All the hay is in the barn and we got ourselves a dancing bear and a glass eater. This is the style of draft I anticipate Lynch will look to execute. He'll allow the board to fall to him and take the best player available with the caveat of if it's close, go with positional value/need. Dorlus could be considered a reach here, however his experience (1,950 snaps) playing DT or NT (755), Hands Down DE (522), and Stand Up LEO/OLB (673), will be just what Lab Tech Brandon Staley ordered for what is essentially a 3rd Round pick at the bottom of Round 2. Taking Guerendo this early will ruffle a lot of feathers but word on the street is that's who they're targeting, and I'm hearing there's going to be a run on backs in Round 3. Jamari Thrash has quietly been moving up draft boards and is an elusive, speedy wide receiver with inside/out capabilities.
Oklahoma
Oregon
Louisville
Auburn
Arkansas
Oregon State
Florida State
TCU
Michigan
I really do think Guyton will be a guy that Shanahan/ Lynch like the look of. But boy, he does have some rough elements to his game that need to be cleaned up.
ReplyDeleteAnd Dorlus just looks a good fit for this D. Only concern I have is I have seen some reports suggesting he may have an effort issue/ bad practice habits. No idea how accurate they are though. But possibly a reason they wanted him to come in for a 30 visit.
DeleteAgree with everything you said, Scooter.
ReplyDeleteRazor / Scooter
ReplyDeleteYour draft is a good example of what I posted earlier, how different draft boards have players being drafted in different rounds!
* Some draft boards show OT Tyler Guyton being drafted in the middle of round two.
* Yesterday I posted a draft with RB Isaac Guerendo drafted late round seven and OC challenged me, saying the 9ers would draft a RB in an
earlier round...lol....This is going to me an interesting draft!
RE Aiyuk trade: Scooter, some information I used was from listening to the Kruger show on You Tube, April 4th: "Reviewing trade packages for 49ers Brandon Aiyuk."
I must admit I really don't like the idea of drafting Guerendo that high. The rumours over the last 24 hours that the 49ers really like him and are considering using a late 3rd on him I find troubling (which started as a result of a tweet by Tony Pauline, who is usually pretty switched on to draft happenings). If they do, they've really not learned a thing from the past few drafts.
DeleteWondering if the plan might be to use Guerendo as Juice's eventual successor.
DeleteRazor
DeleteIf KS is looking to draft a RB to replace Juice, IMO, Braelon Allen from Wisconsin, would be a better fit than Guerendo?
Allen had an unproductive 2023 season. He was a poor fit in Wisconsin's new OC, Phil Longo's, air raid offense. But he was
was productive in 2021 and 2022 under OC Bobby Engram.
Scooter / Razor
DeleteI like RB Guerendo as a late Rd draft pick, but if JL and KS are looking for an eventual replacement for CMC I believe there are
better options than Guerendo, especially as early as Rd #3.
Drafting Rd #3 RB's hasn't seen success for the 9ers, but RB's Trey Benson, Florida State, or Jaylen Wright, Tennessee, IMO, should be a better fit?
Depending on his ability to block, and being a college TE (Juice, was a TE in college). The guy I like is Dallin Holker. This kid has outstanding hands and can slso provide YAC. He could be available somewhere between late 4th to mid 5th. But obviously, Holker needs to prove himself as a good lead blocker to become an eventual Juice replacement.
DeleteI'll tell you what, Tip Reiman was the only TE at the combine that moved the sled like it was on furniture sliders.
DeleteWhether its my own mocks, the many other mocks here on this site or any of the on line mocks, I just don't love any of the names I have seen in the 49ers first round slot. For that reason I think there is a reasonable chance they may trade back to a team trying to jump back into the first round to scoop up a QB that won't be there when their pick comes around in the second round. Hopefully there will be a motivated trade partner who will give the 9ers a second a third and possibly a 4th. I think there is great depth at the 9ers biggest positions of need in this draft. Are there any others out there who think the 9ers picking up an extra second, third and potentially a fourth is a good idea?
ReplyDeleteOC, I think realistically it is going to be challenging to accommodate a large draft class onto the 49ers roster. If they stockpile a lot of round 2-4 picks, many of the day 3 picks probably are in danger of not making it out of camp.
DeleteI don't mind a small move down to get say a late 3rd/ early 4th, as we know the 49ers were pretty peeved about not getting that 3rd round comp pick for Jimmy G. But if they do, they should also probably be looking to then use some day 3 picks to move around on day 2/ early day 3.
Scooter,
DeleteYou are correct there won't be a whole lot of open roster spots this season. There will be quite a few more spots open on the 25 roster and they could stash a number of this years picks on the practice squad. They won't be receiving any round 3 comp picks in the 25 draft and not many comp picks period. On top of that I haven't heard that the 25 draft will be near as deep as this years. Why I believe that they may trade back is because I just don't see any players that I love at 31(who knows who might slip) but there are a number of players who I do love from #50 to #63 and in the 3rd and 4th round.
Stashing guys on the PS is only viable to the point nobody else wants them though. Guys with draftable grades often get snapped up by teams with lesser depth.
DeleteCooper DeJean's pro day:
ReplyDelete4.43/4.45 40-yard dash
38.5" vert
10'4" broad
Good 40 time that is what every ones been waiting for. It might move him out of the 9ers range.
DeleteRazor / OldCoach
DeleteRe Cooper Dejean: I had him at pick # 31 my last draft. And you're correct, sad to say, his pro day numbers could move him out of the 9ers range
Those pro day numbers are him just recently getting cleared from an injury too.
DeleteIf the 49ers trade up in the draft, I hope that they are considering a player that can be a day one starter. A couple of positions that could have immediate starter implications is CB and LB. DeJean, Wiggins, Mitchell and McKinstry could become day one starters. If it's a LB, Edgerrin Cooper is my first choice.
ReplyDeleteJamari Thrash Vs. 2024 Draft Wide Receivers (33): Yards After The Catch Per Reception 6.6 (T-8th), Target Dominator Percentage 23.5% (9th).
ReplyDelete49ers just signed Eric Saubert TE to a one year deal. Looks like a camp body to me.
ReplyDeleteA 7th Rd draft pick I'd like to see the 9ers draft is Duke center Jacob Monk. The more tape I watch on him, the better I like him.
ReplyDeleteThe 9ers haven't had a top center since Alex Mack and is surprising to me as KS lists center as the 2nd most important O-Line position.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jacob-monk/32004d4f-4e22-9580-3239-cea8dbb601f0
Could Shanahan deem it prudent to take it easier on his starters throughout this training camp given the mileage the past 2 years?
ReplyDeleteRazor,
DeleteHe has done that in the past and it has lead to some pretty awful starts. Hopefully he can find a happy medium. I don't think it should end with the start of the regular season. I would like to see CMCs touches come down 7 to 10 touches, with Mitchell and Mason picking up some of the load. I also wouldn't mind seeing Jennings and Bell playing more when the 9ers are in their 12 formation. The same goes for Kittle with Willis, Latu and Saubert picking up playing time. After having a horrible camp I see Latu taking a big step this year.
Razor,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like it would be a wise move. But, only if it allows the vets to be fresh at the start of the season.
QUESTION FOR THE BLOG:
ReplyDelete* Should 9ers evaluate (draft), either WR's if they trade Aiyuk? Both WR's are from the Bay area.
1) Rd #2: X WR Troy Franklin, Oregon: Tall (6'2"), but thin (176 pds). Good speed 4.41s X 40, but slow (1.61s) 10 yd split.
His Jr year he hauled in 81 catches for 1383 yards, averaging 17.1 yards per catch. His 14 touchdowns showed he can find the end zone, while his quarterback rating, when targeted of 146.8, proved his consistency as a top receiver.
QUESTION:
A) As a pro, can he gain weight & strength enough to get off the LOS against a big CB that jams him?
B) Can he improve his down field blocking enough to satisfy KS and get on the field?
2) Rd #2 WR: Xavier Legette, S. Carolina: big (6'1" X 221) and fast.
(4.39s X 40), (1.54s 10 yd split). Strong legs (40 in Vert, 10' 6" broad
jump).
* 2023: 2nd team All-SEC. Led the team with 71 receptions, 7 rec TDs. Ranked 8th in FBS with 1,255 rec yds (17.7 per). Started all 12 games.
QUESTIONS; He's tight-hipped with a linear release that makes him susceptible to press. Uses route running as a means of getting to the rendezvous point rather than a chance to con DB's out of position. He's best once the ball goes up and he’s able to use his body control, play strength and ball skills to impose his will on the coverage. He’s unlikely to become a smooth route runner, but he can handle tough catches and has stealth acceleration that makes him a credible deep-ball threat. Add toughness as a runner and run blocker to his profile of competitiveness and he becomes a Day 2 talent with the potential to develop into a starter.
GEEP,
DeleteMy favorite WR (in 2nd rd) is Legette. He provides the physical type WR the 49ers seem to like. And his speed makes him a downfield home-run threat. But the 49ers will likely need to trade up in the 2nd rd to grab him.
If they trade Aiyuk, AD Mitchell is the guy I would target.
DeleteAgree with Scooter on Mitchell. He's a force of nature.
DeleteScooter / Razor
DeleteAD Mitchel would be a nice pick at #31. Unfortunately, the 9ers would likely have to give up a 3 Rd pick and at least one 4th Rd. draft pick to move up to get him.
Mitchell won back to back Championships at Georgia before transferring to Texas. It's difficult to watch his tape and not see poor ball placement and poor processing by QB Quinn Ewers when he doesn't see him open.
Would you trade for Budda Baker? If so what would you give up to get him?
ReplyDeleteHow would they fit Baker's salary under the cap?
DeleteRazor,
DeleteAccording to D. Lombardi post June 1 (when Armsteads salary comes off the cap) the 9ers will be better than 25 mill under the cap.
I'm not sure the Niners want to spend that much money on Safety. The Baker rumors sound agent driven to me.
DeleteGeep,
ReplyDeleteThey both seem likely to be slot WRs. They wouldn't be replacing Aiyuk with either of them. imho
OldCoach
DeleteCorrect me if I'm wrong.
In the 9er offense, Aiyuk is an X receiver. X WR's are also called split-ends, aligned on the LOS. Strength and size are necessary for X receivers. One-on-one matchups to the outside are played by bigger-bodied receivers.
Legette is big (6' 1" X 221) enough to be an X receiver. Franklin is tall (6' 2") but thin (176), so he may not big strong enough to get off the LOS against a CB big enough to jam him?
RE Budda Baker: The Cardinals S was a starter in the NFC 2024 Pro Bowl, his 6th Pro Bowl and 5th consecutive selection at safety.
Dating back to 2017, Baker leads all NFL DBs with 709 total tackles and 504 solo tackles. That's 39 and 47 more than the next players (Philadelphia’s Kevin Byard – 670 and Buffalo’s Jordan Poyer – 457).
There are those who's fame comes from their father and who's name I refuse to mention, that think the 9ers should trade for him. My concern with trading for Baker is he missed 5 games this season with injuries. He's only 5' 10" and has a history of
being injured since being drafted in 2017: https://www.draftsharks.com/fantasy/injury-history/budda-baker/9520
Would I trade Aiyuk for Baker? NO! What would I give up for
him? If he checked out medically, maybe draft pick # 94, but more likely, a 4th round draft pick.
NOTE: Baker went public with his trade request in an attempt to get a restructured deal from the organization - which worked - though he now approaches 2024 with no guaranteed money according to OverTheCap.com.
Bakers current contract per over the cap:
Current Contract
In 2024, Baker will earn a base salary of $14,200,000 and a workout bonus of $400,000, while carrying a cap hit of $19,025,000 and a dead cap value of $3,925,000.
My question to you is: Do you believe the 9ers can afford him, knowing they need to pay BP next season?
Geep,
DeleteThe reason I thought Legette was a fit at slot was in your post you wrote that he might be "susceptible to press coverage". As to Baker its rumored they might be able to get him for a 5th rounder and I believe the team is more concerned with winning a SB this year and worrying about future cap concerns in the future.
I'm not convinced Legette's route running is strong enough to thrive at X in Shanny's system. He'd be a better fit in the Deebo role for the 49ers imo.
DeleteAgree with Scooter. Legette is a flanker.
DeleteScooter / Razor
DeleteDo you believe, Like Aiyuk, Legette could use some KS motivation to run better routes?
Aiyuk was already a decent route runner in college.
DeleteI don't think Legette has the fluidity needed to run precise routes in Shanny's system. Doesn't mean he couldn't function in the offense, but I don't think he's the type of X receiver that Shanny is after.
Aiyuk is an X WR. He's a man beater. Perhaps the best route runner in the league. Deebo is the Z which is lined up off the los to help him get open.
ReplyDeleteYUP
DeleteRyan Watts is an intriguing cb prospect that looks like a safety in the NFL.
ReplyDeleteDay 3 sleeper that I absolutely love. Shon Stevens CB/NB Ferris St. Check him out.
ReplyDeleteI misspelled the above young mans last name it is Stephens.
ReplyDeleteIn discussing WRs, one thing I always think about is that the closest Shanahan has come to describing a WR as "perfect" for his system is peak Pierre Garcon. Shanny loved him.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately Garcon was very much at the tail end of his career when he joined the 49ers. Deebo is probably the closest they've gotten to that type of WR since, but for whatever reason Deebo hasn't continued to progress as a downfield receiver. If he had, I suspect it would be a different conversation being had about trading Aiyuk. But as things stand, Aiyuk is important to provide the downfield threat.
Similarly, if Aiyuk had developed more regarding his YAC ability, I think Deebo would be surplus to need.
But as it is, those two really complement each other well, without being the 'perfect' WR that Shanny wants.
It makes me think that if Shanny had his choice of the top 3 WRs this year, he'd probably draft Nabers.
What are your thoughts on Polk?
DeleteI haven't spent a lot of time on him, but from what I have seen he looks like the type of depth WR Shanny really likes.
DeleteBut didn't look explosive/ dynamic enough for mine to be a guy I think Shanny would look at featuring in his offense.
DeleteScooter
DeleteWould you list Nabers as an X, Z or do you believe he can play both receiver positions?
He can play both. Slot too.
DeleteOC
ReplyDeleteStephens has talent and may be a late round draft pick, but his size and lack of competition will likely mean he'll get picked up as a NB and ST free agent?
Geep,
DeleteThe 49ers haven't had him in for a visit but its rumored they are very high on him. Pittsburgh and Philly have both had him in for one of their 30 visits. I think he will go in the 6th round. He is absolutely a NB he is also a returner. He is a high character guy who gave up his chance to play Div1 to take 2 years off to care for his Mother who had a serious heart attack.
OC
ReplyDeleteIt would be a "feel good" story if the 9ers did draft stephens in the 6th round.
THE LATEST 9ER DRAFT RUMOR:
ReplyDeleteThe 9ers trade up with Seattle for pick #16 and draft UCLA DE Laiatu Latu.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/2024-nfl-mock-draft-embracing-110148969.html
GEEP,
DeleteIt could be a gamble (if the 49ers want Latu). But, Chop Robinson could be there at 31 if the 49ers are looking at DE. Also, what would Lynch need to give up for a 16 position? Latu is good, but I've seen him get handled by Fuaga and a few others.
Thst would certainly improve the pass rush.
DeleteCaedan Wallace can play.
ReplyDeleteYeah, he's a guy the 49ers have been showing some interest in and looks a good mid to late round option.
DeleteDane Brugler:
DeleteSUMMARY: Although his kick-slide isn't always explosive,
Wallace stays controlled/squared as a pass blocker to close space and cut off rushers with his strike timing. When his technique is on point, he has the functional movements and strength behind his hands to be a presence in the run game. Overall, Wallace needs to continue developing his consistency, but he is a smooth athlete with a wide base, punch-ready hands and improved physicality to finish. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him starting as an NFL rookie at right tackle or potentially inside at guard.
Razor / Scooter
ReplyDeleteWould you play Wallace at OT, or OG?
He's an OT for mine, but I guess you could cross train him to add versatility.
DeleteField Yates S.I. draft guru is predicting that the 49ers will draft Amarius Mims if he slides to #31. Its a big risk but if he hits he could be the best OT in the draft and eventually top 3 in the NFL
ReplyDelete