This year’s 49er draft class is kind of boring. Nothing is expected from first round pick AJ Jenkins — this year. Fourth rounder, Joe Looney, is on the PUP list recovering from a foot injury. Fifth rounder, Darius Fleming, is out for the year and rehabbing on IR. The two sixth rounders, Trenton Robinson and Jason Slowey, and the seventh round pick, Cam Johnson, are, you know, late round special teams backup sort of guys.
That leaves second round pick LaMichael James as the sole member of the class who might actually get some significant playing time this year and have an impact. It’s probably safe to say that Trent Baalke will not be getting Executive of the Year in 2012. We can only hope that by 2015 his roster stocking this year will seem commendable longsight.
As for James, we have yet to see him play or practice. Not that we actually see anybody play or practice, except through the eyes of the beat writers, who don’t see them play or practice, either. Aside from an occasional Instagram pic from Maiocco, the only way we know that the players have even showed up is through the occasional photo slides put out by the 49ers official website, which are anything but revelatory.
A couple of years ago, Mike Singletary complained about a “rat” in the building, who kept leaking unflattering news to the media. The new regime seems to have addressed this issue with total overkill. NOBODY gets to watch practices. It’s bad enough that notoriously milquetoast beat writer Matt Maiocco put up a practice photo this week of a football in the air wafting toward goal posts with only the top half of the posts visible on the other side of a fence that blotted out Maiocco’s view of the field. Whimsical sarcasm from Maiocco. A rare event of borderline disapproval.
Baalke has now drafted six offensive linemen in the past three drafts — two in each draft. Proponents of the theory that games are won or lost in the trenches are no doubt applauding this diligence. John Madden would, anyway, if he was still big old guy boom booming into our living rooms each week.
The same diligence has not gone toward the defensive line, though there are only three of them, compared to five O-linemen. The backup D-line guys are a seventh round pick from 2009, two UDFAs from 2011, and a UDFA from 2010, originally signed by Seattle and subsequently picked up by the Niners. Not exactly shopping in the prime meat section.
It could be argued that O-line guys need to be smart and D-line guys just need to be tough and mean. But I’m not going to argue it, and it might not prove anything anyway, except that Ricky Jean-Francois was a steal in the seventh round in 2009. Let’s hope we can say the same about Ian Williams and Demarcus Dobbs in a year or two.
At least Dashon Goldson flagged down his brain in the nick of time to sign his tender and report for duty. The full squad is now present and accounted for, and ready to go hunting for Super Bowl number 6. Let’s hope six months from now we aren’t looking back at this optimism and wondering WTF were we thinking!
I wasn’t very thrilled with what was available in this year’s D-line draft. Add to that our needs weren’t as dire as they had been in recent years, but that is about to change with our starters stating get up in age. Plus, RJF and Sope are FAs after this year. This next draft will probably have some D-line attention. Of course, Berger and NJ49er, the Jr GMs here, will be watching for some talent in the college ranks this year. Something tells me Safety will be on our minds next year.
Bullit will keep an eye on the Big 12 for us!
Actually the comparison I’m going to always make is to look at the production of AJ Jenkins and Fleener.
Others will be comparing Jenkins to Sanu, Jeffery or Stephen Hill.
Not in the Big 12 anymore but A&M has a pass rusher similar to Von Miller. Texas has Alex Okafor and Jackson Jeffcoat at DE who are highly rated. Texas also has Goldson’s replacement Kenny Vaccaro at FS.
Why? Fleener’s a TE. I liked him, too, but they are hard to compare.
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Just saw the press conference with Moss and Smith. Missed Harbaugh.
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Moss was loose and smiling. Sez the offense is a work in progress, and he’s having a blast with all the young players on the team. He also said he’s not asking what the NFL can do for him, but what he can do for the NFL. A JFK moment. Said he’s trying to show the young payers how to act professionally, take notes, etc. Alex was Alex. Said he and Randy haven’t had any one-on-one dates yet, but that they are working every day to get better. Said Crabs looks great and that they are also striving to get better. Nothing above the usual comments.
From Matt Barrows:
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A contrite and full-healed Aldon Smith spoke for the first time since being stabbed earlier this month. Said Smith: “Letting everybody down was probably the saddest part. But I’m back to 100 percent and I’m ready to go. I just feel after the incidents that happened and the expectations that were set for me, I feel like I let the fans – and everybody that looked at me like that – down. … It’s helped my focus out. I’m really focused more than ever, not to say that Iwasn’t in the beginning. But I’m focused more than ever and I’m ready to go.” Smith, who received staples to close the stab wounds, will not miss any time in training camp.
You take it on faith
You take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part
Well, file this in the Really? file. Michael Crabtree missed the last 20 minutes of practice with an ankle injury.
In more opening camp day news:
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Oops, that would be, Moss yelled: “Way to go, Alex!” Then after the 2nd one, Smith walked over to Moss and gave him a big thumps up.
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Alex Smith hit Randy Moss twice on beautiful over-the-shoulder deep balls. Moss yelled, “Way to got Alex!” after the first one.
CHUCK
” Alex Smith hit Randy Moss twice on beautiful over-the-shoulder deep balls. Moss yelled, “Way to got Alex!” after the first one.”
WOW ! well , should we ‘take it on faith’ that moss is really trying to stop being moss and put the team first this time ?
we can only hope he means it and that he still has something left !
ummm , and if it’s true , how long will it last !!!
even
BERGER
” Of course, Berger and NJ49er, the Jr GMs here ”
get it right … you’re the junior SCOUT ! I’m the junior G.M. !
LOL
SKEEBS !
” Baalke has now drafted six offensive linemen in the past three drafts — two in each draft. Proponents of the theory that games are won or lost in the trenches are no doubt applauding this diligence. ”
YES I AM !
” Nothing is expected from first round pick AJ Jenkins — this year.”
IMHO jenkins might be able to get in some time as our 4th WR !
for what it matters
” Ricky Jean-Francois was a steal in the seventh round in 2009. Let’s hope we can say the same about Ian Williams and Demarcus Dobbs in a year or two ”
i liked ricky jean when we drafted him and i like dobbs and williams too ! will tokuafu looks good to me too !
ROB!!!!!!!!!!!!! I haven’t any press conferences with Moss, but he was loose, smiling, and joking around the whole time. He was respectful of the league, his opportunity with the Niners, and was looking to help the younger players.
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Preseason hype? Smoke blowing? No idea. But he’s acting like he’s happy to be here and looking to contribute as a player and ‘coach.’
*I did see today’s presser*
Unca- WTF?
BERGER
wassupp ?
Are you ready for some football???
http://tinyurl.com/btoekxf
I’ve got a feeling about this season that it’s going to be good… Time for Number six.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA
Let’s do it!!! Niners won’t be stopped!!!
We will not feel the ugly taste of a bitter defeat and we will put 2011 behind us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERgfyTN6k-E
I had not seen this until today.
The kid has a great dad and is on the right track.
WTF what Bergs?
Berger I’m always looking for the next Haloti Ngata or Ed Reed.
My 1st inclination for Pick 1 next year is the Honey Badger from LSU, CB Tyrann Mathieu – kid is extremely versatile and could easily play ‘Center Field’ as a FS.
See where it goes, long way off and, (like all of us), I’m hoping to be picking LAST next April.
BULLIT
“I’ve got a feeling about this season that it’s going to be good… Time for Number six.”
NOW you’re talking ! ;D
NJ49er
” My 1st inclination for Pick 1 next year is the Honey Badger from LSU ”
not sure which concerns me more … the fact that there’s really a football player named ‘honey badger’ or the fact that you know this !!!
lol
before the rest of you blog experts , worry-warts and trolls put this up , the rams are a big concern imho
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/rams-rookie-trumaine-johnson-oversleeps-misses-first-day-132439467–nfl.html
omg ! the sky is falling !
Rob check out an LSU game this Season. Hard to miss this kid on D.
He’ll likely be gone long before we pick but, hey…..it’s what I do when there isn’t Football being played.
I do think the DLine options will be a good place to shop too.
Unca- The WTF was for the poem on 7-27. Was that Tom Petty lyrics?
Yeah . . .
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What, I can’t wax poetic sometimes?
NJ- I know all about The Honey Badger. Your right on both counts, I’d love to have him, and he’ll be long gone before we pick.
Yes, as long as we don’t have to hear about you waxing your bikini line.
Only if you stop waxing your ass.
I’m looking forward to what Aldon can contribute as an OLB.
Fangio has been on record with his admiration for the old Saints ‘Dome Patrol’ unit that earned much recognition as the best LB unit in football for a number of years in the 80s/90s.
I already believe our ILBs are the best in the business.
Can we outdo the Dome Patrol?
Swilling/Jackson Outside is what we’re up against.
Mills/Vaughn Johnson Inside are easily covered with Willis and Bowman.
Should be fun to see these guys in year 2.
Smith/Willis/Bowman/Brooks or Aldon/Patrick/NaVorro/Ahmad?
Bet they receive some recognition in a hurry, 1st names or last.
MADFANGIO D-Time!
NaVorro/Ahmad – N+A
Patrick/Aldon – P+A
NAPA Time….Dome Patrol move over.
They put on the pads today!
Or it’s time for opposing QBs to take ANAP . . . !
Hey, where’s my dog?
testing
Next up: Unca adds his name to the concussion law suits.
Sit, Jozie. Good girl!
Was yours a maxi pad, Skeebs?
Kudos to Dashon for showing up on time too.
I rode him for dogging it but in the end he came to work.
Looking forward to what this Defense can accomplish this year.
I expect to be Top 3 if not the BEST.
NJ- I just orderd the new Joe Bonamassa CD.
You’ll enjoy it Berger.
I’ve been playing mine for weeks when I use the car-
NJ- Did you scare NoFear away?
What the hell would I have to scare anyone? I’m just typing like the rest of you.
Maybe he’s waiting for some actual activities of substance to occur?
Now the Crabtree is dinged again it feels like Training Camp.
‘Feets’ is in the House.
Just kidding about that. I liked having NoFear here. He’ll probably be back as soon as Alex throws an interception that costs us a game.
ok you guys !
if you haven’t figured him out yet , all you have to do if you want NOFEAR back is to lay into him for something or other ! call him out ! say that he’s afraid to post again , for whatever reason ! for example
i’ guess nofear realises he’s been handed his head enough times about…’
… and watch hoew fast he pops up !!!
lol
omg ! or maybe he really has decided to go in another direction …
either way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJAZyQHh9JU
Well I do hope NoFear49er is doing OK?
Haven’t seen him here in quite sometime.
My guess is there’s been too much petty BS being slung about during the ‘Off Season’ while we wait for some real news to talk about.
That’s all you read over on SFGate too.
Everyone sniping at each other for having a point of view.
It is entertaining to see everyone pile on V though.
I think he enjoys it.
New post is up.