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My Selections 27 Cashius Howell EDGE Texas A&M "Replaces Bryce Huff as their DPR to compliment Bosa, Williams and Osa in their NA...
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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...
Those numbers don't blow me away. Thats why out of Schwartz, Bradley and Morris he would have been my 3rd choice
ReplyDeleteI think as far as the draft goes; Morris will want to add speed at all three levels.
DeleteI think we should focus more on his time as DC with the Rams (and other stops) more so than his defense as a HC at the Falcons. He wasn't calling the plays.
DeleteOf note, I believe he had top 10 defenses by DVOA twice in 3 years at the Rams.
The top upcoming NFL free agent edge rushers, per PFSN's Top 100:
ReplyDelete😤 Trey Hendrickson, Bengals
😤 Jaelan Phillips, Eagles
😤 Jadeveon Clowney, Cowboys
😤 Haason Reddick, Buccaneers
😤 D.J. Wonnum, Panthers
😤 Arden Key, Titans
😤 Odafe Oweh, Chargers
😤 Boye Mafe, Seahawks
😤 Joey Bosa, Bills
😤 Khalil Mack, Chargers
I could see the 9ers signing 30 y/o Arden Key to a 1 or 2 year $7 Mil AAV contract. He'd be a rotational pass-rusher, not an every-down DE. He suffered a quad injury early in the 2025 season, leading to a down year (6.5 sacks). If the 9ers signed Key and cut Huff they would save ~$5.4 Mil
DeleteJakobe Thomas (6’2 200) Miami
ReplyDelete+ Alignment versatility
+ 89.1 coverage grade in 2025
+ One of the hardest hitters at safety
+ Intense competitor
+ Pre-snap communicator
+ Ball production(5 INT’s in 2025)
+ Effective when blitzing
+ 2,200+ snaps played
+ Coverage instincts
- 19.4% missed tackle rate in 2025 and 20.7% for his career
- Overaggressive in pursuit
- Known to bite on play action fakes
- Only played 263 snaps at Tennessee during the 2024 season
Draft projection: 3rd round
What is interesting is that the change to Raheem means a continuation of a transition that was being made last year. Look for more 5 man fronts even in Nickel.
ReplyDeleteThis means you can look at adding a lighter D edge rushers ie hybrid lb/olb kinds of players.
guys that fit this mold are R Mason Thomas, Derrick Moore, R Mason Thomas.
This could also mean some lighter D linemen if he runs it similar to Fangio... so guys like Zane Durrant or Christian Miller.
Or they could keep the wide 9 front in Nickel.
3-4 or 4-3 base I dont really care much about tbh... teams just are not in base that much these days.
The only NT prospects since 2015 with a pressure rate > 12.0% in at least one college season and an arm length > 32 5/8". Florida State NT Darrell Jackson Jr. belongs in the top-40 discussion..
ReplyDelete🔘 Darrell Jackson Jr, Florida State
🔘 Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
🔘 Deone Walker, Kentucky
🔘 Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
🔘 Vita Vea, Washington
The 49ers have promoted Al Guido to the role of chief executive officer. Jed York will continue as the 49ers principal owner. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan will continue to lead football operations and report to York, as will Guido in his new role.
ReplyDeleteWatching "Rise of The 49ers" last night brought back so many great memories. Just so glad I was able to witness and take that era all in. It truly was wonderful, just as depicted in the documentary. And seeing Tom Brady throw a pass to Jerry Rice and gush on screen over his love for the Niners and what they meant to his own future career is priceless. Parts 3 and 4 are on AMC tonight. Well worth viewing.
ReplyDeleteSee "Rise of The 49ers" review -- https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7009288/2026/02/01/49ers-amc-documentary-tom-brady-nfl/
DeleteCoach,
DeleteI was leaning towards Morris leading up to his signing with the 49ers. Schwartz would have been my second choice, but he is still under contract with the Browns in 2026. The 49ers or any team signing Schwartz would have had to give the Browns compensation either by a trade or draft pick.
News out of Cleveland is that Schwartz was upset of being passed over for the head coach job. So, Schwartz and the Browns could still be in a limbo state at the moment.
RE: Jim Schwartz: 49ers were interested just as many teams are/were, but didn’t get the sense from anyone that he’d shake loose from Cleveland. Too much uncertainty there to ignore a strong, well-liked candidate available now.
DeleteThey learned their lesson from 2023 and 2024. Went for good available candidates and didn't bother interviewing anyone they didn't genuinely want.
DeleteBrock Purdy among 236 quarterbacks to throw 1,000+ career passes in the Super Bowl era:
ReplyDelete-Yards per attempt: 8.6 (1st)
-Passer rating: 104 (1st)
-Passing success rate: 52.4% (1st)
-Completion percentage: 67.9% (3rd)
-Touchdown rate: 6.2% (4th)
ReplyDeleteTom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
·
6m
The Titans are hiring Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator, sources tell The Insiders. Robert Saleh adds a trusted piece to his staff.
Seemed the logical move
DeleteTexas Tech DT Lee Hunter Since 2023 | Ranks Among DTs:
ReplyDelete🌵 146 Tackles (1st)
🌵 38 TFL’s/No Gain (1st)
🌵 81 Run Stops (1st)
Would love to get him.
DeleteMar 9 is the next big date in the NFL. That is the beginning of the legal tampering period of free agency.
ReplyDeleteNick Martin has a chance to be that 5th DL as a blitzer/drop back lined up next to Williams.
ReplyDeleteGoing to be interesting to see what they do with Huff in terms of keep or cut him. That'll tell us a lot about what sort of front will be used primarily.
DeleteScooter
Deleteyes, I agree with you on Huff. Also who, if any, free agent they sign?
Yeah true. Particularly the type of DT and Edge they look to add.
DeleteA major move in Miami: the Dolphins have informed QB Tua Tagovailoa that he will be released with a post-June 1 designation ahead of the March 12th deadline, per sources.
ReplyDeleteThe Dolphins will now incur a dead cap hit of $99 million, the most in NFL history.👀
Jones to the Dolphins? Dolphins 2nd round pick is number 43. . Not bad
DeleteGonna need them to throw in a 3rd too.
DeleteHow about a player? Like Daniel Brunskill or Zack Sieler
DeleteI'd rather the 3rd round pick.
DeleteOldCoach / Razor
DeleteI don't believe JL will trade Mac for less than a 2nd Rd draft pick?
BP has been injured and missed games. They trust Mac can win when BP is injured.
Treydan Stukes, Diet Coke Cooper DeJean
ReplyDelete#4 safety/#1 nickel/#38 overall (would be #26 without injuries)
Defensive chess piece with top-tier movement skills & versatility. Injury history hurts his grade, but he’s worth a top 50 pick if the medicals clear.
- 2,674 career snaps between safety (503), slot (1,174), & boundary CB (943)
- Matchup-proof athlete with the size, recovery speed, burst, & hip fluidity to execute a wide range of coverage assignments
- 4 INT/6 PBU in 9 games this year
- Flips his hips & makes effortless transitions in deep coverage
- Closing burst to erase cushion/separation & jump passing lanes
- Elite body control & ball-tracking skills. Composed turning & locating the ball downfield
- Plays long at the catch point, strikes/rakes with exceptional timing & accuracy
- Effective jam at the LOS. Can reroute TEs & power slots
- Good physicality & play strength taking on blocks
- Had trouble mirroring digs in press-man. Stair-step technique gave him hell (Houston tape)
- Slow to ID routes in off coverage - more reactive than anticipatory. Nuanced WRs can stem him out of position or freeze him at the breakpoint
- Needs to improve discipline vs. double-moves
If the 49ers want to employ a system more in line with what Morris had in Atlanta, a guy to watch for at 27 is Cassius Howell.
ReplyDeleteMight be tough getting to 27.
DeleteYeah, that's the catch. But he's the type of rusher Morris has liked to employ. Von Miller, Leonard Floyd, James Pearce.
DeleteR Mason Thomas too.
DeleteYeah, he's in that mold too. Wouldn't be surprised if he runs the fastest 40 for and edge as well.
DeleteScooter / Razor
DeleteRE R Mason Thomas: His draft stock will depend on his medical reports. He has a history of high-ankle sprains on both ankles and a quad injury that forced him to miss time in 2025.
What Rd do you believes he'll go?
My guess right now is early round 2 - top 50. But may sneak into late round 1 if he tests off the charts.
DeleteWade Woodaz (6’3 235) Clemson
ReplyDelete+ Versatility as a former safety
+ 22 pressures in 2024
+ Over 1,800 snaps played
+ Coverage ability (73.8 grade)
+ Awareness against the run
+ Rangy athlete
+ Spying the quarterback
- Shoulder surgery toward the end of the 2025 season
- Still relatively new to the linebacker position
- 16.3% missed tackle rate in 2024 (improved to just 9% in 2025)
Draft projection: Day 3
The 49ers have had success in the past with LBs who used to be safeties.
DeleteI think we should be scouring those day 3 LB's beginning with those that were former safeties.
DeleteI just stumbled on Louisiana's LB Jaden Dugger. Still raw with instincts. Run and chase guy right now, but he has unique size at 6045, 240 with almost 35” arm length + impressive range and stopping power. I'm guessing 5th Round with developmental upside.
DeleteFeels almost certain they'll add a LB in the draft given the concussion situation with Martin. Unfortunately can't rely on him to stay healthy after such a significant head injury.
DeleteAtlanta blitzed on 41.6% of drop backs last season, fourth most in NFL. 49ers were 31st at 23.4%.
ReplyDeleteMichael Taaffe (6’0 193) Texas S
ReplyDelete+ Aggressive getting downhill
+ Work ethic to go from a walk on to a multi-year starter at Texas
+ 89.3 coverage grade in 2025
+ Leadership qualities
+ Special teams’ experience
+ Seven career interceptions
+ 10 passes defensed in 2024
+ Range and recovery speed
- Needs to add some weight
- 21.3% missed tackle rate in 2024 (under 10% in 2025)
- Needs to be careful hitting too high and avoiding illegal hits
Draft projection: 3rd/4th round
Georgia Tech IOL Keylan Rutledge | Past Two Seasons:
ReplyDelete🐝 857 Pass Block Snaps
🐝 1 Sack Allowed
🐝 12 Pressures Allowed
Importantly, also a very good run blocker in a zone scheme.
DeleteGreat year to need an off-ball LB.
ReplyDeleteNo highly touted center prospect in this year's class, but I think we’ll see a strong run on them in Rounds 3-5.
ReplyDelete• Logan Jones, Iowa
ReplyDelete• Connor Lew, Auburn
• Pat Coogan, Indiana
• Brian Parker II, Duke
• Jake Slaughter, Florida
• Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
• Parker Brailsford, Alabama
• Sam Hecht, Kansas St
• Matt Gulbin, Michigan St
• Jager Burton, Kentucky
• James Brockermeyer, Miami
Lots of options for mid round IOL this year.
DeleteLogan Jones (6’3 300) Iowa C
ReplyDelete+ Good athlete as a former defensive line recruit
+ Team captain/leader
+ Four-year starter
+ Blocking at the second level
+ Finishing mentality
+ Strong lower body
+ 90.7 pass block grade with just 3 pressures allowed in 2025
- Considered slightly undersized
- Length concerns
- Blitz recognition and pickup
Draft projection: Top 50
Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson looks like the fastest player in this draft. Led Power 4 with five 50+ yard catches, even when CBs played him deep, he was still able to find separation. I'm guessing he'll run the fastest 40-yd dash at the combine.
ReplyDeleteVA Tech’s Terion Stewart is an absolute unit in a weak RB class. Standing in at 5’9 and 222 pounds, he forced a missed tackle on 47%(!) of his career carries. Highest ever tracked for a RB. No other RB was above 40%.
ReplyDeleteConnor Lew (6’3 303) Auburn
ReplyDelete+ Just 20 years old
+ Football intelligence
+ Blocking at the second level
+ Grip strength
+ Wide base
+ Angle recognition
+ 3-year starter
+ Strike timing and hand placement
- Torn ACL ended his season early
- Can be a touch slow recognizing and picking up the blitz
- 3 penalties in just 6 1/2 games during the 2025 season
- Has played exclusively at center
Draft projection: Day 2
With all the talk around what scheme will Morris run and what will it mean for the players, my thoughts are this.
ReplyDelete1. Morris isn't a guy that's set on one scheme. He focuses on the fundamentals of sound defense rather than a specific way of achieving it. Gap integrity, discipline, clarity of roles, speed of action and physicality.
2. He'll tailor the scheme to suit the personnel. The 49ers have been building their defense a certain way for years. The chances of that changing dramatically in one offseason are low.
3. But that doesn't mean he won't sprinkle in variations. Morris is a big believer in tailoring the scheme/ game plan based on the matchup as well. So expect the team to be somewhat variable in the way they play each week.
With the above in mind, I doubt there will be mass turnover of personnel this year and that the 4-man front will remain the most common front they use on all downs. But I can see them looking to add a few key things - speed at the second/ third level and guys that can be moved around/ are versatile so they can start integrating other looks.
Scooter
DeleteI agree with your assessment of what scheme Morris will employ. I would add, he likes to utilizes a star (hybrid nickel/linebacker) player in his defensive schemes.
Yep. Is why I mentioned Perkins Jr and Boykin further down. Seem like guys that fit.
DeleteJake Slaughter (6’4 305) Florida C
ReplyDelete+ Over 2,100 snaps played
+ Allowed just 4 pressures in 2025
+ Stays active and seeks contact
+ Great student-athlete that has multiple academic awards
+ 84.1 pass block grade in 2025
+ 80.2 run blocking grade
+ 2x team captain
- Seven penalties in 2025
- Inconsistent anchor
- Some difficulty combating counter moves
Draft projection: 3rd/4th round
Sam Hecht (6’4 297) Kansas State C
ReplyDelete+ Fires off the snap
+ Impressed during Senior Bowl week
+ 78.1 pass block grade in 2025
+ 77.7 run block grade
+ Good functional athleticism
+ Blocking in space
+ Quick to hit his mark and seal off defensive linemen
+ 8 pressures and 0 sacks given up during the 2025 season
- Lacks ideal size on the interior
- Some difficulty with bull rush power from bigger nose tackles
- 5 penalties in 2024 (0 in 2025)
Draft projection: Day 2
Matt Gulbin (6’4 312) Michigan State
ReplyDelete+ Versatile lineman that has played snaps at every spot except for left tackle with over 600 each at left and right guard, along with center
+ 87.8 pass block grade in 2025
+ 81.9 run block grade
+ Allowed just 5 pressures in 2025
+ Over 2,300 snaps played
+ Team captain
+ Power in his hands
- 4 penalties in each of the last three seasons
- Still relatively new to playing center
- Lacks elite lateral agility
Draft projection: Day 2
Top 5 Speeds of the Week from Senior Bowl via Zebra Technologies:
ReplyDelete1. Mike Washington Arkansas RB - 21.12
2. Barion Brown LSU WR - 20.87
3. Taylen Green Arkansas QB - 20.48
4. Jaydn Ott Oklahoma RB - 20.36
5, Ted Hurst Georgia State WR - 20.33
Harold Perkins Jr looks like the perfect mid round LB target for Morris. Small, but very athletic, and highly versatile having played the Star position at LSU. Excellent as a blitzer/ pass rusher, but can also cover in space and good pursuit LB in the run game (not as good setting an edge, so would need help from a big body next to him).
ReplyDeleteBasically, he could be the 49ers version of Jalon Walker. He actually reminds me of Jamie Collins a bit.
There are 3 running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft with a forced missed tackle rate per touch above 30%
ReplyDelete1. Terion Stewart - 46.2%
2. Jeremiyah Love - 33.1%
3. Jonah Coleman - 31.1%
Parker Brailsford (6’2 290) Alabama C
ReplyDelete+ Has allowed just two sacks in three seasons as a starter
+ Pre-snap processing
+ Quickness off the snap
+ High effort blocker
+ Blocking on the move
+ Natural leverage
+ Feldman Freak List with a 33” vertical, has hit 19.47 mph on the GPS, and bench pressed 505 pounds
- 17 career penalties (5 in 2025)
- Lacks ideal size for the position
- Inconsistent anchor strength
- Doesn’t create a lot of displacement as a run blocker
Draft projection: Round 3
At safety, I think a guy that would be an interesting addition on day 3 is Devan Boykin. Similar profile to Billy Bowman - highly versatile. Was excellent at Indiana this year.
ReplyDeleteThoughts on Wheatley? I think I'm higher on him than most.
DeleteRegarding Boykin, I think he only missed 2 tackles in '25. PFF had him as the top run defender at S. 9th ranked overall. Gave up one TD to go with two INTs, a 70.5 passer rating and only one called penalty this season.
DeleteWhere he lined up in '25:
Slot CB: 367
Box safety: 80
Deep safety: 58
Defensive line, outside of tackle: 56
Boundary CB: 1
Re Wheatley, he's good. Think you'll have to take him round 2/ early round 3 though.
DeleteBoykin I like as a chess piece type.
It's a pretty good safety class this year.
Northwestern OL Caleb Tiernan has good instincts, hand usage, and base in pass pro. Smooth mover under control and looks for work.
ReplyDeleteGotta say after watching, and rewatching "The Rise of the 49ers" on AMC that San Francisco was magical back in the '80s. A great city run by a great mayor in Diane Feinstein, a great 49ers owner in Eddie D, a great Niners coach in Bill Walsh, and, arguably, the greatest football teams and players in NFL history. It was special, so very special, and at the age of 77, I'm not so sure I will ever witness anything like it again in my lifetime. Maybe that's why I've rewatched. Just want to soak it all in one more time.
ReplyDeleteI called that era the glory years. No other team was better during that time. 5 SB wins between 1980 & 1995 testifies of they're greatness. As an aside (regarding that era), not sure if anyone has heard some talk about the possibility of a Jerry Rice statue at Levi's Stadium. That would be great if it comes to fruition.
ReplyDeleteAnd Candlestick? Yes, Candlestick! Every time I pass the exit sign coming from the airport, I think of that era and the special time it was. The Warriors and Giants found a way to stay in San Francisco. I wish the 49ers had.
DeleteI lived in South City near Serramonte Mall in the 80's it was nice to see so many 49ers fans rocking their team jerseys. I'm so old that I go back to the days of Kezar Stadium with John Brodie, Ken Willard, Gene Washington, Jimmy Johnson and many other 49ers greats. Awesome times!
ReplyDeleteIf the substation issue does start to effect decisions of FAs in joining the 49ers, like some are speculating it will, it would be malpractice to not do whatever it takes to get the substation moved, no matter if the issue is real or imagined. Simply can't let something like that derail your competitiveness in the market, especially when you already have to deal with a high tax bracket.
ReplyDeleteA lie is halfway round the world before the truth has got its boots on and it's no different for perception. They have no choice but to move the substation UNLESS they have proof it's false.
DeleteOn Wednesday GM John Lynch said, after yet another injury-plagued season, the 9ers intend to investigate every avenue to find out why those ailments continue to pile up year after year. That includes an investigation into the conspiracy theory that the electrical substation near their training facility and Levi's Stadium is contributing to those injuries.
Deletehttps://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47685487/niners-look-everything-including-substation-theory
GEEP, unfortunately Jed then proceeded to downplay it and basically dismiss it. Not a good look without being able to provide the necessary evidence to debunk it.
DeleteThe substation has been near the 49ers Santa Clara practice facility since the mid 80's. The team has been practicing at the site since 1986. But when Levi's was built the substation expanded to what it is today. I'm not sure if there have been any official investigations to give medical credence to the upswing in injuries, but it might be time to do a thorough study.
DeleteChase Senior is reporting that Roger Craig is in the HOF. It is about time. Next in Frank Gore/John Brodie/Randy Cross
ReplyDelete2026 NFL Draft running back leaders in Yards Per Game from scrimmage
ReplyDelete1. Emmett Johnson - 93.0
2. Kaytron Allen - 86.2
3. Jeremiyah Love - 84.6
4. Nicholas Singleton - 83.9
5. Eli Heidenreich - 82.9
Pass rush win rates for top 2026 draft DTs for the #Bears to consider:
ReplyDelete• Christen Miller: 11.9%
• Lee Hunter: 11.8%
• Caleb Banks: 11.2% (2024)
• Gracen Halton: 10.4%
• Peter Woods: 8.1%
• Domonique Orange: 6.9%
• Darrell Jackson Jr: 5.8%
Emmett Johnson (5’11 200) Nebraska
ReplyDelete+ One of the most elusive backs in the country with 66 missed tackles forced and elite cutting ability
+ Explosive burst
+ Low center of gravity
+ Receiving ability with 370 receiving yards in 2025
+ Over 1,400 rushing yards in 2025
+ Leans forward for extra yards
+ Excellent vision and creativity with the ball in his hands
+Surprising leg drive for his size
- Heavy workload in 2025 with over 250 carries
- Lacks ideal size and could stand to add a bit more bulk to his frame for durability purposes
- 42.6 pass blocking grade in 2025
Draft projection: Day 2
Seattle offered the Raiders two 1's for Crosby at the deadline and they turned it down.
ReplyDeleteProbably a good move on the Raiders part. Could well be pick 32. Can probably do better than that.
DeleteThe worst pressure rates allowed in the NFL this season, per TruMedia:
ReplyDeleteBrowns - 45.5%
Chargers - 42.4%
Ravens - 42.3%
Packers - 40.9%
Raiders - 40.5%
Vikings - 39.8%
Cardinals - 39.3%
Jets - 38.9%
Patriots - 37.7%
Jaguars - 37.7%
The top upcoming free agent NFL offensive linemen, per PFSN's Top 100:
ReplyDelete🛡️ Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens
🛡️ Jermaine Eluemunor, Giants
🛡️ Connor McGovern, Bills
🛡️ Braden Smith, Colts
🛡️ Rasheed Walker, Packers
🛡️ Wyatt Teller, Browns
🛡️ Sean Rhyan, Packers
🛡️ Rob Havenstein, Rams
🛡️ Isaac Seumalo, Steelers
🛡️ Trent Brown, Texans
Ioane's 2025 campaign, per TruMedia:
ReplyDelete🛡️ 0 sacks allowed
🛡️ 0 QB hits allowed
🛡️ 4 pressures allowed
🛡️ 1.4% pressure rate allowed
🛡️ 89.6 PFSN College OL Impact grade
Pass rush win rates for top 2026 draft DTs:
ReplyDelete• Christen Miller: 11.9%
• Lee Hunter: 11.8%
• Caleb Banks: 11.2% (2024)
Banks' inconsistencies at giving 100% effort every play doesn't sit well with me.
Shanahan tried to trade up for him:
ReplyDeleteTetairoa McMillan’s rookie season:
🍿 70 catches
🍿 1,014 receiving yards
🍿 7 TDs
🍿+0.24 EPA per target