Sunday, February 1, 2026

White Smoke Rising At 4949


 




















BREAKING: The 49ers are hiring Raheem Morris as their new DC, per source.

18 comments:

  1. Interesting Hire... its a bit of a pivot from the cover 3 as he runs something more akin to the Fangio system but SF has been pivoting away from the standard cover 3 for a few years now.

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    Replies
    1. Shoup
      Yes, Good point. Morris evolved from a 4-3 system into a 3-4 Fangio system hybrid, featuring 3-3-5 or 3-2-6 sub-packages.

      Delete
    2. I actually think we'll see more Cover 3/4 and stunts, blitzes, robber looks, and sim pressures. Likely sign a big-name DB too like Cam Curl or Cobie Durant.

      Delete
    3. Larry K has been a bit all over the shop since the end of season, but yeah, he's probably right about that razor.

      Delete
    4. Larry's strongest aspect of his resume is Brock Purdy.

      Delete
  2. Based on Raheem Morris' track record, I expect him to run a versatile, hybrid 3-4 defensive system that emphasizes flexibility, utilizing a 3-4 base that transforms into various 4-3 sub-packages he ran with the Rams.

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    Replies
    1. The problem with such a system is that it doesn't suit the 49ers two best pass rushing edge players. Both Bosa and Huff are hand in the dirt edge guys, but neither are suited to 3-4 DE or 3-4 OLB.

      I suspect Morris will adapt to using 4-man fronts.

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    2. He's evolved his defense with every stop he's had. Tampa 2, 4-3 front with Quinn in Atlanta, Fangio 3-4 Rams.

      Delete
    3. Scooter
      Yes, I don't disagree. He could pivot from wide 9 to more
      traditional 4-3. Several former NFL coaches have called for the 9ers to abandon or significantly reduce the use of the Wide 9, arguing it creates too much space for running backs to operate. I don't know if KS will agree to it?

      Delete
    4. As I've said previously re the wide-9, it's largely overblown as to how much they use it. It's really only on passing downs that they have DEs align really wide. They often have their ends playing more 5/6T and 7T on early downs.

      Delete
    5. Razor
      Free agent Kamren Curl's Market value is projected to be ~ $40 million over 4 years ($10M AAV). Based on his play with the Rams, I'd expect CB Durant to sign for close to that.

      Delete
  3. Jalen Huskey (6’1 199) Maryland, S

    + Playmaker at safety with 11 career interceptions
    + Reliable tackler with just a 10% career missed tackle rate
    + 83.5 coverage grade in 2025
    + 82.5 run defense grade in 2025
    + Man coverage ability and was formerly a cornerback prior to 2025
    + Triggers downhill quickly

    - Could add more muscle to his frame
    - Can get fooled by misdirection
    - Hasn’t shown much as a blitzer

    Draft projection: Day 2

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  4. Jeremiah Wright (6’5 340) Auburn, OL

    + Thick build
    + Upper body strength
    + Violent intentions
    + Over 2,000 snaps played
    + Stout base
    + Heavy hands
    + Competitive nature
    + 33 5/8” arm length

    - Lateral movement
    - Lacks elite athleticism
    - Gave up 22 pressures and 5 sacks during the 2025 season
    - Has played almost exclusively at right guard

    Draft projection: Day 3

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  5. Thought they might go Morris over Bradley. Not just the connection to Shanahan, the track record is better.

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    Replies
    1. Bradley likely heads to Tennessee but I'd like to see him stay on. He's coached with Morris.

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  6. Isn't Bradley receiving a lot of the credit for the defensive strategies/packages when the other team was in the red zone? They actually did quite well when you factor in all of the injuries. So, keeping Bradley would seem to be a plus. Not sure how Kocurek and Morris will mesh.

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Raheem Morris: What To Expect

  He's evolved his defense with every stop he's had. Tampa 2, 4-3 front with Quinn in Atlanta, Fangio 3-4 Rams.