49ers Secondary

Originally posted by FL9er:
Still would like a DB in the draft. It's a good class and you can never have enough quality DBs.

I think it is a virtual certainty that the Niners take a CB in this draft, if for no other reasons than depth and insurance. I could even see them picking up an additional safety (but later in the draft because they already have 4 guys whom they like at that position....Tartt, Colbert, Ward, and James)

The real question is when? Given the uncertainty of a true difference maker of an edge rusher at pick 9 (many of you like Landry here but Maddog, for example, prefers Davenport),it seems unlikely that the team would pick D Ward then because he is simply too small for the scheme. Fitz is a possibility but again, he may not be a great fit for the scheme.

It is impossible to know, at this point, whom the Niners value most (skill, potential, athleticism, character, scheme fit, love of the game, and impact as a rookie all being factors) but personally, I would trade back several slots (if possible) to be able to pick earlier in the second round, where a really good CB (or OG) can be found. the highly rated CBs and safeties available at pick 9 seem more suited to safety and again, that is not a high priority position of need, especially at pick 9.

Cheers!

Originally posted by longterm9erfan:

Originally posted by FL9er:
Still would like a DB in the draft. It's a good class and you can never have enough quality DBs.

I think it is a virtual certainty that the Niners take a CB in this draft, if for no other reasons than depth and insurance. I could even see them picking up an additional safety (but later in the draft because they already have 4 guys whom they like at that position....Tartt, Colbert, Ward, and James)

The real question is when? Given the uncertainty of a true difference maker of an edge rusher at pick 9 (many of you like Landry here but Maddog, for example, prefers Davenport),it seems unlikely that the team would pick D Ward then because he is simply too small for the scheme. Fitz is a possibility but again, he may not be a great fit for the scheme.

It is impossible to know, at this point, whom the Niners value most (skill, potential, athleticism, character, scheme fit, love of the game, and impact as a rookie all being factors) but personally, I would trade back several slots (if possible) to be able to pick earlier in the second round, where a really good CB (or OG) can be found. the highly rated CBs and safeties available at pick 9 seem more suited to safety and again, that is not a high priority position of need, especially at pick 9.

Cheers!

If Lamar Jackson is available by the time we pick, maybe Miami, Buffalo, Cincy and even Arizona give us a holler

From PFF's Jeff Deeney.

11. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Projected starting lineup:
Starting cornerback: Richard Sherman, 82.7 grade
Safety: Jaquiski Tartt, 85.7
Safety: Adrian Colbert, 77.6
Starting cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon, 81.1
Nickel cornerback: K'Waun Williams, 80.2

With Sherman in the fold, it's the 49ers who now have their own makings of the original Legion of Boom. You'd be hard pressed to find a longer starting cornerback duo than Sherman and the 6-foot-3 Witherspoon. The latter was one of the most impressive rookies in the NFL a season ago, allowing only 59.6 percent of his targets to be completed. Sherman on the other hand has allowed a catch rate of only 47.7 percent for his entire career. There's some projection with Sherman coming off an Achilles injury, but if he's anywhere close to healthy they should be scary.

Originally posted by NCommand:

From PFF's Jeff Deeney.

11. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Projected starting lineup:
Starting cornerback: Richard Sherman, 82.7 grade
Safety: Jaquiski Tartt, 85.7
Safety: Adrian Colbert, 77.6
Starting cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon, 81.1
Nickel cornerback: K'Waun Williams, 80.2

With Sherman in the fold, it's the 49ers who now have their own makings of the original Legion of Boom. You'd be hard pressed to find a longer starting cornerback duo than Sherman and the 6-foot-3 Witherspoon. The latter was one of the most impressive rookies in the NFL a season ago, allowing only 59.6 percent of his targets to be completed. Sherman on the other hand has allowed a catch rate of only 47.7 percent for his entire career. There's some projection with Sherman coming off an Achilles injury, but if he's anywhere close to healthy they should be scary.

But will they hold up if there's no pass rush? This is a really exciting group of DBs especially when you pair them with a great coverage LB like Foster, but they've gotta stay healthy (which never seems to happen for us) and they need at least a little help from the d-line.

Originally posted by Jack49ers84:

But will they hold up if there's no pass rush? This is a really exciting group of DBs especially when you pair them with a great coverage LB like Foster, but they've gotta stay healthy (which never seems to happen for us) and they need at least a little help from the d-line.

They did last year without any pass rush. And I'm taking a shot in the dark that Richard Sherman is a slight upgrade over Donte Johnson. Plus...full off season to hone their craft. This unit has a very high ceiling if the cards fall right esp. regarding health.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by Jack49ers84:

But will they hold up if there's no pass rush? This is a really exciting group of DBs especially when you pair them with a great coverage LB like Foster, but they've gotta stay healthy (which never seems to happen for us) and they need at least a little help from the d-line.

They did last year without any pass rush. And I'm taking a shot in the dark that Richard Sherman is a slight upgrade over Donte Johnson. Plus...full off season to hone their craft. This unit has a very high ceiling if the cards fall right esp. regarding health.

Agreed. Several reason like I don't know, 2nd year leaps for being in the 2nd year of the system(Rookies like Colbert and Ahkello included) will be big time.

As we get closer to the season, anyone else a little concerned about veteran S backup experience? Behind Tartt & Colbert, there is some young talent (Reed and, if needed, Moore) but they are first-year players. Then you have Ward, who needs to somehow stay healthy (a big "if"). Of course we're all really hoping there are no injuries but every season the secondary in particular gets hit with some here and there. I would like it if they could somehow find a meeting point with Eric Reid re: $ and playing time. We've heard he wants to start...though he may not be the starter on paper at this time, it is a long season and with injuries you never know. Also, even if he didn't start, I could still see him getting plenty of playing time with his experience, knowledge of this scheme, and his ability to play multiple positions if need be (FS, SS, hybrid LB).

Originally posted by LottDMontanaO:

As we get closer to the season, anyone else a little concerned about veteran S backup experience? Behind Tartt & Colbert, there is some young talent (Reed and, if needed, Moore) but they are first-year players. Then you have Ward, who needs to somehow stay healthy (a big "if"). Of course we're all really hoping there are no injuries but every season the secondary in particular gets hit with some here and there. I would like it if they could somehow find a meeting point with Eric Reid re: $ and playing time. We've heard he wants to start...though he may not be the starter on paper at this time, it is a long season and with injuries you never know. Also, even if he didn't start, I could still see him getting plenty of playing time with his experience, knowledge of this scheme, and his ability to play multiple positions if need be (FS, SS, hybrid LB).

Originally posted by LottDMontanaO:

As we get closer to the season, anyone else a little concerned about veteran S backup experience? Behind Tartt & Colbert, there is some young talent (Reed and, if needed, Moore) but they are first-year players. Then you have Ward, who needs to somehow stay healthy (a big "if"). Of course we're all really hoping there are no injuries but every season the secondary in particular gets hit with some here and there. I would like it if they could somehow find a meeting point with Eric Reid re: $ and playing time. We've heard he wants to start...though he may not be the starter on paper at this time, it is a long season and with injuries you never know. Also, even if he didn't start, I could still see him getting plenty of playing time with his experience, knowledge of this scheme, and his ability to play multiple positions if need be (FS, SS, hybrid LB).

Either that or they like Powell's versatility & think he can handle the job or there's possibly Reid like you mentioned or possibly bring in another SS from elsewhere. As we've seen SS aren't such hot commodities anymore.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by Jack49ers84:

But will they hold up if there's no pass rush? This is a really exciting group of DBs especially when you pair them with a great coverage LB like Foster, but they've gotta stay healthy (which never seems to happen for us) and they need at least a little help from the d-line.

They did last year without any pass rush. And I'm taking a shot in the dark that Richard Sherman is a slight upgrade over Donte Johnson. Plus...full off season to hone their craft. This unit has a very high ceiling if the cards fall right esp. regarding health.

Heck we got better the moment DJ was moved on. That was definitely getting better with addition by subtraction. Plus those PI penalties...its tough when you have a machine in the DBackfield that can be counted on for a PI on every stinking 3rd down play. Do not miss him even a little bit. Wish it had been sooner.

Kind of an old post, but considering we need help in the secondary and it's draft time -- sounds about right for the topic to be resurrected. Looking at our crop of safeties, I feel like maybe we would most be inclined to draft a potential single-high safety type, rather than a box guy.

Personally, I think Marcell Harris should have a chance to start at SS and I liked what he flashed last year. We have plenty of box safeties. Tartt, Exum, Harris fit that mold. Colbert could play either spot honestly. Tartt and Exum can both play FS but neither is particularly strong in coverage. Ward and Colbert both made a lot of mental mistakes last year, and Reed shouldn't even be used at safety. Feel like half of these guys won't make the team, and wouldn't be surprised if someone got traded either.

Our secondary just needs to play 25 yards back and enjoy the show the DL will be putting on and our coverage LBs taking care of the middle of the field.

DBs, sit back and get the popcorn ready.

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Kind of an old post, but considering we need help in the secondary and it's draft time -- sounds about right for the topic to be resurrected. Looking at our crop of safeties, I feel like maybe we would most be inclined to draft a potential single-high safety type, rather than a box guy.

Personally, I think Marcell Harris should have a chance to start at SS and I liked what he flashed last year. We have plenty of box safeties. Tartt, Exum, Harris fit that mold. Colbert could play either spot honestly. Tartt and Exum can both play FS but neither is particularly strong in coverage. Ward and Colbert both made a lot of mental mistakes last year, and Reed shouldn't even be used at safety. Feel like half of these guys won't make the team, and wouldn't be surprised if someone got traded either.

I think we need at least 2 safety's I dont think we will draft two but we need a FS Colbert and Glass Ward are not the answer even when healthy Colbert is a special teamer/backup at best. Ward is not reliable and we cant keep giving him chances on potential plus he is on a one year deal. I like Nasir Adderly a lot, I wish we would have selected him in the 2nd. Im hoping Harris takes a huge step up unfortunately I believe Tartt has reached his ceiling and I wouldnt hedge the future with him at SS.

Originally posted by Joecool:

Our secondary just needs to play 25 yards back and enjoy the show the DL will be putting on and our coverage LBs taking care of the middle of the field.

DBs, sit back and get the popcorn ready.

Secondary and LBs better be ready for those screens then cause our Dline might tend to be overaggressive a lot of the time.

Will see if the investment in the secondary these last 2 drafts pays off this year. I think there is promise there with Witherspoon, Moore, Reed, Harris and Colbert.

Secondary is solid as is.