49ers OT Joe Staley: Smaller, Quicker, Better?

by David Fucillo on Jun 15, 2011 10:00 AM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

The 49ers wrapped up their minicamp last week at San Jose State University and one of the more interesting stories dealt with how the offensive line as a whole was looking to be in excellent shape. Most notably, we heard Anthony Davis hired a personal strength coach and Adam Snyder and Joe Staley were back down closer to their college weight. It remains to be seen how it all translates on the field, but the word passed on by the beat writers is pretty interesting.

Last Saturday, Matt Barrows put together a player-by-player review of the participants in the "Camp Alex" minicamp. I found his comments about Joe Staley to be intriguing:

T Joe Staley. Staley also is right around 300 pounds, which is what he weighed as a rookie out of Central Michigan. Staley tried getting heavier in recent years but felt he lost quickness in doing so. His foot speed has returned this offseason. The difference between now and when he was a rookie, Staley said: He's a lot stronger.

Joe Staley's performance elicits a wide range of opinions here. Personally I view him as definitely not a bad offensive tackle but a guy who is still on the uphill climb to reaching his potential. Could a slightly smaller, but quicker and still strong version Staley be what helps him take his game to the next level?

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One can only hope

"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"

by manraj7 on Jun 15, 2011 10:13 AM PDT reply actions

As long as he's getting stronger, more muscular, then it's good

he needs speed/agility but also power to hold a bull rush and lead block

The NFL/Players are dragging me down. Sad thing is: they know I'll always keep coming back.
I just Twitter'd that

by Tre9er on Jun 15, 2011 10:15 AM PDT reply actions

I'd take my Tackle getting beaten by a bull rush over being beaten clean off the edge any day

The hit is less devastating to the QB because he’s at least partially blocked.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jun 15, 2011 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

saying if he's just lean but can't stop any bull rush or lead block, that's not helping anyone

he might as well play TE then

The NFL/Players are dragging me down. Sad thing is: they know I'll always keep coming back.
I just Twitter'd that

by Tre9er on Jun 16, 2011 6:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Stating the obvious, perhaps

But that O-line is going to be key, and Staley is going to be the biggest part of it. He’ll need to keep Alex on his feet however he can.

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by OnDeck_Matt on Jun 15, 2011 10:47 AM PDT reply actions

Enjoying the Heck outta this "buzz"

New, good and knowledgeable coaches, new schemes in all three phases; O Linemen getting lighter, quicker, stronger; expressing dedication by flying in just for one day to work out; going extra mile hiring strength coaches, etc., etc adds to the buzz that we will have an exciting year of football. And, finally some optimism on the lockout. Whoa!

by ninernutt on Jun 15, 2011 10:48 AM PDT reply actions