced and all was well in the kingdom. Singletary 3:42
by 49erLou on Jul 29, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate Davis and Kory Sheets
Three years from now: Sheets breaking around the corner, and Davis throwing bombs.
by daveofferson on Jul 28, 2009 1:36 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Nate Davis
tops my short list, which has about 80 players on it, or however long the roster is.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
by these3words on Jul 28, 2009 7:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Davis (the obvious QBOTF) and Sheets and Manny.
And of course I like very much the hire of Jimmy Raye BUT will still be a bit anxious to evaluate his playcalling once the regular season starts. He seems perfect for the Niners but will he be a great playcaller DURING games. Is he a chess master ? I hope so because that would really make him perfect.
by TOP_CAT on Jul 29, 2009 4:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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