According to Adam Schefter, the 49ers plan to hire their defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen as their new DC, and for Chargers HC Brandon Staley as assistant HC vacated by the departure of Anthony Lynn.
New 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen joined San Francisco’s staff in 2022 as a defensive assistant. He was promoted to defensive passing game specialist/nickel backs last year. Sorensen spent the previous year as the Jaguars special teams coordinator. He also spent eight seasons on Pete Carroll’s Seahawks staff as a special teams assistant, secondary coach, and secondary coach/nickel specialist.
How does everyone feel about these hires?
Not sure. Sorensen doesn't have experience at calling defensive plays, as far as I know. But neither did Ryans and he was the best of the lot. As assistant HC, I suppose KS could assign Staley to work with Sorensen and maybe they'll in principle stick with the old defense but add some new twists.
ReplyDeleteYea, I love Staley in that "white board" role to compensate for maybe Sorensen's lack of experience calling plays.
DeleteDavid Lombardi
ReplyDelete@LombardiHimself
Brandon Staley has been an NFL defensive coordinator once. His 2020 Rams defense ranked #1 by a wide margin. He is a disciple of former 49ers DC Vic Fangio. Staley impressed Kyle Shanahan with his game plans vs top opposing offenses, including vs the 49ers in 2022.
Shanahan, however, didn't want to abandon SF's 4-3 defensive identity — which is rooted in their linebacker play. So the 49ers promoted assistant Nick Sorensen to DC and added Staley to the staff. They'll presumably allow him to infuse his "Cloud" (disguised) coverage concepts to the secondary.
Goal #1 for the 49ers: Tie the front and back end together better than last season, when DC Wilks' defense slipped from No.1 to No.12 in the EPA rankings
On the subject of defense, I think this may be Kocurek's last year with the 9ers. If his line doesn't improve this year he may have over stayed his welcome. The wide 9 has some weaknesses against the run but it should make it up versus the pass and it hasn't the last couple of years. imho
ReplyDeleteWhat has Shanny and Lynch said about their defensive system and actions lead you to believe the wide 9 is on its last legs?
DeleteYeah, I agree with razor here. Don't think ShanaLynch have the same feeling.
DeleteI think the biggest issue has been Kocurek is a victim of his own success. The more times he gets something out of discarded players, the more he's been expected to do it repeatedly.
Despite a lot of money thrown at the position, the 49ers have really only had 1-2 two top DL the past two years (Bosa, Hargrave), due to Armstead's ongoing battle with injuries.
The tried and true way to get dominance from the DL is to have dominant players. They need to hit on 1 or 2 DL in the draft if they want to return to that level.
As far as the run game goes, it feels like a big issue as a fan, but yet they still rank up the top of the league in terms of fewest rush yards allowed. I'd love to get a dominant DT that can plug the middle more consistently (which Kinlaw was supposed to be), but its not been a big issue.
49ers defense regressed from #1 to #12 under Steve Wilks. Run defense fell from #2 to #27 in EPA/play
DeletePer play wasn't good. But still 3rd fewest rush yards allowed on the season.
DeleteRun defence didn't prevent them getting to the SB and wasn't the reason they lost it.
But to your point razor, run D (and D overall) definitely regressed under Wilks. Run D was still very strong in 2022 under Ryans. Strong indication the issue was Wilks, not Kocurek.
DeleteCoach,
ReplyDeleteI feel that the loss of Ferrell and the underwhelming play of Chase contributed to lower overall defensive numbers. The 49ers will need to address this I'm the next few months. I would love for them to make a call to Riddick's agent to get feeler on what their mindset is. Picking at 31, I doubt that they could find an immediate contributor at DE/Edge.
Darius Robinson would be a day 1 starter at big DE for the Niners. Doubt he lasts until 31 though. What if the TE, Sanders is still on the board at 31? Wouldn't surprise me if they grabbed him up if he was even if it was to prevent Andy Reid from getting him.
ReplyDeleteRazor,
DeleteIf D.Robinson is good enough to be a day one starter, then the 49ers should begin to work on a plan to sway a team who likely will draft him earlier than the 49ers pick at 31. I don't remember the 49ers having a DL day one starter since Bosa.
Yea, they don't currently have a big DE on the roster opposite Bosa.
DeleteRazor... what are your thoughts on moving Armstead back to big DE in base if they get a DT?
DeleteArmstead's injuries worry me in terms of his ability to continue to hold up as a full time DT.
Wouldn't be a bad idea now that you mention it.
DeleteTyron Smith is a F/A
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of giving Sorensen an experienced playcaller he can seek advice from.
ReplyDeleteAside from that, glad Staley isn't the DC, and if they were going to promote from within, Sorensen made the most sense to me.
But would love to see the 49ers bring in some young up and comers to the coaching staff that they can groom to make futue hires more staright forward/ obvious, like the Ryans hire was.
I always thought that the DC hire would be internal after the negative experience of going outside. Sorensen got a year of exposure to some of the stuff that did not work for Niners players. That should, in principle, make him a little more well rounded.
ReplyDeleteThe Staley hire is as much about offense as defense. Kyle's offense has averaged about 20 points in the two Super Bowls. Spags has got his offense by the short and curly and Kyle needs some fresh insight to freeing his offense from this grasp because Reid, Spags and Mahomes ain't going anywhere for the rest of this decade. Staley has sufficient arrogance to tell Kyle that none of his exalted scheming with get Deebo open against top tier coverage.
49ers met with pretty much all the expected late 1st/ early 2nd OTs.
ReplyDeleteScooter
DeleteDo you have a OT preference you would like the 9ers to draft?
I like Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia, but his lack of experience does concern me.
Overview By Lance Zierlein:
Talented tackle prospect carrying a picturesque frame and exciting NFL traits. Mims plays with pretty good technique and is ahead of the game with hand placement. He has the size and bend to create movement and adequate athleticism to make blocks on the move, although he can be inconsistent in that area. He uses a two-hand punch that causes him to lunge forward a bit, but that should be correctable. It is very rare to see him clearly beaten by a rusher, and he has the recovery talent to do something about it when it happens. Mims has more development to go, but he’s a Day 1 prospect with the traits and talent to be considered at either tackle position. He has a high ceiling, but questions due to his lack of experience could temper early expectations.
I actually like Graham Barton. Yes, he lacks ideal length, and he may need to move inside, but I think he's going to be an excellent NFL player. Love the way he plays and think he'd be a great fit for the 49ers.
DeleteI suspect he could find himself with a gold helmet on the 49ers draft board, too.
Scooter
DeleteI agree with your assessment, he'll be an excellent NFL player but he may need to move inside. Several analysts are projected him playing Center, including Lance Zierlein.
Overview:
"Reviewing Barton’s tape is a pleasurable experience in O-Line evaluation, as his tenacity and know-how are on full display throughout. Though he played at a high level at LT, Center will likely be his NFL home. Barton is an explosive drive blocker with the body control and leg drive to keep opponents centered and finish the job. His hands are sudden, accurate and strong in both phases, but a lack of length will create occasional challenges on the next level. His fluidity creates an advantage as a 2nd level climber, and he’s highly capable in the screen game. Barton’s technique, toughness and athleticism are exactly what teams will be looking for from an early starter with Pro Bowl potential."
He seems like one of the most plug and play OL in the draft, and has the skill, athleticism and attitude to be a top OL.
DeleteI'd be willing to try him at OT. People said Rashawn Slater was too small, but he's been an excellent OT.
And if he doesn't stand out at OT, then move him inside.
Duke OL Graham Barton met formally with the 49ers.
DeleteIF 2 FREE AGENT DEFENSIVE PLAYERS LEAVE KC, IMO, KC WON'T
ReplyDeleteBE IN THE LIX (59) SB.
* Kc will likely use the franchise tag on LDT Chris Jones, but has given LCB L'Jarius Sneed permission to seek a trade.
* A DT I'D LIKE TO SEE THE 9ERS DRAFT in RD #2: DT TVondre Sweat, Texas.
Geep,
DeleteI think Sweat is more of a NT than a DT.
OldCoach
DeleteIMO, a NT is a defensive 3-4 alignment, not a 4-3 alignment. Sweat is capable of playing a Zero technique, he can also play a 3T or 5T (under or over) alignment and still shoot a gap to pressure the QB. And he's also capable of handling being double teamed to free up the LB's to make plays.
Just give me Xavier Worthy please.
ReplyDeleteKid has awesome straight-line speed. But it didn't show up that much on the field. His videos don't see him running away from defenders as much as someone with his speed would expect.
DeleteHe's so much more than just a speed guy.
DeleteHe's also one of lightest, weight-wise WRs in this years combine. Most speed WRs from the combine over the years have rarely had in the NFL. John Ross was just a blink slower than Worthy at 4.22, and he has never made an impact. Maybe, Worthy will find more success going forward.
DeleteRazor,
ReplyDeleteDo you know where Worthy was predicted to go before he ran his 40? Where do you think he will go now?
3rd round and now 2nd would be my guess.
DeleteI'd read potential top 50 and that was before today.
DeleteI do know they had a formal meeting with him. I think the Danny Gray experiment may be coming to an end.
DeleteWon't happen unless they trade Aiyuk, but I'd love to add Brian Thomas Jr.
DeleteKyle Shanahan went to Texas. Worthy told
Delete@RohanChakrav
that Shanahan was in the building at Austin a lot this past year and that he’s boys with Sark.
Have to imagine Kyle would love to get his hands on a 4.2 WR from his Alma mater who went over 1,000 yards as a freshman.
Puka Nacua ran 4.57 40. It's not always about the fastest guy. If the 49ers were a Track and Field team and drafted Worthy, I'd be doing back flips.
DeleteI think Jerry Rice's kid helped himself, his 40 time wasn't overwhelming but he was clocked at 22.70 MPHs in the gauntlet. I really like Anthony Gould from Ore St I hope he is around in the late 3rd.
ReplyDeleteBest 40 times among WRs that weigh 207+ lbs over last 15 years:
ReplyDelete4.30 Darrius Heyward-Bey (2009)
4.33 DK Metcalf (2019)
4.33 Brian Thomas Jr. (2024)
The thing that impresses me about Thomas is how fluid a mover he is for that size. He's not a linear athlete.
DeleteYeah. I would take B. Thomas over Worthy in a blink. Thomas actually plays faster than Worthy. And has the ability to make big plays.
DeleteGarrett Greenfield just broke the vertical record for offensive lineman. South Dakota State. This OL class is so deep and Greenfield is another one I really like in round 5 or 6.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really good OL year. They should grab two.
ReplyDeleteDouble dip like they did in the TE heavy class last year.
DeleteYeah... but don't make the mistake of waiting and assuming top talent will fall just because there is a lot of them. The OL are going to fly off the board. Lots of teams will be after one. It just means guys are less likely to be over drafted at the position.
DeleteI'm not expecting a day 1 starter at offensive line to be there at 31.
DeleteMaybe, maybe not. Ideally they can get someone that can start day 1. But they definitely need to bring in some top line OL talent that can help them not only this year but in future years too.
Delete7 OT's will be off the board by that time.
DeleteMight need to trade up then.
DeleteThis years 1st and 2nd along with next years first could move the 9ers into this years top 10. Where they could draft the best or second best OT. Worth it?
ReplyDeleteNo.
DeleteO-Linemen that helped themselves at the 2024 combine
Delete* TANOR BORTOLINI, OC, Wisconsin, AMARIUS MIMS, OT, Georgia, TROY FAUTANU, OT, Washington, TYLAN GRABLE, OT, UCF, GARRET GREENFIELD, OT, S. DAKOTA ST., Mason McCormick OT, S. Dakota St., Brandon Coleman OT/OG, TCU and Frank Crum OT, Wyoming.
Several of these players would fit the 9ers zone based offensive scheme!
last post was OldCoach
ReplyDeleteJust having Worthy as a punt returner would be dope.
ReplyDeleteSounds like Worthy is going top 15-20 now.
ReplyDeleteBiggest priority is keeping Purdy clean in the pocket, not a special team return man. There are some very good OL players from 1st-3rd rd. OL and DL should be high priority in April along with high level FAs.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree.
DeleteBiggest priority is a starting big DE opposite Bosa.
DeleteThat's what I would use FA for.
DeleteI'm not really that enamoured with the DE options in this draft.
DE? Yes, I can live with that. But, the 49ers need to hit a homerun at OL whether through the draft or FA. If Purdy goes down for an extended period of time, the 49ers are looking at 2025 for possible SB run. And it this point we don't even know who the BUQB will be. That makes OL a high priority, for me.
DeleteThere isn't one on the team and they lost 6 DL.
DeleteIntriguing draft prospects at the 2024 Combine:
ReplyDelete* Xavier Legette WR S. Carolina: 6' 1" X 221, a 4.39s 40, a 40" vertical and a 10' 6" broad jump.
NOTE: Limited college production, with a significant breakout only in his senior year. Will require coaching in recognizing and sitting down against zone coverage and adjusting to higher complexity of NFL defensive schemes.
Devontez Walker WR North Carolina: 6' 2" X 193. 4.36s 40, a
1.54s 10 yard split, 40.5" vertical and 11' 2" broad jump.
NOTE: Walkers blocking requires work and his Route tree is limited primarily to vertical concepts; it will take time to develop a full NFL route tree. Projected as a late 3Rd Rd draft pick.
* Trey Benson RB, Florida St.: 6' 0" X 216. a 4.39s 40, a 1.52s 10 yard split, 33.5" vertical and a 10' 2" broad jump.
Good skills as a pass-catcher with natural receiving abilities, Has good, not great hands. An early 3rd Rd draft pick that could move up
to late 2nd Rd.
* Isaac Guerendo, RB Louisville: 6' 0" X 221, 4.33s 40 and a 41.5" vertical. He split time with Jawhar Jordan, so productivity may not stack up favorably to other backs in this class that received more carries. Projected as a 4th Rd draft pick, but may move up some
NFL draft boards.
The Bobby Turner in me wants to draft Guerendo in the 3rd round.
DeleteGuerrndo in the 4th would nice, nothing less than that, though. We already have good 2nd line RBs. Also, Shanahan has been very good at finding RBs on day 3 and UDFA.
DeleteFautanu might last until 23 but it would cost you that 2nd round pick. He's the last of the day 1 OT's for mine.
ReplyDeleteThe answers to who we might draft will become clearer in a little over a week. Free agency should answer who we will draft in the first 3 rounds.
ReplyDeleteYou ok with trading our 2nd round pick to Houston for pick 23 and selecting Fautanu? He's a day 1 starter.
ReplyDeleteI like it. You couple that with signing Robert Hunt and you have one hell of an O line, better than 2019. Resign Ferrell, sign Bryce Huff and Draft DTs and CBs and I think you have a team that can beat KC or whoever the AFC puts in the SB.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think that's a solid plan.
DeleteObviously would prefer not to have to use the 2nd to move up though.
That is if it doesn't rain on the 9ers during the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteTop OL short shuttle times:
ReplyDelete4.28 Tanor Bortolini
4.33 Amarius Mims
4.40 Dominick Puni
4.45 Dylan McMahon
4.47 Jarrett Kingston
4.47 Brady Latham
4.50 Drake Nugent
4.51 Joe Alt
4.53 Christian Mahogany
4.57 Beaux Limmer
4.60 Roger Rosengarten
4.61 Cooper Beebe
4.62 Charles Turner
I like Mahogany and Rosengarten in the 4th round or later.
DeleteCoach,
ReplyDeleteThese are good OL players. I like Cooper Beebee a lot. Non stop motor with the ability to move into the 2nd tier on run blocks. Plus, he didn't give up any sacks in 2023. He's my OL sleeper between the 4-5 rd.
Correction: per BNB Football.
ReplyDeleteCooper Beebe 2023 Stats
13 games: 13 starts (all at LG), 2 sacks allowed, 0 hits allowed, 7 hurries allowed, 98.0% pass block success rate.