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Where will Kerry Hyder Jr. end up? I won’t say it’s surprising that he’s still available as there are still numerous talented players who are still on the free-agent market.
Only 2 players remain from 49ers 10-player draft class in 2017
Round 5, Pick 146 | TE George Kittle
This is a good enough pick that it keeps the draft from being a total disaster, but Kittle is the first of the group who’ll be on the 49ers’ roster for the 2021 season.
Round 6, Pick 198 | DL DJ Jones
Jones carved out a starting role during his third and fourth years, and San Francisco re-signed him to a one-year deal this offseason. He’s the lone member of this rookie class to come back after the expiration of his first contract.
2021 NFL mock draft: 49ers select Caleb Farley, swap picks with Vikings
NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein released his Mock Draft 2.0 on Friday, projecting the 49ers will trade back with the Minnesota Vikings to the 14th overall pick and still address that most outstanding need by selecting Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley.
Farley has been linked to the 49ers by several different draft experts throughout the past few months, and would be an instant impact player in the secondary.
Jets’ New Signings Bring Shades of Robert Saleh’s Niners’ Defense
Prior to acquiring Joyner, Douglas opened his offseason account by signing linebacker Jarrad Davis to a one-year, $7 million deal. After a strong start to his career, the former first-round pick’s production dropped off under then-Lions head coach Matt Patricia. He’ll look to return to form in New York as Davis possesses the main tool that Saleh looks for in his linebackers: range.
The 49ers defense seldom rushed linebackers in 2019 and 2020, often dropping them into coverage roles on passing downs. Fred Warner posted a 91.1 PFF coverage grade under Saleh last year, best in the league amongst linebackers. Kwon Alexander was able to thrive in Saleh’s system before signing with Tampa Bay last offseason. Dre Greenlaw saw the field immediately as a fifth-round pick for San Francisco because of his coverage ability from the linebacker position.
According to NFL Draft Diamonds, the San Francisco 49ers were in attendance for the pro day of Calvin Ashley, a massive offensive tackle who transferred from Auburn for one season at Florida A&M in 2019. He opted to forego his senior year to declare for the NFL Draft.
The MEAC conference did not compete this past season due to COVID-19, making Ashley’s decision to go pro easier. He helped the Rattlers to a 9-2 record during his seven starts at right tackle in 2019.
The 49ers still need a slot corner, and if they’re not able to re-sign Williams, Butler is a capable veteran option who’d figure to slide in as the starter on Day 1. He’s not an elite player, but he’d be has 17 interceptions in 100 games, including four last year. Butler’s nastiness and knack for generating turnovers would make him a nice addition to the 49ers’ defensive backfield.
What the Seahawks gave up by refusing the Bears’ offer for Russell Wilson
The Bears were so invested in trading for Wilson that the offer reportedly included three first round picks, a 2021 third rounder, and two “starters” (air quotes around starters, as one of the apparent players involved has since been released). At face value, three first round picks sounds like a massive offer. But any team with Russell Wilson at quarterback would instantly become a playoff contender, and teams playing in January don’t typically end up with high first rounders in April. So how valuable do late first round picks really end up being?
Due to the expanded format, the Bears were able to sneak into a wild card spot last season with an 8-8 record. As a result, their first round selection in 2021 will be 20th overall. Since the Houston Texans joined the NFL in 2002, teams that made the playoffs would be assigned selections 21-32. However, with the expanded playoffs, teams who exit in the wild card round may pick as early as 19th overall. In April, the Washington Football Team holds the distinction of being the first team to do so — one spot ahead of the Bears.
Arizona Cardinals made prudent decision in Markus Golden coming back
Today, I wanted to look at the contracts that went to the re-signed Markus Golden and the contract that Haason Reddick signed with the Carolina Panthers.
When the offseason started the consensus among the fans seemed to be that Reddick coming back at a team friendly cost was imperative.
Jess and I discussed the number we were hearing for Reddick would be right around $8 million a season. That came to fruition and seems to have set off a “Why wouldn’t the Cardinals do that”? reaction from some fans.
When, the reality is for the Cardinals they made the move in retaining a player like Markus Golden that has been just as good, has more consistency and got him for two seasons for what you were going to pay Reddick for a season.
Golden is one of the most productive pressure creators in the NFL
The LA Rams are signing receiver DeSean Jackson, according to reports on Sunday. It gives Sean McVay a third weapon after Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods to work with next season on offense.
But he’s only posted two 1,000-yard campaigns since. Luckily, that’s not what the Rams will need from Jackson next season. Just having a deep threat to complement the rest of the receivers should do enough and I’m sure he won’t be in line for more than 50 targets.