Originally posted by scooterhd:
Some of these names have been mentioned heavily, others not so much. This isnt necessarily my wish list, but more players that should be available to us that just look like 49ers. Guys that I think have, or should have, the attention of the front office and fit our scheme well. Mostly 4-5th round types.
RB Izzy Abanikanda
Based on recent draft history I think its more likely the 49ers go with a big body if bringing in another RB, but instead of another failed experiment, Izzy fits the scheme perfect. Such a good one cut back, great feel for navigating tight spaces, turns his hips to run through small gaps but keeps the upper body on plane and gashing through the lane. Hes that Mostert/Tevin Coleman back in this class. But faster and bigger. Pitt ran a similar zone scheme, so Izzy might be a plug and play talent the way Mitchell was.
RB Hunter Luepke
We might be a year or two ahead of needing to look at this position, but if you were looking for a Juice-Lite in this class, Luepke is it. Needs to work on his blocking, but hes got good hands, can run routes, and shown he can be a good power runner. A definite chess piece on the offensive side that few coaches have the ability to use to their advantage.
TE Brenton Strange
While I think Shanahan is salivating over Darnell Washington, hes going to be out of reach, and so Strange could be the consolation prize. Solid inline TE with some HB potential, which we've seen from Dwelley in the past. Watching highlight packages, you'll fall in love with some of the flex TEs in this class, but watch film and you will appreciates Strange's contributions in the run game as a blocker. Hes got really good leg drive and understands sealing off zones. 23 reps on the bench, hes a strong dude. For a TE2 or package inline blocking TE, hes got pretty good athletic measurables and isnt an easy tackle. He's got some YAC ability and KS can plan some slip block plays to get him out in open space.
OG Chandler Zavala
Former soccer player and has good feet. Elite in pass pro and has all the measurables. Never allowed a sack and only 8 pressures in 400+ snaps. I think his move game is underrated. Has good body control and looks comfortable pulling and getting to the second level. Inexperienced, but didnt show it at the Shrine Bowl. Sounds like a high character kid and a student of the game. Doesnt have the tackle/guard versatility of some other players and that could hurt his value since the 9ers probably want depth at both, but if your looking for a future RG in this class, Zavala has the power and athleticism to fit the scheme.
DT Nesta Jade Silvera
Has some traits similar to Khalia Davis. Really a great short area athlete. His initial quickness into the guard power drives people back and throws off the blocking scheme. Not going to be a 3 down player or stat guy, but can muddy up running lanes and just sort of a low center of gravity wrecking ball. On film hes probably got the most knockpack, jolting burst. Really showed that well at the Senior Bowl. Good depth piece that just has some different traits from Armstead/Hargrave/Kinlaw.
DE Mike Morris
Morris is going to slide in the draft because his combine was so poor. But the tape is there as one of the better run stopping edge players. Hes got great length and sets the edge hard. Hes got great push and pull strength and sheds blocks really well. Really good hands and usually wins there first. At 6'6 275, hes too much to handle for TEs. Has some abilities to get him on the field quickly on running downs. The fans may want a sack artist, but I think the 9ers see Drake taking the role and expect more sacks from the DT position with the addition of Hargraves. So a smart, heady player with traits that can translate quickly will be valued. And he still has a solid power rush, some bend to get around the edge, and a really good inside counter.
DE Yaya Diaby
In some ways the tape on Diaby is lackluster, but Louisville was playing in a 3 man front with Diaby often playing DT. He shed weight for the combine and lit up the athletic testing, but he was playing at 275-280. I think the 49ers like that on him. On tape you see a alot of double teams, alot of stalled out rushes against interior lineman, but the agility and lateral quickness are there. I think bulking back up and getting him on the edge, and you are going to see a really good run defender in the wide 9. And then hes going to be excellent in twists and stunts because of his DT experience and speed. Has all the physical tools to be coached up as a pass rusher.
CB Terell Smith
We need more height, size, arm length at the boundary corner position. Wilks plays alot of nickel with lighter boxes so corners need to step up the physicality. Smith plays the run game like safety and is excellent in run support or sniffing out screens. Might actually project out to a FS if CB doesnt work. Love that versatility for a team that needs both. But this guy is an ascending talent with all of the physical tools. Solid on tape in man or zone. Wilks is an aggressive play caller and is not afraid to bring the heat off the corner. Smith works well at the line of scrimmage and is a great blitzer. Can play press corner as well. Should really fit Wilks scheme. Could bloom into a Charles Tillman type.
Watched the highlights of Izzy and was excited…watched actually games and that excitement was not there anymore. My issue with Izzy is he goes down at first contact wayyyyyy too much. His contact balance is poo. For a dude that size he should be breaking more tackles imo. Mitchell runs harder than this dude and has the speed (plus can catch). Love the one cut and elite speed. Hate that he offers nothing in the passing game. I would be pretty bummed if we burned a 3rd on a RB and even more so if it's this guy. I would hope they get more than a two-down back and a guy that can catches passes if CMC can't go for some games.
Luepke is interesting, but I can't fathom the idea of drafting a FB. He won't make the roster and I doubt he makes it to the PS (and doesn't get scooped up at some pt in season). I just don't see a path for him to make the team and we don't need a backup FB (that we can't stash on the PS).
Like the other guys mentioned.
I need more Saldiveri talk lol. I really think he could be a starting RT or OG. I have no idea why he's not being discussed more.
[ Edited by NYniner85 on Apr 25, 2023 at 1:07 PM ]