2011 49ers Grades: Michael Crabtree

I know I said I was "back in the saddle" in my last post, yet have been mostly absent since then. Well, let's just say I'm having a hard time adjusting the stirrups and buckles and such...but I'm working on it. In that vein, it's time to take a look at Michael Crabtree's 2011 season and do some evaluating.

Crabtree impressed me a lot this year and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh agreed, repeatedly talking about how great of a blocker he was, something we saw on tape quite a bit. He's always been known as a strong guy for a receiver, and his build (6'1" ~200lbs.) is consistent with that.

I know, I know...blocking? Yeah, well that is nice to see from your oft-labeled "diva" receiver. He seemed to really have a good team-first mentatlity most of the season, which I appreciate. Let's hope we can get him into training camp and not miss any time this year.

Beyond his attitude and blocking, Crabtree put up some good numbers this year...for a number 2 WR (which is really what his skillset is best-suited for). He actually put up career-high receiving yardage totals and was part of a few big plays. Personally I think he can still get better with an even better understanding of the offense and more chemistry with his QB. Here's the stats: