49ers Waive TE Colin Cloherty

by David Fucillo on Aug 24, 2011 9:46 AM PDT in 49ers Roster

The 49ers have apparently waived tight end Colin Cloherty. This isn't huge news, but it would seem to give Konrad Reuland a leg up in the battle for the third tight end role behind Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. With Nate Byham out for the season, the rookie tight end out of Stanford is in prime position to take over that third TE role.

Nate Lawrie has apparently shown a solid work ethic thus far in camp, but I've got to think Reuland's Stanford connection and knowledge of the basis of the 49ers offense is a huge plus for him. Throw in the fact that wide receivers coach Johnnie Morton has nicknamed the rookie "Novaceck" and I think that just about says it all. Big props to Reuland for at least feigning indignation at being nicknamed after a member of some of the most hate Dallas Cowboys teams.

Coach Harbaugh seems pleased with Reuland's performance thus far, and maybe we could have a bit of a sleeper in that third TE spot. Since Davis and Walker emerged, I've occasionally dreamed of the day the 49ers could roll out a three tight end set that operates just as well as a two wide receiver set (and no that's not meant as sarcasm). The 49ers have the kind of weapons at tight end that allow for some serious mismatches and can keep defenses on their toes and thoroughly confused.

Tweet Comment 42 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Novacek!

Kaep may become our Staubach, but Alex is our Craig Morton...

Ninjames on Anthony Dixon's Tweeting:
"He’s going for the ‘T’ key, he should probably turn to it, but he stops and checks out the ‘R’ key first, then doubles back for a look at the ‘Y’ key, then by the time he decides to go back to ‘T’ to get some words typed, he’s brought down for a two-yard loss, ending up with the ‘G’ key."

by See Jay on Aug 24, 2011 9:55 AM PDT reply actions

NOOOOOO

Colin Cloherty was OUR FUTURE!

At least we still have Lance Long. Not all hope is lost.

by Ougadas on Aug 24, 2011 9:55 AM PDT reply actions

Let that be a warning to all the other 49ers named Colin!

You aren’t immune to cut’s just because your name is Colin. You better work your tail off and keep getting better or you might find yourself in the unemployment line!

It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011

Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN

by Pat Willie on Aug 24, 2011 9:59 AM PDT reply actions

Between Konrad and Delanie, which is the better blocker?

Dig through the annals of history, and you’ll find 3TE sets that employ a wide left WR, two pass eligible TEs right, one TE lined up right backfield (H-back positioning), and a RB. The finesse AND power we could muster from that set-up with the better run-blocker (between the 2 and 3 TE) lined in backfield next to Frankie G, a dominating receiver like Braylon lined wide left, and the remaining 2 TEs eligible right-side, we could raise absolute hell!

It would offer power running strong side, bunch formation TE passing routes, along with a deep threat left to stretch the field.

Did you get a tingle down your spine? I did.

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 24, 2011 10:01 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

once you get that tight in the formation it greatly hinders your options

it’s short yardage only

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Not necessarily

For long range passing game, it would offer several possibilities, but it would be well guarded by zone on a good defense -

Left WR runs seams, opens the field
RB has the option of running flats, screens
H-Back has option of running flats, blocking
Interior eligible TE can run seams, left slant, delayed routes
Exterior eligible TE can run right slants, flats

This would make defenses terribly uneven and create beast matchups. All it would take it finding a soft spot in the zone (likely left side flats/5-15 yards from LOS or right side 10-20 depending on what the SS/CB do). This wouldn’t be a 3-down formation, but it could wreak havoc with the TE we have (depending on Braylon’s playing speed, defensive speed, etc.)

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 24, 2011 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions

You're thinking from theoretical standpoint

Something that works on chalkboards, video games, and to a lesser degree lopsided college and high school games.

But there’s a reason these formations are not used in the NFL, they bunch everyone up, and bunched up players greatly restricts plays. Few people get off the line quickly, the defense is up closer, the QB gets less time. Everything ends up being short patterns and short runs.

It’s a limited formation in the NFL.

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree wholeheartedly on the "limited" bit, as well as the theoretical part

Shanahan tried to run this a few times a game back in Denver, but he just didn’t have the personnel. With our personnel, this would be a great package to install for at least a few plays a game. The defense would have to prepare for either an all-out aerial attack or a strong side power running play – and their preparation would be a guess… One or the other. This would certainly dominate in 3rd and short/red zone situations.

With the guys we have, it’s an avenue that should at least be explored

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 24, 2011 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions

not theoretical?

You’ve proclaimed this a dominant formation when a grand total of 0 teams use it outside of short yardage situations.

It’s 100% theoretical. You’re example was a failed experiment that you attest to lack of personnel. Do you not think that if were possible teams would be running it way more often? Part of the personnel you not for the 49ers that make it possible are a back-up converted WR TE in Walker, and an un-drafted rookie was was the #3 TE on his college team. You don’t think other teams have had as good or better tight ends?

Look like I like creativity in offensive game planning, but these bunched formations have been long since proven to only provide short yardage gains. For big flexible gains you want to spread the defense out. The wider you can effectively spread the offense the more flexible the plays get.

Harbaugh used 3 TE sets in college, they weren’t for flexibility.

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

your example*

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

you note*

jesus typos, can we get an edit in here!

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Read again - I said I agree on the theoretical part

The 3 TE formation was used not uncommonly back when helmets were leather, it has seen some attempts, but nothing has come to fruition

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 24, 2011 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions

attempting to quickly read and write at work, mistake!

thought you said you disagree wholeheartedly

I apologize and rescind my typo laced reply.

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions

The one thing that formation would really open up

Is a creative DC’s ability to blitz the hell out of it.

Say what? I can have 10 men right at the LOS, including the fastest players on my defense? Sign us up for several quarters of that goodness.

by Ougadas on Aug 24, 2011 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Nothing wrong with using this form in the red zone

If Braylon is your split left, you can throw the fade all day long.

While it may not be our best bet for deep strikes, this kind of creativity and use of personnel could greatly increase the niner success rate in the red zone.

by t p on Aug 24, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

TE's are obviously most dangerous running seams (2009 Vernon Davis can attest)

And having that many big guys running in open field against smaller CB’s or Safeties would be deadly, the OLB’s would really have no choice but to take position for throws to the flats, and the CB covering the WR would leave a huge chunk of space. Assuming the safety comes to help the CB on the deep route, with either the RB or H-Back running left flats, the OLB on that side would inevitably creep up, leaving a verrrrrrrrrry soft spot for the interior eligible TE to pick up some decent yardage

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 24, 2011 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Or, run that formation

and give the ball to Hunter, and have him follow his blocks for 20 yard chunks at a time.

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Aug 24, 2011 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

so would it be safe to say

we’re going to have a decent year of offense?? Barring injuries of course…

by Doni S on Aug 24, 2011 10:54 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

We have a relatively inexperienced line (although not a reincarnation of the LOLine... yet)

Along with a bold question mark at QBis (not saying he’s great, not saying he’s bad)
An injury prone workhorse getting up there in age
Aside from VD, our TE corps is a product of blatant homerism
No “REAL” threats on the outside except for the hope we have placed in Braylon

We’re looking pretty rag-tag at this point, but some damned fine coaching should whip the O into shape. “Decent” is a good way to put it – we have tons of individual talent, but who knows if it’ll translate into a productive team

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 24, 2011 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

I suppose that’s all I can really ask for…considering Jimmy Raye’s ineptness

by Doni S on Aug 24, 2011 11:16 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

So much to do from that set

Screen passes. Play action seam routes. Naked bootlegs. Pre-snap motion the outside TE into a split right formation (I wonder how well VD would fare against a corner in a red-zone jump ball type situation?)

by t p on Aug 24, 2011 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions

The CB would go home and be forced to sleep on the couch

His wife would have to hide her face for weeks from the shame

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 24, 2011 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Bahaha

Funny stuff

by mrb24 on Aug 24, 2011 11:31 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

question... how many are left on practice squad?

"You have to reinvent yourself each year, ... What helped us was that there was some turnover each year." Bill Walsh...

by AzNiner on Aug 24, 2011 10:23 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

I think it's 12 now in the new CBA, used to be 8

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Still 8

You can get the full pdf of the new CBA at the NFLPA website.

by Ougadas on Aug 24, 2011 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions

hmm I thought they had upped it

my mistake, thanks

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions

It comes down to whether Reuland is ready to be a blocker

I was 50/50 between him and Lawrie before, but after Reuland looked so smooth in the game it made me think Reuland really has the hand up.

Personally I did not like Byham as the #3 TE last year because he is such a poor receiving target. If Davis or Walker were to be injured it would truly change how the two tight end formations work.

I really like Reuland, seems to be more of a prototypical receiving TE that understands spacing, has great hands, works the standard patterns.

All that said, I don’t think he’d get picked up from waivers, so I don’t see much risk in dropping him to the practice squad if all they want in the 3rd TE is the best blocker.

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 10:31 AM PDT reply actions

I heard reuland wasn't that bad of a blocker.

"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 Aug 24, 2011 10:43 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Reuland needs to put on 10-15 lb for more effective blocking

I think he can do that as the season progresses.

Was Byham a poor receiver? I thought he surprised people with pretty decent hands the few times he was thrown to.

by Mood_Indigo on Aug 24, 2011 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions

soooo slow

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions

There goes my dream of the 5 TE set

oh well, I’ll settle for four: Davis, Walker, Reuland, and Braylon Edwards.

And before people get upset, I realize Edwards is a WR, just when he got into camp everyone said he looks like a TE.

by reedkrase on Aug 24, 2011 10:36 AM PDT reply actions

and for Fooche

Davis, Walker, and Edwards sounds like a 3 TE set to me. No team has 3 DBs big enough to cover all three of them in man to man.

by reedkrase on Aug 24, 2011 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions

So that brings us down to 86 on the roster?

Need to cut down to 75 by 8/31? Wonder if they’ll keep dropping people one at a time or if we’ll get a list next wednesday. Or will they cut them sunday, after Sat’s game?

by reedkrase on Aug 24, 2011 10:44 AM PDT reply actions

Receivers

I’m really interested to see what receivers they keep…who stays on the 53? Who makes the PS? And who gets released? What do you guys think?

by ACaraza on Aug 24, 2011 10:57 AM PDT reply actions

Braylon
Crabs
Morgan
Kyle Williams
Ziggy (Or Ginn is Ziggy remains PUP)

Rojo gets PS’d

Write that down

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 24, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

I think it's going to be

Edwards, Crabtree, Morgan, Williams, Ginn

With Johnson, Jurovich, and Beiler on PS

Long and Zeigler cut, but kept in shape and on call in case of suspensions and injuries.

by whistlingmountain on Aug 24, 2011 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Good luck to Cloherty...

But I have never even heard of him, prior to his release.

Will Zeigler ever actually break out?

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Aug 24, 2011 12:02 PM PDT reply actions

No

Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan

by Drew Kerr on Aug 24, 2011 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Called it...

before the first pre-season game when Fooch said "who will emerge as the “? of the future” – REULAND! At Stanford I saw Hardballs put 3 TEs on the field more than once… betting you’ll see it this season once the playbook is fully installed.

by mwright84 on Aug 24, 2011 12:10 PM PDT reply actions

Reuland would have pushed Byham out anyway. That was a Singletary guy.

Reuland could be the #2 after Walker leaves.

I hate to lose Walker but Reuland looks like the real deal too.

Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan

by Drew Kerr on Aug 24, 2011 1:30 PM PDT reply actions

I’ve occasionally dreamed of the day the 49ers could roll out a three tight end set that operates just as well as a two wide receiver set

Oh man, I thought I was the only one. I have seriously daydreamed a gameday situation in which the 49ers come out onto the field on third or fourth-and-short in a three TE package, then line up in a traditional goal-line formation…only to re-set with Davis and Walker split wide, then motion Gore out to the slot – basically giving us a singleback, 3WR set going against a 7DL front.

In all likelihood, it would result in the defense calling a timeout and the Fox commercial jingle put to a close-up of some defensive players giving Philip Rivers faces (as pictured below). Still though, the idea gives me something of a football chubby.