49ers Undrafted Free Agent Signings Advantage: Jim Harbaugh The Recruiter?

by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 6:15 AM PDT in 2011 49ers Free Agents

With official free-agent signings starting today for all rookies - drafted and undrafted - there's sure to be some competition between teams for the most coveted players of the undrafted variety. Yesterday it was noted that the new CBA has limitations on the amount of signing-bonus money teams can spend on undrafted free-agents (UDFA's). Reportedly this number was capped at $75,000 total per team to spend on ALL UDFA signing bonuses.

The problem this creates is separating the teams who just want a guy as camp-fodder versus the team who sees something in a prospect...a team who wants the guy to stick-around. In the past agents could help figure out which was which via the signing bonuses offered to players. If Team A was offering a $2,500 SB versus Team B offering $20,000...it became clear who thought more highly of a prospect.

With the $75k cap on SB's, teams will have to work harder to convince a player they have "plans" for him on their team. This is one area where I feel like Jim Harbaugh may have an advantage due to his experience recruiting players at the college level. Sure, other coaches have been college recruiters as well, but Harbaugh is fresh-off the gig and we've all heard him speak about the game of football before.

Feel free to use this as this morning's Open Thread to discuss all of the Free Agency rumors and reports sure to be swirling around like the winds at Candlestick.

After the jump we've got a list of players expected to officially sign today and we'll continue updating through the morning.

Chase Beeler, C, Stanford
Donovan Edwards, OL, Cal
Ian Williams, NT, Notre Dame
Dontavia Bogan, WR, South Florida
Joe Hastings, WR, Washburn
Tyler Beiler, WR, Bridgewater College
DeMarcus Dobbs, DE, Georgia
Konrad Reuland, TE, Stanford
Derek Hall, OT, Stanford
Chris Hogan, WR, Monmouth
Sealver Siliga, DT/NT, Utah
Kenny Wiggins, OT, Fresno State
Monte Simmons, OLB, Kent State
Kenny Rowe, OLB, Oregon
Brian Bulcke, DT, Stanford

For a complete list of UDFA's from Maiocco, check here.
For a list of UDFAs with Barrows comments, check here.

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Jeremiah Masoli

Interesting…. could shoot down the Hasselback rumor

by KGGotGame on Jul 26, 2011 6:22 AM PDT reply actions

camp fodder, likely

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 6:24 AM PDT up reply actions

Absolutely...

I don’t doubt that he’ll make the PS as our extra QB that nobody wants, but there should probably be another veteran QB brought in. That said, it will not be Hasselbeck.

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 7:04 AM PDT up reply actions

Masoli is a gimmick QB anyways.

Worse version of Troy Smith.

I’ve learned that lesson.

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 7:09 AM PDT up reply actions

yup

exactly how I feel about it. Masoli is Smith without the college career.

Repeating something over and over doesn't make it true.

by Arkie49er on Jul 26, 2011 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Just a camp arm

We will probably release Carr at the first opporunity

by 40Notion on Jul 26, 2011 7:06 AM PDT up reply actions

Until we get a solid backup, since Kaep won't be ready immediately, I'd bet we hang-on to Carr

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 7:09 AM PDT up reply actions

I'd take a day 1 Kaep over Carr

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by manraj7 on Jul 26, 2011 8:12 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

won't be playing QB

prob going to be a WR, could see him in the backfield with CK in the preseason, very very athletic. Intrigued to see what Harbaugh will do with the guy.

by sirhcrocks on Jul 26, 2011 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions

apparently new 49ers added

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2011-nfl-undrafted-free-agents

Monte Simmons (LB, Kent State)
Kenny Rowe (LB, Oregon)
Chris Hogan (WR, Monmouth)
Kenny Wiggins (OL, Fresno State)

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

"We'll be the first really global team in the NBA. For me, being the first foreign owner, I want to do my best to invite all the fans for the team all over the world. I think the NBA is worldwide. But other teams [possess a] more local mentality. We are going to create and to build a global franchise to sell all around the world. I think I have a competitive advantage compared to other owners." - Mikhail Prokhorov

by Kidd2Petrovic on Jul 26, 2011 6:33 AM PDT reply actions

Kenny Rowe is very intriguing

at OLB position

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Jul 26, 2011 6:34 AM PDT up reply actions

West Coast Theme

I love that Jimmy is staying with what he knows

by KGGotGame on Jul 26, 2011 6:38 AM PDT reply actions

I am just a little disturbed that there is not a single secondary player on that list yet...

Corner and Safety should have been some things that were addressed quickly, be it for special teams filler or for depth. Our secondary is plain bad and at least a few extra bodies would help. We did draft two corners and a safety, plus have a few other young guys and the team “allegedly” wants to re-sign Goldson.

I can already see though that our WR corps is going to be changing drastically going forward. Bringing in that many has got to be a sign that Harbs and staff isn’t all that excited with what we have already.

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 7:27 AM PDT reply actions

Just shows that Goldson will be re-signed

Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)

by teekay on Jul 26, 2011 7:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Ugh, not excited about paying for an underacheiver

You know he’ll get a big contract he doesn’t deserve too. Highly disappointing.

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions

or that one of the FA's will be aggressively pursued

by Jaxson876 on Jul 26, 2011 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions

I assume this means they'll be looking for veteran secondary

they might believe some positions are good for rookies and others need veteran help. I for one hope they keep Nate C on a restructured contract and get a top tier free agent to pair him with.

by GB9er on Jul 26, 2011 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm holding out hope that we can get Joseph to pair with Clements...

It’s unlikely, but I’ll take another CB who’s good and not overpriced. Clements I think is likely to return after restructuring. I’m worried about bringing Goldson back though, as he’s not worth what top tier safeties are making and he’ll get close to it.

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Joseph will want big bucks. Rather replace Clements with Joseph. Shawntae could relax some, too

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Don't think it matters much...

If Clements returns, he’ll be at a seriously reduced rate, but we’re still on the hook for 7 million to him no matter what that counts against the cap, IIRC.

Spencer was praised up and down in ‘09 for his ’breakout’ season, and just as quickly thrown under the bus for his boneheaded play last year. If he can return to ‘09 form, he’s a good #2 and we could let Nate walk.

I really don’t know what to expect to happen in our secondary this year.

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions

I'd like to see Nate improve on the past few years

but I don’t trust it. I’d rather bring in someone who’s a better cover-corner and move-on. That or this scheme better REALLY make the most of the pass rush.

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree that Nate isn't the greatest player...

but he is better than the other guys we have. It’s either keep Nate around and hope he can maintain some decent play as a #2, or wipe the whole slate and bring in two new guys to start.

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions

OK, Nnamdi and Joseph

done. :-D

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Joseph is staying in Cincy

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by Drew Kerr on Jul 26, 2011 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Mark Herzlich

Just heard onThe Herd that he signed with the New York Giants

by pwillisbeast52 on Jul 26, 2011 7:39 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

On my phone so can't link it but it's on his page.

#DEC Former USF WR @DontaviaBogan reports Wed to 49ers. Signed a 3-year contract, with more guaranteed money than last pick in "10 draft.

by manraj7 on Jul 26, 2011 8:00 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

Good for him....

Replacement for Morgan next year???

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions

I dunno

I didn’t hear of this guy before yesterday. Of course that could be because I never watched his school.

by manraj7 on Jul 26, 2011 8:15 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

We have ties to his previous coaches now....

Leavitt was the coach there and I’m sure that’s how he appeared on our radar.

Looking over his stats, he seems to fit more of a possession receiver type, so he’ll likely challenge for playing time in the slot in a few years, possibly moving into the #2 spot in the future.

Judging by how he moves with the ball in his hands and his return stats in ’08 & ’09, Ginn is as good as canned if this guy makes the team. We must have about 6 guys who can do return duty that can actually catch the ball on offense, so I bet this guy can stick around as a 5th or 6th receiver.

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Bogan

good speed, decent route runner, undisciplined/raw in ways, needs work on catching/hands. Just a guy who needs coaching but has tools.

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions

That describes something like 45% of our roster now...

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions

yep

lately I’ve felt like our WR’s are sufficient for now, especially in a new WCO system. Next year we’ll really know the weak links and who can play in this system.

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions

What's with all of the WRs?

Are the 9ers switching to the run & shoot offense?

by UncleHulka on Jul 26, 2011 8:08 AM PDT reply actions

Training camp

those guys do the most running so they need like 12 of them for camp

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions

The more WRs the more work each QB will get in the new system.

I think Harbaugh wants to get all the QBs equal time and also see if there are some WRs out there that can challenge for a job.

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

by Eastbayjim on Jul 26, 2011 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Did any of our drafted rookies sign yet?

by manraj7 on Jul 26, 2011 8:08 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

not yet

We’ll have a new post when drafted rookies sign.

by David Fucillo on Jul 26, 2011 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Can drafted rookies start practicing once signed?

by manraj7 on Jul 26, 2011 8:16 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

training camp

Today is just voluntary conditioning and strength. Practices don’t start until Thursday I believe.

by David Fucillo on Jul 26, 2011 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions

yeah but there were rumors floating around yesterday that anyone who was FA as of then couldn't practice until new league year

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions

but come to think of it, I believe they said Veteran FA's

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Ya that what I was confused about.

Is it just veteran FAs or everyone.

by manraj7 on Jul 26, 2011 9:36 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

veteran free agents

Adam Schefter tweeted they couldn’t start practicing until August 4. Lot of information floating around.

by David Fucillo on Jul 26, 2011 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions

which would include Alex, and any FA's signed Friday.

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm lost...

I don’t understand that rule. Like, what difference does it make if they start now, opposed to Aug. 4th?

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by Drew Kerr on Jul 26, 2011 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Season hasn't officially started I think till then...

2011 season can't come quick enough..

by AzNiner on Jul 26, 2011 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, but if those guys are signed, why not till Aug 4th?

If they are under contract, then why would that matter if that was the “official” start date. Just seems strange to me.

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by Drew Kerr on Jul 26, 2011 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions

There contracts wont be effective until the 2011 season starts? just a guess

2011 season can't come quick enough..

by AzNiner on Jul 26, 2011 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Exactly right

by smileyman on Jul 26, 2011 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Matt M will tweet it immediately after it happening I imagine...

He did just say that Kapernick is indeed in the building, so bet on him inking within a few hours.

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Alex is in the House , along with Kaep ...!!

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

by Edggy on Jul 26, 2011 8:14 AM PDT reply actions

So much for that

Pat Devlin has signed with the Miami Dolphins

by pwillisbeast52 on Jul 26, 2011 8:23 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

look out for Silinga

He took some bad advice from his agent and left school early to enter the draft. Had he stayed he could of been a 2nd round draft pick. The guy is really athletic for a big dude.

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by EcERyda69 on Jul 26, 2011 9:40 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

Rookie cap

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/41131/just-in-nfc-west-rookie-pool-allotments

So we have 11m left.

by manraj7 on Jul 26, 2011 9:49 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

How many Stanford players now?

4? 5? 6? 20?

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by Drew Kerr on Jul 26, 2011 11:55 AM PDT reply actions

42

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by Tre9er on Jul 26, 2011 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions

We need to sign O'Hara stat!

We could use a veteran center like that right now with the loss of Heitmann. I don’t care what people’s thoughts are of Baas… O’Hara would be a major upgrade there. Slide Bass in to the RG position.

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by Drew Kerr on Jul 26, 2011 11:57 AM PDT reply actions

I'd say we're about done with UDFA signings

Maiocco tweeted about 5 hours ago that we’re at 74 players with drafted and undrafted players. That leaves 16 vacant spots….. Alex Smith, David Baas, Ray McDonald, Dashon Goldson, Takeo Spikes are likely to be re-signed, leaving us another 11 spots for veteran free agents, be they depth or challenging for starting positions.

Assuming we are done with rookies, who do we see being free agent targets going forward?

by 9thevolution on Jul 26, 2011 1:20 PM PDT reply actions