My 49ers Mock Offseason

[Saint Elistan 106]

I know you guys probably don't give two sh!ts about a mock draft specific to the 49ers, but there aren't exactly many threads around these parts. I figured I'd give you something to nitpick. The following assumes that no more Free Agents are added to the roster.

 

Pre-Draft:

 

Re-Signings:

• Roderick Green OLB/DE - Depth
  
• Michael Robinson RB - 3rd Down Back
  
• Isaac Sopoaga DE/NT - Lots of improvement last year, depending on the draft will play DE or NT
  
• D. Strickland CB - Resigned right as I posted this...dime back and special teamer
  
• B. Bajema TE - Good blocking TE will stay behind Davis and Walker
  

FA Additions:

• Allen Rossom KR/CB - Special Teams veteran
  
• J.T O'Sullivan QB - A Martz guy, backup to Smith and Hill
  
• Deshaun Foster RB - On the downside of his career, will spell Gore
  
• Dontarrious Thomas LB - Could start, could be depth...has never been given a chance behind stars in Minnesota
  
• Isaac Bruce WR - Martz system mentor and veteran influence for young receivers
  
• Justin Smith DE - instantly bolsters the D-line
  
• Qasim Mitchell OL - Broken leg kept him out of the league last year, mammoth size, depth...
  
• Bryant Johnson WR - Finally gets a chance to compete, will boom or bust
  
• Jeb Terry OL - Another lineman that didn't play last year. Depth.
  

FA Losses:

• J. Smiley OG (Dolphins)
  
• K. Harris OT (Raiders)
  
• M. Hicks RB/KR (Vikings)
  

Retired:

• L. Allen LG
  
• B. Young DE
  

Released:

• B. Gilmore WR
  
• M. Lewis KR/PR
  
• T. Dilfer QB
  
• A. Ellison DE
  
• D. Smith ILB
  
• M. Curry CB
  
• J. Rabb WR
  
• D. Zeigler WR
  
• D. Haley LB
  
• D. Jackson WR
  

PERHAPS THE BIGGEST ADDITION: MIKE MARTZ REPLACES JIM HOSTLER AS OC.

 

The Draft:

 

Round 1

Gosder Cherilus - 6'6'' 315 - RT - Boston College

Gosder Cherilus may just be the best pure RT in the draft. The 49ers need to keep the defense off the field, and in order to do that they have to be able to keep the QB on his feet. The battle begins and ends in the trenches. Cherilus has the size, skill, and work ethic the 49ers need. Jonas Jennings isn't reliable as a starter. With Cherilus at RT and Staley at LT, the tackle positions are set for a long time.

 

Round 2

Trevor Laws - 6'1'' 304 - DT - Notre Dame

I'll say it again, the battle begins and ends in the trenches. Perhaps the biggest need the 49ers have if they plan to stick to the 3-4 is a NT. If Laws can bulk up, he'll solidify the 49ers D-Line for years to come. If he can't, he'll provide a much needed pass rush opposite Justin Smith as a DE. In this situation, Sopoaga can move back to NT with Franklin. Neither were ideal, but both were serviceable at the position last year.

 

Round 3

Beau Bell - 6'1'' 245 - LB - UNLV

The 49ers need a TED linebacker. This guy makes tackles all over the field. With this addition, the 49ers might not have to look at the LB position for a long, long, long time.

 

Round 4

Adarius Bowman - 6'4'' 220 - WR - Oklahoma State

A very physical receiver. He's a good blocker and isn't afraid to go over the middle. He's a big target with good route running skills. He doesn't fit the Martz mold, but let's face it...Martz might not be around that long. He's also got decent moves after the catch. With some coaching, I think he'll be solid. He'll fight for every yard and give the 49ers two solid prospects (Jason Hill) to mold for the future.

 

Round 5

Forfeited.

 

Round 6

Shawn Murphy - 6'4'' 320 - OG - Utah State

Depth is one of the things the 49ers O-Line lacks. Murphy played LG in the East-West Shrine game and improved his stock with his effort and ability. He excels in pass protection and has great hand technique. He never gives up on plays and has an unparalleled work ethic. The only problem? He's 25 and will turn 26 before the start of the season.

 

Round 7

Curtis Johnson - 6'2'' 237 - DE / LB - Clark Atlanta

He's not proven against tough competition, so there's a risk in taking him. The 49ers have a strong secondary, but it's all for not if the opposing QB can make a cup of coffee before he tosses the rock. Pass rush is an obvious need. Johnson registered 112 tackles (27 for a loss) and 13.5 sacks his senior year. He played LB in the East-West Shrine game and showed natural talent at the position. Tully Banta-Cain is not getting the job done as a starter. Johnson should provide some healthy competition.

 

Post-Draft Roster: (Not yet trimmed down to 53)

 

QB: Alex Smith / S. Hill / J.T.O'Sullivan*

RB: F. Gore / D. Foster* / M. Robinson

FB: M. Norris / Z. Keasey

WR: I. Bruce* / J. Hill

WR: B. Johnson* / A. Lelie

WR: A. Battle / A. Bowman*

TE: V. Davis / D. Walker / B. Bajema

 

RT: J. Jennings / G. Cherilus*

RG: D. Baas / Q. Mitchell*

C: E. Heitmann / T. Wragge

LG: A. Snyder / S. Murphy*

LT: J. Staley / D. Duckett

 

RDE: J. Smith* / R. McDonald

NT: A. Franklin / T. Laws*

LDE: I. Sopoaga / R. Fields

 

ROLB: T. Banta-Cain / R. Green / C. Johnson*

ILB: P. Willis / Do. Thomas* / J. Ulbrich

ILB: B. Moore / B. Bell*

LOLB: M. Lawson / P. Haralson / J. Moore

 

CB: N. Clements/ T. Brown / M. Hudson

CB: W. Harris / S. Spencer / D. Strickland

 

FS: M. Roman / D. Goldson

SS: M. Lewis / K. Lewis

 

KR/PR: A. Rossum*

 

K: J. Nedney

P: A. Lee

 

* = New Addition

Bold = Acquired from the Draft

 

What do you guys think?

[erknjerk 4]

Well I care.

[Saint Elistan 106]

UPDATE

 

He's seeking a better deal elsewhere, but it seems that Takeo Spikes might sign soon. If he does, he'll play at the TED position but considering his age, I don't think it would keep the 49ers from drafting Beau Bell. If he isn't hindered by that shoulder injury, Takeo will be a huge upgrade next to P-Willy.

[MicktheGreat 1]

My only critique would be that I don't think Laws will play NT in the NFL -- especially in a 3-4 DEF. In the 49ers DEF, I imagine he'd play DE. I think he's a good player though...

 

[Saint Elistan 106]

My only critique would be that I don't think Laws will play NT in the NFL -- especially in a 3-4 DEF. In the 49ers DEF, I imagine he'd play DE.

 

Thus the footnote about moving Sopoaga back to NT. I'm more hopeful than most when it comes to him bulking up, but I agree...the odds are against him in becoming the starting NT in a 3-4 defense.

[49ER MAN 0]

Thus the footnote about moving Sopoaga back to NT. I'm more hopeful than most when it comes to him bulking up, but I agree...the odds are against him in becoming the starting NT in a 3-4 defense.

 

I wouldn't mind the offensive tackle pick but boy do we still need help at WR. Bruce is old, Johnson is unproven and Battle is decent though nothing special.

[phlegmish 4]

I wouldn't mind the offensive tackle pick but boy do we still need help at WR. Bruce is old, Johnson is unproven and Battle is decent though nothing special.

 

I don't understand why y'all overlook Jason Hill. My bet is he is the best WR on their team right now. He didn't get much of a chance last year and now he'll need to learn Martz's system which is likely the only reason Bruce was signed IMO so it might take another year but if you're homers you should be rooting for him to get on the field soon...

[Voice_Of_Reason 0]

Lotta good work in that 1st post. Unfortunately, the niner fans who don't already know this one fact, soon will...terrible owners doom fans to decades of disappointments. And the Yorks are right up there as some seriously football challenged owners.

 

Debartelo to York. Wow what a difference in knowledge! Eddie would do anything to win. John and Denise would do anything...well to uh...you know to.....uh.....well...

 

 

Martz won't do much for this franchise. It wasn't Martz that helped the Lions improve. The team needed hard love and Martz wasn't there to do that. They are getting it from Marenelli (however you spell it). And they haven't exactly turned around either.

 

Bruce...well, how did Rice do when he finally was let go late in his career? Nothing better than a part time possesion WR. Bruce will be the same. Alex Smith is not even as good as Kitna. Gore is better than anything the Lions had, but they have issues on that OL and the WR's are ehhh at best.

 

4-5 wins this year. Nolan gets fired next offseason. Martz doesn't get the job. They start all over again with a new staff next year.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Would you support Singletary or Manusky for the HC position if Nolan gets the boot?

 

EDIT: Also changed the mock to reflect the loss of the 5th round pick and the addition of Jeb Terry (G) from Free Agency.

[Voice_Of_Reason 0]

Would you support Singletary or Manusky for the HC position if Nolan gets the boot?

 

EDIT: Also changed the mock to reflect the loss of the 5th round pick and the addition of Jeb Terry (G) from Free Agency.

I like what Singletary offers. But is he any better than Nolan? A defensive mind with little control over the messed up front office.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Well when it comes down to it, I dread the day that Singletary leaves the 49ers. My heart will be broken. Ugh...the Yorks...

[49ER MAN 0]

I don't understand why y'all overlook Jason Hill. My bet is he is the best WR on their team right now. He didn't get much of a chance last year and now he'll need to learn Martz's system which is likely the only reason Bruce was signed IMO so it might take another year but if you're homers you should be rooting for him to get on the field soon...

 

I guess I haven't seen enough of Hill to form an opinion one way or another. Bruce knows the offense so you he will start and who will it be opposite him? Hopefully it'll be Johnson as I know he's got talent and perhaps with a chance to start, he can have a nice year and perhaps be a long term answer for them at the WR position.

[49ER MAN 0]

I like what Singletary offers. But is he any better than Nolan? A defensive mind with little control over the messed up front office.

 

I think messed up front office is being too nice. Why don't you add the owner in there to boot? Too bad you can't fire the owner.

[MontanaOvahBrady 0]

Very nice work Saint.

A few notes:

- I don't think Deshaun Foster is on the downside of his career, he is 28 years old and I feel like he has 2 more years of production left.

 

- As much as I agree that we need an O-line guy in the 1st round, I have a feeling that a WR pick is coming.

 

- I gave up on Alex Smith already, Shaun Hill is my starter, O Sullivan is my backup

[Saint Elistan 106]

- I don't think Deshaun Foster is on the downside of his career, he is 28 years old and I feel like he has 2 more years of production left.

I was a bit harsh. What I meant was that he's not a starter. Having him on board will lengthen Gore's career a couple of years. I'm definitely excited to have him so cheap.

 

- As much as I agree that we need an O-line guy in the 1st round, I have a feeling that a WR pick is coming.

Very possible. I really hope not, though. If Nolan thinks he's in trouble, drafting a high profile WR may be the way we go.

[worm 36]

If Kenny Philips somehow slips by Wash, Jax and SD, we have to seriously consider taking him, right? Tell me I'm not crazy.

[Saint Elistan 106]

I wouldn't...but a majority of the fan base would agree with you, worm.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

I'd think Pat Sims or Red Bryant would fit at NT in a 3-4 much better than Laws. Laws would be a great DT in a 4-3 or, even and end, but he's known for penetration and getting upfield more than he is for being an immovable force.

[Saint Elistan 106]

UPDATE: Billy Bajema TE (RFA) signs one-year tender for 927k. Also made the original post easier to read.

[DocNiner 70]

Best offseason move the 49ers could make would be to get rid of the YORKS. Probably won't happen anytime soon, so any hopes of them returning to the glory days of years past are not good. I'll always be a Niners fan but I can't stand the Yorks. They're ruining a storied franchise and as long as they remain the owners I don't have much hope for the Niners winning a lot of ball games.

[49ER MAN 0]

Best offseason move the 49ers could make would be to get rid of the YORKS. Probably won't happen anytime soon, so any hopes of them returning to the glory days of years past are not good. I'll always be a Niners fan but I can't stand the Yorks. They're ruining a storied franchise and as long as they remain the owners I don't have much hope for the Niners winning a lot of ball games.

 

Amen. I could not have said it better myself!

[Savage Beast 1]

They're ruining a storied franchise and as long as they remain the owners I don't have much hope for the Niners winning a lot of ball games.

 

[MontanaOvahBrady 0]

Best offseason move the 49ers could make would be to get rid of the YORKS. Probably won't happen anytime soon, so any hopes of them returning to the glory days of years past are not good. I'll always be a Niners fan but I can't stand the Yorks. They're ruining a storied franchise and as long as they remain the owners I don't have much hope for the Niners winning a lot of ball games.

I don't plan on attending any games and purchasing any Niners gear until the Yorks are out of the office. THAT is the way to protest, not a stupid walkout.

[49ER MAN 0]

If Kenny Philips somehow slips by Wash, Jax and SD, we have to seriously consider taking him, right? Tell me I'm not crazy.

 

You're not crazy. Phillips is the top S and I wouldn't be opposed to helping out the D more.

[mdog1967 0]

I wouldn't mind the offensive tackle pick but boy do we still need help at WR. Bruce is old, Johnson is unproven and Battle is decent though nothing special.

I agree they need some temporary help at WR, I think Jason Hill may still prove to be a big part of the future.

By the Way I live down here in Texas and support Texas teams, but the 49ers are it for me. Like all you of I have been just dumb struck by the regression of the team last year. I want to support Nolan and Martz and I hope they can get it going, but I don't know. Gonna have to show me. IT ain't the 80's!!!

[49ER MAN 0]

I agree they need some temporary help at WR, I think Jason Hill may still prove to be a big part of the future.

By the Way I live down here in Texas and support Texas teams, but the 49ers are it for me. Like all you of I have been just dumb struck by the regression of the team last year. I want to support Nolan and Martz and I hope they can get it going, but I don't know. Gonna have to show me. IT ain't the 80's!!!

 

Hill needs to step up his game if he wants to be considered part of the future for SF. Nolan is on the hot seat and if SF struggles again, I believe he will be gone and maybe Alex Smith will go with him as well.

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

Hill needs to step up his game if he wants to be considered part of the future for SF. Nolan is on the hot seat and if SF struggles again, I believe he will be gone and maybe Alex Smith will go with him as well.

 

I think you're right with all those points. In the case of Hill, I think the main reason Bruce was brought in was to be a mentor to Hill. He's one of the best route runners of our time and has a Rice-like work ethic - he has much wisdom to impart on Hill. To me, it shows how highly the Niners must think of Hill.

 

I think in Smith's case, it hasn't helped to have the revolving door of offensive coordinators, but he certainly regressed last year - of course, the offensive line was quite....well, offensive, so that didn't help either. In the case of Nolan, I'm not convinced he has what it takes to be a head coach. He doesn't make any adjustments as the game goes on, and some of the game plans he's prepared have been very pedestrian. I'm kind of hoping that Marty Schottenheimer is still around after this year - if the Niners could grab him, I think that would be the best avenue to pursue.

 

Unfortunately, I don't see the Yorks being that strategic. They'll probably just bring back Dennis Erickson or something.

[49ER MAN 0]

I think you're right with all those points. In the case of Hill, I think the main reason Bruce was brought in was to be a mentor to Hill. He's one of the best route runners of our time and has a Rice-like work ethic - he has much wisdom to impart on Hill. To me, it shows how highly the Niners must think of Hill.

 

I think in Smith's case, it hasn't helped to have the revolving door of offensive coordinators, but he certainly regressed last year - of course, the offensive line was quite....well, offensive, so that didn't help either. In the case of Nolan, I'm not convinced he has what it takes to be a head coach. He doesn't make any adjustments as the game goes on, and some of the game plans he's prepared have been very pedestrian. I'm kind of hoping that Marty Schottenheimer is still around after this year - if the Niners could grab him, I think that would be the best avenue to pursue.

 

Unfortunately, I don't see the Yorks being that strategic. They'll probably just bring back Dennis Erickson or something.

 

I didn't mind the signing of Bruce as he knows Martz's system..just wonder how much is left in the gas tank. Hopefully he'll show Hill the way.

 

The 49ers have not shown any continuity with regards to the offensive coordinators and that is just brutal. If Nolan can't get it done, I wonder if they think enough of Singletary to promote him to head coach. I wouldn't have a problem with bringing in Marty as he certainly has proven to be a winner, but if they'd get to the playoffs, watch out.

[Joey Gladstone 33]

Well hopefully they at least take a step forward this season. I'm tired of our division being the laughingstock of the league.