How true is this statement: "Player X is off our board"
by David Fucillo on Apr 15, 2010 4:00 PM PDT
in NFL Draft
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PrintEvery year there are certain players that raise certain character concerns, leaving teams to determine how they value said player. This year's example is Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant has had an assortment of issues over the past year. He was suspended by the NCAA and reportedly had a lot of problems at his Pro Day workout (no cleats, not running slant routes, etc). For the purposes of this post, whether any of that is true is neither here nor there.
Over the last week, I've read numerous reports indicating that Team X has removed Player Y from their draft board heading into next week's NFL Draft. For example, I read these two tweets from Maiocco and Barrows:
MM: PFT reported 'Hawks removed him from draft board. RT @7points w/Marshall to Mia, better chance Seattle takes Dez Bryant instead of OT?
MB: Some teams reportedly have taken Dez Bryant off their boards. Not the 49ers. Trent Baalke: We have no problem with Dez Bryant's character.
Now I'm fairly certain teams have removed certain players from their draft boards. After all, individuals like form very specific opinions about certain players. They may not want to draft a player because of character concerns or it's simply not a need, or one of a host of reasons.
However, if I'm team X, would I purposefully want the rest of the NFL world to know I have no intention of drafting certain players? And when you're talking about a guy like Dez Bryant, who's virtually guaranteed to go in the first round, why would you show your hand like that? I suppose there could be leaks from FO, but again, why would you give up that kind of info? If I'm leaking info, I'd rather leak something indicating my interest in a certain player to potentially work a trade scenario if I'm really not interested.
The draft is very much a cat and mouse game when it comes to trying to get the guys you want. And given how valuable trades can be, it just doesn't seem to make much strategic sense to say there's no way we're drafting a certain player.
But then again, maybe I'm wrong. When you read a report that a certain player has been taken off a draft board, do you believe that? Or do you view it as misinformation?
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Prestige
I’d say it’s to build yourself up as an organization or a gm by showing the disinterest. Might feel proud, but it sure is giving your cards away, and not necassary to to publicly discredit a player.
jacobtaylor2002
by jacobtaylor2002 on Apr 15, 2010 4:18 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I don't know about the rest of you....
but with a week to go, I am getting VERY anxious!!! It is almost like waiting for Christmas, either we will be extremely happy with the new bike and the xbox, or extremely disappointed with the wool socks lol
dude
I love new socks for Christmas. Nothing like wearing a fresh, brand new socks every day for like 3 weeks after Christmas.
by Andrew Davidson on Apr 15, 2010 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd be fine with the Dez Bryant pick
It’s ballsy but it also sets up a direction and identify for the offense.
Complete the transition to the "spread offense"
by sanfranfanmdk on Apr 15, 2010 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I would interpret it that way
I see this as the 49ers attempt to cover Smith’s weakness, improvisation. There is going to be easy read or someone getting open on most plays.
What if they drafted CJ Spiller & Dez Bryant? They could almost mimic the match up problems of a college spread offense: Crabtree, VD, Bryant, Spiller, Gore and Morgan. Alex would just have to figure out who the LB or nickle corner is covering prior to the snap. Chester Pitts would probably sign.
That would be insane!!! (in a good way)
Then the only problem would be having too many options…and that is a problem I wouldn’t mind having :)
by sanfranfanmdk on Apr 15, 2010 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Too bad Alex Smith would be getting sacked every other play
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 15, 2010 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
lol well if they are quick reads he will be alright....
get that ball outta there!!! lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Apr 15, 2010 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
lol
49ers Al Grito De Guerra!!! hahaha
by 49erSalvatrucha on Apr 15, 2010 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
How?
You really think teams are going to leave Bryant, Crabtree, and Davis in single coverage?
You think teams are going to leave a linebacker one-on-one on Spiller coming out of the backfield?
Teams would be utterly afraid to blitz the Niners with that many weapons. The only remaining task would be finding a RT or G in the 2nd round who can boost the OL depth.
And as the person below said, quick reads would help a lot.
Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....
by youALREADYknow on Apr 15, 2010 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions
They don't have to blitz
You’re really kidding yourself if you think this is a real possibility.
They may be able to maintain such an offense for a season or two but eventually they’re going to lose some players.
Arizona couldn’t hold their roster together with so much talent at the WR position.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 15, 2010 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions
plus one and those were not two first round WR's
I want the best player in the draft.
"The thing I do before every season is pretty much go find the worst thing that's said about me," Berry said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Whenever someone has something negative to say about me, I post it up in my bathroom. I look at it every day when I brush my teeth."
I advocate building a balanced team
And relying on the draft and low-key FAs to maintain the team over the years.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 15, 2010 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions
2nd rounder
Q was drafting in round 2, unless you mean Bryant Johnson (he was the first round pick the year the Cards took Q)
by Andrew Davidson on Apr 15, 2010 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
He said that one wasn't taken in the 1st
Q.
And yet the Cardinals couldn’t afford to keep both.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:28 AM PDT up reply actions
ah
a simple “lurn 2 reeed” would’ve sufficed there.
by Andrew Davidson on Apr 16, 2010 6:51 AM PDT up reply actions
The 49ers could keep that team together for at 3 seasons. Teams mostly need to rebuild or retool every 5 years so it’s not like the the 49ers would be burning their roster out faster than anyone else.
Still, I brought it up not because I like the idea but is an idea out there. I honestly think the 49ers are taking some combination of OT/Iupati with Spiller/Bryant than drafting for defense the rest of the draft.
And I don't think they'd be a good team in those three seasons anyways
VD would likely leave right away, Gore would likely be traded, the OL would still be terrible and they would have too many unproven players on offense.
Balance is key.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions
that would be
an amazing offense, Alex would have so many weapons.
at first I wasn’t a fan of drafting Dez Bryant but after watching some of his highlights I wouldn’t mind getting him.
him and Crabtree could be as great of a combo as Boldin and Fitzgerald were
by 49erEmpire on Apr 15, 2010 9:55 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t know if I believe anything that any FO/coach says about what players in the draft they are interested in or not. Especially this close to the draft.
And if they are lying, I would think FO’s around the league wouldn’t be fooled by it. Oldest trick in the book kind of thing.
Handsomeness is a burden my face has to live with. Every day.
I'd agree...
The draft is the ultimate poker game for front offices. I’d believe nothing from anyone at this point.
Saying you have no interest (especially when you have 2 1st rounders) feels like you’re trying to prevent anyone from worrying that you’ll take a player at a certain spot…either to get him at a cheaper spot (in Seattle’s case at 14 as opposed to 6) or to prevent anyone from getting nervous and jumping up between 6 and 14 for him.
That said, I wouldn’t mind Dez Bryant. Another target for Smith…an offense of Crabtree-Bryant-Davis is nice to think about.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Depends on the character concerns
In general i’d agree that you really can’t believe much at this point, but depending which organization is saying what, I think you get a better idea of it’s true or BS. If Cincy were to say they had character concerns, I’d probably wouldn’t believe it, but if someone like Parcells or Andy Reid were to say something to that effect I’d have to at least think about it for a second depending on what issues the guy had in college. I often think the most telling thing is who teams aren’t talking about. No one heard a thing about Willis unless it was specifically asked about, but everyone knew he was a guy the Niners were keying in on.
Crabtree-Bryant-Davis
You are right they would be dynamic on the field and when they are off they can throw diva parties. Of course there is the possibility that crabtree may hold out because he believes that he is a wine man and there is only beer. Bryant may be late and forget his dance shoes even though he hosted the party. Davis is just a cool dude who might show up
a little early to the party.
No on dez Bryant one crazy wr at a time.
by manraj7 on Apr 15, 2010 9:52 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I'd agree with the no
but if they went that way I wouldn’t mind….because I’d trust Coach Sing would reign him in as he did with VD.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Let him fix some other problems first. No need to give him more problems.
by manraj7 on Apr 15, 2010 10:04 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Trent Baalke: We have no problem with Dez Bryant’s character.
Translation: I sure hope someone trades up with us at 13 to get him.
by Andrew Davidson on Apr 15, 2010 6:13 PM PDT reply actions
I hope that we do not add him. I would much rather have DeMaryious Thomas, he will be a better pro.
You heard it here first.
I want the best player in the draft.
"The thing I do before every season is pretty much go find the worst thing that's said about me," Berry said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Whenever someone has something negative to say about me, I post it up in my bathroom. I look at it every day when I brush my teeth."
I thought I heard it from Mayock already
I do think that Thomas will be better than Bryant.
But I still don’t think he’ll be the best WR in this year’s draft.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 15, 2010 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
On this site, I didn't know Mayock was on this site.
I said this last year by the way.
I want the best player in the draft.
"The thing I do before every season is pretty much go find the worst thing that's said about me," Berry said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Whenever someone has something negative to say about me, I post it up in my bathroom. I look at it every day when I brush my teeth."
Last year?
Props to you, then.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 15, 2010 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Who will be the best WR in this draft?
Thomas has my vote
I want the best player in the draft.
"The thing I do before every season is pretty much go find the worst thing that's said about me," Berry said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Whenever someone has something negative to say about me, I post it up in my bathroom. I look at it every day when I brush my teeth."
I'm biased
I’m cheering for Damian Williams.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 15, 2010 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Best WR in the draft...
…Damian Williams – best route runner in the entire draft class.
Remember the names Andre Roberts, Blair White, and Marcus Easley…they may pop up as good names later on.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Hey, I'm not the only one
Good to know.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Some team's gonna hit it big in the 2nd round with Williams.
If the Niners “must” add a WR…I’d be pulling for Williams.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Same here
Although they just traded for Ginn….
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Roberts
Should be really good. I’d take him if he were around in the 5th. I remember him having a pretty good Sr Bowl. Not saying he’ll be great, but guys from millitary schools you would think have great potential because of their general intelligence and work ethic. Definitely an option for a slot receiver who can return punts. Easley seems like a raw talent who suddenly figured it out. Guys like that seem to have hidden value to them and they shine at the next level (Welker.) Not saying he has Welker’s talent, but you never know. But he’s fast and quite athletic. Blair White can play on my team any day. Not a dazzling player, but just seems like he has everything you could want in a rookie receiver. Great fundamentals, intelligent, plays at a high level, a leader. Oh yeah, and he returns punts too. Ok this is bordering on racist, but there’s something about caucasian WR’s in the NFL. Just when you think they’re not worth anything, they burn you. He’ll likely be one of them. I say we get him!
Not sold on a guy who got most of his big plays out of a heavy run offense offense
If he’s available in the late second/early third round then maybe consider grabbing him, but I’m skeptical of how good this guy really is. I really question his route running skills and ability to get open when he’s not faced with single man-to-man coverage.
I agree
Mainly because Thomas looks like he has the strength and physicality to make an immediate impact in the NFL. He’s got a little bit of hands issues, but TO did and he turned out fine. In fact he reminds me a lot of a young TO. Bryant will be a good one too though. I don’t think his off-field issues are all that major of a concern. Somewhat dumb, but not major. He’ll have to rely a bit more on fundamentals, but they’re pretty decent already. Personally I’d be ok with either one of them.
This has me thinkin Mockkk!
1a- Dez Bryant
1b- Brian Bulaga
2- Nate Allen
3- Dexter McCluster
4- Syd’Quan Thompson
5- Ciron Black
6- Traded (Ted Ginn Jr :) )
7- hmmm BPA
Haha that’s too good to be true. Bulaga won’t be at 17 unless he is busted for beating up underaged prostitutes in his meth lab in between betting on dog fights as he polishes the AK47s he illegally acquired from the Russian mafia. Or, he could commit the worst crime of all- breaking site decorum rules here at Niners Nation. All in all, let’s hope for some character flaws that hurt his draft stock!
by Rod Blogojevich on Apr 15, 2010 10:29 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
site decorum
He breaks those rules, he’s off our board!
by David Fucillo on Apr 15, 2010 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha, that makes me wonder if any NFL players ever read/post on SBNation blogs. I could see someone like Mark Roman creating an account and anonymously defending Roman’s play after reading hundreds of critical comments about his play.
Fooch: “Man, Mark Roman is bad.”
Drew K: “Agreed. Terrible.”
Ninjames: “He blew that coverage”
TheRomanWall: “Seriously? Mark Roman is the glue that holds the D together. He is a field general, and nobody gets by that guy”
by Rod Blogojevich on Apr 15, 2010 11:00 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
some do
The Raiders blog has a guy who posts during the season (I think he was a rookie safety last year). Oakland A’s pither Brad Zeigler is a part-time front page poster at Athletics Nation.
I’m trying to figure out a way to get a 49ers player to post here. I might see what I can get out of the rookie class.
by David Fucillo on Apr 15, 2010 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow
That’s awesome.
Imagine Brian Jennings posting on NN.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:32 AM PDT up reply actions
I think if Mark Roman read this board he want to kill at least a dozen of us. We hardly every say a nice thing about him here, in fact most of the time we down right cruel to Mark Roman. I like his effort, but if a 40 yr old QB is going to toss 40 yard TD pass to win the game with no time left he’s going to burn Mark Roman, it’s a guarantee.
Ram-lesberger
Anyone else hear of the rumors of Big Ben to STL for the 1st pick this year and a 1st rounder next year?
by Rod Blogojevich on Apr 15, 2010 10:30 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I'm hearing rumors that the Rams have talked to Pittsburgh about trading
and that Pittsburgh will listen to offers.
I can’t imagine that the Rams would give up two first for him though. I’d do a 1st and 3rd this year and a 2nd next year
Member of the legendary David Carr thread, 6 March 2010
Ok ya I wasn’t sure if I was imagining things with regard to the rumors or not.
I wonder how Ben would fare in an offense outside of Pittsburgh… He seems like the perfect guy to run the Steeler offense, but would be be successful in another system?
I doubt this trade happens though. Ben is just too polarizing right now, especially when STL has a chance to grab a special talent 1st overall and rebuild properly.
by Rod Blogojevich on Apr 15, 2010 10:47 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I dunno
do you go for the guy who probably will be a franchise QB, or the one that you know is a franchise QB?
Member of the legendary David Carr thread, 6 March 2010
ya thats the thing
Considering how bad the OLine and WRs in STL are, a rookie like Bradford’s growth and development could be stunted if he’s constantly under duress. Big Ben as we all know isn’t fazed by taking sacks, he doesn’t have enough brains to get affected by silly things like concussions.
Rams should just draft Suh and go for McCoy in round 2.
by Rod Blogojevich on Apr 15, 2010 10:53 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
But Ben isn't even that good.
I think Bradford will be a much better QB.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Ben has other issues to worry about
I’d rather take my chances with the unknown college QB with good character than have to worry about my franchise being under a microscope because my QB doesn’t know how to act right. Ben is pretty risky too… just as risky as the unknown college QB. Plus, as someone else mentioned, he could have to learn an entire different offense and at that point you may be stuck with the Ben we saw in ’04.
and Ben is likely to miss some games
I’m hearing a lot of people recommending he miss at least 4, some say 8-10. Did you read the police report? Dude is a freakin “big timer” and I hate that. Walkin around a bar with your junk out?
"If I were to walk down a dark alley in a bad part of town, I'd want Ray Brown with me. And if I were to have a nice dinner at a fine restaurant, I'd want Ray Brown with me." The Late Great McKittrick
Rapistberger doesn't deserve to be traded for the No.1 overall pick.
The Rams are better off with Bradford.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Agree
I hope Ben will Rape-ur-burger breaks his leg Joe Theisman style. I never wish injury on any player, but I’m making an exception here. I hope Karma bites him like Cujo.
He'll get his...
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I like the nickname
Ruthlessraper
"If I were to walk down a dark alley in a bad part of town, I'd want Ray Brown with me. And if I were to have a nice dinner at a fine restaurant, I'd want Ray Brown with me." The Late Great McKittrick
That's a good one.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Apr 16, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Seems to me ...
… there must be an element of pragmatism about Baalke’s statement that the Niners have no beef with Dez Bryant. Since receiver is arguably the last position the club would blow a first round pick on, there’s nothing to be gained from starting a row in public with a young player, especially when this time last year they were accused of doing exactly that with Matthew Stafford.
LondonNiner - member of the legendary David Carr thread, 6 March 2010.
by LondonNiner on Apr 16, 2010 12:18 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I wouldn’t say WR is the last position, P/K/LS would definitely have to be last. I’d actually be in favor of drafting bryant, but the draft would have to go in a certain way in which he would be BPA. The niners did scouting/research like every other team, they just need to stay true to their philosophy/board.
I mean listen, we're sitting here talking about practice, not a game, not a game, but we're talking about practice.
Daniel Jeremiah said it best
he said (paraphrasing) that this sums up every pre-draft presser from NFL teams: We love every player and would trade up or down to get anyone.
"If I were to walk down a dark alley in a bad part of town, I'd want Ray Brown with me. And if I were to have a nice dinner at a fine restaurant, I'd want Ray Brown with me." The Late Great McKittrick
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=5092588
"If I were to walk down a dark alley in a bad part of town, I'd want Ray Brown with me. And if I were to have a nice dinner at a fine restaurant, I'd want Ray Brown with me." The Late Great McKittrick
“Jason Pierre Paul is WOW. So athletic. He can do 15 backflips IN A ROW. Born Raider.”
by Rod Blogojevich on Apr 16, 2010 9:01 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
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