RB Depth
by foosball4949 on Feb 23, 2010 2:58 PM PST
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PrintHOWTHEYSCORED'S NOTE: I think this was a great post and poll created in the FanPost section, and it's exactly the kind of well-thought-out, well-written post that makes me enjoy reading this site. With that in mind, I didn't think Fooch would mind if I bumped this up to the front page. Since I'm stealing a little bit of Drew K's thunder doing this, make sure you head over to his 100 in 100: Taylor Mays (43 of 100) and post your thoughts on Taylor Mays there.
So obviously we have Frank Gore and even if you're wary of Florida Danny's statistical analysis I think most of us think he has at least 2 good years worth of tread on his tires. The jury's still out on Glenn Coffee but I think that most would agree that Michael Robinson is definitely a better STer than RB (though I have to admit, I think he's undervalued when it comes to running draws).
There's been a lot of talk about drafting CJ Spiller and the dynamo he'd be in our offense. However, there's a 1st-round price tag attached to that option. With the recent release of two of the decade's top RBs, LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook, I thought I'd see if anyone thought that perhaps going the veteran route for a year or two might be the way to go. I'd be inclined to go another route alltogether but I'm willing to bet there are people with strong opinions for each option.
LaDainian Tomlinson: During the peak of his career I think he was unparalleled in the NFL and I felt convinced he'd retire as the leading rusher in NFL history. I was really caught by surprise by his quick demise but I wonder if he's truly a Shaun Alexander or perhaps just needs a change of scenery. He's an excellent pass-catching back and wants to play for a contender (dare I say we may be one?!). While I, personally don't think he'd be the best fit for the niners, he's certainly got enough of a resume to at least make you stop and think.
Brian Westbrook: He hasn't suffered the same overall demise as LT II the last couple seasons but he's dealt with arguably more and worse injuries, especially with regards to concussions. He's a complete back when healthy, but that hasn't been the case recently. Might he be worth a low, incentive-laden contract to try and platoon with Gore for a year or two?
Spiller: I don't want to go into too much depth here because he's been discussed at length in other areas of the site, but he certainly seems to be grabbing the attention of numerous 49er fans, around NN and the rest of the interweb, as well as the likes of the mighty hairdo, Mel Kiper. He's a sure first-rounder which I think could be worth it if he brought the same dimension as Percy Harvin or DeSean Jackson to our team. However, I also firmly believe that RB is a position that might be the easiest to fill in the NFL. If you have a good line, it's easy to mine the bottom of the draft for talented runners who can fit a system (case in point: Denver). Personally, I'd rather add someone like Dexter McCluster later on than Spiller in the first, but I'm not wholly opposed to it.
So - the question is: which of these options, or none of them, would you go with and why? Are we a team close enough to making a push that adding a talented veteran is better than developing a young back?
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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Thanks for putting this up. Great post.
I’m still thinking about my vote, though.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
might be worth moving this to the front page if you can do that howie
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Actually, I should be able to do that. It doesn’t look like Fooch has anything scheduled to post for the next few hours, so I hope he doesn’t mind me taking that plunge. Let me take a look.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 23, 2010 4:03 PM PST up reply actions
Done and done.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 23, 2010 4:07 PM PST up reply actions
Sproles is an option too
if the Chargers don’t want to give him a pay raise.
I’m conflicted too. I have to think about this some. Nice fan post.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
yeah
If it looks even more like he’ll walk I’ll add him to the poll
by foosball4949 on Feb 23, 2010 4:02 PM PST up reply actions
Spiller.
Spiller would contribute more and for longer then LT or Westbrook. Also he is the COP back that we need. LT doesn’t complement Gore very well and Westbrook’s injuries scare me. Also can LT return punts/kickoffs? Westbrook can, but the concussion problems don’t make him a viable option.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
The only back I'd consider via free agency
would be Sproles because he’d be exactly what we need.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
If they keep Sproles they have to come to terms on a long term contract
or give him a minimum 10% raise. If they can’t reach a deal and give him the raise he’ll be making over $7 million a year which is hefty for a back that’s not the featured one.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
If we don't get Spiller
I would say we keep an eye on him. We could steal him for a couple years if he doesn’t get a long term deal.
Come to think of it
With all this talk of draft, it seems like we forget how interesting things will get by March 4-5! We’ll be talking about a lot more than draft by then.
And would somebody please draw a picture if need be to explain that getting Spiller does NOT mean that all we’re getting is a special teams guy!
Tries to draw ..decides to type instead.
COP speed back that can come out of the backfield and catch the ball. Has excellent hands that could work out to play slot at times. Will run outside and make the long play but not afraid to bang up the middle. Solid character guy from what every one seems to say who I’ve heard/read. Very coachable. Oh and he’s a great special teams guy too LOL
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Feb 23, 2010 5:04 PM PST up reply actions
Its exactly why someone like Spiller would warrant a 1st rnd pick. He can add another threat to an offense with a “little-to-no threat QB”. I think Alex Smith’s skills will improve next year, but he doesnt have defenses taking steps back before the snap like the Manning’s, Brees’, and Brady’s out there…..yet! Some OL help would be nice too.
I think COP back is gonna be the way to go, after seeing CJ2K, Baby Ray Rice, Felix Jones, even Rashard Mendenhall getting some action. I bet the Browns were surprised with Jerome Harrison after watching how many years of Jamal Lewis stutter steppin for 2 yrds here and there.
Spiller would be great catching those little bubble screens the niners like to run so much.
Much easier, all-mighty Megatron, then attacking the real threat...The Autobots moonbase!!
by Brave Neander on Feb 24, 2010 8:10 AM PST up reply actions
Re: Spiller's potential contribution...
It bothers me when I read that Spiller doesn’t make sense because the Niners don’t need another running back. As I see it, Spiller’s potential contributions, in order of importance, for the next two years would be:
1. KR
2. WR skills (get the ball to him in the flat and let him run)
3. PR
4. COP RB
Some will say that we shouldn’t “waste” a first round pick for this level of contribution. My response is, review all of the 2009 games and determine what NOT having such a contribution cost us … at least two games.
When Frank’s production begins to deminish, then Spiller should see more playing time as the feature RB.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Feb 23, 2010 6:33 PM PST up reply actions
Reggie Bush
Am I the only one that thinks this? He’s an experienced Spiller and if he gets released, he might want to come back the CA.
Depends
If the Saints release him and he’s willing to sign for much less than he’s making now I wouldn’t be too opposed to it.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
I noticed above...
That you said you would only want Sproles.
What’s the difference between Sproles and Bush?
Sproles isn't injury prone.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 24, 2010 6:08 PM PST up reply actions
Bush isn't going to be released
He’s still under contract & I don’t see why the Saints would let him go for nothing.
Because...
Reggie Bush is making something like 8 million next year when he probably only deserves 1/4 of that.
My guess
They either keep him with his contract knowing that he might be a UFA after next season, or they restructure to a long term deal. He needs to have a J-O-B if he wants to be with Kim (Ms. Kardashian). :)
Spiller and Bush are nothing alike. Bush likes to go east and west on the playing field and Spiller goes north and south. Not a very good comparison.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
4.7 isn't any better than what we had last year
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
The hell it's not.
At least he catches the damn ball.
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
We averaged 4.0 yards per return
.7 yards per return isn’t all that much of an improvement
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Is there a stat that shows how many times we had crappy field position
when Battle didn’t even call for a fair catch and let it roll 20 yards behind him instead?
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
I like your thought process
It’s not just YPR, it’s how many yards he cost us by not fair catching, or fair catching when he should have returned. Or muff punts, etc…
I'm aware of all that
And I’m certainly not saying that we have a good punt return game. I’m just saying that paying big bucks for a guy to come in and give us .7 yards more per return doesn’t make any sense.
Of course this entire discussion is pointless since the Saints have no intention of releasing him.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Come back to Cali and play with a QB he knows
Bush and Smith played together in HS if anyone forgot :p
That isn’t fair at all to the other schools.
by manraj7 on Feb 23, 2010 10:23 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Great post and I voted Spiller
No on LT, because he needs a line to be sucessful at this point in his career, but I think he has more in the tank than given credit for.
No on McCluster, due to his size, I think he would be a liability in the pass blocking department.
No on the 3 we have, I basically say we have two, Robinson should not have been resigned inthe Nolan era, IMO.
No on a veteran because we have one and we also have another in between the tackle runner.
Yes on Spiller because he will only need to learn the system and not really learn to adjust to the NFL, at least not as long as others. Players with his type of speed have an advantage adjusting as long as they are not soft about running between the tackles. I think SPiller’s best attribute would be one the team would adjust to vs him adjusting to the league like Coffee.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
LT II: No. Cost benefit doesn’t make sense when we can get similar production from a late round pick.
Westbrook: See LT II.
Spiller: Tempting? Yes. But I’d rather spend our high draft picks on other places than halfback.
I’m not sold on Coffee. I feel that he’s in the “not quite big or fast enough to be successful in the FNL” camp.
I’d be interested in seeing what’s available in the later rounds of the draft, preferably a COP guy who can return kicks. Anyone else miss Kory Sheets? I think he had a chance of filling this role well.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
Agree with most of this
LT is toast.
Westbrook is probably on the way there.
Agree absolutely with the parts on Spiller and Coffee.
No, I don’t miss Kory Sheets, there are plenty of other backs we can take.
You don't draft a COP back/RS in the first round.
But I voted for Spiller not just because of what he provides to the team right away, but because I believe he will be a great feature back once Gore is done.
Ummm....
You wouldn’t want Percy Harvin on the Niners? Need I remind you that against the Niners he had 4 catches for 50 yards and a 101 yard KO return? Yeah that’s not something I’d be interested in having on the team.
by 9thevolution on Feb 24, 2010 8:24 AM PST up reply actions
Last I checked, Percy Harvin was a starting wideout, not a change of pace running back.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
by Yeti Monster on Feb 24, 2010 8:49 AM PST up reply actions
Offers the same things Spiller has except for feature back ability
by 9thevolution on Feb 24, 2010 11:44 AM PST up reply actions
I didn’t realize Spiller offered starting wideout ability.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
by Yeti Monster on Feb 24, 2010 12:18 PM PST up reply actions
Last I checked...
Harvin isn’t a starter unless he’s in the slot. Take a look at the depth chart next time before posting. Berrian and Rice are the starting wideouts for the Vikes. Spiller would likely be used the same way Harvin is if the coaches are intelligent enough to gameplan. That might be too much for Raye to accomplish though.
by 9thevolution on Feb 24, 2010 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
“Starting wideout ability” and “currently is the starting wideout on his team” are two different things. Please note which one I wrote and which one I didn’t.
Also, you assume a starting wideout and a starting halfback have the same value. I don’t think this is the case. Elite players aside, it’s easier to find a halfback that can consistently produce than a wideout. The marginal value of each position is different. (Side note: has a study been done to back this up? I believe this to be the case, but having some numerical data would make me more comfortable in my position.)
But I will agree that Raye et all would have no clue how to effectively use Spiller.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
by Yeti Monster on Feb 24, 2010 1:40 PM PST up reply actions
Ignore the first paragraph of my counter. I did call him a starting wideout further up the thread.
Still, your point that he doesn’t begin the game on the field means nothing. He was on the field for a significant number of snaps, even having missed time with his migrane issues.
And wideouts, even slot wideouts that produce at the level that Harvin did, hold more value than change of pace halfbacks.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
by Yeti Monster on Feb 24, 2010 1:53 PM PST up reply actions
And wideouts, even slot wideouts that produce at the level that Harvin did, hold more value than change of pace halfbacks.
You are my new best friend.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 24, 2010 6:13 PM PST up reply actions
He isn't a starter because of migranes
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 24, 2010 6:12 PM PST up reply actions
He was the 22nd overall pick
Where I think Spiller should be drafted.
You also have to consider what yet monster said above: Percy Harvin would have been a starting WR if not for his headaches.
The same with Desean Jackson.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 24, 2010 6:12 PM PST up reply actions
Should also be noted that the Vikings drafted Harvin because they were solid on both lines and could take a flier on a troubled play maker. Same goes for MJD with Jacksonville.
BTW, I’m not understanding this comparison of Harvin to Spiller. Harvin was the much more accomplished college football player, was the big the fish a big pond program for multiple seasons and plays a completely different position.
I'm not comparing Harvin to Spiller
But I’m pointing out how Harvin is on a whole ’notha level (exaggeration).
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 24, 2010 7:36 PM PST up reply actions
That’s like saying Az-Hakim had more value over Marshall Faulk. Lame.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Hold up
Unless I am mistaken, you are saying:
Az-Hakim = Harvin
Spiller = Faulk
Percy Harvin, in his rookie year and missing time due to injury, put up 60 receptions for 790 yards (13.2 ave) with 6 touchdowns. He also had 1,156 kick return yards and 2 return scores.
Just cherry-picking Hakim’s career best numbers, he had 53 receptions for 734 yards (2003), 8 receiving scores (1999), 1217 return yards (1999) and 1 return TD (tied in 1999, 2000, and 2002).
Statistically, Percy had a better rookie year that the best annual numbers Hakim put up over his entire career.
And that completely ignores your comparison of a Hall of Famer to some kid who’s never played a snap in the NFL. Faulk was a #2 overall pick, which (barring some weird turn of events) Spiller will not be. And to top it off, Faulk returned two kicks and zero punts over his college career.
I see the point you are trying to make, but your comps need work.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
by Yeti Monster on Feb 24, 2010 8:26 PM PST up reply actions
THANK YOU
Someone finally agrees with Mclusters worth i’m sorry c.j spiller is not a need 2 draft that early can someone tell me when special teams have been worth a 13thor 16th,17th pick yea he plays runing back 2 ,now i don’t agree with michael robinson worth what is he 3rd down back QB, special teamer what is he nothing so why is he on the team but i do think mcluster will be a game breaker starting with the combine i think he’s going 2 kill it but westbrook ,LT are done finito.
McCluster
McCluster = $1.65… that’s both his weight and value IMO
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
I disagree
I don’t know if McCluster can make it as a full-time RB but as a COP back like Sproles or as a WR I think he can have a lot of success.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
I like McCluster ok, but where
if we’re talking about a 4th (like Sproles) then yeah; but if we’re talking about a second, I’d rather get a guy who has a chance to be a starter some day.
by microwave donut on Feb 23, 2010 5:40 PM PST up reply actions
The last thing I remember about Sproles this season
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrnDLXxVoFE&feature=related
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
how much of that was the line?
and not sproles? seems to me that he was hit just as he got the ball.
unless the point wasnt that he isnt a good runner and that it was just what you remember :p
OMG Sproles is terrible, he got stopped in the backfield by some random backup…The only thing you ask of a RB in that situation is to hold onto the ball. Nice job Sproles, better job Ray.
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
by Johnnysixnut on Feb 23, 2010 6:55 PM PST up reply actions
Thats not the only time he's been blown up like that
I guess I just attached the vid to illustrate that he can get destroyed and it doesn’t take much. Good special teamer, not so good on offense.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Here's his stats to prove that theory
He’s never had more than 350 Yards rushing in a season
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7306/career;_ylt=Ao78DKrz9o.kAO5yho5.8yn.uLYF
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Which is about 20 yards a game on average. Is he worth more than $1 Mill a year? I’d have to say no to that.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Sproles has never been the featured back
So of course he’s not putting up eye popping numbers.
2007 stats
93 attempts 343 yards, 3.7 yards per carry.
45 receptions for 491 yards. 11.0 yards per carry
26 punt returns for 183 yards. 7.0 yards per return with one TD
54 kick returns for 1300 yards. 24.1 yards per return with 4 TDs.
His value isn’t in his running game it’s in the return game.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Thats pretty much what I said above… he’s a good special teamer, not so good on offense.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
With the exception that I think he's worth more than $1 million a year
We’re paying MIchael Robinson over $1 million a year (he signed a 3 year $3.25 million dollar deal) and Sproles is a far more valuable player than Robinson
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Is that so much his fault
as
A) the line
B) Ray Lewis
C) who the hell thought he’s a goalline back?
by foosball4949 on Feb 23, 2010 7:08 PM PST up reply actions
lol
49ers Al Grito De Guerra!!! hahaha
by 49erSalvatrucha on Feb 23, 2010 7:57 PM PST up reply actions
Good question. Obviously, if we’re not thinking about cost to acquire, I think Spiller is the answer. He’s everything we’re looking for in a change of pace back, and he’s young. But when you start to think about spending a first round pick on a player who might get 10-15 touches per game, tops, then I start to lean towards going a different direction. I voted for Westbrook, but I could be convinced otherwise.
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Feb 23, 2010 6:10 PM PST reply actions
Spiller
Kick returns, punt returns, change of pace. Wow. Think of how that could push the offense up a notch, especially if that other first round pick is a good tackle.
by Bob In Beaverton on Feb 23, 2010 6:47 PM PST reply actions
First off, thanks to howtheyscored
for the bump and the nice, I appreciate it.
secondly, I think, as some people have pointed out, that Spiller brings much more than being a RB to the table. He’s a KR and decent pass catcher, and presumably could do other things as well.
Secondly, I don’t think that taking him in the first round with an eye towards him assuming a featured role in a couple years is a huge waste of a pick. I think that RB is a position that more or less needs to be turned over every 4-6 years (maybe even less, as I think about it). With that in mind I think the best comparison for Spiller is actually Felix Jones in terms of what the team was thinking drafting him and what sort of role he’ll assume. I think Jones is going to replace Barber in part next year and then become the number 1 the year after. Spiller could do that in 3 years.
My main issue is with taking a RB in the 1st round in the first place. People talk about positional value with regards to when it’s worth drafting a certain position. Take Eric Berry, even though he’s regarded as a top1-3 prospect because he’s a safety, people are saying it’s not worth drafting him so high. Likewise with Steve Hutchinson and other guards, they’re rarely drafted above #15 simply because of their position value. Conversely, there’s the other sort of positional value where it’s hard to find a certain position, a lot of people say NT is so rare that teams will often reach for a good one when they’re available.
I would say RB is the opposite of this, especially with regards to true athletic ability and running skill. There are, year in and year out, great college runners transitioning to the pro ranks, and more often than not, the reason they don’t cut it is, like with Kory Sheets, other aspects of their game such as pass protection. While this can be taught, it often takes more time than certain teams have. That’s why I think you can find great RBs later in the draft than with most other positions.
With regards to McCluster, I don’t think he’d ever be the feature back that Spiller probably will be, but I think he’s brings a terrific dynamic aspect, like that of a Percy Harvin, that gives us more bang for our draft buck than Spiller would. I would like him in the 3rd or 4th. I know he might not last that long, and I think that taking him in the second may be too risky. However, watching him at the senior bowl, looking as fluid as he did catching pass passes and running routes as a WR, and his sheer athleticism, I think he would be a great PR (not necessarily KR, but that’s less of an issue for us) and all around offensive playmaker. That’s why I voted for him.
LT II I think is too much at the end of his rope and like someone said, he needs a really good line to run behind. We all agree we just don’t have that.
Westbrook, I’m truly intrigued by but frankly, I’m pretty sure he’d go to a team where he’d still be the number 1 but sharing a load. I actually think the Patriots might take a look at him because he’s essentially what Kevin Faulk is, but more so in every respect.
bear with my post within a post
I wanted the initial fanpost to be relatively objective in presentation before I tried to injertect my own personal feelings too much.
Also, I know that if we did draft Spiller I wouldn’t exactly be disappointed…
by foosball4949 on Feb 23, 2010 6:52 PM PST up reply actions
That's a joke right?
first off trading any of our picks even for Sproles or such (an established veteran) is not a good idea. Be throwing out the baby for the bath water. (IMHO) If we don’t get Spiller then my vote would be to get Lemarcus Coker from Hampton as a UDFA. He’s around the same size of Spiller and has near equal speed. He was a starter for 2 years at Tennessee then due to persona issues was off the team and transferred eventually to Hampton. And Kory Sheets couldn’t block his way out of a paper bag LOL.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Feb 24, 2010 1:49 AM PST up reply actions
Yes, it was a joke.
Proudly brought to you by Mountain Dew
by YoungWillis on Feb 24, 2010 10:52 AM PST up reply actions
Niners RB's
These are my opinions, so take them for what you will.
Gore – Our featured back and should be for, at very least, the remainder of his current contract (through 2012?). He does get banged up, but is still effective when nicked and can put up 1000 yards in a season. He’s great all around, blah blah, blah……. I really don’t have to illustrate all this.
Coffee – Because of Singletary’s philosophy and the hard nosed running team, I have high hope for Coffee. I think that with time, he’ll be able to do all the things that Gore does. Plus, since he’s not already an established feature back, he can’t complain about sharing carries with a COP. I think as Gore declines, we go to a RBBC approach and Coffee will be a featured part of that. He’ll be fresh for a while because Gore will be carrying the load.
M Rob – He’s a good ST player, but I don’t like him as a RB. Not a bad value considering what we got him for, but I’d have much rather seen them convert him to FB so he could have some value on the field other than coverage unit. He won’t be retained when his contract expires.
Future – My vote is for Spiller in the 1st this year. Yes he can be a great featured back if necessary, but I feel that we’ll be asking him to do much more. I picture him as a Harvin type player and that’s something we desperately need. Not to mention with his talent, he’ll be on the field at the same time as Gore in certain situations. That’s a scary thought.
I really don’t see the need for a FB at this point. Gore is very effective without it and also out of the shotgun. I know he likes it and that contributed to him getting his 1700 yards in 2006, but I think more of that was scheme and the mauling LG we had. Great OL can make up for lack of a FB. Personally, I like Martz’s philosophy of FB and TE being interchangable. Scary thought, can you imagine VD lining up in the back field on a few plays? Would fool defenses like nobodies business.
Very pleased that Spiller is getting 54% of the vote
but the combine will determine if he’ll be waiting for us when we are scheduled to pick. I understand the resistance for picking a running back (whose name is not Reggie Bush) in the first round but I don’t see RB when I look at don’t look at Spiller – I see PM (PlayMaker). Like Harvin, his versatility would drive opposing Defensive Coordinators nuts and create a hesitation wherever we lined him up. McCluster could do the same things but he’s Spiller’s little brother.
by DeathValleyCarl on Feb 24, 2010 10:50 AM PST reply actions
I voted McClluster/other rookie just because it would mean the Niners have another top pick used at another position.
But I’d love to see Spiller, and if he’s there at 16 I’d take him, just because it’s hard to predict which of the top return specialists will be there in round 2 or 3.
But if you could guarantee one of the speed guys in the middle rounds, I’d take that over Spiller in the 1st.
Percy Harvin lasted until #22 last draft
Unless he turns a lot of heads at the combine, there’s hope.
by DeathValleyCarl on Feb 24, 2010 3:40 PM PST up reply actions
That’s because he had some personality issues/ drug charges.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
by Hoopers Judge on Feb 24, 2010 5:35 PM PST up reply actions
If we’re looking for simply a change of pace back, I actually think Westbrook would be a pretty worthy choice. Before his concussions, he was still pretty ballin. He’s still got some speed, is somewhat shifty, and has great hands out of the backfield. He’d be a real weapon with 10-15 carries a game.
I love LT. He’s been my favorite player in the NFL since he was drafted. I watched him at TCU and loved him there too. His is the only non-Niners jersey I own. That being said, at this point in his career, he’s really a goalline specialist…and the Niners don’t need a goalline guy. Especially one at LT prices. Gore can still knock it in just fine.
Spiller would be a great pick if we don’t see Gore lasting much longer than a year or two for us. Because for what it will cost to sign him, and the fact he’d be a 1st rounder, he’d need to be working his way into the starting RB spot sooner rather than later, lest be be a waste of a 1st rounder. I understand the return game aspect…but you don’t draft for return game guys in the first round. I think we can use our first rounders for something much more beneficial (OT, LB, S, CB).
So of the choices, I have to go with Westbrook. Westbrook and Gore would make a dangerous combination in our backfield next season, IMO.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
Just hypothetically, not sure about league SOP
Since Westbrook is now a UFA, if we were interested in signing him primarily for PR duties, I’m presuming we can pick him up rather cheaply for a year or two. In other words, if no one else wanted to take a chance on his health issues, a team could sign him at a minimum salary allowed for a veteran. Correct?
I'd be a little surprised if he could be had for the minimum
but some sort of incentive laden contract is pretty likely so that you don’t loose too much if he doesn’t perform
by foosball4949 on Feb 24, 2010 6:20 PM PST up reply actions
Agreed
Also, when did he last return punts/kicks? I’m not sure if I’d be comfortable having an injury prone, aging halfback take the kind of hits that can happen in the return game.
Ideally our change of pace back would be able to return punts/kicks, if for no other reason to conserve a roster spot.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
by Yeti Monster on Feb 24, 2010 6:48 PM PST up reply actions
I wouldn't feel too good about it either
I just asked mainly for personal knowledge. His health is one of the reasons why I was just wondering if for some insane reason the Niner brass was interested in him, could he be signed at some bargain basement price. I definitely hope Spiller will be our guy when all is said and done.
Spiller
Why in the world do people think of Spiller as being only a special teams player. The guy has serious RB talent. and is a true game changer. If the problem is about size , he is 5ft 11, 195. And just as a reminder, Barry Sanders was only 5ft 9, 205. and if I remember right , he was a pretty good RB. Size isnt everything, Its hard to tackle what you cant catch!! Anyone who played the Titans this year learned this the hard way. But he has also shown good ability between the tackles and doesnt shy away from contact , at least in the few games I,ve actually seen him play in! He also has very good hands that will only get better with reps and good coaching. He is a multidimensional threat and I would take him over Percy Harvin or Reggie Bush in a heartbeat !! The big difference between them all is ,“and I agree with madman on this” that Spiller will soon become a feature back , and a really good one.Thats something that Harvin and Bush will never be !!
If Harvin ever becomes a featureed back then the Vikings are screwed considering that he’s a WR. But I get what you are saying and I somewhat agree.
by manraj7 on Feb 24, 2010 8:03 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Agree – How the top rated RB on the board can be seen just as a STer lacks focus.
Part of that illusion is because Niners Nation knows we need a KR/PR and he plugs that hole. While he may fill that immediate need, using a 1st round pick for him mandates a starting role on the offense. When/if he learns the system and earns it, he becomes too valuable to remain a fulltime KR/PR.
The other misconception about Spiller is that he’s a Gore backup. Coffee’s a Gore backup, Spiller’s a Gore COMPLIMENT.
by DeathValleyCarl on Feb 25, 2010 7:10 AM PST up reply actions
McC actually said that on the radio
When asked about Spiller he noted what a homerun threat he was at both positions, RB and RS. And noted that if he isn’t the starting RB right away he can still contribute heavily on special teams.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Feb 25, 2010 5:16 PM PST up reply actions
He also said that we needed to start looking to the future
and that getting a RB in will help Gore stay healthy and productive for an entire season into the playoffs.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
You got XM too? :-)
He came on orignially on there earlier in the day and one of my DBA’s came over right at that time and I was being nice and he was chatting about the 9ers and missed him (Programmers motto: Keep your friends close and your DBA’s closer) LOL
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Feb 25, 2010 5:27 PM PST up reply actions
Online Sirius radio 30 day trial
I may keep it at the end of the trial for $12.95
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
LOL I love it
I listen to it in the car in the mornings going to work, listen to it at times at work online as I’m coding, then for sure on the way home from work, then at home (like now) when I’m working or playing.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Feb 25, 2010 10:09 PM PST up reply actions
I'm not in the car enough to justify buying it
plus I have a huuuge music collection (and I do mean huge).
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
I'm an hour at least
each way so works out
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Feb 25, 2010 10:15 PM PST up reply actions
We need 2 draft??????
THE KID FROM MICHIGAN ’GRAHAM’HES GONNA B THE STUD OF THE DRAFT MARK MY WORDS………WE GET A PASS RUSHER LIKE THAT OUR SECONDARY WILL HAVE AN EASIER TIME BACK THERE….IS THERE NE BODY OUT THERE THAT AGREES WIT ME????LET MORGAN PLAY SPECIAL TEAMS AND RESIGN PASHOS….THESE TWO FIRST RD PICKS ARE GONNA B REAL BENEFICIAL 2 OUR FUTURE AND WE CANT MISS…IM NOT SOLD ON NE OF THE OTS IN THE DRAFT..AND DEZ BRYANTS GONNA B THE NEXT DWAYNE JARRET BETTER YET MIKE WILLIAMS THE BUST FROM DETROIT….SO GRAHAM SPILLER SOUNDS NICE 2 ME………
OK
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 26, 2010 1:31 PM PST up reply actions
DOES NE BODY LIKE GRAHAM????????
THE KID SHIT ON EVERYBODY IN THE SENIOR BOWL….REMINDS ME OF LAMAR WOODLEY ONLY BETTER…….WE NEED TO GET RID OF ARNAZ,B JONES,DEMETRIC EVANS ,M LEWIS,MIKE ROB,MARK ROMAN,TRADE HILL,SOPOAGA,SPIKES,AND WIT ALL THAT MONEY SIGN DARREN SHARPER, DUNTA ROBINSON, KIRK MORRISON,,,,,DEFENSE WINS IT ALL…SECONDARY LOOKIN LIKE THIS…….ROBINSON AND CLEMENTS ON THE CORNERS,GOLDSON SHARPER AT SAFETIES…WILLIS AND MORRISON N THE MIDDLE BROOKS AND GRAHAM RUSHING THE PASS…BALMER FRANKLIN SMITH IN THE MIDDLE…..NOW THATS NICE….NE BODY AGREE
OK
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 26, 2010 1:31 PM PST up reply actions
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 26, 2010 5:20 PM PST up reply actions
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