Prediction for rest of season: Jimmy Garoppolo ignites belief amongst the team (much to the chagrin of John Lynch losing out on draft leverage) and leads to a 3-2 record shown here:
@Chicago [W]
@Houston [W]
Tennessee [L]
Jaguars [L]
@Rams [W]
Even with the 2 losses (which will be close losses of 10pts or less), teams build morale with a 4-12 record (3-2 w/Jimmy) having 25+ppl on IR and a full offseason to learn both playbooks. Most importantly, WE WILL HAVE A QB FINALLY!!!!! SWEET BABY JESUS YES!!!!!...err, I mean, well done.
With this in mind, based on our ridiculous cap space of over $100 million, stable coach/GM team, and a real QB, we begin our plans with resignings:
Resign:
Jimmy Garopollo, QB [Franchise Tag]
- Yes, he may be our next great QB, but a 5 game sample is only that, a sample. Shanny already hinted that we'd franchise for $23 million, which is a drastic uptick of pay for Jimmy and money we can be willing to spend to guarantee a chance with the next possible great SF QB...that and at least he'd make a killing selling Rice-a-Roni with those looks
Brandon Fusco, RG [3 year deal]
- He wasn't the best, but he is average, which is more than what we have with Tomlinson/Kilgore/Beadles. He can anchor while we build up some rookies (or find something better next season).
Dontae Johnson, CB [3 year deal]
- Fits mold for DB in Saleh's system, don't see him getting much out in FA, willing to take less to guarantee long term stability. Can start if/when needed.
Brock Coyle/Leger Douzable [2 year deal]
- Back ups who can fill in for a pinch. Won't cost much and Coyle can play ST very well.
With all resigns, unfortunately there are releases...
Key Releases:
Carlos Hyde, RB
- My friend explained to me that "The 49ers need name players to keep fans in the stands, which is why Hyde will stay and get paid". Yes, he is playing well, but he will command a high paycheck and the 49ers got their cap back by managing it well, not by throwing money for a position the HC is infamous for developing via lower draft picks. He will get paid very well, but just not with us. Wish him the best!
Eric Reid, SS
- Love this guy and want to keep him, but here are the problems keeping him:
1. Plagued by injuries (reason why we didn't extend him before), including some severe concussions
2. Plenty of depth (Ward, Tartt, Colbert) and Saleh seems to know how to find them, even in late rounds
Sadly, due to injuries (and with some teams his political stance, which is BS to dock a player on) he probably moves on and gets a good contract filed with incentives. Wish him the best as well!
Laken Tomlinson/Zane Beadles/Daniel Kilgore ("OL" depth?)
- Bon Voyage! Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya! No need for turn-style OL risking Jimmy G's career.
With these players and additional players gone, this leads to a fun an exciting FA rush to SPEND....THAT...MONEY!!!!
Key FA Signings:
Ryan Jensen, Center (5 year deal)
- Will be highest paid center in league after deal...welcome to "NFL overpay when you're 4-12"!!! But Jensen will be worth it. Young, great manager of the line, and can play in ZBS. Shanny needs veteran Centers to meet his complex schemes (ala Alex Mack), and Jensen fits the mold. Pay the man!
Bashaud Breeland, CB (5 year deal)
- We NEED CBs with actual talent, and Breeland fits the bill. We'll probably add depth with some lower tier vets, but with Breeland, Witherspoon, Ward (he's moving back), and Johnson, we have good nucleus that draft can add depth to.
Jeremiah Attachou, EDGE (2 year deal)
- Take a flyer on a guy whose athletic prowess at Georgia Tech showed high potential. Worst case eat the money like we did with Lynch.
We will add some DBs and LBs for fodder, but a lot of our IR will begin to fill in the depth as well. Now, we can move on to the fun part...the DRAFT!!!
Round 1: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State
- If we were still in Top 3, I'd have us looking at Barkley for offensive weapon, but with the extra wins we move out to 5-6 range, and we get a steal in Chubb. The guy is a beast and will get into the LEO from day one and instantly improve us. Gets Thomas into correct position to maximize everyone's talent, and get us towards a functioning pass rush!
Round 2: Armani Watt, FS, Texas A&M
- Have to thank SteveYoung for introducing me to this guy on his mock (so I'm totally stealing his idea) and have to say he is exciting! In Saleh's system this kid has the skills to play the Earl Thomas-role and allow our CB depth to improve with Ward back at CB. We now have a pass rush to limit passing and center-fielder to play the deep pass. Fix the Defense and allow Shanny to do his offensive guru magic
[Trade: Use highest 3rd and a 7th to move into very end of 2nd]
Round 2: Simmie Coats Jr., WR, Indiana
- How we destroyed Ohio State's defense single-handedly was a thing of beauty. Size, speed, and hands will make him a true #1 to pair with Garcon and Goodwin. Add playmakers for Jimmy G.
Round 3: Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia
- Guy knows how to make plays and can create a fantastic duo with Foster.
Round 4: Mason Cole, OG/C, Michigan
- OL depth, can develop into starting OG (in case Garnett or Fusco fall flat), but will provide strong depth at both OG and C positions.
Round 6: Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State
- Stud #1 in college, slow but great at using size for separation. We don't have any RZ threats so he automatically jumps up the list...pun intended
Round 7: Ralph Webb, RB, Vanderbilt
- Showed great work ethic and produced even for a talent-deprived offense. Give him a creative OC and stud RB coach and let's see if we can get that Shannahan family magic.
Overall goal is to keep Jimmy G upright, and the defense up to Top 15. With this offseason, I can see them achieving that.
After a full year, we get the offensive specialists (RB and slot WR) to pair with our QB of future and begin the fun
GO NINERS!!!!!
[ Edited by Crazy49er1313 on Dec 3, 2017 at 1:32 AM ]
I mean if Hyde isn't resigned I don't see how they don't draft someone.