49er Personel Strategy (in a nutshell)

Rookies are fun to project as starters, and it actually happened with Michael Crabtree because our WR core was so lousy. But the interesting emerging monsters are the 2nd and 3rd year players who have (hopefully) matured physically and mentally, and refined their skill sets when we look for the new starters (or reliable regulars in nickel and dime packages) of 2010. RJF is a possible, as are Kentwan Balmer, Smith, and Taylor on the defensive side. On the offensive side, the FB position seems to be up for real competition (is Miller ready?) and RT is a black hole so we all are waiting to see how good the new improved Alex Boone really is. If Ginn is good enough to play substantial passing downs in the slot, that is another opportunity for someone other than a rookie to step up for substantial minutes.

I agree with what you said completely.
I think we are reaping the benefits of the Singletary Effect, his ability to motivate and mentor players and help them reach their potential.

Two players I’d like to see the Niners consider for this year:
Marshawn Lynch and Fred Smoot

I think Marshawn needs a change of scenery and would fit in well on the Niners, the culture can absorb him and bring out his best, and his ability would be great, especially when you consider that Frank Gore is normally out for two to three games a season.
When you factor in ages and relative wear and tear, I think Lynch is a great fit on the team, and could probably be had for David Baas, Barry Sims, Glenn Coffee or a 4th round pick.

Fred Smoot is almost three years younger than Dre Bly, and is a starting caliber NFL cornerback. If you look at his size and weight, he is likely to have two to three years left as a starting caliber CB. If Singletary is okay with bringing him on board, I’m okay with it. He is also a good candidate for the CB to FS transition down the road, ala Lott and Woodson.

Both of these guys look good to me, I think they would be great fits from a personnel perspective, addressing team needs. But I say this with the caveat that Sing needs to sign off on them coming, prior to a signing.

…but he is absolutely the best “father figure” head coach of which I’m aware, the coach who’s able to take some of these troubled young men and enlighten them on their current lot in life, the crossroads at which they now find themselves, and the steps necessary to take the fork in the road that we all hope these troubled souls take…

We also have a terrific locker room dynamic… our leaders are the positive, work and success oriented players on the roster who serve as wonderful role models and mentors for the others. As Coach said not too long ago, we’re on the verge of something special around here…

Know their strengths and know their weak areas, and act accordingly.

Good assessment J! I am looking forward to Mays getting after it!

First time posting.

So, if Lynch could be had for cheap, that’s an idea, but I don’t think we’d get him for a 5th and (a cup of) Coffee. That said, if Iupati and Davis work out the way they should, it won’t matter as much who’s running the ball, we’ll still pick up yards.

I want the Jets to keep pissing off Revis Island; add that guy to our defense, we’re talking top 3, and just being able to smother people come the post-season.

but it would be nice to get someone significantly above average in there, and while Dowling will probably be a nice player, corners are a lot better year 2 than they are year 1, and the position needs an upgrade sooner than that.

And, we could save a lot of money by ditching Nate Clements if we found someone else worth paying. I can’t believe we temporarily made him the highest paid CB in the NFL.

People seem high on Dixon; I really hope he impresses, cause Coffee does not.

Is it football season yet?