Jim Harbaugh, Quarterbacks and 2012 Draft strategy
by Andrew Davidson on Jan 7, 2011 1:33 PM PST
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PrintMaybe this is a bit of a jinx, putting up a fanpost before 3:30 PST, but I thought of how the 49ers can approach the 2011 Draft and subsequently the 2012 Draft (with the news of Harbaugh a go). With Andrew Luck sticking around for his senior season, the 49ers might want to consider making a gamble this offseason: by trading a 2011 pick for a 2012 first rounder. Perhaps the 49ers can fleece over a team looking to buy this year's second round pick that San Francisco owns.
Or maybe a team is looking to give up its 2011 First Rounder plus a 2012 First. Point is, the 49ers should aggressively pursue acquiring an extra pick in 2012's first round for obviously reasons: trading up to select Andrew Luck. This year's draft choices can be spent wisely on defensive backs and pass rushers, while next year's draft can be the Lucky one. In the meantime, perhaps signing a one or two year gapper might be enough for the team to compete, if the coaching staff is talented. Obviously the team has to prepare better and execute consistently, and I think a coaching staff is responsible for 75% of that. My point is, I think the team can hold off drafting a QB or investing in one until 2012. Maybe it wouldn't kill to have Alex Smith as a back-up, but I think Baalke has to make a statement and clean the entire QB house.
Some QBs to consider for 2011:
Chad Pennington - Ol' Noodle Arm isn't really a starting option, but I think he'd make a reliable back-up.
Kerry Collins - A bit old, a bit deteriorated, but a competitor. At the very least, a solid back-up.
Alex Smith - Maybe Baalke signs Smith to the veteran minimum. I'd be happy with that as a price for Smith.
Donovan McNabb - When If the Redskins let him go, it wouldn't hurt the 49ers to give McNabb a sniff.
Kyle Orton - Maybe Denver can be convinced to exchange the QB for a player instead of a draft pick? Parys Haralson anyone?
In my opinion, two of the three bottom guys will be on the 49ers roster in 2011. If it happens to be McNabb and Smith, I'd be comfortable with that. However, I wouldn't cry over Orton and Pennington either. Even Kerry Collins and Alex Smith could be a sneaky combo... for me to poop on. Of course, I've left off Kevin Kolb, Vince Young and any other QB that may be available this offseason. However, I don't think Kolb would be the right choice, but Vince Young in a fresh environment could be entertaining. In total, I'd say the scrap heap of QBs in 2011 isn't going to net a long term answer anyway; 2012 at least has the Luck factor. Netting a nice mid-to-late first rounder plus a 2012 first round pick for the #7 selection could be a wise investment for the future.
Which QBs do you want to see in 2011, whether it be guys I've mentioned or not. Possibly players in the 2011 draft at the QB position.
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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Don't like any of these ideas
We need to draft for now, not for a rookie QB to ride the bench learning the NFL in 2012. We have too many decent players to just blow off draft choices this year for a 1st next year.
Also, if Luck is THAT good, who in the world would trade out of the pick? So we’d essentially have to trade with a team for their 1, and give up a lot to get it, and then hope they are the worst team in football this year even with the extra picks we just gave them. Not worth the gamble.
That being said, I wouldn’t be opposed to trading Groe for a 1st rounder next year and keeping Westbrook and deveoping our other RBs. But that’s too contrversial to discuss in detail. I just think the Niners aren’t going anywhere using Gore as their only weapon. He gets injured every year. And if he were gone it would force us to develop more of a team oriented offense. That’s just the way I see it.
QBs: If the Titans release Vince Young and we can get him for money (no draft choices) with Harbaugh as the OC I think that could be an interesting choice for a coupke of years while we also teach a young QB that we draft about the NFL. Otern we’d have to give up a 3 most likely. Not a terible second option. But teams are built on draft choices. I’d hate to waste a pick unless he can get us deep into the playoffs.
I don't think you can gamble on the future
and assume that Luck will
a. be available to us
b. not be injured
c. still be the clear cut #1
If he’s still the top dog, there’s no way to guarantee we’ll get him, even with an extra pick. If there’s a QB available when we’re drafting that the scouting team believes in, take him, if there’s not, go another direction.
If you don't like Brandon Medders you're not a true fan.
Thank you
Trust me, the team who gets the #1 pick in next year’s draft will likely be drooling over Luck and I seriously doubt any package could pry him away after the year of hype and development that’s about to happen.
And I’m completely against tanking a season just to get a prospect.
Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....
by youALREADYknow on Jan 7, 2011 4:17 PM PST up reply actions
Personally I would like to see Harbaugh's
evaluation of Alex Smith before we go wild and bring in a washed up old QB. Maybe he could actually be good with decent coaching. Of the players you mentioned Orton is the only one with anything left in the tank. The others are all qualified for the geriatric ward.
by mensa on Jan 7, 2011 1:57 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Insane
Vince Young is 27!!!!!! And has Vick-like potential. What’s the alternative? And if you say Alex Smith than I won’t even respond to this. Because a) I don’t want him here. I’d rather Frank Gore be our QB. b) He doesn’t want to be here, and won’t be. c) Troy Smith vs Alex Smith? Troy’s game management skills and evasiveness and leadership skills and potential far supass Alex Smith. I’d sign him in a heartbeat. Won’t cost much. Nothing to lose.
Troy Smith???
Really?? no way in hell hes better than alex, did u happen to see what troys leadership skills and game managing skills did in his last game? Where they made him look worse than rookie in first start. Evasivness?? This one made me laugh, how many sacks did he take in his starts, waiting 5 seconds per play to throw? To top it off he totally embarrassed himself and singletary against the rams by sucking it up. I know how much people hate alex but troy smith should quit the NFL and go back to college, the only place he will ever be any good. If singletary would have kept alex against the rams, we would have been in the playoffs no doubt about it.Troy will get cut before the season starts and will be in someones practice squad. The Rams made troy who he was as far as the hype and took it right back in their last meeting.
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill shankly
+1000
I really don’t understand why anyone would prefer Troy over Alex. Look at numbers, look at strength of schedule, everything points to Alex being better.
Immaterial...
Alex already packed his shi* and left the building. I don’t think he really cares where he lands next year, but it won’t be SF.
Would be interesting to get Harbaugh’s take on Alex though… I wonder if his time with SF would have been different with Harbaugh as HC…
Oh well.. onward and upward, right?
-1
Alex hasn’t ruled out a return, and he’s the best free agent out there at this time. Harbaugh will take a long look at him, and if he didn’t it would be a mistake.
Alex did rule out a return
He was PC when he had a 49ers logo behind him, but when he was interviewed one-on-one, he said he would not consider returning.
No more mock draft sig for now...
After Sunday’s season finale, the San Jose Mercury News asked Smith if he could envision a scenario in which he could return to the 49ers in 2011.
"Are you being serious?" Smith said. "Uh . . . no."
Stolen from manraj7, with some additions:
1. Jake Locker QB Wasington 2. Jimmy Smith CB Colorado (or Best CB Available) 3. Christian Ballard DE Iowa 4a. Owen Marecic FB/ST Stanford 4b. Kai Forbath K UCLA 5. Running Back 6a. Defensive Lineman 6b. Guard or Center 7. Whatever's left!
It's been said
that he gave the PC answer when speaking with a 49ers logo behind him, and his real thoughts after the season was over.
Stolen from manraj7, with some additions:
1. Jake Locker QB Wasington 2. Jimmy Smith CB Colorado (or Best CB Available) 3. Christian Ballard DE Iowa 4a. Owen Marecic FB/ST Stanford 4b. Kai Forbath K UCLA 5. Running Back 6a. Defensive Lineman 6b. Guard or Center 7. Whatever's left!
Thank you , pay him no mind , he does this when his testosterone level is down..
… and some time’s i think he’s a racist , every Qb he want’s is as such McNabb , Troy Smith , Vince Young , Nate Davis , Campbell , T-Jax, Vick and of coarse he want’s Newton …!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
Vince Young does not have Vick-like potential
His tools have been largely overrated since college. Not as fast and doesn’t have that kind of arm.
Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....
by youALREADYknow on Jan 7, 2011 4:15 PM PST up reply actions
Insane would be V.Young in a 49ers uniform...
Vince Young? It won’t happen. Talent? Yes. Character? No. Crazy talent? Maybe yes… Just plain crazy? Most likely yes!
I can’t imagine Harbaugh wants anything to do w/that kind of diva. And Troy Smith? Just SERIOUSLY disagree that he’s any good.
The Bronco win? After the Broncos have a TD taken off the board (the fluke cut-block penalty called on the flea-flicker), he lobs a jump ball into coverage and Delanie Walker catches it between two Broncos whilst laying on his ass (the Bronco defenders jumped too early on T.Smith’s Lincecum-like changeup)Lucky win. Rams game one? Yeah, he did make some huge throws in big spots, but it was a lucky win. You don’t consistently convert 3rd and 35, or get that lucky PI call in OT… Arizona win? He did nothing special. 11 of 24 i think (AZ’s just awful). TB game? He was awful. Rams game 2? Just awful.
Like his arm, like his swagger. Don’t think he uses his speed and athleticsim to his advantage very often, doesn’t seem to “feel” pressure in the pocket well, not an accurate passer, bad feet, doesn’t sound like he exactly lives to study film and prepare (though that’s just a supposition). I’d be really surprised if Harbaugh has any interest in Troy Smith.
Alex Smith? Likely gonzo, probably best for everyone. But out of those guys he’s the one I think Harbaugh could work with…
by Sturg on Jan 7, 2011 9:34 PM PST up reply actions
At this point in time
Out of the players you mentioned Smith is better than all but Orton “in my opinion”. I didn’t say that I wanted him back as starting QB next year, I said I would like to know what Jim Harbaugh thinks of him. If thats insane then call me insane, I’m entitled to my opinion just like you are.
Ok wild idea here just as far as QBs
Redskins release McNabb and we pick him up.
Titans release Young and we pick him up.
Then we pick either a late first or early second round QB in the draft and Harbaugh starts to groom him, while having McNabb and Young to try and hold the fort. Smith in a lowball contract is also an option. We take a CB in the first of the draft and a QB in the second (as noted above). Remainder we pick up a few needed players on DL and LB and maybe even a later round RB and WR (a big guy).
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Jan 7, 2011 5:16 PM PST reply actions
Wild idea indeed!
Let me digest this: QB’s on our roster next year will be…
McNabb
V.Young
A.Smith
Rookie 2nd Rounder
McNabb and V.Young battle for PT as Alex holds a clipboard (after CHOOSING of his own free-will to come back to 49ers and his personal Hell-on-Earth in a lowball contract). Harbaugh meanwhile grooms the 2nd round QB-of-the-future even though that player’s on the practice squad running the Scout Team offense (‘cause we aren’t going to keep four QB’s on the 53-man). Miraculously, no team has swooped in to sign our 2nd-rounder even though he’s now available to all other 31 teams…
I like it! I’d type more but Giselle is bugging me to come back to bed. You know, Gisele Bündchen, Tom Brady’s wife. She left him for me… :-D
by Sturg on Jan 7, 2011 9:51 PM PST up reply actions
Where did I say anything about Alex?
Young would be a project and McNabb is our bit of insurance policy around him. Alex would not be on the team at all and was not mentioned in the post at all by me. So not sure where you got that from. Yeah going for Young would be wild, very wild I agree. We keep 3 QBs on board and McNabb pegged as the starter unless Young shows something very heavily, that Harbaugh can trust him. The QBOTF would in no way go to the PS. Again I’m still scratching my head where you read Alex in my post LOL oh I see it..sorry I should have been more clear, either McNabb and Vince or McNabb and Young, with the QBOTF on the team and being groomed by Harbaugh. Sorry I wasn’t more clear on that.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Jan 8, 2011 5:05 AM PST up reply actions
joking aside...
McNabb & V.Young, no way they co-exist on the same team in 2011. They’ll both land somewhere as starters. Someone will take a chance on them for a lot more money than the 49ers would spend… Beside the point though. I don’t see either as a guy Harbaugh would want. VY, definitely not. McNabb, probably not. And the pressure to go after a guy like that isn’t there unless the 49ers goals are more ambitious than I think they’re going to be.
The horrid NFC West enables the 49ers to start grooming a younger QB now while still being able to win the Division. If it’s win the division, I don’t think there’s much pressure on bringing in a big name vet (why I wouldn’t be shocked if A.Smith was back, or even Carr who’s very familiar w/the WCO). The NFC West sucks that much… Again, a more ambitious goal (deep in playoffs or beyond), then I think we’ll all be shocked at who they go after. I think Harbaugh will try and find a guy he likes who might be available. A Carson Palmer type, someone like that.
My crystal ball (which was clear on Harbaugh, but is fuzzy on everything else) is seeing: Josh Johnson on the roster and a drafted QB. No idea whether the drafted QB wil be early/mid/or late round… So who’s the 3rd?
Would be shocked if T.Smith is around. He’s lousy (his swagger, big arm & athleticsm don’t change that ).
Could see A.Smith back but only if Harbaugh REALLY likes him and pushes for it. Makes a certain degree of sense, but for Alex there’s literally no margin for error. He’d come in as the starter and have to play the best football of his career from day one.
Don’t see Orton or Kolb or Flynn or Shaun Hill (Shaun Hill is NOT coming back) any of these types. Very limited upside + too high a price tag for Orton or Kolb.
More likely a Matt Leinart or Brady Quinn (though not saying I like either of them). I just think there will be someone out there who’s a young QB, either familiar w/the WCO or with WCO tools who Harbaugh will believe he can groom. The 49ers won’t have to break the bank. They can still draft someone high if they like a guy, and if the Leinart or Quinn-type doesn’t work out, they’ll have a Josh Johnson and their draft pick to fall back on.
by Sturg on Jan 8, 2011 2:08 PM PST up reply actions
What I can see happening.
Trading for Josh Johnson, signing a Shaun Hill type veteran for the 3rd QB and drafting a 1st or 2nd rounder to sit behind Johnson. Harbaugh coached him in college and after watching him in Tampa it is clear there is potential there.
I believe McNabb is out and his inaccuracy will be a problem. Vince Young does not fit with Harbaugh’s presonality, I believe, while Kolb or Orton would cost too much. Also players cannot be traded for other players until after the CBA is signed.
I do not believe Alex Smith, Troy Smith or Nate Davis will return. Too many bad feelings in SF for Alex no matter what Harbaugh can do with him. Troy would be the most likely to stay, maybe as the 3rd QB, while Nate Davis is almost definately gone. Also David Carr will be cut as he is quite terrible.
by Joshuahss on Jan 7, 2011 6:41 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
+1
I think you’re absolutely right about Josh Johnson. I think it’s one of the first things Harbaugh does, assuming the Bucs are willing to let him go. I am sort of arfraid that they will ask for a #2 pick, which is too much imo. Same with Kolb or Orton. I think it would definitely take at least a number two pick to get either of those guys. McNabb is too old and I thought he was always a little overrated. Vince Young is a trainwreck.
I actually wouldn’t mind if they brought back Alex as long as his contract was for one year and no more. Troy is better than Carr but I think Troy is absolutely terrible. I don’t really want to see either of those guys back. It might be interesting to see what Harbaugh thinks of Nate Davis, but it looks like Baalke has turned the page on him.
I don’t really want to see us stretch with our first round pick on a QB and I was just reading an article saying that most of the QB’s behind Luck were probably late first round to second round material. I hope we trade something third round or lower (or one of our players worth a third round) for Josh Johnson, sign either Alex Smith or Shaun Hill to a one year deal, and get a second round QB. That is sort of my ideal situation. Of course, I’m so in love with Harbaugh right now I’ll think whatever he does would be a great idea.
I'd trade for Josh...
if it was a 4 and not anything higher. Can’t see giving up a 2 or 3 for him.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Jan 8, 2011 5:06 AM PST up reply actions
I think with Harbaugh in the equation, Niners fans could take Alex for another year.
He’s a fine QB, nothing special, but fine. His main problem with fans is his past with the Niners and our frustration with the team, especially since our coaches keep using him as a scapegoat for their ineptitude. I sincerely wish we could keep him for another year, because we don’t have a better option. I think Harbaugh knows that. But another team will likely scoop him up. For my part, I’d like Orton on the Niners. Anybody know if Volek will be available?
I think we all need to move on from that era,
But no one can blame Alex for the last six years of loss and mediocrity. That falls squarely on the shoulders of the coaching staff. We need to face where we are now, and who is the best option moving forward. With a (hopefully) entirely new staff and a fresh start, Alex could be our best option. All I’m saying is that it’s really a bad idea to let our best options go because of past opinions and serious QB scapegoating.
It wasn't just the coaching staff
Sorry, but Alex’s failure wasn’t just crappy coaching staffs. The guy’s been around for 5 years and yes he’s had 5 or 6 different OCs, but shouldn’t there be a point, after 5 years, that he starts playing like a QB, making smart decisions, winning close games, winning big games, and showing a little bit of moxie and leadership. I mean, how many times did Alex deliver on a consistent basis. You can’t blame the carousel of coaches because one week Alex would throw for 280 yards, 3 TDs and no picks (can’t really do that if you don’t understand the offense) and come back out the next week and act like it was his first ever start. He knew the offense, regardless of which offense they were running. Sorry but that is also part of being an NFL QB…being smart, learning the offense, watching film, making good decisions, etc. Alex Smith has raw skills, but he does not have the smarts to be an NFL QB. I wish people would stop making excuses for Alex Smith and get rid of him.
Why not make a case for David Carr. What’s his problem? Oh, he was the 1st draft pick for an expansion team that forgot to draft an offensive line also. He put up good numbers in Houston (didn’t play much in Carolina) but because the team was new and young, he set an NFL record for QB sacks in a season and once he left Houston, he was labeled for life as not a good QB. I’m not really making a case for David Carr, I’m just comparing Carr to Smith. If we blame everyone else for Alex Smith sucking, why don’t we blame Houston for David Carr sucking? Because David Carr actually sucks…so does Alex Smith. So please people stop trying to make a case for Alex Smith!
Volek
All I hear with that name is…
‘We Want Carr!’
ugh!
I say we keep Alex
as a backup (which I am sure he would be content doing, he has already taken a pay cut to stay on the team) for his entire career, go after the Josh Johnson option (it can be done). No need go after any 1st round QB at all, lets us fill other gaps. Harbaugh wasn’t signed as HC to win the SB next year (as much as I would like it or think that ultimately) give 2-3 years for an serious SB run with hopes of another dynasty build happening too.
Agree...
I’d like to see what Harbaugh could do with Alex. Unfortunately, I think there is too much bad blood in SF for Smith to stick around. I think he’ll leave by choice, even if the 9ers want him back…
Perhaps...
but I feel the problem was Sing the past couple years. As much as many people slam Alex, he is 110% a class act professional and he deserves imo to be a Niner for life if possible.
Yep
I’ve been accused of being an Alex Smith apologist., but I just don’t see how any reasonable person can say he’s had a fair shake. He’s really been through the NFL equivalent of Dante’s Inferno… It just seemed that everything was stacked against him…
Though I like the idea of Harbaugh bringing in a WCO system and seeing what Alex can do in camp… cut him if you hate him after that, but let Alex be Alex…. not some “power running team” QB. He’s not that… and THAT is where Sing failed him.
Alex Smith has ZERO intention on being a career backup...
He might be…but he sees himself leading teams to Super Bowls at this point. And he took a paycut to stay because he knew he would START eventually (Shaun Hill? A nice player but his tools are soooo limited, no one will ever peg him as “the guy”. Alex new that when he re-signed two years ago).
by Sturg on Jan 8, 2011 2:13 PM PST up reply actions
Draft Jake Locker, I think he has similar skill sets to Andrew Luck. Coach Harbaugh should be able to groom him into a very good qb as he did with Luck. Locker should be there when the niners pick.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jan 7, 2011 10:40 PM PST reply actions
+1 on getting Locker because I think he can improve a lot,
but I’m not sure what you mean about similar skill sets. He’s not very accurate, and seems to be a very different style of QB. Of course I haven’t watched much college ball, so I may be wrong on that.
Keeping Alex Smith...
I’d rather see Alex behind center than any of this years QB class. Quite frankly none of them impress me that they’ll be an NFL starter without a year or two of work from the bench.
I think Newton is more Troy Smith than Mike Vick or Vince Young, and we already have a Troy Smith and are probably considering not having a Troy Smith.
Locker is a huge question mark. He tries to do too much by himself but he doesn’t have much choice. His completion percentage sucks but it’s hard when your wideouts can’t get open and have stonehands. So you really don’t know what you are getting. Whoever drafts him will have to watch alot of film and play alot of “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” games, but then how can you fairly judge him against the other prospects?
Mallet probably has the biggest upside. I hate his footwork, and there are character concerns but man does he have an arm… and his accuracy is probably the best out of this years class. Still something about him makes me dislike him.
But new regimes usually mean new QB’s. If everyone from the FO on down to Harbaugh wants to have a fresh start I doubt they’ll try to keep Alex.
If I’m Baalke I probably pass on QB in the first round… I think all of them have huge bust potential… if I’m going to draft a project I try to take him in the second and let him sit behind a “just for now” guy for a year.
No Thanks
He would just take Harbaugh down with him
Here's money for a cab. Now entering sleep mode. beep beep beep zzzzzzzzz
Not saying Alex Smith is good...
…but Nolan and Sing and the 49ers brass took him down, not the other way around. Aaron Rodgers would not be “Aaron Rodgers” if he’d found himself playing immediately in this nightmare-of-an-organization.
(…thank god harbaugh is here…)
by Sturg on Jan 8, 2011 2:18 PM PST up reply actions
Smith Won't Take Harbough Down with Him for One Reason
He won’t be here. Thank God.
Please get me out of Alex Smith hell. The guy loses big games, and, by the way, before he got benched and booed, were all of his league leading 9 interceptions deflected?
DOESN’T ANYONE REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO WATCH THIS GUY BLOW A BIG GAME?
JEEEZ.
I also agree that I don’t think there’s a great QB coming out of college this year. My more radical suggestion is to NOT draft a QB in the first 4 rounds. Get players that can help us this year. We’re not a deep team. And we need a CB, RG, OLB, and safety. Maybe a center too if Bass leaves and Heitman isn’t fully recovered. Too many holes to fill to wates a pick gambling on a QB that’s going to sit all year.
Dennis Dickson for a 4th rounder? Steelers probably aren’t that dumb. But that could be worth a shot.
Problem is....
We just don’t have the resources to bring in a veteran stopgap, draft a QB of the future, and fix our secondary.
We have to chose 2 of those 3.
We can’t get a QB worth having without giving up a 2nd. There several guys we could get for a 3rd, but how many of them are better than anything we already have? I can’t think of one. Everybody in the NFL knows this is a weak QB class, and won’t be willing to part with their veteran backups for cheap.
If we give up a 2nd, we either have to take a QB with our first and wait until the 3rd or later to help our secondary.. but all the sure starters will be gone and we’ll be drafting a nickel back… or we take a CB with our first and have to wait until the 3rd to draft our project QB… which again… in a weak QB draft we’d be taking the 6th to 10th best QB in a weak class.
And nobody is going to give us anything for Alex because he’s a FA, and nobody will give us anything for Troy because he’s probably going to be cut unless he’s just filling out #3 on the depth chart.
Kyle Orton FTW
The guy has sick skills, is brave, completes passes under pressure, is accurate and can throw all the routes in the WCO. He’s also a really nice guy. I don’t think we would have to give up too much to get Denver to trade him now they are infatuated with Tebow. They could take Alex or Troy plus a second round draft pick.
Kyle Orton has "sick skills?"
uhhh…no he doesn’t.
no speed. limited arm strength. limited agility. doesn’t close games (McDaniels is still in Denver if Orton can engineer drives to win games at the end). Reminds me of another nice guy and Denver Bronco QB…
Steve DeBerg.
by Sturg on Jan 8, 2011 2:24 PM PST up reply actions
Harbaugh's first agenda: find the right QB
and second one is to trade/replace Nate Clements.
Getting the right QB to run the West coast offense is gonna be important for Harbaugh era. Outside of Orton, the other QB’s mentioned is just a bad idea. I’d sign Jeff Garcia as our backup QB since he knows the West coast offense. Cut David Carr and Release Alex Smith. Troy Smith warrants a come back to compete for the starting QB next season and another shot to learn the whole offense.
Of the QB rookie prospects, I think Matt Barkley or Jake Locker should be our pick whenever we decide to draft a QB. Locker was one of the top 5 QB prospect before having a bad year this year. Harbaugh and Niners offensive talents should remedy that.
trading Nate
will be impossible, the backloaded years of his contract are looming. It would be a release if anything, if there’s not a salary cap in the new CBA, the team might consider keeping him. With a new Cap, he’s a goner, and untradable.
by Andrew Davidson on Jan 9, 2011 7:50 AM PST up reply actions
Alex Smith
Alex will get far more than a minimal contract as a FA. There are several teams for which he can be compete for starting QB. He is garbaged here, but not across the NFL.
Matt Leinart...yeah I said it!!!
He threw about 70% in the preseason and is accuratr on short passes. Harbaugh will implement the West Coast Offense and we need a QB that can deliver the ball fast. Leinart is an under center, pocket passer and the Cards would have won the division if they had kept him. Alex and Leinart need a new start somewhere. Harbaugh could draft a QB and groom him as a guy like Leinart plays now. Other than his second year in the leauge, he hasn’t had a chance to start.
Agree...to a degree (btw, Jesus wouldn't have QB'd the Cards to a Div. Title this year)
I imagine Harbaugh WILL look at Leinart… 49ers were going to draft him instead of A.Smith had he come out in 2005. Baalke was in charge of West Coast scouting at that time, right?
Question on Leinart is more of character/leadership than it is of ability. He’s definitely WCO QB, his lack of a “big” arm not a huge factor in Harbaugh’s system. And his “bust” label is far from deserved. Decent rookie year w/Dennis Green. Coaching change, injury, then Kurt Warner goes Hall-of-Fame crazy and Leinart grabs a clipboard.
Has Leinart proved he can play by his 2010 preseason or anything he’s done since 2006? No, of course not. But has he proven that he CAN’T play? No. He’s definitely got ability. I think he’s a guy w/confidence issues. Once he gets it rolling, he can be VERY good. Question is whether of not he can ever get his confidence back.
Also, is he a d-bag who hangs w/Backstreet Boyz, Paris Hilton, and 18-year co-eds in his hot-tub while getting drunk (and isn’t smart enough to keep it on the DL), or were those simply mistakes made by a young kid w/a lot of money and opportunity? Who knows. Whisenhunt didn’t like him (obviously) and P.Papadakis…don’t give him started on Leinart.
by Sturg on Jan 8, 2011 4:48 PM PST up reply actions
Holy Moses NO!
We are trying to get better, not worse.
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
We need inVINCEable Young
He may be a head case, he may not, but the fact of the matter is that he will be the best available QB around to make the 2011-’12 SF 49ers a better team.
My proposal would be:
Vince Young (starter)
Colin Kaepernick (draft 2nd round)
David Carr (since he is still under contract and 3rd string doesn’t usually see any action anyhow)
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
I don't know about David Carr
it was a horror show when he actually had to take the field in 2010, as reluctant as the coaching staff was to put him in, and even as a third QB I don’t see the point in keeping a guy you never want to see take the field.
Vince Young would be like gambling on Michael Vick. If Jim Harbaugh can coach up a QB, then Vince Young could have a 2.0 remix in his future. As for drafting a QB in round 2, can’t say I hate it. For competitive purposes in camp, I think I’d want the team to have a more capable third QB than Carr.
by Andrew Davidson on Jan 9, 2011 7:55 AM PST up reply actions
If you get down to your 3rd string QB, you're pretty screwed anyhow.
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
brilliant idea
And keep in mind that Matt Barkley could declare too and he seems like a good QB too…
Alex Smith? Really?
I can’t believe you actually put Alex Smith on the list of QB’s for consideration. Then the comment you put…“Maybe Baalke signs Smith to the veteran minimum. I’d be happy with that as a price for Smith.” Alex’s contract was restructured a couple of years ago and he wasn’t making much more than league minimum just to stay on the team and “finish what he started.” Resigning Alex to now be our “transition” QB would stupid. It’s time for him to move on and the 49ers to move on.
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