*OFFICIAL* 49ers Discussion Thread

[Joey Gladstone 33]

The only bummer in the Seahawk's nice draft is that the Niners are also cleaning up. If Davis can max out you could be looking at the best O-line in the league in a few years.

[Saint Elistan 106]

FOCKING REX RYAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(took john conner)

[Saint Elistan 106]

Anthony Dixon? Great value in the 6th. He did a whole lot in the SEC with a full box because he was Miss St's only real weapon. At one point he was projected in the 2nd or 3rd Rounds.

 

Nate Byham? Had us picking him in the 7th in one of my mocks. The kid is a mauler of a blocker...and he loves it.

"I like to bloody noses," he said. "I don't shy away from contact. I go into the hole to hit somebody. I'm trying to inflict pain. I'm not just there to get in somebody's way."

That's what I like to hear! FHYSICAL.

 

Kyle Williams? Great speed, hands, and ball adjustment. Ziegler is probably gone in favor of Mr. Williams.

 

Phillip Adams? ESPN didn't even have him scouted. Someone compared him to Finnegan though, so that's enough to give him a chance for me. Glad to come away with at least some CB competition.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Highlight videos for draft picks updated. I'll be updating the NFC West News section and I'll add an UDFA section; we always seem to do well in that department.

 

Maiocco's take on the new draft picks.

 

Anthony Dixon

The 49ers got their third running back with their first selection on Saturday, selecting Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon.

 

Dixon (6-0, 236) is the kind of big back the 49ers prefer. He was a first-team all-SEC pick after leading the conference in rushing with 1,391 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 49ers picked him in the sixth round with the No. 173 selection. Dixon is a powerful runner who keeps alive the team's theme of being "physical with an 'F' " -- whatever that means. Backup Glen Coffee was a third-round pick last year. He has gained some weight and expects to be around 10 pounds heavier. Dixon is a serious threat to Coffee's status as the team's backup to Frank Gore.

 

Nate Byham

The 49ers came back with their second pick in the sixth round to select tight end Nate Byham of Pitt. He's 6-4, 265 pounds and considered a blocking specialist.

 

The 49ers took Bear Pascoe of Fresno State late in the draft last year. That did not pan out, as the 49ers dropped him at the end of the exhibition season and did not re-sign him to the practice squad. As a senior, Byham started 12 games and made just 10 catches for 108 yards. He is a blocker. And that's all he's going to be with the 49ers, as he compete against Joe Jon Finley and Tony Curtis for the possible No. 3 spot behind Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker.

 

Kyle Williams

The 49ers picked up wide receiver Kyle Williams of Arizona State with the club's final sixth-round pick, No. 206 overall.

 

Williams' true value to the 49ers is likely as a return man. He averaged 10 yards per return as a senior, after rolling up a 17-yard average as a junior. He is the son of Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, which might explain why the White Sox selected him in the 47th round of the 2006 baseball draft.

 

Phillip Adams

The 49ers' final draft pick of the day was cornerback Philip Adams, a 5-10, 192-pounder from South Carolina State. The pick was in the seventh round, the No. 224 overall pick. There's not a whole lot of information out there about Adams. But the 49ers did bring him to Santa Clara for a personal visit recently.

 

When asked how he would describe Adams, Singletary answered, "You know what I'm going to say. He's physical." Adams is a physical corner who can run. Singletary described him as "raw." He is looking forward to bringing Adams into the team's rookie minicamp next weekend to learn more about him and to get him on the field to see where he might best fit in.

[Saint Elistan 106]

UDFA's so far:

Chris Maragos, S, UW

Patrick Stoudamire, DB, W. Illinois

Jared Perry, WR, Missouri

Jarrett Brown, QB, WVU

Leroy Vann, KR, FAMU

LeGarrett Blount, RB, Oregon

Scott Long, WR, Louisville

[worm 34]

Hard for me to like the Blount signing as an Oregon State alumnus, but at least we didn't draft him. Found some LeRoy Vann

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

Great work with the updates, Saint Elistan.

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

Jeebus. A line that could realistically be together for almost 10 years.

 

Alex Smith: 25

Nate Davis: 21

Frank Gore: 26

Vernon Davis: 26

Michael Crabtree: 22

Ted Ginn: 25

Jason Hill: 25

Josh Morgan: 24

 

Now that's one offense with plenty of time to get to know each other.

 

[Saint Elistan 106]

Great work with the updates, Saint Elistan.

 

Thanks man.

[Saint Elistan 106]

My Post-Draft Projected Depth Chart

(Green = Rookie, Blue = Free Agent)

 

QB(3) - Alex Smith / David Carr / Nate Davis

RB(3) - Frank Gore / Glenn Coffee / Anthony Dixon (Michael Robinson)

FB(1) - Morran Norris (Michael Robinson)

 

WR(5) - Michael Crabtree / Josh Morgan / Jason Hill / Ted Ginn / Brandon Jones (LeRoy Vann)

TE(3) - Vernon Davis / Delanie Walker / Nate Byham

 

LT(2) - Joe Staley / Barry Sims

LG(2) - Mike Iupati / David Baas

C(1) - Eric Heitmann (Baas / Wragge)

RG(2) - Chilo Rachal / Tony Wragge

RT(2) - Anthony Davis / Adam Snyder

 

Offense: 24

 

DE(6) - Justin Smith / Isaac Sopoaga / Ray McDonald / Demetric Evans / Kentwan Balmer / Ricky Jean-Francois

NT(1) - Aubrayo Franklin (Ricky Jean-Francois / Kentwan Balmer)

 

SOLB(2) - Manny Lawson / Ahmad Brooks

MIKE(2) - Patrick Willis / Navorro Bowman

TED(2) - Takeo Spikes / Scott McKillop

WOLB(2) - Parys Haralson / Travis LaBoy

 

CB(5) - Nate Clements / Shawntae Spencer / Tarell Brown / Dre Bly / Karl Paymah (Reggie Smith)

 

SS(2) - Michael Lewis / Taylor Mays

FS(2) - Dashon Goldson / Reggie Smith

 

Defense: 24

 

P(1) - Andy Lee

K(1) - Joe Nedney

LS(1) - Brian Jennings

 

KR(1) - LeRoy Vann (Ted Ginn)

PR - (LeRoy Vann)

ST(1) - Michael Robinson

 

Special Teams: 5

 

I'm not gonna play around with the 8 Practice Squad Slots. The only ones not on the roster that I definitely want to keep on the PS are Alex Boone (T), Curtis Taylor (S), Phillip Adams (CB), Jarrett Brown (QB) and Kyle Williams (WR). If Taylor Mays for some reason turns into "Insta-Stud", we can drop Michael Lewis for Curtis Taylor. And yes, I'm on the Vann-wagon! I admittedly don't know much about our other UDFA's...so I guess we'll see how things play out, but I like the look of this roster. Looks pretty damn good.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Updated the UDFAs and my projected depth chart to reflect Blount changing his mind and signing with the Titans.

 

Like I said in the other thread, if he wasn't confident enough to think he could beat the likes of Glenn Coffee and Anthony Davis in the talent department, then I'm glad he's no longer an option.

[Saint Elistan 106]

49ers Ink Two More UDFAs.

After LaGarrette Blount changed his mind to sign with the Titans, the 49ers then inked undrafted free agents, Tramaine Brock, CB/S of Belhaven University and Keaton Kristick, ILB of Oregon State.

 

Brock is a 5’10, 196, CB/S from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. Belhaven University is a small NAIA school which plays football in the Mid-South Conference. Brock formerly played safety for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, registering 73 tackles, and an interception in 2008. Brock left for academic reasons. With Belhaven in 2009, Brock had a team-high six interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Brock added 51 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks for the Blazers.

 

Keaton Kristick is thankfully a lot more well-known than Tramaine Brock. Kristick played (6’3” 230) linebacker for Oregon State. He logged 204 career tackles, with five sacks and two interceptions in his four-years in Corvallis. Kristick has a good chance to be a key special-teamer for the 49ers.

 

Good to have some more CB competition.

[jocstrap 8]

Jocstrap will be a 49er fan this year. My Mississippi State boy Anthony Dixon has been drafted. I can't believe he dropped all the way until the 6th round. This kid is POWER!

 

Go Titan's

Go Niners

 

 

The first three highlights are awesome!

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zRDOMM0-2M...feature=related

 

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTuq8r7JruQ

[worm 34]

OTA & Minicamp Dates

 

Rookie Minicamp: April 30-May 2

Team Minicamp: June 18-20

OTA's: Mar 29-30, April 30, May 17-20, June 7-8, June 10-11, June 14-16

[Saint Elistan 106]

Mini-Camps underway. Barrows and Barber are tweeting away if you wish to follow them for relevant updates during the camp.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Team Twitter:

We have signed free agent LB Brandon Long to a two-year contract.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Matt Barrows' Rookie Review for Day 1

Here's how the rookies (and selected vets) lined up in team drills:

QB: Jarrett Brown

RB: Anthony Dixon

FB: Jehuu Caulcrick

TE: JJ Finley and Nate Byham

WR: Jared Perry

WR: Grant Bakari

Slot: Kyle Williams

LT: Alex Boone

LG: Mike Iupati

C: Alonzo Durham

RG: Josh Taufalele

RT: Anthony Davis

 

LDE: Khalif Mitchell, William Takuafu

NT: Rocky Savaiigaea

RDE: Chris Perri

MILB: Navorro Bowman, Keaton Kristick

TILB: Mike Balogun

OLB: Brandon Long

OLB: Martail Burnett

SS: Taylor Mays

FS: Chris Maragos

CB: Patrick Stoudamire, Philip Adams

CB: Tramaine Brock, LeRoy Vann

[Saint Elistan 106]

From Team's official website:

The San Francisco 49ers today on Monday that they have signed rookie free agent WR Bakari Grant to a two-year contract. Grant was signed after participating in the 49ers rookie mini-camp this past weekend on a tryout basis.

 

Grant (6-3, 195), caught 154 passes for 1,937 yards and 18 touchdowns in 39 games at UC-Davis, earning All-Great West Conference honors three times in four seasons. As a senior, Grant recorded 45 catches for 584 yards and five touchdowns, earning first-team All-Great West Conference recognition.

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Friday that they have signed free agent LB Brandon Long to a two-year contract.

 

Long (6-3, 254), tallied 68 tackles in four seasons at Michigan State, including 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, in 43 career games. As a senior in 2008, Long was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media and had a career-high 39 tackles, including 5.5 sacks.

News is news is news. And here's a nice article on Anthony Dixon.

The YouTube video making the rounds in 49ers circles in the wake of the draft doesn't show first-round pick Mike Iupati throwing a defensive lineman to the ground, or even second-rounder Taylor Mays knocking receivers silly with shoulder tackles.

 

It's a clip of Anthony Dixon, a sixth-round selection, running for Mississippi State in a game against Houston last season. In the video, Dixon takes a handoff on a misdirection play, waits for his blocks to develop at the line, shoots into the secondary, and — spoiler alert — spends the final 25 yards carrying, shedding and shoving various Cougars into the end zone.

The

.

[worm 34]

Willis signs 5-year Extension - Link

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday they have signed LB Patrick Willis to a five-year contract extension through the 2016 season. The 49ers originally selected Willis with the 11th overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.

[Saint Elistan 106]

That's what I like to see. An organization that takes care of their players...did with Gore a few years back, now it's time to get VD and maybe Franklin. Heh, check out the front page of 49ers.com...built a shrine to Willis!

 

While we're at it, is there any team with a better website than we have? It's so damn professional. Be sure to check out the Highlight Video they made to announce the extension.

[Natetradomus 0]

Really wish we could have gotten Mcnabb or even Jason Cambell, but so far I love what the niners have done this off season. I'm just really worried of Alex Smith having a decent season and the niners sticking with him for years to come. I believe we have the talent to get to the NFC championship but I just don't see them getting out of a wild card ever with Alex Smith. All I know is we better start winning quick because I really don't think the seachickens are too far off. They had a good off season as well Imo.

[Inhiding 0]

They lost 6 games by a total of 26 points last year. Just over 4 points a game. 3 of those 6 loses were by 3 points (Minny, Seattle and Houston). Lost to Super Bowl bound Indy by 4 points at Indy. Green Bay was a 6 point loss, and Tennessee was a 7 point loss. My point? Not sure but they played up to the level of competition. Sure they were blown out by Atlanta. I think that this year will be Alex's year, it has to be. Everything that was working against him in the past in not there anymore. Same OC, the emergence of legitimate offensive weapons, and a defense that is under rated. I like what was done for the return game. Of the 3 return guys I am excited to see what LeRoy Vann can bring to the field. A few extra yards in the return game can shorten the field and maybe those 3 point loses become wins. Then we are looking at 11 - 5 and the NFC West champs. Woulda/Coulda/Shoulda.

 

I'm actually excited this year, and I didn't have to blindly talk myself into it either!!

 

[Saint Elistan 106]

Lookin' up indeed!

 

...and I wish I knew what was up with Dre Bly. Do we not want him back? Does he not want to come back? Does he have injury? Does he just want too much money? Either way, we got some CB competition today in 9-year veteran Will James and that likely means Bly is out.

 

James (CB) agrees to one year deal.

Free-agent cornerback Will James has agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers, according to his agent. James, 30, visited the 49ers on Monday and Tuesday. James was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round in 2001 and spent five seasons with the Giants. He played last season for the Lions, starting 14 games. James began his NFL career as Will Peterson Jr. but changed his name to James before the 2006 season. James' acquisition signals the team is not as interested in re-signing free-agents Dre Bly and Walt Harris.

 

The team's current cornerbacks are:

 

Phillip Adams ®

Tramaine Brock ®

Tarell Brown

Nate Clements

Karl Paymah

Keith Smith

Shawntae Spencer

Will James

Patrick Stoudamire ®

LeRoy Vann ®

 

The trademarks signify return man.

 

Clements, Spencer, and Brown are a solid enough crew. I'd like to think that Will James beats out Paymah for a roster spot and that Vann is kept for special teams and offensive packages. The question is...will the team keep another corner? Or will Reggie Smith be a flex from the safety position? Can't wait to find out. Tis' really the only absolute question mark on the team right now. The secondary was a big part of our heart breakers last year.

[Saint Elistan 106]

No "real" news lately but here's a sweet from Vernon Davis yesterday that made me happy:

We got plenty of time y'all I'll sign an extension soon I'm sure don't worry I'm in 100%

 

A++ offseason if we get him signed to a reasonable extension before the season starts.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Coming from the Team's Official Twitter:

CB Phillip Adams has signed a 4-year deal with the #49ers.

He's the first of our draft picks to sign.

 

And from Matt Maiocco, we have the OTAs depth chart from today:

OFFENSE

Split end - Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn Jr., Dominique Zeigler, Kyle Williams

Flanker - Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones

LT - Joe Staley, Barry Sims

LG - David Baas, Mike Iupati

C - Eric Heitmann, Tony Wragge, Cody Wallace

RG - Chilo Rachal, Chris Patrick, Brian de la Puente

RT - Adam Snyder, Anthony Davis

TE - Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Joe Jon Finley, Tony Curtis, Nate Byham

QB - Alex Smith, David Carr, Nate Davis

FB - Moran Norris, Brit Miller

RB - Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Anthony Dixon

 

DEFENSE

LE - Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Khalif Mitchell

NT - Ricky Jean-Francois, Isaac Sopoaga

RE - Justin Smith, Demetic Evans, Derek Walker

LOLB - Ahmad Brooks, Diyral Briggs, Martail Burnett

LILB - Takeo Spikes, Navorro Bowman, Mike Balogun

RILB - Matt Wilhelm, Scott McKillop, Navorro Bowman

ROLB - Parys Haralson, Travis LaBoy, Brandon Long

LCB - Tarell Brown, Phillip Adams, Patrick Stoudamire, LeRoy Vann

RCB - Karl Paymah, Keith Smith, Tramaine Brock

SS - Michael Lewis, Curtis Taylor, Chris Maragos

FS - Dashon Goldson, Reggie Smith, Taylor Mays

Spencer (wtf, really?) and Lawson aren't happy with their contracts. Clements is working out on his own. Haven't heard anything on Franklin.

[worm 34]

Franklin hasn't signed his tender yet, but I don't believe that prevents him from practicing. He could sign a waiver if he wanted. Spencer better be ready for a long wait if he isn't happy, Vernon and Goldson are higher priorities to sign. He's signed through 2012 too, so I don't think the front office will budge.

[Saint Elistan 106]

All the views on Alex Smith during these OTAs is very, very encouraging. Here's a nice, long article + video from Maiocco on Alex.

"I'm with him 100 percent and I can't wait to see him out there this year because I know he's going to do a fantastic job," 49ers tight end Vernon Davis said of his quarterback.

 

"He's talking. He's vocal. He's taking control and being that guy you want on your team -- a guy who's going to step up and take charge and handle his responsibilities," Davis said.

 

But this offseason is different. This is the first time Smith knows the offense well enough to lead meetings, understand all the nuances of the team's protection schemes and fully appreciate the route concepts. This is his first offseason since Smith has been in the NFL in which he has not had to learn new concepts, a new offense and worked with a new offensive coordinator. This is the first time since the 2007 offseason that he has been the unquestioned starting quarterback, gotten every first-team practice snap and is not rehabilitating from an injured shoulder.

Some tweets from today's OTAs:

Today, it looks as they're working on shotgun. Alex Smith is doing a lot of teaching today. Never saw him do this in previous offseasons.

Alex Smith essentially directing the offense this morning -- much more vocal, demonstrative than I've ever seen him.

Never seen this: Alex Smith is standing at line of scrimmage in walk through instructing his 49ers offensive teammates.

In offense-only drill, alex smith stops action to make sure fake defenders know roles, blockers understand assignments

Exciting to say the least!

[worm 34]

Baalke named VP of Player Personnel:

A press release sent distributed by the 49ers says that Baalke will oversee "all aspects of player personnel, including the draft, free agency, trades and re-signings." Baalke also will manage the team's college scouting and pro personnel departments.

 

Also, turns out Shawntae Spencer is not holding out for a better contract, he's just working out in Pittsburgh - Link

[Saint Elistan 106]

And 6th Round pick, Kyle Williams signs a 4 year deal. Good stuff today, Worm.

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Thursday that they have signed sixth-round draft choice WR Kyle Williams to a four-year contract.

 

Williams (5-10, 186) played in 41 games (15 starts) at Arizona State, totaling 109 receptions for 1,626 yards and 18 touchdowns, 74 punt returns for 768 yards and 31 kickoff returns for 709 yards for his career.

http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/artic...50-723bcdac9237

[worm 34]

Measure J Passes:

In a critical city-wide election on Tuesday, voters in Santa Clara approved plans for a new stadium for the San Francisco 49ers. The election clears the way for the project to move forward with the goal of opening the facility in time for the 2014 season.

More details from Barrows:

-$937 million stadium, 49ers responsible for $493 million

-68,500 seats (Candlestick capacity = 70,207)

-Plan calls for groundbreaking in 2012, ready for 2014 season

 

The wheels are now in motion. I don't see the City of San Francisco making any efforts to keep the team in SF, as it would just cost too much money. Santa Clara really wanted this, and so did Jed York.

[Saint Elistan 106]

 

Official Stadium Website.

 

And I'm just going to come out and say it. The 49ers have the best web development team in the NFL. The stuff they put out is just ridiculously polished and awesome.

 

Here's a complete run down of the "statistics" from the website.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Anthony Dixon signs 4 year deal.

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Monday that they have signed RB Anthony Dixon to a four-year deal.

 

Dixon (6-1, 235), was a sixth-round selection (173rd overall) by the 49ers in this year’s draft out of Mississippi State. Dixon finished his career as the school's all-time leading rusher with 3,994 yards, playing in 48 of 49 career games. He also owns school records for career attempts (910) and rushing touchdowns (42).

 

Ray McDonald apologizes for his DUI distraction.

"I would inform you but I can't, because I've been advised by my lawyer, because it is a legal situation, I can't say too much," McDonald said. "But I just want to let you all know that whenever it works itself out, you will know everything that's going on. And I just want to apologize for making this a distraction, because that's not my intent. My intent is to just come out here and work hard and try to win ballgames this year. I just don't want this to be a distraction the fans, my family, my teammates."

[jocstrap 8]

Jocstrap will be a 49er fan this year. My Mississippi State boy Anthony Dixon has been drafted. I can't believe he dropped all the way until the 6th round. This kid is POWER!

 

Go Titan's

Go Niners

 

 

The first three highlights are awesome!

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zRDOMM0-2M...feature=related

 

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTuq8r7JruQ

 

 

A bump for the boy! Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba GO STATE!

[Saint Elistan 106]

49ers released CB Keith Smith and waived LB Brandon long today.

[Joey Gladstone 33]

Tell me about Scot McCloughan

[Saint Elistan 106]

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms on a four-year deal with rookie sixth-round tight end Nate Byham, according to a league source.

The deal carries a maximum value of $3.304 million and includes a signing bonus slightly over $106,000.

 

Byham is regarded as one of the top blocking tight ends in the draft.

 

A former All-Big East Conference selection, Byham is a three-year starter at Pitt who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.91 seconds and registered a 31 1/2 inch vertical leap and a 9-10 broad jump at his Pro Day workout. The 6-foot-4, 268-pounder caught a career-high 20 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown two seasons ago.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Source-49ers-agree-to-fouryear-deal-with-Nate-Byham.html

 

Good deal. Hopefully Byham can be the blocking TE we've been looking for. And I've heard nothing but good things about his pass catching ability all camp.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Tell me about Scot McCloughan

 

Mediocre talent evaluator - has a thing for big dudes. Kinda like Al Davis and his speedsters.

[FlaHawker 24]

Tell me about Scot McCloughan

Will be able to provide Pete Carroll and co. lots of inside info for the week 1 matchup aginst the 69ers

[Saint Elistan 106]

Will be able to provide Pete Carroll and co. lots of inside info for the week 1 matchup aginst the 69ers

 

Rather have an opposing teams Oline coach than their GM on gameday.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Supposed to have some signings in the AM. See you guys then.