2011 NFL Draft: Stanford Hosts Pro Day Featuring Owen Marecic

by David Fucillo on Mar 17, 2011 5:00 PM PDT in NFL Draft

Today's 2011 NFL Pro Days are arguably focused on the work of Blaine Gabbert at Missouri. However, just down the road from the 49ersthe Stanford Cardinal conducted their Pro Day. The Cardinal have some notable draft eligible players including Sione Fua and Ryan Whalen. However, today's focus would appear to have been fullback Owen Marecic. Fua only conducted a broad jump and vertical jump, but Marecic took part in a variety of drills.

It should not be surprising that the 49ers had a sizable contingent of coaches on hand for the Pro Day. Vico Fangio, Greg Roman, Tim Drevno, and Tom Rathman were all at the practice. Apparently Jim Harbaugh was in Missouri for Blaine Gabbert's Pro Day. That makes sense given the QB need, and Rathman would seem perfectly qualified to observe and talk with Marecic. According to Barrows, Marecic and Rathman chatted for over thirty minutes after the workout.

Marecic has been discussed as a fit for the west coast offense, and he would seem to be on the 49ers radar in some form. Assuming the 49ers don't make any trades in the upcoming draft, how high would you be willing to draft Marecic? This isn't a question of where they could get him, but rather it's simply how high you would draft Marecic in April?

Poll

What is the highest round you'd select Owen Marecic?

1st

26 votes

2nd

11 votes

3rd

132 votes

4th

317 votes

5th

140 votes

6th

49 votes

7th

3 votes

Undrafted Free Agency

13 votes

No draft, no UDFA

2 votes

693 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I’d take Marecic in the 4th at the highest. Good lead blocker, athletic, can be a special teams ace, and emergency LB if need be. Good versitility.

And most importantly, we don’t have to watch Norris anymore.

I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
And Harbamania. And the San Francisco Giants 2010 World Series season.

by Hoopers Judge on Mar 17, 2011 5:07 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

Yup

4th is the highest any team should spend on a FB.

by smileyman on Mar 17, 2011 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions

The sites that rank all available prospects are pretty far apart on Marecic ...

Draft Tek has him ranked at #95 (meaning round 3-4), which, IMO, is somewhat too high. NFLDraftScout has him ranked at #161 (round 4-5), which is probably too low. IMO he’s a fourth round pick and I’ve selected him with the second of our two fourth-round picks in my mock.

The only other FB I like in the draft is Charles Clay of Tulsa. You guessed it, the sites can’t get together on him either … Draft Tek has him at #208 and NFLDraftScout has him at #121, ahead of Marecic.

I think that we’d be fine with either one of these guys … both are better than Norris by a bunch. I’d prefer Marecic because he knows Harbaugh’s system, he’s a special teams demon, and is very versitile. Since he’s very intelligent I can see Rathman being able to mold him into a very good player.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Mar 17, 2011 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I’d take him in the 6th, at most. It’s not that he wouldn’t be a good fit for the team, but just don’t see anyone picking him up before then. There are plenty other positions we need. Why waste a 4th or 5th round pick?

by McTee on Mar 17, 2011 5:21 PM PDT reply actions

A good FB can make a huge difference in your running game.

I still think he’ll be available to us in the 5th, but I’d go as high as a 4th for him.

by smileyman on Mar 17, 2011 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions

This is so true , about the Fb position of coarse we haven't had a good one in awhile

.. but flash back to the Rathman and Bar none day’s and you’ll see the true nature of how a full back is used …!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Mar 17, 2011 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Totally agree

Look at the contribution that Kuhn made to Green Bay. We had absolutely no production here last year so this is a position where instant improvement can be made.

wait til next year!

by Jaxson876 on Mar 17, 2011 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

but I also think our running game is the least of our needs at present. We need at least 4 good picks for the defensive side, not to mention a QB project or two. Might consider the 5th round, but only if he was the best available for our needs.

by McTee on Mar 17, 2011 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I think you're right, we'd have a good chance of getting Marecic with our fifth round pick, but ...

I’ve kind of been saving that fifth-round pick for COPRB Derrick Locke of Kentucky … IMO he is the most versitile of the COPs except for Rodgers, and Quizz will go much higher in the draft. So, I’ve got Marecic in the late fourth and Locke in the fifth.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Mar 17, 2011 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions

FB

I would much prefer a FB that can do more than block, I’ve seen enough of that with Norris. I just don’t think that Marecic is much of a threat as a runner or pass receiver so at most he might be worth a 6th round pick but I would prefer him as a FA if anything.

There's always such
A big temptation
To be good, To be good
There's always free cheddar in
A mousetrap, baby
It's a deal, it's a deal

by Black47 on Mar 17, 2011 5:29 PM PDT reply actions

can he even block anymore?

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Mar 17, 2011 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions

voted 6th.

there are just too many decent FB options in this draft to spend a higher pick than that.

i wouldn’t even have gone that high if it weren’t for his Special Teams potential.

We don't need 8 in the box. We have 52 in the box.

by these3words on Mar 17, 2011 5:44 PM PDT reply actions

I'd go up to a 3rd.

If turns out to be anything like a Rathman, it would be well worth it to us. Look at what Rathman did as a Fullback for us.

Jay Cruise
Chuck Norris Gym Zeolit Arthritis Remedies

by wellnesscoach on Mar 17, 2011 6:04 PM PDT reply actions

s t r e t c h

armstrong

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Mar 17, 2011 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions

I think 4th round, where we pick, would make sure we get him.

Rathman would love this kid.

by DeathValleyCarl on Mar 17, 2011 6:08 PM PDT reply actions

4th

and lol we kinda talked about it already… but yeah this kid is a great player, big heart and smart too.

by Xan101 on Mar 17, 2011 6:18 PM PDT reply actions

You refuse to learn. We don’t want smart guys. We need big dumb jocks that need help tying their shoes. Hey Mongo! Hit that guy! Catch the ball. Run fast Mongo, run fast

by mcwagner on Mar 17, 2011 6:28 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

4th

Don’t the Niners have two 4th-round picks?

Alaska is a state, dammit! Can I get a Niner game on TV up here?

by kinglouie33 on Mar 17, 2011 6:25 PM PDT reply actions

yes

THE MOCK DRAFT SIG RETURNS! (v3.0)
1. Patrick Peterson CB LSU 2. Jake Locker QB Washington OR Christian Ponder QB Florida State 3. Brooks Reed OLB Arizona (or Best OLB Available) 4a. Sione Fua DE/NT Stanford 4b. Owen Marecic FB/LB Stanford 5. Terrence Toliver WR LSU 6a. Alex Henrey K/P Nebraska 6b. Derrick Locke RB Kentucky 7. Tyrod Taylor QB Virginia Tech

Drafted QB can start, or (better option) we can pick up someone like Carson Palmer, Matt Hasselbeck, or Donovan McNabb for a year or two.

by See Jay on Mar 17, 2011 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions

wait...

I’m surprised that a bunch of the coaches were at the pro day – specifically the ex-stanford coaches…why would they need to be? didn’t they pay attention last season(s)

by foosball4949 on Mar 17, 2011 6:44 PM PDT reply actions

Rathman is a carryover from last season

and he coaches the running backs.

Drafted QB can start, or (better option) we can pick up someone like Carson Palmer, Matt Hasselbeck, or Donovan McNabb for a year or two.

by See Jay on Mar 17, 2011 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions

yeah

I meant besides him and the other non stanford ones

by foosball4949 on Mar 18, 2011 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

I voted 4th

We have two picks… one of them needs to be this guy. Fills a position of need, versatile, and a solid character.

Drafted QB can start, or (better option) we can pick up someone like Carson Palmer, Matt Hasselbeck, or Donovan McNabb for a year or two.

by See Jay on Mar 17, 2011 6:53 PM PDT reply actions

solid player.

He’s a solid guy where you know what you’re getting with him. Third round highest. I actually would prefer Corday Clark of McNeese St. He’s faster and more versatile for the WC offense.

by gifts_and_curses on Mar 17, 2011 7:15 PM PDT reply actions

Stanley Havili would also fit

wait til next year!

by Jaxson876 on Mar 17, 2011 8:48 PM PDT reply actions

So we have

1 1st
1 2nd
1 3rd
2 4ths
1 5th
1 6th
3 7ths

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work." - Thomas Edison

"I may be an idiot, but one thing I'm not sir, is an idiot." - Peter Griffin

by mikeinsp on Mar 17, 2011 9:04 PM PDT reply actions

No. Two 6th and two 7ths.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Mar 17, 2011 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions

With 2 Siths, we definitely take Darth Maul and a fullback

Sorry…I’m tired

by FanBelge on Mar 18, 2011 1:36 AM PDT up reply actions

there are always two sith

Be ready young padiwan

by Andrew9erfan on Mar 18, 2011 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Here we go...

So, who is whom in the NFL? Who is Darth Vader? Luke? Uh…Leia? Chewbacca? Han Solo?

Alaska is a state, dammit! Can I get a Niner game on TV up here?

by kinglouie33 on Mar 18, 2011 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions

with the chance of no free agency...

We may need to draft a FB in the mid rounds. We sure as hell can’t have Norris back there again.

by wtlichens on Mar 17, 2011 9:07 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

Norris was a crucial part of the Lion's dominant running game in 09

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Mar 17, 2011 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions

and yet in 2010...

He moved like “robot” from lost in space.

by wtlichens on Mar 17, 2011 10:00 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

And Norris helped contribute immensely to the Lions 0-16 season (he was a Lion in 2008).

I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
And Harbamania. And the San Francisco Giants 2010 World Series season.

by Hoopers Judge on Mar 17, 2011 10:13 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

The only thing the Lions dominate are sports follies

by mcwagner on Mar 17, 2011 10:18 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

if norris and dominant run game together

don’t indicate sarcasm then I don’t know what could

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Mar 17, 2011 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm sure the line and running back had nothing to do with it.

It was all Moran. Gore did just fine when he wasn’t on the team with a suspect line.

by wtlichens on Mar 17, 2011 10:32 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I think your sarcasm meter is broken

by smileyman on Mar 17, 2011 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions

very broken

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Mar 18, 2011 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions

He was on a dominant run game in ’06

by mcwagner on Mar 17, 2011 10:39 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

2006 was so long ago.

Why don’t we bring back four time superbowl winner Joe Montana while we’re at it. Norris is NOT a west coast back. He is a casualty of a better team or.. Just bring back Zach Keasey.He was FB the last time Gore made pro bowl.

by wtlichens on Mar 17, 2011 10:54 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

of Michael Robinson...

Who was good on special teams but gained inches on 3rd and feet.

by wtlichens on Mar 17, 2011 11:00 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

3rd

I mainly say this b/c of all the nothings we’ve received in the draft lately. This guy won’t have much of a learning curve do to the harbs relatinship. He would by far be the most versitle guy on the squad. Instent starter. Smartest player harbs has ever coach. All around stud. FB/LB/ST

by david w gibson on Mar 17, 2011 9:24 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

FB can also be a bigtime receiver

The qualities of Havilli are interesting. He was USC’s go to receiver over several seasons. In a WC offense this is dynamite. I think many are under estimating how important a FB as an offensive weapon is.
Here are common ratings for FB:
1 Charles Clay Tulsa
2 Owen Marecic Stanford
3 Henry Hynoski Pittsburgh
4 Stanley Havilli USC
5 Patrick DiMarco South Carolina

by oldfoggy on Mar 17, 2011 10:16 PM PDT reply actions

Careful about Havili ... he's had a fairly serious injury. Marecic or Clay are the guys.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Mar 17, 2011 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions

I would like to get Marecic and Sione Fua. Which round would Fua go?

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Mar 17, 2011 10:34 PM PDT reply actions

marecic's value

is more than just physical or technical. you look at a guy who played lb and fb, and you have to understand the mental toughness it takes to have that endurance, the intelligence to understand that much of the game, and the heart to fight that hard for your team.

i really can’t see the niners thinking of any other fb besides marecic, bc none of them have those kinds of intangibles. so it should be round 3-4 for marecic, 6 or 7 or fa for anyone else.

by whanson on Mar 18, 2011 2:26 AM PDT reply actions