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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...
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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...
The highest-graded FBS defenses of the last 5 years, per PFSN’s College DEF Impact metric:
ReplyDelete‘25 Indiana - 97.9
‘25 Texas Tech - 95.8
‘25 Oklahoma - 95.8
‘25 Ohio State - 95.1
‘21 Wisconsin - 91.8
‘23 Michigan - 91.5
‘24 Ohio State - 91.2
‘21 Georgia - 90.9
‘25 Miami (FL) - 89.9
‘23 Penn State - 89.8
Devil's advocate on Mesidor: Why take a guy who's good and cheap at 25 when you can take a guy who might be good in 3 years when he turns 25 then you have to pay him.
ReplyDeleteWhich first round picks are you drafting with the idea they'll be good in three years?
DeleteMaybe you take a chance on a Zion Young, and he ends up in the pokey.
DeleteMike Evans is expected to draw interest from the 49ers in free agency, per Jason LaCanfora. At a $14M price point it was a no brainer to me. He'd give Brock an immediate perimeter threat and allow them to maybe consider a player like Chris Bell in Round 3. That would give them an opportunity for a one, two punch on defense and if Jones brings them a 2nd, an offensive lineman. A combination of iDL/Edge/OL/WR?
ReplyDeleteSo long as the plan in FA isn't to spend big on old guys in a SB or bust type offseason, I don't mind adding 1 or 2 older players as stop gaps.
DeleteTheir aim should be to add 1 or 2 guys in FA that can be long term core pieces, then fill in some gaps with cheaper guys. And the reason this should be the plan is that they've largely missed on their draft picks between 2021 and 2023, so have few players entering their prime that will be core pieces over the next 3-5 years.
Sign Evans and an OG and then draft defense early. Add an Ebukam for Huff.
DeleteChris Bell could be a steal if he drops to the 3rd rd. Personally, I don't see him making it out of the 2nd, but that's just one man's opinion.
DeleteI'd be good with that. Would still like to add at least 1 good young player to the roster through FA as well - they have the means to rectify the misses they made in the draft. They don't need to extend anyone to really big money/ top of the market deals this offseason, and probably won't next offseason either unless one of Green, Puni or Mustapha have an outstanding year and they want to get ahead of things. So they have the contract flexibility.
DeleteI don't know where Bell is going to be drafted but I'm going by precedent when I predict 3rd Round:
DeleteKeenan Allen — California
ACL Tear: Late-season knee injury (PCL/meniscus) in November 2012; ACL tear during pre‑draft training in April 2013
Drafted: Round 3, Pick 76 (Chargers, 2013)
Fair enough. I'd be happy if he's available for the 49ers in the 3rd rd. And, I firmly believe it would be a steal.
DeleteThe 9ers are interested in signing 33 Y/O WR Mike Evans, who will cost them ~$14 Mil AAV, despite a 2025 season where he missed 10 games, while suffering from hamstring injuries, a broken clavicle and scored only 3 TD's?
ReplyDeleteIn recent games, Seattle prioritized shutting down the underneath routes, relying on a lack of deep-threat speed from the 9ers' WR's.
IMO, Signing Mike Evans does not fix that problem!
Ummm, Evans is an excellent deep threat.
DeleteMike Evens, at 6'5" X 230 is a premier red-zone threat. A speedster he is not.
DeleteDon't need to be a speedster to be a downfield threat. He's excellent at using his size to make himself available down the field, much like Vincent Jackson did before him. It is why Evans has averaged over 15 yards per catch over his career, despite not being a big YAC guy.
DeleteScooter
DeleteIn fact, the 9er do need a X WR with speed, (to force the D to cover all the field), not just a WR with size! Evans has size, but he is a possession receiver. Would you agree his 40, when he was drafted, was low 4.5s and ~4.6s today?
Your also assuming Evans will stay healthy. At 33 years old, that can be a problem. I won't bore you with the fact that at ~ 30 Y/O the body tissue repair slows, collagen production decreases, and muscle mass begins to decline (sarcopenia), leading to increased stiffness and a lower tolerance for stress.
IE hamstring injuries.
For the record: I'm not saying the 9ers should not consider
signing Mike Evans, but he is not a speedster and he's coming off a season with medical issues and in 2025 missed playing
in 50% of the games due to medical issue. Do we really need
to spend $14 mil for another player that spent 1/2 the season
on IR?
Shanahan tried to trade up for Tetairoa McMillan and he's not a speedster.
Delete"but he is a possession receiver".
DeleteLol! He really isn't. Have you watched him play? He's a big time vertical threat, even now. Teams absolutely respect his ability to get vertical, because he is excellent at stacking DBs and using his frame to box them out downfield. That's always been his game.
Yes, the injuries are a concern, but he's really only missed time in one season. He's been very durable throughout his career.
I think speed to Shanahan is nice to have but it seems to me to be lower on his list when evaluating WR's.
DeleteShanahan has repeatedly said that what he looks for is guys that can get open, and that you can get open in many different ways.
DeleteMike Evans ran an official combine time of 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Indianapolis. He measured in at 6'-5', 231 pounds in Indianapolis and also has the longest arms of any wide receiver at the combine.
DeleteMike Evans is one of the league's premier contested-catch receivers, boasting a 55.4% contested catch rate since 2023, allowing him to remain a deep threat even when he doesn't create massive separation.
Evans 6'5" frame and exceptional long arms, allowing him to grab "jump balls" and win one-on-one matchups even when defenders are heavily draped on him. While he may not create large windows of separation, he effectively uses his body to "box out" defenders, similar to a basketball player, to make the catch.
While Evans may not create large windows of separation, he effectively uses his body to "box out" defenders. He excels at using his strength and "stacking" defenders (getting in front of them) within the first 10 yards, rather than relying on pure quickness.
Throughout his career, Evans has consistently ranked among the lowest in the league in average separation per target, confirming that his success is built on winning in traffic rather than in open space.
While he is not a "separator" in the mold of speed-based receivers, his ability to create "late separation" at the catch point through technical, physical, and, at times, subtle, techniques makes him elite.
Exactly, GEEP. He's been an elite downfield target throughout his career because of his size and ability to create space at the catch point.
DeleteScooter
DeleteThe point is, he's NOT a speedster. He is, as I said, a possession receiver and a red zone threat. He does not not get open by creating separation with speed. He uses his size and long arms to box out defenders. And not my opinion, but confirmed by the statistics I posted.
If you disagree, so be it. Let's agree to disagree.
He is NOT a possession WR. He's a downfield target that's been used by the Bucs to open up/ spread defenses out for guys like Chris Godwin, who is the possession WR for the Bucs.
DeleteNOT GOOD!!
ReplyDeleteSan Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White was shot in the ankle during an event on Monday morning.
White was shot at 4:06 a.m. on the 17th block of Mission Street in San Francisco, a San Francisco Police spokesman said, via The Athletic. There was an altercation between two groups that broke out at an event there that led to the shooting, though specifics of that incident are not yet known. White is not believed to have been part of that altercation.
John Lynch will speak to the media at the NFL Combine at 5:30 ET on Tuesday, per Lombardi.
ReplyDeleteKendrick Law (Kentucky) and Malik Benson (Oregon). Both Alabama transfers (Benson also at FSU) who ran 10.4 in the 100-meters in HS.
ReplyDeleteMississippi State RB Davon Booth would be worth bringing in as a UDFA.
ReplyDeleteWith Saleh gone and Raheem Morris the new 9er DC, how will the D
ReplyDeleteline change?
* After drafting Mykel Williams in the 1st Rd, the 9ers wanted to bolster Bosa and the EDGE by trading for Bryce Huff. That trio was supposed to do the heavy lifting, while Sam Okuayinonu could provide run support, and Yetur Gross-Matos could help the pass rush.
But Bosa didn’t make it to October and Williams barely made it to November. That meant Huff would lead the pass rush when he was brought in as a secondary player.
* By December, Saleh was relying on players who weren't on the roster when Bosa and Williams were playing. Adding Keion White and Clelin Ferrell didn't move the needle, but there were few options at that point that would help, unless they were willing to part ways with premium draft capital, so it wouldn’t be fair to judge this group for playing roles they were weren't intended to play!
* Players like White, Sam O, and Ferrell. are not players who should be on the field as starters, late in the season or in the postseason. Unfortunately, injuries forced Robert Saleh’s hand.
* With Raheem Morris as 9er's DC, Williams should be in a position to succeed as an interior player far more than he did as a rookie under Saleh.
If Morris liked James Pearce, then he should also like Huff, who has
a year remaining on his deal. The 49ers could release Huff and save $5.3 million against the cap but It’s a move that would mean they’d need to add another pass rusher. At Huff’s cap number, its unlikely the 9er could upgrade from a player who should benefit from playing next to Bosa and Mykel. (Just my opinion, feel free to disagree).
Trey Hendrickson, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Cam Jordan are all F/A options, but they'll command substantially more money than Huff.
Whatever the 9ers do, will revolve around Bosa. Finding a pass rusher in the draft is an option, but are there any guaranteed game-changers (at draft pick #27 or 58), that come to mind? There’s also the trade market. Maxx Crosby might’ve given 9ers fans hope recently. As a player, nobody listed comes close to him. The duo of Bosa and Crosby will make the selection of Williams look even better.
It will be interesting to me, to see which body types Morris brings in, whether through the draft or free agency.
FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR OPINON.
When it comes to Huff, his cap number looks reasonable but it comes with a big dead cap number next year. And he's already proven at the Eagles he isn't great when asked to do anything other than be a hand in the dirt edge rusher. Morris used stand up edge rushers a lot at the Rams and Falcons.
DeleteScooter
DeleteThat is true, but...A) He was forced, due to injuries, into a roll he was never meant to play. And B) Can the 9ers replace him with someone better, at the same or lower salary?
I don't have the answer to that question, and as I said..It'll be interesting to see what direction the 9ers go?
Question for you: Do you expect Morris to use his "penny"
formation, dropping a LB down as a 5th D-lineman?
Well, he's due to be paid over $17M this year. I think they can find a better fit for Morris scheme for less than that.
DeleteScooter
DeleteMy understanding is most of his 2026 money ($17.1Mil) is tied to an option bonus due March 13, making that date a critical deadline for the team to decide on a restructure, extension, or release? If the 9ers are content with his value, his cap hit is projected to be only $5.4 million due to the specific structure of the deal San Francisco inherited (largely involving the option bonus).
I think it's a roster bonus due March 13, with the larger option bonus coming later in the year. But regardless, yes, that is generally correct. The important number though is he is due to be paid over $17M this year.
DeleteFeliciano: 80% of the OLineman coming into the league nowadays suck. Because they’re soft af and scared of the work. The 20% that are dogs stick out like a sore thumb.
ReplyDeleteHe's not wrong.
If as Scooter said, Morris likes to use stand up edge rushers. Does that mean Bosa will be expected to rush the passer from a stand up position? He seems to be a player who likes to emulate a sprinter coming out of the blocks. Will Morris use him more like Fangio used Justin Smith as a hybrid DE/DT?
ReplyDeleteI don't think Morris will try and make Bosa do too much different to what he's always done. I think it will more have ramifications for what the edge rush presence opposite Bosa may look like. Wouldn't be surprised if Morris prioritises guys that can do both, so he can play around with some 5-man fronts, with the guy opposite Bosa standing up.
DeleteOldCoach
DeleteDon't know if your question was addressed to me or not? But
my understand is Morris is recognized for having a very flexible scheme that adapts to his players' strengths, rather than forcing them into a rigid system. If true, I'd expect Bosa to continue playing his traditional hand-in-the-dirt DE position. But we may see more varied looks within a more aggressive, pressure-oriented scheme under Morris. (more blitz's)
NOTE: Morris has in the past, used a LB ("stand up position)" to drop down into a 5 man D-line, called a "penny front."
Geep,
DeleteActually my statement/question was directed to the community. I realize that Morris is very flexible but the majority of his best defensive teams played 3-4. I just wonder if he might just play around with a 3-4 D. I could see Bosa and Williams fitting the Justin Smith DE/DT roll with CJ West and Evan Anderson fitting the nose tackle roll. Collins could rotate with Bosa and Williams. If Morris wants to play a traditional 3-4 they would have to draft/sign a OLB/DE. I think the other side OLB/DE would be perfect for Nick Martin (if health allows) he was a great pass rusher in college. That would leave Warner and Winters in the middle along with a draft pick. Just an idea to play with
Coach, interesting thought on Martin - actually something I've been considering as well. I've mentioned guys in the draft like Kyle Louis and Harold Perkins Jr, who are guys I think could be used in that role, and they are both built in the same mold as Nick Martin. Basically, get them next to Mykel Williams in a 5-man front or as the overhang defender in a 4-man front and they give you someone that can drop into coverage or blitz on passing downs and aren't a liability in the run game (so long as Williams can keep them relatively clean).
DeleteMartin's concussion was severe. I don't think you can count on him.
DeleteRazor,
DeleteHope springs eternal
Razor, agreed, which is why I'd like to see them add someone like Louis or Perkins. If Martin can stay healthy, let him compete for that role as well as the WILL spot.
DeleteNotable 2026 CB prospects' forced incompletion rate in their final season (avg of 1st round picks since 2015 is 18.4%)
ReplyDeleteMansoor Delane - 26.5%
Treydan Stukes - 25%
Brandon Cisse - 21.1%
Chris Johnson - 20.9%
Julian Neal - 20.8%
D'Angelo Ponds - 17.5%
Devin Moore - 16.7%
Jermod McCoy - 16.1%
Keith Abney - 15.3%
Colton Hood - 11.3%
Keionte Scott - 10.7%
Avieon Terrell - 9.6%
USC Edge Anthony Lucas 6’5 285
ReplyDeleteIn his last two seasons at USC he had 37 pressures, 3 sacks and 21 stops.
Omar Cooper Jr. (6’0 201) Indiana
ReplyDelete+ Shifty with the ball in his hands with excellent contact balance
+ 2.55 yards per route ran in 2025
+ 4.2% drop rate in 2025
+ 54.3% career contested catch rate
+ Ball security with 0 career fumbles
+ 20 receiving touchdowns combined in the last two seasons
+ Ball tracking down the field
+ 27 missed tackles forced in 2025
- Plays primarily in the slot
- Inconsistent production from game-to-game
- Lacks elite speed and is projected to run close to a 4.5 40-yd. dash
Draft projection: Top 50
Keionte Scott (6’0 195) Miami
ReplyDelete+ Effective on the blitz
+ Punishing physicality
+ Alignment versatility
+ Over 2,000 career snaps
+ 87.1 coverage grade in 2025
+ 91.2 run defense grade
+ Special teams experience
+ Awareness in zone coverage
+ Quick to read and react
+ Productive 2025 with 64 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles
- 20.3% missed tackle rate in 2025
- Down season in 2024 at Auburn with just a 44.3 coverage
- Missed some time in 2025 with a foot injury
- Turns 25 in August
Draft projection: Day 2
This guy has a lot of "dog" in him. Looks like a true ball'r.
ReplyDelete