Realistic Mock Offseason

This mock offseason begins with a couple of premises. First, I don't think that either Scott McCloughan or Mike Singletary will be fired (or Jimmy Raye for the purpose of continuity). Second, because both will be on the hot-seat to make the playoffs, that will mean that they will spend a little money in free agency (49ers will have a lot of cap space) and perhaps be more willing to draft based on need (not usually a good thing). Third, Nate Clements will remain a corner. Finally, I don't think Mike Holmgren will be brought in, which is a good thing - has anyone actually looked at Seattle's roster?

Cuts / retirements
Walt Harris
Jeff Ulbrich - retired
Issac Bruce
Mark Roman
Arnaz Battle
Barry Simms - despite a good performance in relief of Staley

RFA tender / Franchise tag
David Baas - hopefully someone will part with a draftpick for him
Aubreyo Franklin - getting old and I don't want to pay him too much. And there is always the concern over a one year wonder.

Free Agency
Either Logan Mankins (preferable) or Stephen Neal - New England can't keep both and I think Mankins may want too much money so they will be forced to let him walk. Either is familiar with a pass happy offence and are outstanding in pass protection.

Either Reggie Bush or Dominik Hixon - Bush was a highschool teammate of Alex Smith, so he may be interested in coming to SF. In addition to his return abilities, he can be quite a weapon in a "spread" offense. Hixon is a good returner and has some speed.

Draft
Trade Carolina's first and a third (hopefully from a team that wants Baas) to move up in the first. With Jake Locker declaring he will remain at Washington, there is no way Eric Berry Falls to the 49ers.

1A - Eric Berry, FS - he will immediately upgrade the secondary, and is a much better option in a win now mentality than Joe Hayden, as corners typically take a year or two to settle in.

1B - Brian Bulaga OT - this is a need pick in order to stabilize the o-line. I am not a fan of drafting for need, or an RT this high, but it makes sense here given the assumptions I listed above.

2 - Brandon Graham DE / OLB - he is better than any of the other OLB prospects. Look at his production against top competition. Meanwhile, Hughes, Miller, Norwood, etc. have not had particularly outstanding performances against top notch competition. He will join a rotation of Lawson, Harylson, and Brooks, which means they will always be fresh.

3 - traded - but if the 49ers receive compensation for Baas either in trade or rfa tender (2nd round), then I would like to see Mike Johnson G - he would provide OL depth and push Chilo.

4 - Boo Robinson NT - groom him to take over for Frankin.

5 - BPA - maybe Akwasi Owusu Ansah CB or Myron Rolle SS

6 - BPA

7 -BPA

[ Edited by tap11 on Dec 14, 2009 at 16:48:18 ]

I just don't see Graham making it there -- if he does, he absolutely should be the pick, of course.

I was also considering the thought of us trading up. If it was for Berry, I would be all for it. But we better address our OL and Pass-rush, too.

It's okay. Would love to get Graham there.

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
I just don't see Graham making it there -- if he does, he absolutely should be the pick, of course.

I was also considering the thought of us trading up. If it was for Berry, I would be all for it. But we better address our OL and Pass-rush, too.

This mock does that I think. We both like Graham better than most of the so called pundits, but I really think he will be there in the second because 1) He is listed at 6'1, so he is "short." 2) Tweeners often slide a little. 3) Hughes, Miller and Kindle will likely all time faster than him.

If he is gone by round 2, Hughes, Miller, or Kindle should be there.

You have us trading....UP????

Originally posted by genus49:
You have us trading....UP????

No, with the 1st round picks he has us taking Berry and Bulaga.

-9fA

Originally posted by genus49:
You have us trading....UP????

Yes, a third to get Berry. Don't you think it is worth a third to have Berry at FS and Goldson at SS in passing downs?

Originally posted by tap11:

Originally posted by genus49:
You have us trading....UP????

Yes, a third to get Berry. Don't you think it is worth a third to have Berry at FS and Goldson at SS in passing downs?

To trade up for berry we have to trade up before KC seeing they are they really want Berry too, which means we have to trad eup from most likely 8th to 4th, a first and a third is unfortunately not enough

Originally posted by ptinerocket:

Originally posted by tap11:

Originally posted by genus49:
You have us trading....UP????

Yes, a third to get Berry. Don't you think it is worth a third to have Berry at FS and Goldson at SS in passing downs?

To trade up for berry we have to trade up before KC seeing they are they really want Berry too, which means we have to trad eup from most likely 8th to 4th, a first and a third is unfortunately not enough

I think KC will be in position to draft Okung and if they are, they have to draft him. Branden Albert has been an abject failure at that position and should be moved to LG or RT.

Originally posted by tap11:

Originally posted by ptinerocket:

Originally posted by tap11:

Originally posted by genus49:
You have us trading....UP????

Yes, a third to get Berry. Don't you think it is worth a third to have Berry at FS and Goldson at SS in passing downs?

To trade up for berry we have to trade up before KC seeing they are they really want Berry too, which means we have to trad eup from most likely 8th to 4th, a first and a third is unfortunately not enough

I think KC will be in position to draft Okung and if they are, they have to draft him. Branden Albert has been an abject failure at that position and should be moved to LG or RT.

Sounds good to me

Originally posted by tap11:

Either Reggie Bush or Dominik Hixon - Bush was a highschool teammate of Alex Smith, so he may be interested in coming to SF.

That may be the dumbest reason anyone would ever have for signing with a team.

Originally posted by jojomellon:

Originally posted by tap11:

Either Reggie Bush or Dominik Hixon - Bush was a highschool teammate of Alex Smith, so he may be interested in coming to SF.

That may be the dumbest reason anyone would ever have for signing with a team.

Obviously cash would be involved, but thanks for ignoring the second reason I gave - he would fit well in a "spread."

i thought you could not trade draft picks you received or traded for.

Originally posted by 49niners21:
i thought you could not trade draft picks you received or traded for.

Ahmm.......no.

You can't trade compensation picks.

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by genus49:
You have us trading....UP????

No, with the 1st round picks he has us taking Berry and Bulaga.

-9fA

First of all if we beat Lions and Rams like we're supposed to be we'll be 8-8 at the worst. With the suckfest of teams this year that will likely be a pick close to 20. Bulaga could very well be a top 15 player so I'll be surprised to see him there for that 2nd pick.

And while I like Berry and think he'll be a great safety I'd rather hold onto our 3rd round pick which is no throw away pick and keep Carolina's pick and not pay a safety that much money and address bigger needs.

If Berry somehow falls to us, great...but trading up for him would be a bad move.

Besides I highly doubt it would just take a 3rd rounder to move up. Anyone can throw out trades but when it's all said and done trading up in the top 10 takes big moves.

This team still has a lot of holes. I'd rather try Reggie Smith at safety or see if we can move Clements there.