That qualifies as the least creative, but most descriptive title. Normally I like to make the titles a little more interesting but sometimes it's just easier to simplify. So, you get this title.
Over the weekend, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock chatted about the NFL Draft and Eric Branch posted a partial transcript of his comments. He spent much of his time talking about Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill, but also got into some of the receivers and defensive players available. He is one of the more knowledgeable people out there discussing the draft, so I highly recommend checking out what he has to say. It's a crap shoot much of the time, but I like my chances with him more than a lot of folks out there.
The wide receivers available early in this draft could make for an interesting run early on. I mentioned yesterday about how certain players climbing the draft board could push other players down. If the 49ers decide to go free agency and/or beyond the first round for wide receivers, having a run on receivers in the first would be a pretty big benefit to the 49ers late pick.
With the news that the 49ers have re-signed Ahmad Brooks, that also potentially changes draft strategy. If Brooks had walked the 49ers would be looking to add an outside linebacker relatively early in the draft. Now that Brooks is locked up long term, the 49ers could still draft an OLB, but it would be much later. Much will depend on how they handle Parys Haralson. Aldon Smith is expected to take over the starting role in training camp, but will the team potentially keep Haralson into camp in case Smith struggles outside of the strict pass rush role? Or just take off the floaties and throw Aldon in the deep end? The team will likely add another outside linebacker either through free agency or the draft for depth purposes.
Nonetheless, OLB joins several other positions as low on the totem pole. Naturally this means, the more OLBs and eventual DE converts going in the first round, the better! Head after the jump for a rundown of the 49ers offseason scorecard.
Additions
LS Ryan Pontbriand (UFA, cut by Browns): 1 yr/$826,000
Free Agents
CB Tramaine Brock (EFA)
LB Ahmad Brooks: 6 yrs/$44.5M, $17.5M guaranteed
LB Ahmad Brooks
LB Blake Costanzo
WR Ted Ginn
S Dashon Goldson
LB Tavares Gooden
LB Larry Grant (RFA)
WR Joshua Morgan
TE Justin Peelle
RG Chilo Rachal
CB Carlos Rogers
FB Moran Norris
QB Alex Smith
S Reggie Smith
OL Adam Snyder
DB C.J. Spillman (RFA): 3 yrs/$6M, $1.8M guaranteed
WR Brett Swain (RFA)
DT Will Tukuafu (EFA)
S Madieu Williams