Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Edge At 27?
Everyone evaluates the Edge position differently, and this regime has always put a premium on big DE's in Round 1. This is a chart I li...
-
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 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... -
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...
Elijah Sarratt, Ja'Kobi Lane, Chris Bell and Deion Burks: Of the 13 drafted WRs with ADOT < 13.0 and Contested Target Rate > 23% since 2018, you only have 1 hit (Michael Wilson).
ReplyDeleteJust to clarify if the ADOT is less than 13 and the contested target rate is greater than 23 what is the meaning? They struggle getting separation?
DeleteShoup
DeleteaDOT (Average depth of target) Definition: The total air yards divided by the number of targets.
* Evaluates how a quarterback or receiver is being used and distinguishing between a downfield threat and a possession receiver.
Example: If a receiver has 10 targets and the total air yards for those passes is 120, their aDOT is 12.0 yards.
Hi Geep, Thanks but I understand what ADOT is I was curious at to the correlation between those two numbers and how successful a receiver is.
Delete👍
DeleteTime for the underwear Olympics.
ReplyDeleteI like to see the player interaction and how they compete. Some of these drills are excellent like the gauntlet. Others great for measuring explosion, agility and short area quickness. I see the combine as due diligence and fine tuning of your draft board.
DeleteYeah, I used to get really excited about the Combine, but these days the things I take most out of it are the interviews (not a fan of drafting complete idiots or guys that have 0 humility) and to see from on field testing which guys are just bad athletes and should be avoided.
DeleteQUESTION FOR THE BLOG:
ReplyDeleteIf both WR Denzel Boston and DT Lee Hunter were available when the
9ers draft in Rd one, with pick #27, who should they take?
Absolutely DL with the 27th pick.
DeleteIt's Hunter for me. Viable WRs will be available into the 3rd rd.
DeleteDepends on who they sign in free agency. If they sign a WR then go DT and vice versa. If they don't sign help in either spot then go DT. I am still hoping that they trade Jones for a 2nd round pick. Then they could draft an IOL and WR in the 2nd round
DeleteI'd lean towards Boston. If I thought Hunter was more of a game wrecker in the pass game I would go with him.
DeleteNote this doesn't mean I don't like Hunter. I do and there are several scenario's where I would take him. Just not in the one given.
Is former Brock Purdy teammate an intriguing buy-low free agent option for 49ers?
ReplyDeletehttps://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-brock-purdy-teammate-intriguing-143000584.html
ReplyDeleteSB Nation
Should injuries scare the 49ers away from Mike Evans?
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/injuries-scare-49ers-away-mike-190100466.html
Mike Evans catches the ball, but can he block?
DeleteUC
DeleteYea, he is known to be a strong blocker. My concern is, can he stay healthy? Last year was injured and missed 50% of the games with a broken collarbone (clavicle) and an earlier hamstring injury.
Injuries definitely a concern. But as a counter point - pretty sure the Seahawks were happy they added Kupp last year despite his age and injury history in recent years. Same with the Rams and Davante Adams. And the Patriots seemed pretty happy having Diggs on the roster last year despite being old and coming back from an ACL.
DeleteI am also leaning in general to addressing WR primarily through FA this year. They have 3 young guys on the roster already (Pearsall, Cowing, Watkins) who I'd like to see get some opportunities and be given an good vet to learn from.
DeleteMy philosophy has been to draft defense and sign offense. You got to keep that defense young and stocked.
Delete* When healthy, Pearsall showed potential. But he missed 8 games during the regular season, due to a pcl injury, and later an ankle injury.
Delete* Watkins also missed the majority of the season due to a high-ankle sprain and a calf issue. He was only active for 4 games, recording 2 receptions for 26 yards.
* Cowing didn't play in any games during the 2025 regular season due to a hamstring injury.
Yep. Lots of unknowns with those guys. Gotta stay healthy.
Delete5 receivers who the 49ers could target in the 1st round
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ninersnation.com/san-francisco-49ers-news/156442/san-francisco-49ers-news-5-receivers-targets-2026-nfl-draft-1st-round-nfl-combine
David Lombardi now changing his tune and talking up the possibility of replacing Brendel with Linderbaum 🤣
ReplyDeleteDeCosta said they probably won’t use franchise or transition tag on Tyler Linderbaum.
DeleteBut have offered him a market setting contract extension. I expect he'll rebuff an extension until FA starts to see exactly what he can get on the open market.
DeleteI'll say $22M or thereabouts.
Delete$22 Mill AAV for 4 year is a lot of money, even for an Tyler Linderbaum, an elite Center.
DeleteThe question then becomes, is the ROI worth it, or are the 9ers
better off allocating the money to another position, (like a WR and OG), or (EDGE and DT) and keeping Brendel for another year?
Those kinds of centers are hard to find in this day and age. I would rather go get Linderbaum than pay TW.
DeleteFrom Adam Schefter
ReplyDeleteWith five-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams scheduled to carry a $39 million cap number this season, he and the 49ers currently are struggling to find a contractual solution, per league sources. If the two sides can’t bridge their differences in their standoff, Williams would be expected to join this year’s free-agent class, making him one of the premier players available.
Pay the man!
DeleteScooter,
DeleteIf TW becomes a FA how would that effect this years cap?
They'd save around $4.5M on the cap this year in a straight release or trade, or around $23M in a post June 1 release.
DeleteAnd they'd save around $33M in total cap liabilities in this and future seasons.
It's time to get younger at the position.
DeleteWe just signed Jon Weeks 40 years old to an extension. Trent Williams will play until 40. Some guys just got alien blood running through their veins.
DeleteScooter
DeleteMy understanding is the figure for TW is:
* $38.8 Mil. projected cap hit if TW remains on the roster for the 2026 season.
* If the 9ers release TW pre June 1st, the 9ers would take a $34.15 million dead money hit and save them roughly $4.7 million in cap space for 2026
* If they released TW post June 1st, The 9ers could spread that dead money over 2 years, taking a $13.3 Mil. hit in 2026 and a $20.8 million hit in 2027. This would create about $25.5 million in immediate cap savings for 2026.
* Are these $$ number your understanding also?
Geep,
DeleteIn a trade scenario I think they can negotiate a little bit about who pays what.
Trent's issue likely isn't the numbers but the guaranteed money. So there is a solid chance they can restructure it in either case. The bigger question if they keep him is can they get outs in the event he retires early.
Shoup
DeleteAs of February 2026, TW is entering the final year of his contract (2026), with no remaining guaranteed money on his contract and is set to carry a $38.8 million salary cap hit in 2026. He also has a $10 Mil. bonus due April 1st 2026.
Shoup
DeleteTo verify the above numbers are factual, I confirmed them with both Spotrac and overthecap. Both confirmed they are.
Agree. There's a strong argument that he's been the best player the 49ers have had since the first time he was signed.
ReplyDeleteI would say TW and Fred Warner
DeleteAgree, Coach.
DeleteUSC’s Jalon Kilgore (6’1, 210) Another Nickel/STAR. Excellent in run support, with ball hawking ability. Led the SEC in INTs in 2024.
ReplyDeleteHe's a guy I think will surprise in the 40. Watch him return punts - he's very fast once he gets to full speed.
DeleteHe's on my list for sure.
DeleteLooks like Dieter wasn't completely FOS... Kwesi Adofo-Mensah back in the fold, title yet to be confirmed. But didn't sound like he'll be the de facto GM like Dieter hinted at.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. Mensah reached out to Lynch after being a failed GM, whiffing on Darnold and poor draft classes. Trust me when I say he won't be making any decisions. Dieter is and always has been FOS.
DeleteNot sure why you've come to dislike him. He tends to be more on the negative side about the team's prospects, but he makes a lot of sound points as well.
DeleteWell, he shit on the 49ers all summer with this doom-n-gloom BS and then when they were successful, he snuck onboard the train. Now he's back on his BS.
DeleteI figured that was the reason. To be fair, a lot of people expected the 49ers to be pretty poor this year. And there's no question they performed above expectations.
DeleteNot sure what BS you are talking about this year.
John Lynch stepping down as GM? That put my BS meter on full alert.
DeleteDieter now trying to spin it like he was right with the Mensah hiring. I can't stand gas lighters!
DeleteBut he was right they were in talks with someone that was a former GM, and he's also likely right that while he won't have the GM name, he'll largely run the personnel department day to day (like Peters did before him).
DeleteWhat you can't stand is people that are critical of the 49ers.
He wasn't remotely right but you go ahead and think what you want. CONSTRUCTIVE Criticism is the only criticism worth having.
DeleteLol, ok. He clearly had knowledge they were talking with Kwesi, but whatever.
DeleteTalking with a dude who called after being sacked and adding him to the analytics dept. is a FAR cry from Lynch stepping down my friend.
DeleteI'm not sure how he was wrong... He only reported what he was hearing and when someone pushed him on Lynch being replaced. (On Larry's show I believe) He stated that's not what I said. That was before this news broke.
DeleteHe was purposely vague at the beginning because as he stated he didn't have enough sources to confirm it.
Then they hire Adofo-Mensah as an executive in the personnel department.
Note we don't even know the specifics of his role or if this is the final move.
Exactly, Shoup.
DeleteI don't listen to Dieter. I'm going on Scooter's original post that inferred his prediction of Lynch stepping down. If he didn't make that prediction, then kudos to him. If he did, my point stands.
DeleteNo, not stepping down, but handing most of the running of the personnel department over to someone so he can focus on his President of Football Operations duties.
DeleteNo actual title change per se, but effectively bring in a de facto GM.
Aside from the obvious stuff around Trent, etc, there were two things I thought stood out about the John Lynch presser.
ReplyDelete1. He was very clear they weren't happy with the pass rush last year, and he was very clear about how he likes that Morris can bring more versatility to their scheme, which may also change the types of players they look for at edge.
2. He outlined that they really want to see the young WRs stay healthy to see what they have, but was very clear they need to add there. He mentioned both FA and the draft.
Neither is surprising of course, but just reiterates what we should be expecting the team to prioritise this offseason.
Who's going to be playing LG is likely the most pressing question I have.
ReplyDeleteA name I see a lot of people throw out there for teams after a bargain LG is Alijah Vera-Tucker. But in the case of the 49ers I think he could make a lot of sense. Would fill the LG spot with a guy that when healthy has been very good, and I think could still be an option to shift over to LT in a pinch.
DeleteHe's played in 43 of 85 games over five years, making it hard to predict his value as a free agent. I'd take him on a one year prove it deal but you'd likely see him walk in F/A if he was able to resuscitate his career.
DeleteYou are likely right they'd let him walk. Which really hammers home why I'd be going after Linderbaum. They don't value OGs so they are always unlikely to have really good ones. Center is the interior OL spot they value, so if you want long term quality interior play they need to be good. Brendel won't be around much longer, and the potentially have s chance to land an All Pro calibre one in FA, which is extremely rare.
DeleteAlabama WR Germie Bernard has great feel in zone, works over the intermediate middle, is tough after the catch, and can line up at all spots. That's NFL material baby!
ReplyDeleteI like him a lot actually. He reminds me a lot of Deebo pre wide-back years. He's not quite as dynamic with the ball in his hands but separated easier imo
DeleteHC Jeff Hafley still refers back to his time with 49ers Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch in how he plans to operate in his new role. It's incredible how much positive influence the Shanahan's have had on the NFL. Goodell should write him a bonus check.
ReplyDeleteZachariah Branch (5’10 175) Georgia
ReplyDelete+ Dynamic after the catch
+ Straight-line speed
+ Return ability
+ No fumbles over the last two seasons
+ Just a 2.4% drop rate in 2025
+ Elusiveness in open field
+ Quickly gets to top speed
- 38.1% career contested catch rate
- Lacks ideal size
- Majority of his catches are near or behind the line of scrimmage
- Limited catch radius
Draft projection: Day 2
NFL Calendar
ReplyDeleteThis week - NFL Scouting Combine
March 3 - Deadline for franchise tag
March 9-11 - Open negotiating period
March 11 (1 p.m.) - Free agent signing period + trading window opens
April 23-25 - 2026 NFL Draft
So... the dance begins with Trent Williams.
ReplyDeleteThis development might just mean that we resign Burford because of his swing tackle capabilities.
MUG
DeletePlease...NO more Buford! In 2025, Burford struggled, ranking as the statistically worst left guard in pass protection among all 32 starters. He allowed a 7.89% pressure rate during the 2025 season, making him the lowest-ranked starter at his position.
Sign Linderbaum move Brendel over to LG. TW your demands you are too damn greedy for my taste. I am a Niner fan; players come and go.
ReplyDeleteUC,
ReplyDeleteI agree in part. But I at.certainly hope that the 49ers and TW can come to a mutual agreement. If Linderbuam brings more to the table then Brendal and if the 49ers can sign to feasible deal that's fine with me. But, Shanahan gave Brendal high praise a few weeks ago (at least on the surface) which seems to suggest that he is happy with his play. Williams' best days may be behind him, but he is still the best player on the OL and one of the best in the league.
I agree with Razor, "pay the man."
Yes, I saw the comments KS said about Brendal, I don't have a problem with Brendal only for the fact Linderbuam is a better run blocker than Brendal and the run game has suffered immensely last couple of years even with TW in the lineup.
DeleteIf we can get Linderbaum, it will be easier to trade Brendal.
DeleteAt least two teams need a center currently... Ravens and Chargers (whose center Bradley Bozeman, just retired out of the blue)
The smart move would be to acquire Linderbaum and have him for multiple years rather than invest in an aging TW. If TW signs elsewhere, we will also get a comp pick. That is the smart move IMO.
Forget about it. Williams and Brendel aren't going anywhere.
ReplyDeleteYour probably right but staying the same isn't good enough against tough defensive teams. The mauling they got should of been a wakeup call that the O-line isn't tough enough to handle what teams like the Hawks and Rams and Texans bring to the table.
DeleteDon't forget George Kittle's blocking prowess returns to the lineup. When he's in there the running game doesn't sputter. Not to mention when you add another WR that can get open to replace Aiyuk, the quarterback can get the ball out. Another factor is Purdy's elite reactionary quickness that mitigates pressure. They're going to bring in a low cost/high reward vet to compete at LG, along with a draft pick and the other players already on the roster.
DeleteOle Miss DT Zxavian Harris has had a Combine interview with the 49ers👀
ReplyDeleteOregon LB Bryce Boettcher met with the #49ers at the scouting combine and recounts meeting John Lynch.
ReplyDelete“I walked in and I said, that’s John Lynch! My dad was a huge fan.”
I was just chatting with Zierlein and he made a great analogy regarding Bain's arm length. He likened him to the way Tyson would punch his way inside his opponent's long reach jabs to get inside and do his damage.
ReplyDeleteTexans looking at Big Orange outta Iowa St. Bucs looking at Mcdonald. 49ers looking at a Deone Walker clone, Zxavian Harris. Could we see a trend of adding a big run stuffer to attacking defenses?
ReplyDeleteLee Hunter please!
DeletePeter Woods
ReplyDeleteKayden McDonald
Lee Hunter
Caleb Banks
Christian Miller.
Anyone of these guys would bring the ability to stuff the run. But, they also need to have the ability to rush the QB.
Seems that's the direction they go in Round 1 with the greater depth at Edge.
DeleteWORST CASE SCENARIO:
ReplyDeleteIf the 49ers cannot restructure Trent Williams' ~$39Mil. 2026 cap hit, they can releasing him with a post-June 1 2026 designation and save ~$25.5 Mil. and ~$13.3 Mil. dead cap hit! In 2027, the 9ers would still have a $20.8 Mil dead cap hit, the remainder of the $39 Mil. dead cap hit and have to cut him before April 1st. 2026, when he's owed a $10 Mil bonus? With the ~$25.5 Mil saved from cutting TW, the 9ers could afford to sign free agent center Tyler Linderbaum, meet JL's goal of getting
younger and have a 26 y/o elite O-line Center. Also, the 9ers $20.8 cap hit in 2027, should be more than covered by the annual NFL
team salary cap increase of $20 to $30 Mil per year.
I think we're gonna sign Mike Evans.
ReplyDeleteIf he stays relatively healthy that will be a great addition in the short term.
DeleteTitans are releasing starting center Lloyd Cushenberry, per
ReplyDeleteRap Sheet. He signed a 4-year, $50M deal two years ago and was due $8M this season.
➖Sam Hecht has a long-term starter profile. Could make an argument he is OC1.
ReplyDelete➖Jake Slaughter in the run game 📈
➖Connor Lew in the pass game📈
Temptations song "It Was Just My Imagination" has me hoping that the 49ers can draft two of these guys. Hecht and either Slaughter or Lew would solidify the OL for years.
ReplyDeleteAES^
ReplyDelete