And with the 30th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, the 49ers select...
by runningblack on Jan 24, 2012 7:17 PM PST
Email
Print
...Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford.
This would be my dream scenario.
As we all know, probably our greatest weakness is our receiving corps. This draft, I think, is likely to be focused on the offense.
I like Fleener as our first round pick. He brings size to an offense that desperately needs it (he's 6'6") and provides a great redzone target, hopefully alleviating some of the redzone issues we've had this year. He has good hands, and also would serve as a reliable safety valve that Alex can throw to. In addition, he'd give us the ability to run more 3 TE sets and either run or pass out of them, which is a matchup hell.
He's also a guy that Harbaugh recruited to Stanford. So there's that connection as well.
He and VD would give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. You've got VD who's too big for a cornerback and too fast for a linebacker. Then you've got Fleener who is so freakishly large that you really can't cover him anyway. He'd be that receiver to which you can throw up a jump ball and be sure that, if he doesn't come down with it, nobody's coming down with it.
In addition, look at the most prolific passing attacks this year - New England's and New Orleans'. Both of these offenses were heavily focused on the tight ends. Fleener could be our own Gronk or Graham.
Also, we're somewhat limited with our first round options at this pick. The elite WRs or defensive players are likely to be gone, and we already have a stable of #2 and #3 guys, so we'll probably get a #1 in free agency. Our O-line needs depth, but we have enough first rounders on the line, and they finished the season strong, so that can be addressed in later rounds.. I'd be okay with trading back a few spots and trying to pick up Fleener, but assuming no trades, I feel like Fleener adds the most value here.
I'd be okay with Alshon Jeffery at this pick, but I think that Fleener would boost our offense more. Again, we need receiver help, but I don't think it necessarily needs to be a WR as opposed to a pass-catching TE.
That's all I've got at the moment. What do you think?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.
57 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Not saying it wouldnt
But drafting a kid in the first round that would be a 2nd or 3rd tight end when we have major concerns at WR doesnt seem smart.
Well it depends
How often do we run 2 TE sets? Then combine the numbers with how often he will be part of the two TE sets. Then by comparing his numbers with the % of snaps a new WR will play will help decide if it is worth it or not.
And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman
Follow @manraj76
This
at some point we need a real #1 and #2 WR, Morgan and Crabtree are both #2s. We don’t have a #1 WR
Right
But the point at which we’re picking isn’t one where I think we’ll be able to draft a #1 WR.
I think we have to sign one from FA, or trade the farm to get one.
by runningblack on Jan 25, 2012 11:18 AM PST up reply actions
but your reasoning for drafting another TE
is really to have another WR. The focus needs to be an picking up a true #1 WR. And #1 WRs can come from anywhere in the draft, sometimes they’re even UDFAs, it’s up to the scouts to find the right player at the right time.
No. My point to drafting another TE is to have another good receiving threat.
I don’t think it makes much of a difference whether we have a stud WR to throw to as opposed to a good TE to throw to.
A guy like fleener is a matchup nightmare and prevents defense from going and doubling VD. He’s also a great go-to guy in the redzone.
Our TE’s are a strength on our team. If we can get pieces to make them even better, why not focus the offense on throwing to the TEs as opposed to the WRs?
by runningblack on Jan 25, 2012 11:27 AM PST up reply actions
again, you're really looking for a WR
My point to drafting another TE is to have another good receiving threat.
WRs are faster and more agile than TEs, even the big bruising receivers. The qualities you’re looking for sound more like you’re looking for Floyd or Sanu than a TE.
Sigh! I like your idea, but Fleener will go in the first 50 picks!
Meaning that the Niners would have to select Fleener with Pick #30. With more pressing needs — wide receiver and cornerback, among others — I just don’t see the Niners willing to invest in another tight end in the first round. However, there is an alternative … Ladarius Green (Louisiana – Lafayette) in the third round (Pick #94). He is Fleener’s size 6’6" and 240, but faster but also less polished. He will need time to develop, but he could become an outstanding receiving tight end, as Fleener is.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 24, 2012 8:05 PM PST reply actions
Maybe Harbaugh can trade back
I don’t know too much about this year’s draft class. Is there a lot of talent in the 30s? Would teams want to get a pick in that range, and allow the 49ers to move into the 40s and select Fleener?
I'd love the move
Fleener is bigger and faster than a lot of the WRs being talked about for the 49ers. Plus, he’s been in harbaugh’s tight end heavy offense before, so the 49ers will know exactly what he brings to the table. I think it would be a great pick.
Fleener can spend 2012 as a number 3 TE, and then he can hopefully replace Walker when he becomes a free agent in 2013. Either that, or all three of them stay on the team and the 49ers can continue to confuse defenses with 3TE sets.
RG3
if he is still around
and convert him to a WR
Forget Tebow
Andy Lee is the second coming of Jesus
-ME
there's no way he makes it out of the top 4
Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94
Rule #2) Follow rule #1
this
And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman
Follow @manraj76
we will trade Crabtree for the number 2 pick
lets hope the Rams dont know he sucks
Forget Tebow
Andy Lee is the second coming of Jesus
-ME
by DAD OF VLAD on Jan 24, 2012 10:18 PM PST up reply actions
how 'bout Tolzien for Drew Brees while we're at it?
-- I have many leather-bound books.
-- You show me a guy that can’t juggle 3 tennis balls within an hour and I’ll show you a guy that’s not going to be in the NFL very long.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Jan 24, 2012 10:29 PM PST up reply actions
Shawntae Spencer for Darrelle Revis?
Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94
Rule #2) Follow rule #1
rather have spencer!
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 25, 2012 1:06 AM PST up reply actions
but he does not suck!
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 25, 2012 1:05 AM PST up reply actions
I haven't watched Fleener enough to fairly judge him.
But I love the idea of going with a proven nightmare of a TE at the end of the first round rather than gambling on a WR. Outside of the best 1-2 WRs each year, the rest are a complete crapshoot. Beyond certainties like AJ Green and Julio Jones, I’m always under the impression that the other superb WRs emerge just as likely from the late first round as they do the 7th or undrafted (Colston, Cruz, etc.)
Going TE here would at least ensure a solid blocker, and likely a talented receiver as well. Then feel free to gamble on WRs in rounds 3-7.
About those WRs that emerge later in the draft there has to be some quality that makes them good.
I mean they don’t just magically get their abilities to become great WRs. Maybe its time on the practice squad that helps. Helps them develop their routes. But as for catching the ball and athletic ability that should always be there. Its been bugging me to find a way to predict the potential of a WR or other skill positions.
And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman
Follow @manraj76
we even got Morgan late in the draft
He’s by no means an elite WR but he’s a very solid contributor to this offense when healthy
Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94
Rule #2) Follow rule #1
Think Toon and Wright are solid
Sanu is from Rutgers and I just have never thought any Rutgers player is worth a hot dog turd save for Ray Rice who i thought was the one guy being undersold just because he was from a school that never produces talent.
Sanu is more everybody else than Ray Rice.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 25, 2012 11:24 AM PST up reply actions
Big Rutgers fan here
Greg Schiano has been producing great talent lately. All of his players.. even the ones who arent stars, become productive role players. Brian Leonard, Eric Foster, jeremy zuttah, both the McCourtey brothers… mainly Devin but Jason is solid.Our very own Anthony Davis.. And then the obvious, Ray Rice and Kenny Britt. Sanu is in the Kenny Britt neighborhood. Late round pick. But he WILL be a steal. I say take Jeffery if hes there but I dont think he will. Sanu will be a stud
I am a HUGE Anthony Davis hater. (As a tackle)
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 26, 2012 6:49 PM PST up reply actions
Phillip Blake, OG Baylor
I’ve been watching the senior bowl practices and he looks great at RG. He was giving DL fits not being able to get thru on one on one drills and during offense vs defense he was blocking well during pass plays and was nasty vs the run. I say keep and eye out for him, doubt he’ll be there in the second round. He’ll be wearing #74 on the south team I think WR and CB are huge needs but this guy looks like a beast at RG.
Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Kaepernick to be super so soon.
If we could get a RG that could start immediately.
I would definitely have no problem taking one in the first.
Need a WR
Unless they trade up or someone with a lot of talent falls to them, I say go with a WR, whether Sanu or Alshon. I’d love to add Fleener, but they’d probably have to move up in the 2nd round.
I could see Fleener turning into what Graham/Gronkowski have become, and having someone like that along side Vernon Davis would be deadly.
My guess is that there won't be elite/#1 WRs available at that pick.
And we need receivers. I understand that our WR corps is weak. But I think that our overall receiving corps can be greatly helped with a stud TE.
by runningblack on Jan 25, 2012 11:20 AM PST up reply actions
With the 30th pick?
That’s insane. He’s not that dominant.
Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.
Or rather, not dominant at all.
Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.
Who would you rather draft at 30 that will be available?
Again, most, if not all (which is likely), of the first round WRs will be gone. As will the elite DBs. He would contribute immediately and he’s a first round talent, just not early first round talent. Taking a guy like him late in the first or early in the second makes sense.
by runningblack on Jan 25, 2012 11:22 AM PST up reply actions
Our OL finished the season pretty strong...
by runningblack on Jan 25, 2012 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
No they didn't.
Played decent considering who they were going up against for the Giants game, but Alex avoided a lot of sacks with his feet. They were awful against the Saints and the last few weeks of the season. They were in the top 10 in QB hits and sacks given up and our rush average was in the bottom half of the league.
We should absolutely consider taking an o-lineman with #30 and definitely should get one before we get a TE.
Thank you
They got better but were still bottom 2/3rds of the league. But any upgrade from being near the leagues worst looks significant.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 26, 2012 6:51 PM PST up reply actions
Any of the top tier of interior linemen
I’d even be open to taking a tight end there, but a real tight end who can block in line against NFL athletes and be a guy who can reliably box out and move the chains. We already have a big wide receiver masquerading as a tight end. If we were trying to create a high flying passing offense like New Orleans, it’s a great move. That’s not what we are trying to do.
Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.
Don't forget Nate Byham is coming back!
And even if we didn’t have Byham, there are much more pressing issues than a TE.
WR and FS jump to mind.
I agree that we have more pressing issues
But I think that we get more value drafting a good TE at 30 than we do reaching for a WR or FS. Because the true first round talent will be long gone by the time we pick.
If our WRs suck, then throw to the TEs more. If we can make our TEs even better and deal with some red zone issues in the process, draft the guy and throw to him.
by runningblack on Jan 25, 2012 11:29 AM PST up reply actions
Fleener at #30 IS reaching.
especially when he’d be a 3rd string TE
If Sanu is still there at #30 for WR that would be a great pick and would most certainly not be reaching and would fill a position of dire need.
NOT SMART!
why would we draft a tight end when we have 2 very good ones and we very much need help in the WR category. Not smart, especially since we are drafting late first round.
The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before. -Steve Young
I've had to say this too many times...
But the odds of getting any first round or stud WR talent at pick 30 is unlikely at best. Yes our WRs aren’t great. No, we’re not in a position to immediately improve them through drafting.
Yes, our TEs are a strength. Yes we’re in a position to make our TEs even better through drafting.
If our WRs aren’t doing the job. Throw to the TEs more. If we have 3 good TEs and only #2 and #3 receivers, then run more multiple TE sets and pass out of them.
It doesn’t matter if we have a ton of good WRs as long as we have good receiving threats. Make sense?
by runningblack on Jan 25, 2012 11:32 AM PST up reply actions
How much does this offseason feel like we are the 2010 Atlanta Falcons
They went 13-3. Didnt win their first game. But they thought they were just one elite Wide Out away from being there. Traded it all. Got Julio Jones. And then had an off year. I think that if we traded the whole draft for Blackmon it would maybe be worth it. But not for any other Wide out.
If we trade the farm for a non QB player (or really, even a QB)
I will be very unhappy.
by runningblack on Jan 25, 2012 12:20 PM PST up reply actions
Great point!!
Baalke is determined to create a winner through the draft and trading away most picks to pick up another Texas Tech WR it would not fit what Baalke is trying to do. I see them picking up an OL, CB or S with the 30th pick.
Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Kaepernick to be super so soon.
Blackmon went to Oklahoma St
But I get your point. I dont see him trading up either. Not far at least. We did trade up for Anthony Davis
my bad... thought he went to the same school
Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Kaepernick to be super so soon.
Our team is built differently than the falcons.
The falcons already had a potent offense and tried to make it an elite offense with the addition of jones. We’re the opposite
Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94
Rule #2) Follow rule #1
Not a good idea....
Regardless of what he might be able to do, and what our offense is based on with multiple TE sets, there will be plenty of higher rated players available; be it at WR, OL or CB. We basically already have our #3 TE under contract; Reuland. I’d bet he beats out Byham and we’ll bring in another TE at some point to compete.
Don’t let the Jimmy Graham hype get you confused, it is not worth it for us as we have more pressing needs than another 1st round TE.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
