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MadDog's Winter Solstice First Round Mock

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by PA9erFaithful:
I would love those two picks. As soon as the second pick happens, I would start praying that Mike Iupati would be available in the second round.

Iupati has almost zero chance of being around in the second round. In fact, don't be surprised to see Iupati selected in the top 15 picks, and moved to RT.

Agreed, I see him having an offseason rise and draft day much like Brandon Albert two years back...
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by RollinWith21n52:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by genz22:
How about Golden Tate in the 2nd....

Love the 1st round picks....

In the above draft scenario, the Niners still need help at the PR position. However, I'm not sure they will pick up a WR to fill that role. I'd expect a 4th rounder at CB/PR to fill that role.

I think the team need to look at safety and guard in the second and third rounds. Of course, what happens in free agency, and the decisions they have to make on Clements, Baas, Franklin, will be huge. Finally, I'm not sure what will happen with M. Lewis this offseason. He may call it quits, or give it a go one more year.

In other words, this team may have to replace five or even six starters in 2010, and the draft may be largely needs-based if players walk away, or are released.
Should be a highly interesting offseason with the uncapped year approaching.

MD, I know you've stayed away from the QB position for a while, but I just can't imagine that we completely pretend that this is not an issue anymore. Smith has not had a great game in his career. He's had a few good games, some more decent games, many bad games, and a ton of horrific games. He's thrown INTs in the last drive of the game when we've needed a TD, several times, and the one game we needed to win to stay alive in the hunt he comes out and has a terrible terrible game. THIS IS A QB LEAGUE!!! Manning, Rivers, Rodgers, Warner, McNaab, etc...these are the guys taking their teams to the playoffs! Not Smith, Campbell, Edwards etc.

You are right that this is a QB league. At the same time, Smith was splittling reps in training camp, was under a new OC (again) and was not the starter going into the season. The team is still trying to figure out an identity on offense, and I believe he will get every opportunity to be the man in 2010.

In addition, although Davis is not close to being ready, I think the Niners liked what they saw in preseason, and want to keep a close eye on his development. Davis could be the guy to step in midway through 2010 if Smith still struggles.

Smith simply has too much upside to abandon at this point, and none of the incoming QB's are going to be ready to play at a high level in 2010. In other words, I'd grade Smith well above the incoming class of QB's in 2010, so it wouldn't make sense to have that player sit. The team is close to making a serious run at the playoffs and beyond in 2010. They are just a few key players away.

Final note: Although Smith has been up and down this season, it is pretty obvious to see the progress, confidence. If the team can settle into a system this offseason, Smith presents the necessary tools (accuracy, arm strength, intelligence, etc.) to give the team the best chance to win. This team just needs to settle in.

I like your assessment of Smith. With an improved oline, the first time to have an offensive system already in place, and time to develop some continuity with his receivers will be a big big plus for A. Smith. Then we will be able to see what we actually have in Smith. At the same time Davis is getting a chance to settle into an offensive system and will be able to process how it works and get some more time to settle the plays. He has the physical skills and we will see if he can improve on his awareness. Looks good to me.
Originally posted by Ninefan56:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by RollinWith21n52:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by genz22:
How about Golden Tate in the 2nd....

Love the 1st round picks....

In the above draft scenario, the Niners still need help at the PR position. However, I'm not sure they will pick up a WR to fill that role. I'd expect a 4th rounder at CB/PR to fill that role.

I think the team need to look at safety and guard in the second and third rounds. Of course, what happens in free agency, and the decisions they have to make on Clements, Baas, Franklin, will be huge. Finally, I'm not sure what will happen with M. Lewis this offseason. He may call it quits, or give it a go one more year.

In other words, this team may have to replace five or even six starters in 2010, and the draft may be largely needs-based if players walk away, or are released.
Should be a highly interesting offseason with the uncapped year approaching.

MD, I know you've stayed away from the QB position for a while, but I just can't imagine that we completely pretend that this is not an issue anymore. Smith has not had a great game in his career. He's had a few good games, some more decent games, many bad games, and a ton of horrific games. He's thrown INTs in the last drive of the game when we've needed a TD, several times, and the one game we needed to win to stay alive in the hunt he comes out and has a terrible terrible game. THIS IS A QB LEAGUE!!! Manning, Rivers, Rodgers, Warner, McNaab, etc...these are the guys taking their teams to the playoffs! Not Smith, Campbell, Edwards etc.

You are right that this is a QB league. At the same time, Smith was splittling reps in training camp, was under a new OC (again) and was not the starter going into the season. The team is still trying to figure out an identity on offense, and I believe he will get every opportunity to be the man in 2010.

In addition, although Davis is not close to being ready, I think the Niners liked what they saw in preseason, and want to keep a close eye on his development. Davis could be the guy to step in midway through 2010 if Smith still struggles.

Smith simply has too much upside to abandon at this point, and none of the incoming QB's are going to be ready to play at a high level in 2010. In other words, I'd grade Smith well above the incoming class of QB's in 2010, so it wouldn't make sense to have that player sit. The team is close to making a serious run at the playoffs and beyond in 2010. They are just a few key players away.

Final note: Although Smith has been up and down this season, it is pretty obvious to see the progress, confidence. If the team can settle into a system this offseason, Smith presents the necessary tools (accuracy, arm strength, intelligence, etc.) to give the team the best chance to win. This team just needs to settle in.

I like your assessment of Smith. With an improved oline, the first time to have an offensive system already in place, and time to develop some continuity with his receivers will be a big big plus for A. Smith. Then we will be able to see what we actually have in Smith. At the same time Davis is getting a chance to settle into an offensive system and will be able to process how it works and get some more time to settle the plays. He has the physical skills and we will see if he can improve on his awareness. Looks good to me.

It will definitely be to the 49ers benefit to name Smith the QB in 2010. For Smith and possibly for Nate Davis. People are too impatient and want Davis out there now. I think there is more to gain by letting Davis sit and learn.
Originally posted by hofer36:
from what I hear trent williams has not had a great year trying to make transition to left tackle.....the question is whether he was overrated or just put into bad spot....i suspect he was just put into a bad spot

but what about the iowa tackle brian bulaga...i dont watch alot of tape on the prospects but what i see of this guy, he is the most fundamentally sound tackle prospect, as he always seems to keep his body square to the pass rusher, and he also seems to block until the play ends...he reminds me a bit of staley, a guy who could probably start at right tackle and move over to left tackle if injury required him to do so...and he is a kirk ferentz guy, wasnt ferentz a very good oline coach before getting the iowa job?

thoughts on baluga?

Bulaga is probably the most technically sound OT in the draft. At the same time, I think he lacks some of the physical gifts of the other OT's that I project higher, so his ceiling is not as high. Hence, the value as probably a mid-first rounder. Don't get me wrong: He's a good player.
Originally posted by jreff22:
MD when all is said and done should we say f**k it and move up for Berry? Dump him at FS slide Goldson into SS and call it a day.

Also
In the above draft scenario, the Niners still need help at the PR position. However, I'm not sure they will pick up a WR to fill that role. I'd expect a 4th rounder at CB/PR to fill that role.

After the last few games its blatantly apparent that we need serious game speed on both sides of the ball. Why not go after a burner to play to slot and return kicks?

Our offense is heavily geared toward a 2-WR, 2-TE set. So, we simply don't have the burner on the field. As we saw yesterday, the team put Hill on the field for only a few plays. Walker plays a ton.

As for sending both picks to a team in the top 5 picks: I know a team up at the top of the board would love to move down. Most do. But, the Niners would need to secure a solid FA OT first. They are not going to walk away from the first round w/o a new starter at RT, and I sincerely doubt they roll the dice hoping a player will be on the board in the second round.
Originally posted by 49oz2superbowl:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by PA9erFaithful:
I would love those two picks. As soon as the second pick happens, I would start praying that Mike Iupati would be available in the second round.

Iupati has almost zero chance of being around in the second round. In fact, don't be surprised to see Iupati selected in the top 15 picks, and moved to RT.

Agreed, I see him having an offseason rise and draft day much like Brandon Albert two years back...

Agreed. He just moves so well for a big guy, and there is always extra value playing the end.
Originally posted by 49ersRednGold:
Originally posted by Ninefan56:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by RollinWith21n52:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by genz22:
How about Golden Tate in the 2nd....

Love the 1st round picks....

In the above draft scenario, the Niners still need help at the PR position. However, I'm not sure they will pick up a WR to fill that role. I'd expect a 4th rounder at CB/PR to fill that role.

I think the team need to look at safety and guard in the second and third rounds. Of course, what happens in free agency, and the decisions they have to make on Clements, Baas, Franklin, will be huge. Finally, I'm not sure what will happen with M. Lewis this offseason. He may call it quits, or give it a go one more year.

In other words, this team may have to replace five or even six starters in 2010, and the draft may be largely needs-based if players walk away, or are released.
Should be a highly interesting offseason with the uncapped year approaching.

MD, I know you've stayed away from the QB position for a while, but I just can't imagine that we completely pretend that this is not an issue anymore. Smith has not had a great game in his career. He's had a few good games, some more decent games, many bad games, and a ton of horrific games. He's thrown INTs in the last drive of the game when we've needed a TD, several times, and the one game we needed to win to stay alive in the hunt he comes out and has a terrible terrible game. THIS IS A QB LEAGUE!!! Manning, Rivers, Rodgers, Warner, McNaab, etc...these are the guys taking their teams to the playoffs! Not Smith, Campbell, Edwards etc.

You are right that this is a QB league. At the same time, Smith was splittling reps in training camp, was under a new OC (again) and was not the starter going into the season. The team is still trying to figure out an identity on offense, and I believe he will get every opportunity to be the man in 2010.

In addition, although Davis is not close to being ready, I think the Niners liked what they saw in preseason, and want to keep a close eye on his development. Davis could be the guy to step in midway through 2010 if Smith still struggles.

Smith simply has too much upside to abandon at this point, and none of the incoming QB's are going to be ready to play at a high level in 2010. In other words, I'd grade Smith well above the incoming class of QB's in 2010, so it wouldn't make sense to have that player sit. The team is close to making a serious run at the playoffs and beyond in 2010. They are just a few key players away.

Final note: Although Smith has been up and down this season, it is pretty obvious to see the progress, confidence. If the team can settle into a system this offseason, Smith presents the necessary tools (accuracy, arm strength, intelligence, etc.) to give the team the best chance to win. This team just needs to settle in.

I like your assessment of Smith. With an improved oline, the first time to have an offensive system already in place, and time to develop some continuity with his receivers will be a big big plus for A. Smith. Then we will be able to see what we actually have in Smith. At the same time Davis is getting a chance to settle into an offensive system and will be able to process how it works and get some more time to settle the plays. He has the physical skills and we will see if he can improve on his awareness. Looks good to me.

It will definitely be to the 49ers benefit to name Smith the QB in 2010. For Smith and possibly for Nate Davis. People are too impatient and want Davis out there now. I think there is more to gain by letting Davis sit and learn.

People have to realize that Davis would only be a senior this season, is coming from primarily a shotgun, spread offense, has a learning disability, and is on a team still in a state of transition. He'd be slaughtered out there.

Let the pup sit and learn, see if he picks up a feel for the pro game, and progresses. If so, we may have somebody to play or trade down the road. There is no rush. 2009 is now a time to discover who we are, what we want to do, and then use the offseason to cement our offensive philosophy.
Originally posted by 49ersRednGold:
Originally posted by Ninefan56:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by RollinWith21n52:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by genz22:
How about Golden Tate in the 2nd....

Love the 1st round picks....

In the above draft scenario, the Niners still need help at the PR position. However, I'm not sure they will pick up a WR to fill that role. I'd expect a 4th rounder at CB/PR to fill that role.

I think the team need to look at safety and guard in the second and third rounds. Of course, what happens in free agency, and the decisions they have to make on Clements, Baas, Franklin, will be huge. Finally, I'm not sure what will happen with M. Lewis this offseason. He may call it quits, or give it a go one more year.

In other words, this team may have to replace five or even six starters in 2010, and the draft may be largely needs-based if players walk away, or are released.
Should be a highly interesting offseason with the uncapped year approaching.

MD, I know you've stayed away from the QB position for a while, but I just can't imagine that we completely pretend that this is not an issue anymore. Smith has not had a great game in his career. He's had a few good games, some more decent games, many bad games, and a ton of horrific games. He's thrown INTs in the last drive of the game when we've needed a TD, several times, and the one game we needed to win to stay alive in the hunt he comes out and has a terrible terrible game. THIS IS A QB LEAGUE!!! Manning, Rivers, Rodgers, Warner, McNaab, etc...these are the guys taking their teams to the playoffs! Not Smith, Campbell, Edwards etc.

You are right that this is a QB league. At the same time, Smith was splittling reps in training camp, was under a new OC (again) and was not the starter going into the season. The team is still trying to figure out an identity on offense, and I believe he will get every opportunity to be the man in 2010.

In addition, although Davis is not close to being ready, I think the Niners liked what they saw in preseason, and want to keep a close eye on his development. Davis could be the guy to step in midway through 2010 if Smith still struggles.

Smith simply has too much upside to abandon at this point, and none of the incoming QB's are going to be ready to play at a high level in 2010. In other words, I'd grade Smith well above the incoming class of QB's in 2010, so it wouldn't make sense to have that player sit. The team is close to making a serious run at the playoffs and beyond in 2010. They are just a few key players away.

Final note: Although Smith has been up and down this season, it is pretty obvious to see the progress, confidence. If the team can settle into a system this offseason, Smith presents the necessary tools (accuracy, arm strength, intelligence, etc.) to give the team the best chance to win. This team just needs to settle in.

I like your assessment of Smith. With an improved oline, the first time to have an offensive system already in place, and time to develop some continuity with his receivers will be a big big plus for A. Smith. Then we will be able to see what we actually have in Smith. At the same time Davis is getting a chance to settle into an offensive system and will be able to process how it works and get some more time to settle the plays. He has the physical skills and we will see if he can improve on his awareness. Looks good to me.

It will definitely be to the 49ers benefit to name Smith the QB in 2010. For Smith and possibly for Nate Davis. People are too impatient and want Davis out there now. I think there is more to gain by letting Davis sit and learn.

Absolutely.
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by 49ersRednGold:
Originally posted by Ninefan56:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by RollinWith21n52:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by genz22:
How about Golden Tate in the 2nd....

Love the 1st round picks....

In the above draft scenario, the Niners still need help at the PR position. However, I'm not sure they will pick up a WR to fill that role. I'd expect a 4th rounder at CB/PR to fill that role.

I think the team need to look at safety and guard in the second and third rounds. Of course, what happens in free agency, and the decisions they have to make on Clements, Baas, Franklin, will be huge. Finally, I'm not sure what will happen with M. Lewis this offseason. He may call it quits, or give it a go one more year.

In other words, this team may have to replace five or even six starters in 2010, and the draft may be largely needs-based if players walk away, or are released.
Should be a highly interesting offseason with the uncapped year approaching.

MD, I know you've stayed away from the QB position for a while, but I just can't imagine that we completely pretend that this is not an issue anymore. Smith has not had a great game in his career. He's had a few good games, some more decent games, many bad games, and a ton of horrific games. He's thrown INTs in the last drive of the game when we've needed a TD, several times, and the one game we needed to win to stay alive in the hunt he comes out and has a terrible terrible game. THIS IS A QB LEAGUE!!! Manning, Rivers, Rodgers, Warner, McNaab, etc...these are the guys taking their teams to the playoffs! Not Smith, Campbell, Edwards etc.

You are right that this is a QB league. At the same time, Smith was splittling reps in training camp, was under a new OC (again) and was not the starter going into the season. The team is still trying to figure out an identity on offense, and I believe he will get every opportunity to be the man in 2010.

In addition, although Davis is not close to being ready, I think the Niners liked what they saw in preseason, and want to keep a close eye on his development. Davis could be the guy to step in midway through 2010 if Smith still struggles.

Smith simply has too much upside to abandon at this point, and none of the incoming QB's are going to be ready to play at a high level in 2010. In other words, I'd grade Smith well above the incoming class of QB's in 2010, so it wouldn't make sense to have that player sit. The team is close to making a serious run at the playoffs and beyond in 2010. They are just a few key players away.

Final note: Although Smith has been up and down this season, it is pretty obvious to see the progress, confidence. If the team can settle into a system this offseason, Smith presents the necessary tools (accuracy, arm strength, intelligence, etc.) to give the team the best chance to win. This team just needs to settle in.

I like your assessment of Smith. With an improved oline, the first time to have an offensive system already in place, and time to develop some continuity with his receivers will be a big big plus for A. Smith. Then we will be able to see what we actually have in Smith. At the same time Davis is getting a chance to settle into an offensive system and will be able to process how it works and get some more time to settle the plays. He has the physical skills and we will see if he can improve on his awareness. Looks good to me.

It will definitely be to the 49ers benefit to name Smith the QB in 2010. For Smith and possibly for Nate Davis. People are too impatient and want Davis out there now. I think there is more to gain by letting Davis sit and learn.

People have to realize that Davis would only be a senior this season, is coming from primarily a shotgun, spread offense, has a learning disability, and is on a team still in a state of transition. He'd be slaughtered out there.

Let the pup sit and learn, see if he picks up a feel for the pro game, and progresses. If so, we may have somebody to play or trade down the road. There is no rush. 2009 is now a time to discover who we are, what we want to do, and then use the offseason to cement our offensive philosophy.

MadDog, if we are going to cement our offensive philosophy in the offseason (prob geared to the spread), what would you think of taking Spiller in the 1st with Williams and getting a corner in the second or 3rd round. If we do decide to keep Clements at corner with Spencer, can't we afford to draft Spiller and a guy like TJ Ward or Nate Allen in the second and a CB in the 3rd to upgrade the secondary?

Do you believe Haden will be BPA over Spiller and as you said, "too good to pass up?" Do you think that Spiller is at all too good to pass up as well? My reasoning is that Spiller solves KR problem immediately which helps the field position game and can change the game on special teams, can come and split carries with Gore and extend his career, gives us more explosiveness in our new spread offense, AND he is a GREAT in pass-protection, something that kept Kory Sheets off the roster.

Last, does Haden grade out better than the Ohio State CB drafted at around #11 last year by the Saints?
[ Edited by ezekiel40 on Dec 21, 2009 at 11:32 AM ]
Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:
Most sensible mock draft yet...

-9fA

im liking it too. bout time we get a corner.
Originally posted by ezekiel40:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by 49ersRednGold:
Originally posted by Ninefan56:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by RollinWith21n52:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by genz22:
How about Golden Tate in the 2nd....

Love the 1st round picks....

In the above draft scenario, the Niners still need help at the PR position. However, I'm not sure they will pick up a WR to fill that role. I'd expect a 4th rounder at CB/PR to fill that role.

I think the team need to look at safety and guard in the second and third rounds. Of course, what happens in free agency, and the decisions they have to make on Clements, Baas, Franklin, will be huge. Finally, I'm not sure what will happen with M. Lewis this offseason. He may call it quits, or give it a go one more year.

In other words, this team may have to replace five or even six starters in 2010, and the draft may be largely needs-based if players walk away, or are released.
Should be a highly interesting offseason with the uncapped year approaching.

MD, I know you've stayed away from the QB position for a while, but I just can't imagine that we completely pretend that this is not an issue anymore. Smith has not had a great game in his career. He's had a few good games, some more decent games, many bad games, and a ton of horrific games. He's thrown INTs in the last drive of the game when we've needed a TD, several times, and the one game we needed to win to stay alive in the hunt he comes out and has a terrible terrible game. THIS IS A QB LEAGUE!!! Manning, Rivers, Rodgers, Warner, McNaab, etc...these are the guys taking their teams to the playoffs! Not Smith, Campbell, Edwards etc.

You are right that this is a QB league. At the same time, Smith was splittling reps in training camp, was under a new OC (again) and was not the starter going into the season. The team is still trying to figure out an identity on offense, and I believe he will get every opportunity to be the man in 2010.

In addition, although Davis is not close to being ready, I think the Niners liked what they saw in preseason, and want to keep a close eye on his development. Davis could be the guy to step in midway through 2010 if Smith still struggles.

Smith simply has too much upside to abandon at this point, and none of the incoming QB's are going to be ready to play at a high level in 2010. In other words, I'd grade Smith well above the incoming class of QB's in 2010, so it wouldn't make sense to have that player sit. The team is close to making a serious run at the playoffs and beyond in 2010. They are just a few key players away.

Final note: Although Smith has been up and down this season, it is pretty obvious to see the progress, confidence. If the team can settle into a system this offseason, Smith presents the necessary tools (accuracy, arm strength, intelligence, etc.) to give the team the best chance to win. This team just needs to settle in.

I like your assessment of Smith. With an improved oline, the first time to have an offensive system already in place, and time to develop some continuity with his receivers will be a big big plus for A. Smith. Then we will be able to see what we actually have in Smith. At the same time Davis is getting a chance to settle into an offensive system and will be able to process how it works and get some more time to settle the plays. He has the physical skills and we will see if he can improve on his awareness. Looks good to me.

It will definitely be to the 49ers benefit to name Smith the QB in 2010. For Smith and possibly for Nate Davis. People are too impatient and want Davis out there now. I think there is more to gain by letting Davis sit and learn.

People have to realize that Davis would only be a senior this season, is coming from primarily a shotgun, spread offense, has a learning disability, and is on a team still in a state of transition. He'd be slaughtered out there.

Let the pup sit and learn, see if he picks up a feel for the pro game, and progresses. If so, we may have somebody to play or trade down the road. There is no rush. 2009 is now a time to discover who we are, what we want to do, and then use the offseason to cement our offensive philosophy.

MadDog, if we are going to cement our offensive philosophy in the offseason (prob geared to the spread), what would you think of taking Spiller in the 1st with Williams and getting a corner in the second or 3rd round. If we do decide to keep Clements at corner with Spencer, can't we afford to draft Spiller and a guy like TJ Ward or Nate Allen in the second and a CB in the 3rd to upgrade the secondary?

Do you believe Haden will be BPA over Spiller and as you said, "too good to pass up?" Do you think that Spiller is at all too good to pass up as well? My reasoning is that Spiller solves KR problem immediately which helps the field position game and can change the game on special teams, can come and split carries with Gore and extend his career, gives us more explosiveness in our new spread offense, AND he is a GREAT in pass-protection, something that kept Kory Sheets off the roster.

Last, does Haden grade out better than the Ohio State CB drafted at around #11 last year by the Saints?

I had a similar thought about spiller---he might have niners kicking themselves in the arse, like they probably are doing now for bypassing desean jackson...could they not also go haden & spiller and look for an olineman in rd 2?
Originally posted by hofer36:
Originally posted by ezekiel40:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by 49ersRednGold:
Originally posted by Ninefan56:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by RollinWith21n52:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by genz22:
How about Golden Tate in the 2nd....

Love the 1st round picks....

In the above draft scenario, the Niners still need help at the PR position. However, I'm not sure they will pick up a WR to fill that role. I'd expect a 4th rounder at CB/PR to fill that role.

I think the team need to look at safety and guard in the second and third rounds. Of course, what happens in free agency, and the decisions they have to make on Clements, Baas, Franklin, will be huge. Finally, I'm not sure what will happen with M. Lewis this offseason. He may call it quits, or give it a go one more year.

In other words, this team may have to replace five or even six starters in 2010, and the draft may be largely needs-based if players walk away, or are released.
Should be a highly interesting offseason with the uncapped year approaching.

MD, I know you've stayed away from the QB position for a while, but I just can't imagine that we completely pretend that this is not an issue anymore. Smith has not had a great game in his career. He's had a few good games, some more decent games, many bad games, and a ton of horrific games. He's thrown INTs in the last drive of the game when we've needed a TD, several times, and the one game we needed to win to stay alive in the hunt he comes out and has a terrible terrible game. THIS IS A QB LEAGUE!!! Manning, Rivers, Rodgers, Warner, McNaab, etc...these are the guys taking their teams to the playoffs! Not Smith, Campbell, Edwards etc.

You are right that this is a QB league. At the same time, Smith was splittling reps in training camp, was under a new OC (again) and was not the starter going into the season. The team is still trying to figure out an identity on offense, and I believe he will get every opportunity to be the man in 2010.

In addition, although Davis is not close to being ready, I think the Niners liked what they saw in preseason, and want to keep a close eye on his development. Davis could be the guy to step in midway through 2010 if Smith still struggles.

Smith simply has too much upside to abandon at this point, and none of the incoming QB's are going to be ready to play at a high level in 2010. In other words, I'd grade Smith well above the incoming class of QB's in 2010, so it wouldn't make sense to have that player sit. The team is close to making a serious run at the playoffs and beyond in 2010. They are just a few key players away.

Final note: Although Smith has been up and down this season, it is pretty obvious to see the progress, confidence. If the team can settle into a system this offseason, Smith presents the necessary tools (accuracy, arm strength, intelligence, etc.) to give the team the best chance to win. This team just needs to settle in.

I like your assessment of Smith. With an improved oline, the first time to have an offensive system already in place, and time to develop some continuity with his receivers will be a big big plus for A. Smith. Then we will be able to see what we actually have in Smith. At the same time Davis is getting a chance to settle into an offensive system and will be able to process how it works and get some more time to settle the plays. He has the physical skills and we will see if he can improve on his awareness. Looks good to me.

It will definitely be to the 49ers benefit to name Smith the QB in 2010. For Smith and possibly for Nate Davis. People are too impatient and want Davis out there now. I think there is more to gain by letting Davis sit and learn.

People have to realize that Davis would only be a senior this season, is coming from primarily a shotgun, spread offense, has a learning disability, and is on a team still in a state of transition. He'd be slaughtered out there.

Let the pup sit and learn, see if he picks up a feel for the pro game, and progresses. If so, we may have somebody to play or trade down the road. There is no rush. 2009 is now a time to discover who we are, what we want to do, and then use the offseason to cement our offensive philosophy.

MadDog, if we are going to cement our offensive philosophy in the offseason (prob geared to the spread), what would you think of taking Spiller in the 1st with Williams and getting a corner in the second or 3rd round. If we do decide to keep Clements at corner with Spencer, can't we afford to draft Spiller and a guy like TJ Ward or Nate Allen in the second and a CB in the 3rd to upgrade the secondary?

Do you believe Haden will be BPA over Spiller and as you said, "too good to pass up?" Do you think that Spiller is at all too good to pass up as well? My reasoning is that Spiller solves KR problem immediately which helps the field position game and can change the game on special teams, can come and split carries with Gore and extend his career, gives us more explosiveness in our new spread offense, AND he is a GREAT in pass-protection, something that kept Kory Sheets off the roster.

Last, does Haden grade out better than the Ohio State CB drafted at around #11 last year by the Saints?

I had a similar thought about spiller---he might have niners kicking themselves in the arse, like they probably are doing now for bypassing desean jackson...could they not also go haden & spiller and look for an olineman in rd 2?

That would REALLY upgrade our team speed. If this happened we may have to trade a 4th to move up in the 2nd round to get a guy like Jason Fox RT out of Miami, or just stay put in the second round and get a guy like Ciron Black RT from LSU. The niners probably won't take that chance though. RT is our biggest need.
[ Edited by ezekiel40 on Dec 21, 2009 at 11:45 AM ]
what i hope we do is get spiller and haden with our 2 1sts and with our 2nd get a rt. you can find good starting olinemen in the 2nd rd. i really want to improve team speed immensely
Originally posted by FredFlintstone:
what i hope we do is get spiller and haden with our 2 1sts and with our 2nd get a rt. you can find good starting olinemen in the 2nd rd. i really want to improve team speed immensely

I agree. The right side of our line has been so bad that we as fans can overreact and want to pass up 2 speedy playmakers in the top half of the first round. I would be fine grabbing a RT in round 2.
Originally posted by darkknight49:
Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:
Most sensible mock draft yet...

-9fA

im liking it too. bout time we get a corner.

And a RT....
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