Team needs into next year: Col 1 = 2026, Col 2 = 2027-29 Red = Needs addressing / major issues Yellow = Have options but could be upgraded Green = In a good spot
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Projected 2 Years at $50M
Trey Hendrickson's ranks among NFL edge rushers w/ at least 1,500 pass-rush snaps since 2020, per TruMedia: 74.5 sacks (3rd) 371 pres...
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The San Francisco 49ers are 20-6 when the Three Amigos are on the field together. If they stay healthy you can forget about a "rebuil... -
Nope, it's not a misprint. After trading up to the #3 pick from #12, the 49ers have put themselves in a position to select their franch... -
The postseason is a year away. Win or lose the only thing they're playing for today is pride. Another opportunity to advertise your wo...
Well done Scooter- my only caveat is that I believe McKivitz has been pretty good........ metrics had him pretty high (not sure how accurate they are). I hope Trent plays nice w the 49ers this season and they work out an extension of 2-3 years...... would be nice to poach Phillips from PHI
ReplyDelete- also, lot of free agent TE's this offseason....
DeleteI disagree with the DL ratings. Definitely need DL help.
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers officially have the 27th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Good spot to take Denzel Boston.
DeleteGreat spot to take Boston if he lasts. If not, Sarratt has my interest.
DeleteSarratt has some Alec Pierce to his game.
DeleteYeah, a lot to like with Sarratt.
DeleteThe 49ers need to draft with the mindset to compete with Seattle and Rams. If the 49ers can put a strong roster on both sides of the ball, there's a good chance that they will beat 80+ percent of the rest of the teams they will face next season. Right now, the priority is to get better than the above mentioned teams.
ReplyDeleteI think the 49ers are going to love Zion Young. Especially if Saleh is still the DC, but even if he leaves, Young has the fire, competitiveness, juice and power they'll love.
ReplyDeleteDidn't he get arrested late last year for DUI, speeding, and a failure to properly affix a license plate to his vehicle?
DeleteNot sure. Haven't read up on him, just watched him. If he did, that's probably apt, as he reminds me a bit of Aldon Smith.
DeleteYea, not a good look from a team captain. Not sure if they'd remove him from their board for that but I did.
DeleteMcDermott sacked. He's an outstanding defensive mind.
ReplyDeleteComes across as an Emotional and Impulsive decision.
DeleteMaybe they think Brady can be the next Offensive Genius/HC that Josh Allen needs.
Mug,
DeleteAs an aside. I'm seriously thinking that Josh Allen falls in the same category as the Ravens Jackson. Exciting to watch with flashes of doing the impossible, but not enough to win a SB. With their nemises KC out of the way they were primed for a SB appearance. The Bills fans are likely as disappointed as the Eagles fans are.
What's the status of Kendricks at linebacker? Wouldn't he and Fred make a great tandem. Are there any issues with them both being Mike LBs?
ReplyDeleteExcellent post.... by Razor I presume.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot, but disagree on Luke Gifford. He has been near All-Pro level on Special Teams and he is Boyer's guy.
Here is the mentality that I would like to see going into the next Year:
1) Assume we won't have CMC. Based on probability and age, it is highly unlikely that he will play all 17 games next season.
2) Assume we won't have George Kittle for all of next year and plan accordingly. Get a legitimate TE like Isaiah Likely or Dallas Goedert. I'm assuming Kyle Pitts/Njoku are off the market.
3) Bring more UDFA from '26 rookie class and make them compete. No more Kevin Givens, Malik Turner, CRob please. You can sign them mid-season too. Instead let Valdez, Watkins, Nick Martin play.
4) We have just 7 draft picks in the first 5 rounds. Either Trade for proven X WRs or go after Alec Pearce, Mike Evans etc. Historically Rookie WRs at X don't get a lot of snaps in year 1 under KS.
Mindset should be.... to let JJ walk if he wants more than $10M, treat Pearsall as WR2 at the most, consider Watkins and Cowing as WR4s/Backups. Incorporate DRob as we have him under contract for a year.
5) With 7 draft picks, I would like to see them used in this order.... DT, DE, RT, CB, DB, TE, LB.
Don't draft WRs or RBs who will redshirt in any case.
I think in part it will come down to how badly the FO/ coaches want to try and make 2026 a SB or bust year. Imo that would be a mistake, and they should stick to building it the organic way, as I think the team isn't one or two players away, despite the impressive run this year.
DeleteWith that in mind I think it's fine to draft a WR high. High WR picks actually have seen the field as rookies. Just don't expect a rookie to be a dominant WR1.
Imo what the team needs more than anything is to start building a young group of blue chip talent, so they can be SB challengers for the next 5 years.
It seems to me that WR is our #1 need and it was obvious on Sunday. Our best receiver can’t stay healthy so far. JJ might be tough to resign and we have 2 guys totally untested. We have a great young QB and it would be crazy to not take advantage of this now. I personally would choose the draft to find most of our needs here.
DeleteYep, you wanna help Brock get the ball out of his hands get him a wr that can get open on the perimeter and is available.
DeleteScooter, I think with 30% of the HCs getting fired this year, coaches and GMs will always be expected to contend. And unfortunately, the Divisional run this year has only raised expectations for us. I don't see it that way, but that is how the Owners and most fans see it.
DeleteFelix/Razor - Yes, we gotta give Purdy league average weapons. Reload on Offense....can't depend on just GK, CMC, TW. Best way to do that is through FA and using Draft picks/trades for proven weapons.
Sure, they should aim to "contend", but it shouldn't be an all-in year. This is year two of a pretty significant reload.
DeleteIt's almost as if the WR position needs to be built from the ground up. JJ will likely walk, obviously Aiyuk is gone, and Ricky P has yet to prove he can stay on the field. A month ago I was leaning on Edge and DT being the team's biggest needs, but now I'm looking at WR. Also, I liked DeMarcus Robinson' play when he was on the field. Hopefully, the FO can keep him on board.
ReplyDeleteRobinson is signed through next season.
DeleteOver the Cap, reports that he will make $4mil in 2026. He might turn out to be worth every penny.
DeleteYea, that's a hell of a lot better than paying JJ $20M. Just gotta keep drafting wr's.
DeleteYup^
DeleteYeah DRob is a great value signing.
DeleteAgree.... Let JJ Walk if he asks anything more than 10M-12M.
"When I signed here, it was to get back on track and have fun. I got a Ph.D. in football this year." - Mac Jones 🙌🏼
ReplyDeleteWe should be set at Backup QB.
DeleteWe can either trade Mac for a 2nd and get another developmental project like Zach Wilson or Kenny Pickett.
Or, ride with Mac and Rourke. I prefer keeping Mac this year and getting a comp pick in 2027.
Call me crazy but I don't think Shanahan will let Jones go for anything less than a 1st rounder.
DeleteSeahawks LB Earnest Jones IV on Brock Purdy:
ReplyDelete“Man he was doing a heck of a job… extending those plays. He hit the TE early on third down, we were like damn! We got to get him under wraps… he’s a heck of a QB.”
"If you cannot move Byron Murphy, Jarran Reed, Leonard Williams, you’re not going to beat this team," Sherman noted. "So it’s going to start with the offensive line. Invest, invest, invest in an offensive line."
ReplyDeleteI agree with Coach in that I'd love to see them upgrade at center and LG. I also thought Puni was bad this year, but he should get another year.
DeleteI'm just not convinced they'll look to upgrade Brendel this year. LG they obviously need to sort out though.
Also enjoyed this part of Sherman’s quote:
Delete“This offseason is going to be tailored around finding a way to beat this Seattle Seahawks team,” Sherman added. “If you can’t move them, you can’t beat them.”
Razor
DeleteI agree....Time for the 9ers to address the o-line
If there's a rookie center out there that could play in this offense it might be Logan Jones but I highly doubt anyone could do it.
DeleteRazor,
DeleteAre there any quality FA centers out there? If so how about signing a FA center and drafting a stud LG.
Tyler Linderbaum would be the top pick at centre for the 49ers. Unfortunately he'll also be the top option for any team in need of a centre.
Deletecubus
DeleteMaiocco in his after-game podcast on the future of the team stated that he didn't think the 49ers would do anything significant regarding the starting OL except at LG.
DeleteI think Maiocco will be correct.
DeleteI see left guard as the only upgrade needed. We have lots of needs bigger than the other O line spots.
DeleteI'd look for them to draft an OT for their LG spot with the idea he might move out to LT once Williams retires.
Delete
ReplyDelete95.7 The Game
@957thegame
"It was extremely special to me. I've never been part of a team that was so behind the 8-ball but just found a way to compete every week. We went up against so many rosters that were fully loaded, and we had guys that we picked up a week ago. I'm just proud of this team. We have young guys that contributed to our success. The future is really bright."
Trent Williams.
I want so much for the 49ers to win a Superbowl. But I would also love to see Trent Williams celebrating on the field and holding up the Lombardi.
The free agent TE class is REALLY deep this offseason....... they could feasibly grab two and run 13 similar to LA as Adams and Nakua aren't burners... I agree w Sherm in that they need to get some biggies on the OL. I would let Jennings walk for anything above $12 and go young- I agree w Scooter in that this will be a build-out for 5 yrs. I just wonder if the FO is going to prioritize the OL after the Seattle game....
ReplyDeleteRiley Nowakowski-TE/FB-Indiana day 3 gem.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't go wrong drafting any of these players:
ReplyDelete- LT Carter Smith
- OC Pat Coogan
- TE Riley Nowakowski
- RB Kaelon Black
- WR Elijah Sarratt
- WR Omar Cooper
I was thinking the same thing. But what would his nickname be?
ReplyDeleteBrandon Graham is who Bain Jr. looks like in the NFL.
ReplyDeleteToo bad Becker isn't draft eligible. He's a gamer.
ReplyDeleteHe really reminds me of Dwight Clark
DeleteKyle Shanahan and John Lynch will hold their end-of-season press conference on Wednesday at 11:30 AM, per Inman.
ReplyDeleteWhere will Carson Beck be drafted?
ReplyDeleteIt sure looks like we will loose Saleh.
ReplyDeleteTEN- apparently, getting done.
DeleteYep...just saw the news. It's official.
DeleteMy two cents about the game was that it was an outlier. Seattle’s certainly very good, but we beat them the first time and the second time we almost came back, despite the injuries. Without those injuries . . . The future is a concern for me though. How much longer can the FO rely on Trent, CMC and Kittle?
ReplyDeleteRight.... my thoughts exactly. We have to assume all 3 are not available next year and operate accordingly.
DeleteIf they are available...more power. But operating assumption has to be Offensive Reload.
Saleh hired as HC of Titans.
ReplyDeleteI knew it... Saleh probably went there just so he can play against Liam Cohen twice a year.
Really a bit surprised he decided to go there. That's a pretty big rebuild ahead, even assuming Ward pans out. Must have gotten some assurances around patience.
DeleteThe same was said when Vrabel went to the Patriots. Will have to wait and see.
DeleteIMO, Ward is a good QB and they have solid defensive pieces in Jeff Simmons, Cedric Gray and Amani Hooker at all 3 levels.
Offense is promising too, they have a few good rookie WRs and Helm was a TE that I liked coming out of college.
It would be interesting to see who the OC will be, and who else Saleh takes from the coaching staff.
Well, with Saleh gone, I really hope Shanahan pulls all the stops to try and get another top DC to replace him. Bradley should be the fallback, not the first choice.
ReplyDeleteBradley will be the next DC until K J Wright is ready.
DeleteTK seems to think so, but also says they will do external interviews.
DeleteOh yea, I'm sure they'll do the interviews plus, is the Rooney Rule still in effect? But in the end, it'll be Bradley. Like I said before, he's already established a close relationship with the players and Shanahan loves him.
DeleteHas Bradley had any success since his Seahawks days?
Delete"Gus, I have as much respect for as any coach I've been around, going against him a ton, how good he has been," Shanahan said. "I just feel very fortunate to get him here. Saleh's been with him for a long time. They have different personalities, but they're from very similar backgrounds, so I think it's really cool for Saleh to have him to bounce ideas off of and kind of to challenge him in certain ways. ... I think he's been one of our huge additions this offseason."
DeleteI'm not here to say he should be the hire. I'm just telling you he's likely the next DC.
Likely, yes. Will I like it? Probably not. Track record is pretty poor since he left Seattle.
DeleteWhat did you think of the 49ers Red Zone defense this season?
DeleteYeah, we were excellent in that regard this year, no question. And yes, I realise Bradley was a big part of that.
DeleteNot saying he'll be a bad hire, just saying his track record isn't that impressive.
A few thoughts.
ReplyDelete- For DC I would prefer to try and add Jim Schwartz to someone in house. If they dont go that route I would want someone that runs a D similar to Mike MacDonald... I say this for 2 reasons.
1. It is affective against this Kyle's style of offense and multiple teams are running similar offenses and 2. It would give Kyle someone that could help him learn the rules of the defense so he could exploit it better.
As for for the Oline, I would like to add some people movers at least on the inside. Defenses are getting so fast these days reaching the outside is getting harder and harder but in effort to do so they are giving up some size on the inside. You have to be able to force them out of these 7 man in coverage looks.
Against Seattle, they blitzed less than they have all season yet they had the highest pressure rate posted by anyone this season. So clearly some changes need to be made up front.
I think the team was just gassed on both sides of the ball.
DeleteAgree with Shoup. Jim Schwartz would be my choice for DC. Also agree on adding people movers on OL as Richard Sherman suggested. Outside runs will be very difficult against that fast Seattle defense. Just as Seattle revised their team building strategy to stop the 9ers, we must now do the same.
DeleteSounds like Kittle went for a semi new procedure for his injury. The new procedure has a return time as soon as 4 months. Sounds like Klay Kubiak is the leading candidate for the Raiders HC. I hope Jed opens his pocketbook big time and signs McDaniel as the new OC. The run game was far superior when McDaniel was in charge. Sounds like one of the 49ers front office will be the new GM for the Dolphins. If the Dolphins hire a 49er the draft looks better one first, one second, two thirds, three fourths and with comp picks one fifth and one sixth. If they can get a second round pick for Jones that could mean a total of 8 picks in the first 4 rounds.
ReplyDeleteDr. Morse:
DeleteThe majority of Achilles tears are lower, in what we call the ‘watershed’ area.
Apparently George Kittle’s tear was higher up, which is actually fantastic news.
In his case, he didn’t reportedly require an anchors into the heel m, which means that he will be able to return to rehab within the next week.
Coach- 49ers have KLINT- Klay is his older brother up in Seattle. And yes, Raiders should hire him........ of interest, if I were the Raiders, I would call AZ on Murray and contemplate trading down multiple times from the 1 to try and fill more holes.
DeleteDlp, wrong way around. Klay is the 49ers OC.
DeleteBradley was in charge of Red Zone play design. Niners finished 14th in TD rate vs 24th overall defensive EPA.
ReplyDeleteBradley is the right guy. He runs the same defense which is a huge advantage for the players. If we were a bad team and needed to start from scratch, then maybe the answer would be different. Also he knows the players so no learning curve needed and he has a good relationship with all involved especially Kyle. It seems kind of obvious to me.
ReplyDeleteHe's familiar with all the talent in the room and how best to maximize that talent having coached them all year too.
DeleteMy thought process for DC would be Gus Bradley, but also to bring someone as a consultant from the John Harbaugh coaching tree as a Defensive consultant to pick the MacDonald Offense.
ReplyDeleteThis should players/position coaches to acclimate to the seahawks D and give a better understanding to the Offense.
Yep- also, Seattle has some FA's they won't be able to afford .... and hopefully, lose Kubiak as well.
DeleteGus Bradley would be the odds on favorite because of his familiarity with the team. But, it's only been for one season and I wonder if that's enough time to establish himself as a top candidate. At some point he has to take a small amount of responsibility for the 49ers mid rated defense.
ReplyDeleteAlso, did he establish a good relationship with the players?
Again, he may appear as the odds on favorite, but I wouldn't be surprised if the FO looks elsewhere.
Gus is 59 years old..... maybe he likes his role. Maybe he wants to elevate and groom KJ Wright ..... I also imagine they knew Saleh was doing a stopover and had some parameters in place regarding who he would take w him before his return.
ReplyDeleteMost QB Pressures '24-'25 +320lbs
ReplyDelete- Lee Hunter - 53
- Darrell Jackson Jr - 44
- Ahmad Moten Sr - 41
I think Jackson would be a really good addition at DT. Let's make running the ball a chore for opponents so the pass rush can have fun on 3rd down.
DeleteSeattle showed the 49ers how effective a run stuffing defense can bring success. And also, how a strong OL can wear down opposing defenses.
ReplyDeleteThey have set the blueprint for the areas in which the 49ers should draft. The old adage, "fight fire with fire" comes to mind.
Moten had one hell of a game last night for Miami.
ReplyDeleteAt this price, no doubt we can say goodby to JJ.......
ReplyDeleteSpotrac believes Jennings will have a robust market, projecting his annual salary at $22.6 million this offseason. They believe Jennings will earn a 3-year, $67.8 million contract. If you’re Jennings, there’s no way you turn that down.
Yes^
DeleteAnybody still think Bain Jr. falls out of the top 10 due to arm length? 😂
ReplyDeleteDoesn't really matter, if he is drafted outside of the 49ers range.
DeleteESPN’s Big prediction for the #49ers offseason:
ReplyDelete“49ers will go for a defensive overhaul. Expect the 49ers to pursue John Franklin-Myers & Trey Hendrickson, who makes sense on a 1-yr deal. They could swing for a big trade. Kayvon Thibodeaux?”
JFM is a guy I've said before that the 49ers should pursue. But I have recently changed my mind. Good player, but will likely be pretty expensive given dearth of options. And he's more a DE/DT hybrid, which they have already addressed with Williams and White. I'm also now more leaning towards getting a 1T that can truly clog the middle, and let Collins develop as a 3T, to fix up the run D. West can be the first guy in the rotation.
A FA DE could be an option as there will be a few available. Doubt they go the really big money route, but a $10M-$15M a year, 1-2 year deal could be a go. This could be the year the Bosa's unite.
I keep thinking we should transition to more heavy sets. Instead of looking for more WRs, let's bring in top TEs that can block and run routes. With guys like that they would beat up on secondaries and improve the run game. Plus another major advantage is that even the top TEs are significantly cheaper than top WRs, at least initially (in subsequent contracts they would probably claim they are WRs and should be paid accordingly). Sure, there will likely be less downfield plays, but the Seachickens aren't giving those up anyway. So why not go all in on the way that McVay showed us.
ReplyDeleteShanahan does like to try and be a step ahead of defenses. Could be an interesting evolution. I think he was trying to go that way previously with adding guys like Hurd and Reed, but didn't work out and instead ended up with the YAC bros. Might be time to retry it.
DeleteI wonder if Huff will want to follow Saleh to Tennessee? If the 49ers add a DE in FA, could be a bit of a win-win to trade Huff to the Titans, even if it's just a late round pick.
ReplyDeleteLarry Krueger predicts a crazy active off season for the 49ers. A couple of FA signings, as many as 5 different trades with the 49ers ending up with as many as 9 picks in the top 130 picks. Sounds like an active and enjoyable off season. It all begins March 11th
ReplyDeleteI think Larry is letting the emotion of the loss impact his thinking.
DeleteThe 49ers aren't about to trade Pearsall or Green, like he's saying. That'd be crazy and a massive knee jerk reaction on two second year players that have shown promise.
I also think he's unrealistic in where the 49ers see themselves. I doubt they're looking at it like they have huge holes everywhere and need to go get a lot of new starters.
It was year one of a significant reload and it went significantly better than most expected it to. Pretty sure the team will be seeing the big picture and stay the course.
Agree with Scooter.
DeleteMaiocco thinks there is a good chance Saleh might name KJ Wright as his DC.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdJEOoYhh7U
That would be a kick in the teeth...
DeleteI suspect Saleh will be more likely to see if Marquand Manuel is interested in being DC, and he's already got Tony Oden on staff at the Titans. They were with Saleh at the Jets.
DeleteKeeping in mind Saleh has already said he intends to call plays.
The reality the 9ers face is Seattle dominated the 9ers, especially the O-line. Seattle held the 9ers without a TD for the 2nd consecutive game and pressured BP relentlessly!
ReplyDeleteThe talent gap between the Seahawks interior DL and the 49ers OL was obvious!
* The Seahawks' D-line, featuring Leonard Williams and Bryon Murphy, collapsed the pocket before routes could develop. Their run D also held CMC to just 35 yards on 11 carries. For a run first offense, that's
unacceptable. If the 9ers expect to contend for the NFC West, they'll
need IOL players that can compete against Seattle's D-line.
* The 9er O-line as a unit had a difficult game, allowing 18 pressures in total. But Burford received the lowest performance grades, a 43.5 offensive grade from PFF. He was also the lowest-graded pass blocker 38.8 and run blocker 46.3. He also allowed 4 pressures.
* McKivitz, Brendel and Pleasants, allowed 3 pressures each.
* Trent Williams allowed two pressures but still achieved the team's best pass-blocking grade of 86.9.
* Seattle D-line of Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, Byron Murphy II, and Boye Mafe, generated max pressure on BP without relying on blitzing, allowing them to drop more defenders into coverage. the 49ers were forced to keep tight end George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk in to block rather than running routes, limiting their receiving options.
Rene Konga (6’4 300) Louisville
ReplyDelete+ 40 pressures over past two years
+ 25.2% win rate on true pass sets
+ Alignment versatility
+ Relentless effort
+ Good hand use to shed blocks
- 18.1% career missed tackle rate
- Lacks elite lower body strength
- Game-to-game consistency
Draft projection: 3rd/4th round
I certainly hope that Raheem Morris and Jim Scwartz is on their radar. But, the easy/safe candidate is Bradley which wouldn't be a bad choice.
ReplyDeleteJonnydel: Schwarz > Morris > Bradley. May the Schwartz be with you.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree. Like I said earlier if only to get out of their own echo chamber. Get someone from a different Defensive background if for no other reason than to figure out what makes that style of D tick.
DeleteKyle destroys cover 3 defenses but really struggles historically against Macdonald and Schwartz find out why and get a great DC as well.
I have been hearing from many talking heads about how the 49ers Oline is average and not bad, but I think that take is off target.
ReplyDeleteThey may well be average but when you are in a division that needs to beat the Seahawks and LA Rams you need to be able to run the ball to force them out of their 2 high shells.
Both of these teams primarily want to play in Nickel and as currently constructed they can stop the run with light boxes. SF has to find a way to at least win a few of these 1 on 1 matchups with some regularity. This frees up linemen to either double someone else or get down field and stop some of the second level support.
I also hate to say it but SF seriously needs to look at adding another running back as CMC is no where near as explosive as he once was.
The run game sure wasn’t good this year but I find it hard to agree with you about CMC. I only hear this from fans, not from More knowledgeable people. It’s also easy to blame the O line and that might be part of it, just like injuries to the linebackers. I wonder how much of it was the result of loosing Aiyuk. We were very short on healthy wide receivers and especially someone with downfield speed. I think this allowed defenses to crowd the line and prevent CMC from having those explosives since there wasn’t much threat downfield. I continue to think finding a #1 receiver is our biggest need.
DeleteOpps. Not linebackers, but injuries at other positions.
DeleteI dont think people are saying he is washed... they are just noticing hes not as explosive as he once was.
DeleteHis backup averaged .5 yards more per carry, his top speed this year was about 3mph slower than his and was matched by 37 year old Trent Williams. All this points to a guy whos slowing down... Couple that with his age, the number of carries he got and his injury history and I'd argue not planning for life without him would be like not planning for your mortgage payment.
That bill is coming due. .
If the 49ers cannot compete with Seattle and Rams going forward they will become 3rd place dwellers in the division for the next couple of years+ until they're reloading process begins to take shape. I felt that the 2025 draft would be one of the most critical drafts from this regime. But this upcoming draft must be looked at with the same lens.
ReplyDeleteThis current team will make the playoffs again especially with returning key injured players. But, the top prize is always the Lombardi for me. This coming draft has to make that it's top priority to happen within the next two years.