DT Earl Mitchell thread

Originally posted by NYniner85:

No you're not drafting Allen at two based on who we already have, can still sign, and depth of position in the draft

exactly what I asked earlier in the thread, it looks like we won't be drafting Allen. (I like him as well lol) but it's crazy to have 3 first round picks on the d line like that. You don't want that much money (or future $) tied to that one area. The only no brainer is if Cleveland didn't draft Garrett. Then you just draft him and worry about the other stuff later lol

I like this signing. Good veteran presence. We probably should be giving heavybyear one salaries because we are carrying over a lot of money right? So yeah. Good moves!

Originally posted by SaksV:

Originally posted by TheXFactor:
Mitchell in 2013 with HOU was being coached by one Jeff Zgonia.

Nice! Always a plus as a coach to work with a familiar face.

Originally posted by TheXFactor:
Antone think that he's replacing Dorsey?

I thought this immediately. Is Dorsey still under contract this year or is he an upcoming FA? I can't remember.

Dorsey I believe is an unrestricted FA.

Not mad about the signing. I would rather overpay for a potentially solid signing at a position of need than hold on to 50+ million in cap space and be terrible. I think it also sends a good message to other FAs that the 49ers are not only an attractive place for FA's to come, but that we are willing to put up the benjamins.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

I'd rather pay Mitchell $4M a year than pay Williams or Poe $12M+ a year. Like I said last year, I would have never done the Olivier Vernon, Malik Jackson, Kelechi Osemele, Bruce Irvin, Janoris Jenkins, Sean Smith, Damon Harrison deals, way way way too much money.

Now Smith was demoted/benched, and people were pissed we didn't offer more than what he got, $40M.

Plenty of other options for spending the cap bucks. And its early days.1

Exactly. Some of those smaller deals could end up being the best deals, and steals of free agency. Giants got good value with their signings, but I was shocked by the amount they gave Harrison, Vernon, and Jenkins. It's crazy people say we won't pay a OG $8M a year, but they wanted Osemele, who got over $11M a year, makes no sense.

Some free agents I'd consider.

QB Brian Hoyer
QB Matt Schaub
FB Patrick DiMarco
WR Pierre Garcon
WR Alshon Jeffrey (I'm thinking he gets a big pay day, or he ends up not getting what he thinks he's getting, I can't gauge what he will get, Suspended 4 games I believe, plus only 2 TDs last year)
TE Jacob Tamme
C J.C. Tretter
OG Kevin Zeitler
LEO Melvin Ingram (This is the guy I would spend the big bucks on, have no issue going as high as Jackson's deal)
NT Brandon Williams (I'd still inquire about him, we may need more than 1 NT, and we should rotate lineman)
CB A.J. Bouye
CB Trumaine Johnson
SS Tony Jefferson

Those are off the top of my head, I'd include that FB from Baltimore, but I have no freaking clue how to spell or say it lol.

Also for those who wanted Poe, there's a chance he get tagged by KC, if not, then Eric Berry may be the one who gets tagged, or neither could, so basically you have no clue who will truly be available come March 9th at 4PM EST/1PM PST.

I'd throw Ronald Leary and johnathan hankins on that list as well

Don't forget about T.J Lang too. Very underrated and he fits very well in Shanahan's ZBS.

Originally posted by thl408:
Trying to figure out where he might play. Most the reports on him are of his college days, which are outdated. Here's one of him as a FA before he signed with MIA.

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/2014-interior-defensive-lineman-free-agent-breakdown.html#.WLDXIW_ysdU
Earl Mitchell has never been a great player, but also is a bit miscast in his current role. He plays the more penetrating, Jay Ratliff style of nose tackle in Houston's 3-4 defense. With a coaching change taking place, the Texans may opt to look for a more traditional gap-plugger at nose tackle. Mitchell could a be a better player in a 4-3 type of scheme, or he might always just be a decent early down role player.

Thanks for posting! Seems Miami has loaded up on the DL lately and Mitchell was expendable. I like the fit with Buckner and Armstead if they also add a better NT down the way. Blair, Armstead, Mitchell and Buckner might just help furnish a pass rush.

Originally posted by KyleShanahan:
Not mad about the signing. I would rather overpay for a potentially solid signing at a position of need than hold on to 50+ million in cap space and be terrible. I think it also sends a good message to other FAs that the 49ers are not only an attractive place for FA's to come, but that we are willing to put up the benjamins.

This. We could have went after a guy like Brandon Williams who is younger and a little better than Mitchell but would have cost around $40-$50mill. For $16mill we get a solid veteran 2-Gap DT who fills a need a right away and didn't cost a whole lot to get. I read Denver and Seattle were going pretty hard after him to. Just a really solid pickup.

Originally posted by Niners418:

Signing Mitchell does not prevent us from signing a run stuffing tackle.

Truth.

Dave Te Thomas@ NFLDraftScout "Earl Mitchell gives the 49ers the big body up front they needed. He is solid vs the run and shown he can be an effective 2-gap player. He was really good in Houston but somewhat of a disappointment in Miami as he was hurt a lot to. The new DC there (Robert Saleh) and (New D-Line coach) Jeff Zgonina are familiar with him from their Houston days. BTW, I hear great things about Zgonina as D-Line coach. He could be another Tomsula for SF. Now the 49ers will turn their attention to trying to reel in a big fish like Melvin Ingram, Trumaine Johnson or A.J Bouye. I would bet on them getting Johnson"

Ingram-Mitchell-Buckner-Armstead Wow that's a heck of a potential D-Line with Lynch, Dial, Blair and a draft pick as backups and you have a really nice rotation.

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:
I'd rather pay Mitchell $4M a year than pay Williams or Poe $12M+ a year. Like I said last year, I would have never done the Olivier Vernon, Malik Jackson, Kelechi Osemele, Bruce Irvin, Janoris Jenkins, Sean Smith, Damon Harrison deals, way way way too much money.

Now Smith was demoted/benched, and people were pissed we didn't offer more than what he got, $40M.

Plenty of other options for spending the cap bucks. And its early days.1

Exactly. Some of those smaller deals could end up being the best deals, and steals of free agency. Giants got good value with their signings, but I was shocked by the amount they gave Harrison, Vernon, and Jenkins. It's crazy people say we won't pay a OG $8M a year, but they wanted Osemele, who got over $11M a year, makes no sense.

Some free agents I'd consider.

QB Brian Hoyer
QB Matt Schaub
FB Patrick DiMarco
WR Pierre Garcon
WR Alshon Jeffrey (I'm thinking he gets a big pay day, or he ends up not getting what he thinks he's getting, I can't gauge what he will get, Suspended 4 games I believe, plus only 2 TDs last year)
TE Jacob Tamme
C J.C. Tretter
OG Kevin Zeitler
LEO Melvin Ingram (This is the guy I would spend the big bucks on, have no issue going as high as Jackson's deal)
NT Brandon Williams (I'd still inquire about him, we may need more than 1 NT, and we should rotate lineman)
CB A.J. Bouye
CB Trumaine Johnson
SS Tony Jefferson

Those are off the top of my head, I'd include that FB from Baltimore, but I have no freaking clue how to spell or say it lol.

Also for those who wanted Poe, there's a chance he get tagged by KC, if not, then Eric Berry may be the one who gets tagged, or neither could, so basically you have no clue who will truly be available come March 9th at 4PM EST/1PM PST.

Good points! Getting guys who fill niches is always more important than folks think. Most want to see the huge signings bad teams make eating up all their cap space. If Lynch can fill our needs and then see how much is left for big signings? Great. Perhaps he is paving the way for a Cousins signing?

Originally posted by KyleShanahan:

Not mad about the signing. I would rather overpay for a potentially solid signing at a position of need than hold on to 50+ million in cap space and be terrible. I think it also sends a good message to other FAs that the 49ers are not only an attractive place for FA's to come, but that we are willing to put up the benjamins.

Yup...and put up UPFRONT Benjamin's. That's the key. We can front load every single contact now so that from year 2 on, they are minimal hits keeping ourselves in great cap shape going forward. You can bet your ass ShanaLynch are letting agents know now that they are interested in their players AND we'll be the one team that can offer the most upfront money (in signing bonuses and first year salaries). That in itself will be a MAJOR attraction for both the agents and players. But you know this because you ARE Kyle Shanahan.

Originally posted by 808niner4lyphe:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:
I'd rather pay Mitchell $4M a year than pay Williams or Poe $12M+ a year. Like I said last year, I would have never done the Olivier Vernon, Malik Jackson, Kelechi Osemele, Bruce Irvin, Janoris Jenkins, Sean Smith, Damon Harrison deals, way way way too much money.

Now Smith was demoted/benched, and people were pissed we didn't offer more than what he got, $40M.

Plenty of other options for spending the cap bucks. And its early days.1

Exactly. Some of those smaller deals could end up being the best deals, and steals of free agency. Giants got good value with their signings, but I was shocked by the amount they gave Harrison, Vernon, and Jenkins. It's crazy people say we won't pay a OG $8M a year, but they wanted Osemele, who got over $11M a year, makes no sense.

Some free agents I'd consider.

QB Brian Hoyer
QB Matt Schaub
FB Patrick DiMarco
WR Pierre Garcon
WR Alshon Jeffrey (I'm thinking he gets a big pay day, or he ends up not getting what he thinks he's getting, I can't gauge what he will get, Suspended 4 games I believe, plus only 2 TDs last year)
TE Jacob Tamme
C J.C. Tretter
OG Kevin Zeitler
LEO Melvin Ingram (This is the guy I would spend the big bucks on, have no issue going as high as Jackson's deal)
NT Brandon Williams (I'd still inquire about him, we may need more than 1 NT, and we should rotate lineman)
CB A.J. Bouye
CB Trumaine Johnson
SS Tony Jefferson

Those are off the top of my head, I'd include that FB from Baltimore, but I have no freaking clue how to spell or say it lol.

Also for those who wanted Poe, there's a chance he get tagged by KC, if not, then Eric Berry may be the one who gets tagged, or neither could, so basically you have no clue who will truly be available come March 9th at 4PM EST/1PM PST.

I'd throw Ronald Leary and johnathan hankins on that list as well

Don't forget about T.J Lang too. Very underrated and he fits very well in Shanahan's ZBS.

I think we will sign one big name (I hope it's Ingram but I think it will be one of the corners...Either Bouye or more likely Johnson. Then I think we will sign 2,3, maybe 4 solid veteran FA's. Guys like Pierre Garcon, Jacob Tamme, Patrick DiMarco and/or Gabriel. I also think we end up signing Schaub or Hoyer....Hopefully Hoyer!

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by thl408:

Trying to figure out where he might play. Most the reports on him are of his college days, which are outdated. Here's one of him as a FA before he signed with MIA.

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/2014-interior-defensive-lineman-free-agent-breakdown.html#.WLDXIW_ysdU
Earl Mitchell has never been a great player, but also is a bit miscast in his current role. He plays the more penetrating, Jay Ratliff style of nose tackle in Houston's 3-4 defense. With a coaching change taking place, the Texans may opt to look for a more traditional gap-plugger at nose tackle. Mitchell could a be a better player in a 4-3 type of scheme, or he might always just be a decent early down role player.

Thanks for posting! Seems Miami has loaded up on the DL lately and Mitchell was expendable. I like the fit with Buckner and Armstead if they also add a better NT down the way. Blair, Armstead, Mitchell and Buckner might just help furnish a pass rush.

Reminds me of Ian Williams. Mostly run stuffer (not a wide-bodied 2 gapper) with the ability to attack/penetrate a one gap (and chooses the right gap mostly) and makes lots of TFL or contributes to them.

Originally posted by StubbyNBY:

Originally posted by KyleShanahan:

Not mad about the signing. I would rather overpay for a potentially solid signing at a position of need than hold on to 50+ million in cap space and be terrible. I think it also sends a good message to other FAs that the 49ers are not only an attractive place for FA's to come, but that we are willing to put up the benjamins.

This. We could have went after a guy like Brandon Williams who is younger and a little better than Mitchell but would have cost around $40-$50mill. For $16mill we get a solid veteran 2-Gap DT who fills a need a right away and didn't cost a whole lot to get. I read Denver and Seattle were going pretty hard after him to. Just a really solid pickup.

Agreed, seems like a good, smart & necessary sighning.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by thl408:
Trying to figure out where he might play. Most the reports on him are of his college days, which are outdated. Here's one of him as a FA before he signed with MIA.

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/2014-interior-defensive-lineman-free-agent-breakdown.html#.WLDXIW_ysdU
Earl Mitchell has never been a great player, but also is a bit miscast in his current role. He plays the more penetrating, Jay Ratliff style of nose tackle in Houston's 3-4 defense. With a coaching change taking place, the Texans may opt to look for a more traditional gap-plugger at nose tackle. Mitchell could a be a better player in a 4-3 type of scheme, or he might always just be a decent early down role player.

Thanks for posting! Seems Miami has loaded up on the DL lately and Mitchell was expendable. I like the fit with Buckner and Armstead if they also add a better NT down the way. Blair, Armstead, Mitchell and Buckner might just help furnish a pass rush.

Reminds me of Ian Williams. Mostly run stuffer (not a wide-bodied 2 gapper) with the ability to attack/penetrate a one gap (and chooses the right gap mostly) and makes lots of TFL or contributes to them.

Yes, and a very good fit for the niners. He's not strong enough to be a 3/4 NT but can be a very good 4/3 DT. From the various videos I liked his tenacity on plays...doesn't seem to stop until the RB is on the ground. Armstead and Buckner both had a tendency to stop and look when they did not make the tackle right away. This new scheme will be more agressive (I hope) and that will allow the DL to look much better. Many watch 3/4 lines and get irritated they aren't making plays, but it' a special 3/4 DL who can get through doubles to make plays consistently. Justin Smith was just so great he spoiled us! Darn him!