Niners sign TE Vernon Davis for 5 yrs around $23 mil

[RicemanX 20]

Better be worth it!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2532619

[enjoi525 0]

any predictions on his stats this year?

[RicemanX 20]

We'll find out more information at training camp.

They are still not very sure how they are going to work Eric Johnson and Vernon Davis into the offense.

If EJ stays healthy, these 2 will probably be the #1 and 2 recieving options for the SF offense.

 

I've heard talks about either running a 2 TE offense, or letting EJ play TE and VD line up as the slot reciever.

Can you imagine a #3 CB trying to cover Vernon Davis? VD would most likely be faster than him!

 

Early prediction...

 

Vernon Davis - 700yds 5 TDs

Eric Johnson - 300 yds 2 TDs (thinking only 10 games because of injury) That would be a plus!

[Raider 84 29]

700 4-6 tds. Will get better as Smith gets more experienced.

[RicemanX 20]

700 4-6 tds. Will get better as Smith gets more experienced.

Alex Smith is a wierd situation with us right now.

If you go on the Niners forum, no one wants to put Alex Smith and the word "bust" in the same sentence because we're slowly realizing that it might be true. And then questions pop up, like "Who we could of had with that pick and money." and "How many years are we sliding back because of this move"

 

Anyways, this season will probably tell us a lot.

I'm excited..

[famousb 11]

Alex Smith is a wierd situation with us right now.

If you go on the Niners forum, no one wants to put Alex Smith and the word "bust" in the same sentence because we're slowly realizing that it might be true. And then questions pop up, like "Who we could of had with that pick and money." and "How many years are we sliding back because of this move"

 

Anyways, this season will probably tell us a lot.

I'm excited..

 

i think i read a stat one time, that the avg. career length (as a starting QB) for a rookie QB who starts in his first year is something like 3.5 years... which is very believable when you look at some of the guys that have been thrown to the wolves in their rookie years as compared to the guys who were given a year to learn the NFL ways while on the sideline.

 

Granted, there are always exceptions, but unfortunately for SF, i don't think Smith will be one of them unless they throw some great support around him. Hopefully 2 reliable TEs will at least be good safety valves for him...

[football_scooter 0]

700 4-6 tds. Will get better as Smith gets more experienced.

 

This is right around where I see VD

 

Not spectacular this year, but AS & VD could develop a nice chemistry.

[Montana_god 0]

Alex Smith is a wierd situation with us right now.

If you go on the Niners forum, no one wants to put Alex Smith and the word "bust" in the same sentence because we're slowly realizing that it might be true. And then questions pop up, like "Who we could of had with that pick and money." and "How many years are we sliding back because of this move"

 

Anyways, this season will probably tell us a lot.

I'm excited..

 

 

Totally agree! I have a gut feeling that Smith will work out - It's working out like his college coach said, that until he understands the system he would be "non-functual" and that's what we viewed the majority of last season...but the last couple of games show some promise and hope...

 

As far as Davis goes - this rocks! 700 yds - 10tds

 

Now lets work on Lawson...

[football_scooter 0]

Alex Smith is a wierd situation with us right now.

If you go on the Niners forum, no one wants to put Alex Smith and the word "bust" in the same sentence because we're slowly realizing that it might be true. And then questions pop up, like "Who we could of had with that pick and money." and "How many years are we sliding back because of this move"

 

Anyways, this season will probably tell us a lot.

I'm excited..

 

I have also seen the naysayers among the Niners faithful (what's left of us) who are saying AS is a bust.

 

I cannot say he isn't, but it's WAY too early to say he is.

 

Last year is to be evaluated as what it is: a young QB having to re-learn the position. Norv's escape from the WCO is going to make life a hell of a lot easier on Smith. Ground & pound to open up the big play-action. Huge line to protect Smith and open holes in the run game. Smith won't be expected to carry the team. And for the 1st time in years, our QB will have an experienced vet in his ear. Dilfer is the epitome of class and "veteran leadership" - something that was sorely lacking in season's past.

 

My reasons for optimism about Smith (big picture)

-Big, strong, athletic kid. Reminds me of Steve Young when he runs. Doesn't shy from contact. Lowers his shoulder and pushes.

-Smart...his intelligence was well publicized along with his academic achievements in college...tells me that he wil pick up the offense and make it happen

-dedicated...he's reportedly been at the gym and in camp the ENTIRE offseason, working with Nolan, Singletary and more recently Turner. Having seen players like Vick, Kordel Stewart, Harrington and others try to get by on skills alone, I am far more optimistic about Smith's chances.

-When we recruited him, we were looking at a few options. The only reason McCarthy was the OC was to help bring in a franchise QB. He was the man who drafted Bulger, and he's worked with some terrific QBs in his career - between he & Nolan, they saw something in Smith that convinced them that despite playing in a wide open system in college, that he could make the adjustment to the pro game.

 

I look at the 2006 season as Smith's true rookie year...meaning, now that SF has an O-Line, they might have a semblance of a run game. Now that SF has a WR who is wiling to block in Bryant, that run game gets even better. Now that Smith has better receiving targets in the returning Eric Johnson, and the additions of Bryand & Davis, he actually has weapons and with the aforementioned line he will have time to run through checkdowns instead of running for his life. Defenses won't be able to blitz every down.

 

If Smith can't get the job done at all this year, I'll jump on the "bust" bandwagon. But I at least want to afford him the chance now that he appears to be put in a position to succeed.

[De Novo 0]

I saw Vernon Davis play for 3 years at Maryland, so I have high hopes. I think over the 1st 8 games, we disappoints. One or two games where he dazzles, but 250 yards and 1-2 TDs is my prediction. Over the final 8 games, I'd expect about 400-500 yards and 3-4 TDs.

 

So, 650-700 yards. 4-6 TDs. If he catches on quickly, he could have a Pro Bowl type season. His impact on the game, though, is much greater than his numbers indicated because defenses are going to have to change everything they do to accomodate him. You talk about Ben Watson being a freak of nature. Vernon Davis is faster and his agility is unrivalled. He makes Watson look like Daniel Graham.

 

Smith is athletic, has a lot of toughness, and a tremendous work ethic. If there's a young QB in the NFL who can get by on subpar arm strength, it's Alex Smith. Guys have done it before. Hell, Joe Montana did.

[Parja 0]

This makes the f'd up state of rookie contracts pretty obvious when the higest paid player at a position has never even taken a snap in the NFL.

[football_scooter 0]

I saw Vernon Davis play for 3 years at Maryland, so I have high hopes. I think over the 1st 8 games, we disappoints. One or two games where he dazzles, but 250 yards and 1-2 TDs is my prediction. Over the final 8 games, I'd expect about 400-500 yards and 3-4 TDs.

 

So, 650-700 yards. 4-6 TDs. If he catches on quickly, he could have a Pro Bowl type season. His impact on the game, though, is much greater than his numbers indicated because defenses are going to have to change everything they do to accomodate him. You talk about Ben Watson being a freak of nature. Vernon Davis is faster and his agility is unrivalled. He makes Watson look like Daniel Graham.

 

Smith is athletic, has a lot of toughness, and a tremendous work ethic. If there's a young QB in the NFL who can get by on subpar arm strength, it's Alex Smith. Guys have done it before. Hell, Joe Montana did.

Excellent input. I've hear a lot of good things from people who saw him as a terp.

 

and I argree about ASmith - it looks like he'll have a realistic opportunity to prove us right or wrong this year.

[Cuse9 131]

Highest paid tight end in the NFL.

 

I can see that. Look what all he's done in the NFL. Gates don't have nothing on Davis! Tony who? Oh yeah, Vernon deserves all that money especially when you consider how important TE's are to winning a championship.

[t.j 35]

Highest paid tight end in the NFL.

 

I can see that. Look what all he's done in the NFL. Gates don't have nothing on Davis! Tony who? Oh yeah, Vernon deserves all that money especially when you consider how important TE's are to winning a championship.

 

Just what this board needs, another rant about rookie salaries.

[Rookie QB 0]

Alex Smith, hopefully, can have a career like David Carr if SF continues to be a losing team. Carr was thrown to the wolves much like Smith was last season. Both are strong, physical QBs who can run. Hopefully Smith's career does not end because of a poor SF team.

[Cuse9 131]

Just what this board needs, another rant about rookie salaries.

 

Just what this board needs another person with nothing to say except rip on someone else because they have no thought process on the actual topic...good insight.

[RicemanX 20]

no fighting on my thread!

[Cuse9 131]

no fighting on my thread!

 

I deeply apologize. I just get tired of the jokers on this site that have nothing to say. I love sarcasm and a good joke. But your topic screamed out years and money....so I gave my two cents. Now if the dude would have had some input and disagreed with what I said...no problem, til then...shut up if you have nothing to say.

 

But, in your threads....I promise to be nice for now on.

[t.j 35]

Just what this board needs another person with nothing to say except rip on someone else because they have no thought process on the actual topic...good insight.

 

I have a thought process on the thread, but I was distracted by your off-topic rant. You had nothing to say, so why didn't you take your own advice and shut up?

 

I think it's great for Vernon and the 49ers that he's in camp. They need to get good things going quickly after last year was so bad, a holdout would have really set them back IMO. I have no thoughts on the amount he got paid, he got what he was slotted for. In terms of his worth, the money he gets is a small matter compared to what it cost to get him (the #6 pick).

[Cuse9 131]

I think it's great for Vernon and the 49ers that he's in camp. They need to get good things going quickly after last year was so bad, a holdout would have really set them back IMO. I have no thoughts on the amount he got paid, he got what he was slotted for. In terms of his worth, the money he gets is a small matter compared to what it cost to get him (the #6 pick).

 

Now why didn't you say that in the first place! Now as I already told RicemanX, I'm gonna be a nice guy in his threads....so you have a nice day.

[t.j 35]

Now why didn't you say that in the first place!

 

Because, like I said, you distracted me with your off-topic rant.

[J-Money 4]

This makes the f'd up state of rookie contracts pretty obvious when the higest paid player at a position has never even taken a snap in the NFL.

 

 

I don't remember quite what happened...but wasn't Kellen Winslow the highest paid TE when he signed his contract?

 

Chances are the contract has a nice signing bonus and is back loaded making it look even bigger than it is, figuring he'll get an extension or be released before the big numbers come into effect

[Cuse9 131]

Because, like I said, you distracted me with your off-topic rant.

 

I'm sorry my friend, maybe you missed the headliner. "Niners sign TE Vernon Davis for 5 years around 23 million." You see, that to me lets me know that a kid who has never taken a snap in the NFL is making more money than the top tier....check that....every tier TE in the game. So I thought my comments were related to the topic.

 

You see I can't say he's a great tight end and he deserves the money because I don't know. He was awesome in college, not quite as good as Kyle Brady was....but he was pretty good. He plays for the worst team in football and I don't see him being the savior. A piece of the puzzle possibly, but normally a stellar qb or rb can turn a franchise around in a hurry, but I'm yet to see a tight end.

 

As for your first comment....you said nothing that related to the topic at all. Are you acknowedging that my statements are what matters to you the most? You didn't like my "off topic rant" so what did you do....you have an off topic rant yourself.

 

I guess the bottom line is: We both have different opinions on his contract.

[49ER MAN 0]

Totally agree! I have a gut feeling that Smith will work out - It's working out like his college coach said, that until he understands the system he would be "non-functual" and that's what we viewed the majority of last season...but the last couple of games show some promise and hope...

 

As far as Davis goes - this rocks! 700 yds - 10tds

 

Now lets work on Lawson...

 

10 TD's for Davis his rookie year? Ha, you're kidding right? Smith might be lucky to throw 10 TD passes this season if that line and running game don't improve. If healthy, Eric Johnson does factor into the equation and will cut into Davis's numbers as SF wants to run more 2 TE sets.

[Mad Matt 0]

Yea the money is huge. Though the 9ers knew about what they would have to him when they picked him there. It's the ugly side of NFL business.

 

What they believe they got was a offensive threat. Something they haven't had since TO left. They are a team that is average at reciever and maybe seeing how both K.C. and S.D. revieved thier offences with playmaking TEs and average WRs made the gamble worth it.

 

The front office has to know they are a long way from the superbowl. I think they feel building through the draft is the only option (given how cheap York is) and they know it will take a long f-ing time to do it.

 

Do I like the fact Davis is the highest paid TE in history? No.

 

Did I like the pick when the 9ers made it? Yes. Even better then Hawk.

 

The ###### that could ###### the whole thing up. The pressure on Davis to be Superman Because of the deal he signed.

[Parja 0]

no fighting on my thread!

 

Look over there! *headbutts RicemanX and smashes a beer bottle over his head*

 

RIOT!

[football_scooter 0]

Look over there! *headbutts RicemanX and smashes a beer bottle over his head*

 

RIOT!

 

uh oh.....RAKE FIGHT!!!!!

 

[Ilov80s 0]

The fact that a rookie is the highest paid player at his position shows exactly what is wrong with the NFL.

[brentleim 0]

In my opinion, Davis will be a top 5 TE this year. In a couple of years he will be the #1. You dont pay someone that much money and not intend to build the offense around him.

 

Or maybe, once again, Im being optimistic based on the fact that I have him...