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Happy Thursday, folks. Aside from a few sideshows (aftershocks from Sherman signing & a memorial to the dream of drafting Kirk Cousins), much of the current 49ers news revolves around the offensive line. Of course, the team signed Jonathan Cooper, which is hard to consider to be much more than a lottery ticket.
More recently, the 49ers worked out UCLA OL Kolton Miller, whom you might remember as the enormous (6’9”) lineman who ran a sub-5 40 as part of an extremely impressive combine performance. His name has been thrown around much more since his athletic showcase in Indianapolis, and there seems to be some belief growing that he’s a lock for the first round. Talk about an overreaction!
While the numbers are good (speed, agility, height, arms/hands), Miller is seen by virtually the entire legion of draftniks as a guy whose technique has never caught up to his athletic ability. This spells, to me (and all of the aforementioned draftniks), that he profiles as a high-ceiling project.
With impending question at both tackle spots, would it make sense to start looking for the heir to Joe Staley’s throne sooner rather than later? While he’s still clearly capable of performing, the hard truth is that the team is constantly moving towards a future sans Staley. Furthermore, there seems to be a nonchalance surrounding an extension for Trent Brown as well - which makes some sense, as he’s had issues with his weight, as well as currently recovering from shoulder surgery.
Miller would be an excellent selection for the 49ers if they were a more talented team. At this point in the rebuild, there are many areas of the football team in need of some added impact - looking for projects when immediate help is needed is a luxury the 49ers cannot afford.
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49ers work out OL Kolton Miller, DE/OLB Josh Sweat | Biderman, Ninerswire | Barrows, Sac Bee
John Lynch confirms “master plan” to sign QB Kirk Cousins | Biderman, Ninerswire
49ers aggressive in seeking OL help | Biderman, Ninerswire
Sherman’s confidence key in 49ers signing | Wagoner, ESPN
Sherman brings veteran leadership to locker room | Montero, KNBR
Storylines to follow | Almquist, KNBR