Ray McDonald, Isaac Sopoaga & Ricky Jean-Francois: How Do You Utilize Them?

by David Fucillo on Jun 24, 2011 12:01 PM PDT in 49ers Roster

One of the many storylines facing the 49ers heading into the eventual return of free agency is what will happen with Aubrayo Franklin. We've discussed it quite a bit but I think the personnel decisions along the defensive line could prove as important to the defense as just about any other decision. Although 3-4 defensive linemen don't always put up monster stats (Justin Smith somewhat excluded from this discussion), the line plays a key role in opening holes for linebackers to make plays. It's essential the 49ers do not screw up their defensive line decisions in the next few weeks.

The two big decisions on the line are in the form of expected unrestricted free agents Aubrayo Franklin and Ray McDonald. Recently Ray McDonald made it very clear that he was looking to use free agency to find a situation where he could land a starting role. A day later, Matt Maiocco posted about how there's a good chance he could land a starting role with the 49ers.

McDonald finished 2010 second to Justin Smith in quarterback pressures. While he did not grab any sacks, in pass rush situations he was able to get in the quarterback's face with some consistency. While the pass rushing skills are huge, does that extend out to a starting role?

It will be interesting to see what exactly would convince McDonald to return to the 49ers. If Franklin walks, the 49ers would be left with Isaac Sopoaga, Ricky Jean-Francois, and Ray McDonald, with the possibility of a returning Demetric Evans. If Harbaugh, Fangio and Tomsula could convince McDonald to return to compete for a starting role, does RJF become a sort of utility defensive lineman? A guy who could fill in at both nose tackle and defensive end?

Conceivably they could go with Smith-Sopoaga-McDonald on first and second down. Then, when they switch into any sort of four down linemen defense, they could add in RJF inside with Sopoaga. Of course, they could also add in Aldon Smith, giving them a variety of options.

How would you utilize Ice/RJF/McDonald if Aubrayo Franklin left?

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Best Case IMO

I think RJF may have enough experience at the position to be named starting NT. It should come down to McDonald & Soap battling it out for the starting DE position & maybe the former wins the spot w/Soap being the rotational guy at DE & NT.

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by Mangoman on Jun 24, 2011 1:19 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

best case scenario

of course smith, rjf, mcdonald. Soap is a good solid player but has never really wow’d me personally. For claiming and having incredible strength, I would imagine his bullrush skills would be phenomenal. Unfortunately hasn’t worked that way. Now I know that 3-4 lineman don’t put up the best numbers or create the most havoc, which is exactly why I would go with the potential of mcdonald.

by texasniner06 on Jun 24, 2011 2:32 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

from the maiocco artilce sound like franklin is as good as gone

comes down that the niners need to sign 3 lineman for next year

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jun 24, 2011 5:46 PM PDT reply actions

Let Franklin walk, resign McDonald, start left to right McDonald, Sopoaga, J. Smith. Sign Blaine Sumner as a college free agent. The depth would then be, left to right, Will Tukuafu, Blaine Sumner, R.G.F. That would be pretty good depth I would think.

by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jun 24, 2011 7:28 PM PDT reply actions

Sounds good to me.

"Moving Forward."

by L. J on Jun 24, 2011 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Right on! That's the way that I see it. Except ...

I WOULD try to keep Franklin IF HE WILL SIGN FOR A REASONABLE PRICE. If not … gone.
Without Franklin, as starters, I see no other realistic option than Smith, Sopoaga, McDonald … not thrilled, but what other choice?
I for one will be pissed if the Niners do not sign UFA Blaine Sumner and his CSM teammate DE Marc Schiechl when free agents can be signed.
Love to see Will Tukuafu (who has added about 20 pounds this offseason) get more opportunities at DE, sharing time with McDonald.
Sorry, I guess that I’m the only guy that feels this way, but I just don’t see RJF ever being more than an “adequate backup.” Love the guy as a human being, but I just don’t see the strength or speed needed to excel.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jun 25, 2011 8:14 AM PDT up reply actions