Jake Brendel just had his best season as a 49er. PFF has him as the 12th best center in the NFL among qualifying players. He’s pretty durable, improving every year, and understands the system. Put a better LG next to him and let's roll!
Monday, February 16, 2026
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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...
Yep. His best season was decent/ pretty good. He's a capable NFL starting center. Just like he's paid to be.
ReplyDeleteHe's not "really good", like the guys I was referring to in the previous post.
He's fine as the starter. But he's old, can be improved on, at a position we know Shanahan values highly.
At $4M he's the best Center for this team until he's not.
DeleteAgreed. Good value for sure.
DeleteMy problem with Brendel: The 9er week 18 game against Seattle. I'd call it a nightmare, except that's too mild.
Delete* 9er center Jake Brendel received a 53.4 PFF grade, ranking him among the lowest-graded players on the offense in that matchup. He played 42 snaps in the game.
*Brock Purdy traveled a staggering 413 yards on his 33 dropbacks. He spent much of that game running in the backfield to avoid sacks due to heavy pressure from Seattle defensive front.
That's a solid point.
DeleteHe can be average but if he's really bad vs the team you have to beat (especially in division), that's still a problem.
If James Daniels checks out fine medically, he'd be a guy I would consider to compete for an OG spot.
ReplyDeleteShould be in their price range as well.
DeleteWhat do you reckon he'll get? He's basically missed two straight years now - I was thinking not much above vet minimum base salary, with playing incentives. Wouldn't want to commit too much to him.
DeleteSame and it's right up their alley for the position. Low investment with high upside potential.
DeleteThe San Francisco 49ers have begun contract negotiations with star K Eddy Pineiro. Likely $6M APY.
ReplyDeleteLowest passer rating allowed among 2026 NFL Draft CBs:
ReplyDelete1. Chris Johnson, SDSU (16.1)
2. Mansoor Delane, LSU (31.3)
3. Treydan Stukes, ARI (34.4)
4. Jadon Canady, ORE (39.4)
5. Davison Igbinosun, OSU (42.6)
6. Keith Abney II, ASU (46.1)
7. Al’zillion Hamilton, FRES (52.2)
8. D’Angelo Ponds, IND (53.5)
9. Devon Marshall, NCSU (56.4)
10. Malik Muhammad, UT (57.8)
Delp's stock is likely to rise post-combine.
ReplyDeleteQB Jordan Love has requested a TRADE out of Green Bay.This comes after Love was informed by Head Coach Matt LaFleur that the team plans on using its franchise tag on Malik Willis.
ReplyDeleteWhat? For real?
DeleteNah, but it would be crazy!😜
DeleteLol, almost had me!
DeleteBucky Brooks has Kyle Louis as his Safety 2. That sounds awfully familiar.
ReplyDeleteYates and Kiper Jr, have Concepcion as the 49ers #27. I'd be good with that because I believe he is a day 1 starter. I also like Howell if the FO thinks he's worth the #27 pick.
DeleteThe combine will reveal much.
I enjoy the combine. I treat it like a test you've just completed and now it's time to go back over your answers before you hand it in.
DeleteI don't really see him as a safety. He's a LB for me. But he does blur the line a bit between LB and SS.
DeleteThe SF Giants had an outfielder named Jose Cruz Jr. He reminds me of Brendel. Cruz was known as a cripple killer. His over all batting Avg was pretty good but when you broke his Avg down you saw that he feasted on bad pitchers for example he would hit over .400 against pitchers with an ERA over 4 runs a game. He would hit over .300 against pitchers with ERAs between 3.75 and 4.00 He dropped down to .250 against pitchers with ERAs between 3,50 and 3.75 and then his Avg would plummet against pitchers who's ERA were 3.50 and below. His overall Avg was good but he was terrible when he faced pitchers who were even just a little above Avg. It seems to me Brendel stats are fine against mediocre or worse defenses but he struggles mightily against better defenses. I am not sure I can stand watching him get bullied by the Seahawks D 2 or 3 times a year anymore.
ReplyDeleteWas Cruz Jr. in charge of making all the line adjustments in real time?
DeleteRazor,
DeleteI don't think anyone can make the argument that Brendel doesn't have the mental part of the game down pat. It might be more important for a center to be mentally prepared in Shanahan's system than any other coaches system. I just suffer watching him get physically bullied when playing top notch defensive lines. He is without a doubt a great financial deal for the 49ers but maybe it is time to spend some money on a center who is not only mentally prepared as well as a physical monster like T. Linderbaum. The addition of Linderbaum as well as a 2nd round pick on a OG and the 49ers will have taken a huge step towards making up ground on the Seahawks. I know it is a long shot because it is just not the Shanahan.Lynch way but I can only hope they will finally see the error of their ways and they haven't committed that many errors.
I just don't see Brendel as an "error". He's under contract for the year. We'll see what they decide to do.
DeleteI don't think people are saying he's an error.
DeleteTheir argument is (correct me if I'm wrong OC), if he's starting against Seattle you can guarantee a high pressure rate (with 7 in coverage) and a low yards per carry.
And that is the team you have to beat.
Oscar Delp is TE2.
ReplyDeleteI could see a team wanting to move up to 27 for Cole Payton, QB, NDSU. QB2 for me.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I'd love to insert Vega loane between Williams and Brendel. Likely a top 15 pick.
ReplyDeleteThoughts on Keylan Rutledge?
DeleteNice blend of athleticism and physicality. Got that nasty in him. Likely a riser.
DeleteI'd love to add him in the 3rd.
DeleteJadarian Price looks like Kenneth Walker to me.
ReplyDeleteWith Fleury now gone, my guess is they look to go back to an old friend in Jon Embree, who wasn't retained in Miami by Hafley.
ReplyDeleteFoerster back to run game coordinator?
DeleteI doubt they demote him from assistant HC. But even as assistant HC I'm sure he has a lot of input to the game planning.
DeleteESPN lists FA guard Isaac Seumalo as a perfect fit for the 49ers. Market value listed at $7M APY.
ReplyDeleteScooter, Jeremiah's 2.0 has us taking Lee Hunter! Seems we're over the target. I can't wait for the combine scuttlebutt.
ReplyDeleteI'd be stoked! A rotation of him, Collins and West could set this DL up for years, plus the ability to slide Mykel in on passing downs.
DeleteLee Hunter = Pat Williams
DeleteI saw that comp, but not sure I agree. As a run defender, yes. But he moves better than Pat Williams did. A guy Hunter's size shouldn't move as well as he does.
DeleteLee Hunter is also a player I like a lot. A front dline of Williams, Collins, West, and Hunter would give the 49ers D a strong future. I'm not dismissing Bosa, but I'm concerned about his longevity.
ReplyDeleteAES^
ReplyDeleteWill the 49ers be in on the Tyreek Hill sweepstakes?
ReplyDeleteLynch won't sign a woman abuser.
DeleteThe Athletic’s Vic Tafur says:
ReplyDelete“It seems like the 49ers have big plans for second-year player Jordan James.” James barely played in 2025 — but could push for the No. 2 role behind CMC if BRob walks. Tafur adds Isaac Guerendo “seems like an easy cut” if Robinson returns. 👀
Was never a fan of the Guerendo pick. Whatever the analytics they use are for picking RBs in rounds 3 and 4, they need to be thrown away.
DeleteI didn't have Guerendo making the roster this year. Had nothing to do with Robinson or any other back and everything to do with Guerendo.
DeleteJordan Mason might have easily been the #2 back behind CMC.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they'll draft a RB but I think they'll bring in a couple UDFA's.
ReplyDeleteArnold Ebiketie is a likely low risk DPR familiar with Morris they could add.
ReplyDeleteThat has been their sweet spot over the years. Still waiting to see if James hits.
ReplyDeleteJames looked quick.
DeleteMike Evans plans to play in 2026 and will explore options in free agency, per ByKimberleyA.
ReplyDeleteNotable 2026 EDGE prospects' pass rush win rate in their final season (avg of 1st round picks since 2015 is 17.3%)
ReplyDeleteRueben Bain - 23.5%
David Bailey - 21.6%
Akheem Mesidor - 20.8%
R Mason Thomas - 20.3%
Cashius Howell - 19.9%
Derrick Moore - 19.8%
Malachi Lawrence - 19.2%
Zion Young - 17.2%
TJ Parker - 15.5%
Keldric Faulk - 11.6%
Surprised to see TJ that low. I think with our current lineup and staff we are looking at smaller bursty edges. Ie Howell, Moore or Lawrence.
DeleteI've been big on Moore in the second for a while now. But Lawrence is interesting as well.
I've seen some 49ers content creators questioning whether Lee Hunter would be a good pick at #27, as Jeremiah had in his latest mock. Main reasoning being they drafted Collins, West and Mykel last year, and what it would say about those picks.
ReplyDeleteTo me this is really poor reasoning.
First off, we've seen first hand over the past two years what the run D looks like when you don't have good DTs on the field. We've also seen the success last year of teams with good DTs, and how that translates to getting opponents into 3rd and long situations.
Second, you need a strong rotation, not just two good starters. You need to be 4 deep. Hunter, Collins and West give you a strong trio that can all complement each other. And it gives the luxury of the 4th guy being more of a pass rusher.
One of the keys to a successful attacking front four is a healthy rotation with little to no drop off.
DeleteMatt Gulbin, C, Michigan State has elite play strength.
ReplyDelete49ers' EPA per rush ranks in 2025...
ReplyDeleteWhen Kittle was on IR: #27
When Kittle wasn't on IR: #7😂
An interesting late round OG option in the draft is Davion Carter, Texas Tech.
ReplyDeleteSize could be a problem for him, but he's a good player.
A name to know on day 3 for the 49ers - Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR/FB/TE/SAK from Navy. Looked good at the Shrine Bowl. Was basically Navy's offense. Would give Shanahan a highly versatile weapon. Also good on STs.
ReplyDelete3.94 Career YPRR🫨
DeleteJimmy Rolder, LB, MI is a guy to watch at the combine. Got some instincts and shows the ability to stack/shed.
ReplyDeletePotential 1st-round DTs in pressure rate, removing screens and throws <2.0 seconds. Data from 2024-25:
ReplyDeleteCaleb Banks (17%)
Christen Miller (14%)
Lee Hunter (14%)
Peter Woods (9%)
NT Kayden McDonald (9%)
For reference: Harmon (22%), Graham (17%), Nolen (15%), Grant (12%) in '24.
Texas Tech's Lee Hunter is what a first round DT looks like:
ReplyDelete- 90th percentile pass rush win rate
- 98th percentile run stop rate
- 95th percentile in avg tackle depth
- 86th percentile in splash plays
He's really good. Tbh, not sure why he's considered a late 1st/ early 2nd guy. Should be a mid 1st.
DeleteFor me, Caleb Banks is an enigma. He could turn out to be a game wrecker, or he could turn out to be a bust! For a player
Deletewith his ability, his production has been inconsistent and the foot injury deprived him of a year he should have put it all together, but he ended up only playing 3 games.
His performance at the 2026 Senior Bowl helped show his talent and willingness to be coached, after an injury-riddled final season.
I'd steer clear of Banks. Too risky.
DeleteIn saying that, if they took him at 27, I'd certainly be excited about the potential.
DeleteScooter
DeleteI find myself doing an emotional yoyo on banks....I watch a 2024 game tape and think how good he could be, then watch another game tape and think he's out of shape, see all his flaws and how he'll disappear.
Notable 2026 EDGE prospects' run stop rate in their final season (avg of 1st round picks since 2015 is 7.7%)
ReplyDeleteZion Young - 9.3%
David Bailey - 9%
Keldric Faulk - 8.6%
TJ Parker - 7.6%
Rueben Bain - 6.9%
R Mason Thomas - 6.2%
Akheem Mesidor - 5.5%
Malachi Lawrence - 4.2%
Cashius Howell - 3.1%
Are we gonna attempt a trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick?
ReplyDeleteKC Concepcion (5’11 187) Texas A&M
ReplyDelete+ Creating separation
+ Straight-line speed
+ Versatility as a receiver, punt returner, and had 41 carries for 320 yards as a freshman at NC State
+ Dynamic after the catch
+ 10 for 15 (66.7%) on contested catches in 2025
+ Alignment versatile
+ 25 receiving, 3 rushing, and 2 punt return touchdowns for his career
- Drop issues with 7 drops in 2025 and 19 in 3 seasons
- 3 fumbles in 2024 (0 in 2024)
- A bit undersized
- 60.4% completion rate when targeted in 2025
Draft projection: 1st/2nd round
If Sadiq is available at #27, I would be happy with the 49ers drafting him. I would also like to see him play WR in some special alignments. At 6' 3" 245 lbs, with a 4.5 40 can be a Dcords nightmare.
ReplyDeleteAES
DeleteI agree, Sadig is a great offensive weapon. But KS may not be satisfied with his blocking? As a 1st Rd draft pick he should starting, but KS may only play him on 3rd downs, until he improves his lower body strength and ls capable of blocking DE's.
I guess this begs the question a bit - what do you think is more important to address? The offense or defense, and then within those, which areas?
DeleteFor me, outside of the Seahawks games, I'm a firm believer that the defense was by far the bigger weakness last season. So I'm inclined to focus more on addressing that, albeit within the constraints of knowing they also need to add a couple of offensive weapons and at minimum shore up the LG spot on the OL.
And I think the offense might be the area they can/ should largely address in FA.
Scooter
DeleteI'd sign 3 free agents for offense. Tyler Linderbaum C, Zion Johnson OG and Alex Pierce WR.
* Rd #1 a WR and the rest defense
Why Zion Johnson?
DeleteScooter
DeleteChecks all the boxes..At 26, he's entering his prime, elite run blocker (ranked 2nd in run block win rate in 2025). Durable, having started all games since entering the league. Good athletic ability, mobility, and quick hands. Fits KS ZBS . Versatile interior lineman capable of playing OG or C.
Combine had a 7.38-second 3 cone and 4.46-second short shuttle
Needs to improve his Pass blocking. IMO, Foerster could improve Johnson's pass blocking.
What's you take on Johnson?
^^GEEP^^
DeleteMy take is he's pretty good, but from what we've seen in recent years he'll be really expensive. I can't see the 49ers forking out the kind of money it would take to get him. Not for an OG.
DeleteEspecially if they are working out for Linderbaum and Pierce, as you suggest.
My guess is they go in for one high priced FA addition only. And in that case my priority is Linderbaum.
Scooter
DeleteYes, you're probably right. But I don't consider his 2026 Market Value Projected at ~ $11.26 million per year (3 years, $33.8M AAV) to be that bad. Not when you consider the 9ers with both Linderbaum and Johnson would have a dominate run game. Something they'll need to beat both Seattle and the Rams.
NOTE:
* 2022 Season (with CMC running the ball): 4.7 yards per carry (746 yards on 159 attempts).
* 2023 Season (with CMC running the ball): 5.4 yards per carry (1,459 yards on 272 attempts).
* 2025 Season (with CMC running the ball): 3.9 yards per carry
(1,202 yards on 311 attempts).
I think he'll get get quite a bit more than that. Just look at what the top FA OGs have gotten in recent years. And he'll be one of the top FA OGs.
DeleteScooter
DeleteI'm quoting Spotrac, who projects Johnsons' Market Value at ~$11.26 Million per year (3 years, ~$33.8M total).
* The Chargers declined his 5th year option ($17.56 million for 2026). Likely because of his pass protection?
* The Chargers are actively looking to replace multiple interior offensive linemen from their 2025 roster, with the entire interior unit considered a major target for turnover.
Yes. They commonly undervalue projected FA contracts because they use existing market averages to estimate value.
DeleteFor context, Aaron Banks got $19M a year last year, and Patrick Mekari (an average starting OG at best) got $12.5M a year.
DeleteGot your popcorn ready? it's almost that time of year again! NFL combine is less than a week away (Mon. Feb 23 to March 2,
ReplyDelete2026).
Razor, are you going to be there covering the events?
Oscar Delp is the TE I'd target but he's likely to move up boards after the combine.
ReplyDeleteI'll be home watching the combine Geep.
Signed Nick Zakelj to a one-year contract. Could he become the next McKivitz?
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be something.
DeleteNotre Dame OG Billy Schrauth (6-5, 305)
ReplyDelete☘️6 starts at RG/16 at LG, even having missed 9 last two years (knee/ankle)
☘️Strength is pass pro. Wide-base & active grip in hands/feet
☘️Fluid, strong puller mover with wide shoulders
As insufferable as David Lombardi is (imo), I listened to one of his latest videos and found it interesting what he said about Brandon Aiyuk’s contract.
ReplyDeleteLombardi stated that while a lot of people are of the opinion that Aiyuk will be released, there is a chance the Niners keep him on their roster and he can “rot in purgatory”. Because Aiyuk didn’t fulfill his contractual obligations, he is no longer owed any money and could technically be on the roster without taking up cap space and without incurring any dead money. Pretty much a slap in the face for Aiyuk’s shenanigans from last year that keeps him from signing with another team.
I’m unsure if what Lombardi is saying is true, but it’s definitely uncharted territories for any contract in recent memory.
It works so long as he continues to fail to report. If he has any designs on ever playing again he'd call their bluff and show up, but then not try hard.
DeleteIt would also mean they would be on the hook for his option bonus in April. They'd only get the money back if he then fails to report.
All in all, it simply isn't worth the hassle and the potential to blow up in their face by having to pay him another $20M+ they might not get back.
Agree with Scooter. Not worth it. What is worth it is the lesson learned. Never pay a WR $30M unless his name is Jerry Rice. Just keep drafting them.
DeleteScooter and Razor,
DeleteAgreed on all fronts. Sayonara, Ayiuk.
Colton Hood (6’0 188) Tennessee
ReplyDelete+ Sticky in coverage
+ Allowed just a 52.8% completion rat against during the 2025 season
+ Vision and awareness when in zone coverage
+ 6.6% missed tackle rate in 2025
+ 80.3 coverage grade
+ Press-man physicality
- Doesn’t have an abundance of experience with just over 1,100 snaps played
- 4 penalties in 2025
- 16.8% career missed tackle rate
Draft projection: 1st/2nd round
FYI: Seahawks and Eagles won the last two Super Bowls having incredible DL depth.
ReplyDeleteTwo sleeper prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft:
ReplyDelete🟥 Indiana DT 91 Dominique Ratcliff
🟦 UCLA OT 71 Reuben Unije
Neither player will be at the Scouting Combine but two names worth circling for upcoming Pro Days. Both flash on tape.
career pressure rate for the consensus big board first round edge rushers:
ReplyDelete1. david bailey, 19.2% (!)
2. cashius howell, 16.2%
3. rueben bain jr., 14.3%
4. t.j. parker, 14.0%
5. akheem mesidor, 13.0%
6. keldric faulk, 11.8%