Week 17 - Geek's In-Detail Mock Plan

Resign: Garoppolo, Hyde, Reid, Coyle, Marsh, Fusco, Kilgore, Hall

Release: Ward, Beadles

Extend: Brown, Day, Celek

Free Agency:

Defense - Trumaine Johnson (CB - RAMS), Ziggy Ansah (DE - LIONS), Johnson Bademosi (CB - PATRIOTS), Trent Murphy (DE - REDSKINS)

*Johnson and Ansah are going to be the pricey FA signings. Ansah has a direct connection with the 49ers as Mayhew was the Lions GM that drafted him. Johnson is really going to be all about the $$$. These two signings will be huge for our D. Murphy is not an ideal scheme fit as a 3-4 OLB. With Stanford roots, I could see Murphy replacing Lynch's spot on the roster. Bademosi has direct ties with Hafley, our DB coach.

Offense - Ryan Jensen (C - RAVENS), Trey Burton (WR/TE - EAGLES), Taylor Gabriel (WR - Falcons),
*Jensen is a common signing across all the mocks. Credit goes to Phoenix as he brought a lot of attention to him. I've mocked Burton before as he's a similar TE to Jordan Reed. We have our move TE, all around TEs with Kittle and Celek, and a decoy/OW in Juice. Gabriel re-joins Shanahan in SF.

NFL Draft:

R1: Roquan Smith - LB - Georgia | In the 7-10 range, there are certainly a few players for the 49ers to salivate and consider at the spot. Nelson and Smith are most likely going to be on the board, and you can make an argument for either one. The tipping point is Smith is a better scheme fit than Nelson. With Foster and Patrick Willis turning out to be successful first round LBs that won the Butkus award, we continue our defensive overhaul. Day 1 starter at WILL, pushing Malcolm Smith in a ST and rotational role.

TRADE: 49ers trade 2nd (via NO), 4th (via PIT) and Joshua Garnett for Bengals 2nd round pick. Bengals desperately need OL help. Assuming they go with Williams (OT) or Nelson (OG) in R1, I could see them doing this trade. Garnett is a good guard in the right system, but it's not going to be in Shanahan's scheme. Nelson at LG and Garnett at RG will be huge upgrades to get them up and running again. This trade puts Garnett's value at a late 4th rounder, which is fair.

R2: Dorance Armstrong Jr - LEO/SAM - Kansas | (via CIN) Armstrong had a monster 2016, but with increased attention and more double teams, his 2017 stats look muted. He really looks like a 2nd tier version of Vic Beasley and Dante Fowler. If he can join forces with Buckner, Thomas, and Dumervil, Armstrong could make his name known fairly quick. Competes with Harold for the starting SAM spot, and rotates to DE on 3rd downs.

R3: Wyatt Teller - OG - Virginia Tech | There is where we put more focus on winning in the trenches. The sweet spot for ZBS guys, Teller competes with Tomlinson for the starting LG position. Gritty, strong, tough, and mobile, Teller possesses all the intangibles to thrive in the scheme.

R3: Simmie Cobbs Jr - WR - Indiana (via CHI) He's a tall possession receiver that can play outside or the slot. His combine stats will dictate how high or low he goes as he's a 2nd to 4th round prospect. Strong game against OSU, but he doesn't have breakaway speed. So in addition to timed speed, route running skills at pro days and the combine will be vital to see if he's an ideal scheme fit.

Trade: 49ers trade Arik Armstead and 6th for DEN's 4th (via SF). Broncos fill a vital need on their D and get a pick in return.

R4: Alex Cappa - OT - Humboldt St. | Developmental prospect that will ideally be Staley's successor at OT. I think Cappa and Williams will see time at both OT spots and OG spots in the off-season in order to provide flex on game days.

R5: Darius Phillips - CB - Western Michigan (via NYJ) | Dime corner that backups K. Williams at the slot. Can offer some ST value in coverage.

R7: Davin Bellamy - DE/LB - Georgia | Depth pick to compete at LEO or SAM with Pita.

R7: Donnie Miles - S - UNC (via KC) | Depth pick at safety.

Depth Chart:

QB: Garoppolo/Beathard
RB: Hyde/Breida/Williams
FB: Juice
TE: Burton*/Kittle/Celek

WR: Garcon/Cobbs*
WR: Goodwin/Gabriel*
WR: Taylor/Bourne

LT: Staley/Cappa*
LG: Teller*/Tomlinson
C: Jensen*/Kilgore
RG: Fusco
RT: Brown/Williams

RE: Buckner/Murphy*
NT: Mitchell/Day/Jones
DT: Thomas/Blair
LE: Ansah*/Dumervil (PS - Pita and Bellamy)

LB: Armstrong*/Marsh/Watson
LB: Foster/Coyle
LB: R. Smith*/M. Smith

CB: Johnson*/Bademosi*
CB: Witherspoon/Hall
CB: Williams/Phillips*

FS: Tartt/Colbert
SS: Reid/Miles*

ST: Nelson, Gould, Pinion

My critiques:
That's a lot of money spent in free agency. I don't think we got enough value out of Garnett tho id still probably be fine with that trade. Thing is, that's a lot to give up for a player like armstrong; you're much higher on him than I am.
I don't think we did enough to upgrade the offensive line.
Perhaps I'm much higher on Darius Phillips than most; I see him as a day 2 lock. He'd be the kick returner as well.

All that said, I love all the players targeted in the draft besides Armstrong and Miles, who I havnt watched.

I like this mock a lot. I don't think this is too much money to spend in free agency - it's significantly less than we're paying in other mocks where we're bringing in Demarcus Lawrence who will likely get tagged (Cowboys will have plenty of cap space once they cut Dez if they can't convince him to take less money). I'm not sure Ziggy will be available either, but like the idea of getting a top pass rusher, a top interior offensive lineman, and a #1 corner and addressing most other needs through the draft. I also like the idea of getting something for Armstead even if it's only a 4th-6th round pick because we're not going to keep him past 2018 anyways (5th year option will be too expensive).

I don't know if I'd give up on Garnett this early especially if we don't know we will get Wyatt Teller because he'd be penciled in as a starter when we make that trade. The trades may make more sense if we give up Armstead when trading up for Armstrong and then give up Garnett when trading up for his replacement in Teller.

If Nelson is on the board and we haven't addressed guard in free agency, he'd be my pick over Smith. Our team is a lot better with Nelson at guard instead of Fusco. Malcolm Smith isn't good, but he's not as big a liability as Fusco. With Staley, Nelson, Jensen, Teller, Brown, we could have a pretty good offense.

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:

My critiques:
That's a lot of money spent in free agency. I don't think we got enough value out of Garnett tho id still probably be fine with that trade. Thing is, that's a lot to give up for a player like armstrong; you're much higher on him than I am.
I don't think we did enough to upgrade the offensive line.
Perhaps I'm much higher on Darius Phillips than most; I see him as a day 2 lock. He'd be the kick returner as well.

All that said, I love all the players targeted in the draft besides Armstrong and Miles, who I havnt watched.

Thanks for the feedback.

One thing to keep in mind is that we are playing with use it or lose it money for the amount we roll over into the 2018 offseason. Roughly half of our salary cap space is the roll over amount. AB can keep me honest here, but I don't think we would use all of that up even if Jimmy G gets a long term deal plus a Hyde Reid resigning.

The three big contracts on Johnson, Ansah, and Jensen should have been salaries and contracts used to resign our 2013 and 2014 draft classes. But 70% of those players don't play for the 49ers today. And outside of Reid and Hyde, the remainder shouldn't be resigned or cost a lot.

So it's a lot of money, but poor Baalke drafting resulted in our excess cash position. We need talent, we have needs, and we can now attract top free agents...so let's do it!!!

I pretty much like what you did I might have done a couple of things differently but overall covered a lot of needs. The only question I have is we have Goodwin, what would bring it in Gabriel do

Originally posted by fan49:

I pretty much like what you did I might have done a couple of things differently but overall covered a lot of needs. The only question I have is we have Goodwin, what would bring it in Gabriel do

Gabriel has averaged 17 YPC in Shanahan's scheme with approx 2 catches per game. He's a smaller but speedy receiver. We lack vertical speed in our WR corps. So he can stretch the field, get first downs, and open up the short and intermediate passing games. Best of all, he won't cost a lot and he already has experience in our scheme.

To me...it's a no-brainer signing and an upgrade to a guy like Boldin who has yet to prove anything outside of a return specialist.

I can't really see the point of bringing in Burton (who I like) along with extending Celek and having Kittle? no of them are true blockers (ex logan paulsen) and all would share the same role. Kinda overkill IMO.

Don't see the point in brining in Murphy if he's truly not a fit for this scheme

I'm gonna throw up if Tomlinson is anywhere near this team next yr, let alone competing for a starting role IF you're gonna move on from Garnett (which is silly IMO) I would prefer to spend money on a vet at OG AND draft someone (love the Teller pick).

I really really don't want to see Gabriel here, like at all. We have plenty of small fast WRs. I really don't get everyone's deal with this kid? IMO he's just gonna take up a roster spot, when we could just draft someone to develop OR spend some cash on a true #1.

LOVE the Johnson/Ansah/Jensen additions...not sure we spend the coin required to get Johnson and Ansah will be about cash and length of contract (dude is gonna be 29 come 2018!)

So we're giving up our 2nd and 2 4ths to move up 20 spots in the 2nd? I feel like that's a lot and I wouldn't trade Josh for a 4th rd at all. I like Smith and Armstrong feel like both could play the SAM though? Would we be moving Foster to Will? What happens to Malcom Smith?

I don't want you to think I'm negative about this just critiquing

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I can't really see the point of bringing in Burton (who I like) along with extending Celek and having Kittle? no of them are true blockers (ex logan paulsen) and all would share the same role. Kinda overkill IMO.

Don't see the point in brining in Murphy if he's truly not a fit for this scheme

I'm gonna throw up if Tomlinson is anywhere near this team next yr, let alone competing for a starting role IF you're gonna move on from Garnett (which is silly IMO) I would prefer to spend money on a vet at OG AND draft someone (love the Teller pick).

I really really don't want to see Gabriel here, like at all. We have plenty of small fast WRs. I really don't get everyone's deal with this kid? IMO he's just gonna take up a roster spot, when we could just draft someone to develop OR spend some cash on a true #1.

LOVE the Johnson/Ansah/Jensen additions...not sure we spend the coin required to get Johnson and Ansah will be about cash and length of contract (dude is gonna be 29 come 2018!)

So we're giving up our 2nd and 2 4ths to move up 20 spots in the 2nd? I feel like that's a lot and I wouldn't trade Josh for a 4th rd at all. I like Smith and Armstrong feel like both could play the SAM though? Would we be moving Foster to Will? What happens to Malcom Smith?

I don't want you to think I'm negative about this just critiquing

Gabriel is ELITE at YAC in Shannys offense. Just think of him IF we get him as an elite 6thman sharp shooter off the bench

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I can't really see the point of bringing in Burton (who I like) along with extending Celek and having Kittle? no of them are true blockers (ex logan paulsen) and all would share the same role. Kinda overkill IMO.

Don't see the point in brining in Murphy if he's truly not a fit for this scheme

I'm gonna throw up if Tomlinson is anywhere near this team next yr, let alone competing for a starting role IF you're gonna move on from Garnett (which is silly IMO) I would prefer to spend money on a vet at OG AND draft someone (love the Teller pick).

I really really don't want to see Gabriel here, like at all. We have plenty of small fast WRs. I really don't get everyone's deal with this kid? IMO he's just gonna take up a roster spot, when we could just draft someone to develop OR spend some cash on a true #1.

LOVE the Johnson/Ansah/Jensen additions...not sure we spend the coin required to get Johnson and Ansah will be about cash and length of contract (dude is gonna be 29 come 2018!)

So we're giving up our 2nd and 2 4ths to move up 20 spots in the 2nd? I feel like that's a lot and I wouldn't trade Josh for a 4th rd at all. I like Smith and Armstrong feel like both could play the SAM though? Would we be moving Foster to Will? What happens to Malcom Smith?

I don't want you to think I'm negative about this just critiquing

Bring on the critiquing - I take no offense and appreciate the feedback.

Celek and Kittle are actually pretty good blockers. Well...good enough to say the least. Juice is a very good blocker. And with a few more OTs on the roster, we can always use Williams or Cappa for extra blocking. That's why having a move TE with a similar skillset as Reed or Delanie Walker will add another wrinkle to our receiving unit.

I mentioned Murphy not being a fit in the Skins defensive system. At 6-6 and 270 LB, he'd be a good fit at either LEO or the 5 tech role in our 4-3 under scheme. With a PED suspension followed by a torn ACL, I think Murphy looks for a fresh start. He's a buy low type signing, similar to Aaron Lynch this off-season. Except, Murphy's 2016 season is basically more than what Lynch accomplished in his peak seasons.

I hear you about Tomlinson, but the current FO traded a future 5th for Tomlinson. That's their hand-picked choice for the O-line vs. Garnett who was acquired by the previous FO and coaching staff. Let's hope Garnett pans out and shows flashes during the workouts leading up to the draft. If he can become a solid contributor, then a line consisting of Staley-Garnett-Jensen-Teller-Brown with Cappa, Kilgore, Fusco, and Tomlinson would be awesome.
But that's a pipe dream based on Baalke's lack of quality in his drafts.

Hey I'd love to sign Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, and draft another WR in the mid-late rounds. Robinson-Garcon-Goodwin-Taylor-Gabriel-Rookie would be outstanding. Hopefully we can make that happen. See my previous post in this thread regarding Gabriel. It's a cheap-ish signing.

You may be right regarding the trade up with Josh depending how he practices prior to the draft. But a late 2nd and 2 4th to move up to the top half of the 2nd isn't that far fetched. Draft value is relatively even.

Originally posted by SmokeCrabtrees:

Gabriel is ELITE at YAC in Shannys offense. Just think of him IF we get him as an elite 6thman sharp shooter off the bench

Goodwin is elite at YAC....we don't need another midget WR we got a couple. We'd basically be replacing Arob with him. Pass

Originally posted by GEEK:

Bring on the critiquing - I take no offense and appreciate the feedback.

Celek and Kittle are actually pretty good blockers. Well...good enough to say the least. Juice is a very good blocker. And with a few more OTs on the roster, we can always use Williams or Cappa for extra blocking. That's why having a move TE with a similar skillset as Reed or Delanie Walker will add another wrinkle to our receiving unit.

I mentioned Murphy not being a fit in the Skins defensive system. At 6-6 and 270 LB, he'd be a good fit at either LEO or the 5 tech role in our 4-3 under scheme. With a PED suspension followed by a torn ACL, I think Murphy looks for a fresh start. He's a buy low type signing, similar to Aaron Lynch this off-season. Except, Murphy's 2016 season is basically more than what Lynch accomplished in his peak seasons.

I hear you about Tomlinson, but the current FO traded a future 5th for Tomlinson. That's their hand-picked choice for the O-line vs. Garnett who was acquired by the previous FO and coaching staff. Let's hope Garnett pans out and shows flashes during the workouts leading up to the draft. If he can become a solid contributor, then a line consisting of Staley-Garnett-Jensen-Teller-Brown with Cappa, Kilgore, Fusco, and Tomlinson would be awesome.
But that's a pipe dream based on Baalke's lack of quality in his drafts.

Hey I'd love to sign Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, and draft another WR in the mid-late rounds. Robinson-Garcon-Goodwin-Taylor-Gabriel-Rookie would be outstanding. Hopefully we can make that happen. See my previous post in this thread regarding Gabriel. It's a cheap-ish signing.

You may be right regarding the trade up with Josh depending how he practices prior to the draft. But a late 2nd and 2 4th to move up to the top half of the 2nd isn't that far fetched. Draft value is relatively even.

Gotcha imo Tomlinson has shown nothing to secure a spot on this roster...Kyle actually wanted Garnett when he was in ATL. It will all depend on how he's looking after this "transformation" last reported he's lost 20 lbs so we will see.

I think Fusco is a great backup OG and worth a extension over keeping Tomlinson.

I can't get on the Taylor bandwagon, just can't lol....we basically have the same player in Aldrick Robinson and he's done a bunch of nothing. We've poached enough bottom tier players that have ties with Kyle and Co. imo.

Anyway thanks for the mock....it's getting to be that time of yr

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by SmokeCrabtrees:

Gabriel is ELITE at YAC in Shannys offense. Just think of him IF we get him as an elite 6thman sharp shooter off the bench

Goodwin is elite at YAC....we don't need another midget WR we got a couple. We'd basically be replacing Arob with him. Pass

Goodwin plays outside.. I know hes elite at YAC. Dont get so stuck on size my dude! Lol. Why not get another guy elite at YAC as Garcon and Taylor torture others with dem grabs.

Anyhoot...agree to disagree you bastatd ... ...

Originally posted by SmokeCrabtrees:

Goodwin plays outside.. I know hes elite at YAC. Dont get so stuck on size my dude! Lol. Why not get another guy elite at YAC as Garcon and Taylor torture others with dem grabs.

Anyhoot...agree to disagree you bastatd ... ...

Lol