Lawson Present At Minicamp; Seeking Contract
By: Ninjames
Starting LB Manny Lawson was present Thursday for the 49ers' first mandatory minicamp. There were doubts early on whether or not he'd be joining NT Aubrayo Franklin in not attending, but Lawson was adamant in talking with reporters yesterday that he never actually considered skipping the camp.
Manny Lawson was just one of four players who did not attend any of the previous organized team activities. The other three are Aubrayo Franklin, Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer. The latter two participated yesterday along with Lawson and were immediately slotted back into their starting roles.
It was an uneventful day for them, quiet and I contained which I suppose is a good thing, if you didn't hear their name then they didn't have some visible rust to shake off that prevented them from doing their job and sticking to their assignments.
Manny has said that he wants his future with the 49ers, he wants to continue playing with the team - but everyone wants a new contract, he reasoned. It's true, everyone does, but everyone also knows the situation. Lawson has a lot to prove before being extended during the last year of his contract.
Some will cite the uncertainty of the CBA future as a reason he won't be getting paid, but I reckon the greater obstacle in the whole situation is LB Ahmad Brooks. Brooks was a situational pass-rusher last season and came on strong in the last three games on the season, getting sacks and forcing fumbles.
With Lawson absent at all voluntary OTAs, it gave Brooks time to step into his starting role and show what he can do. The biggest question mark is his coverage skills, which most beat writers reported as solid. He got in front of a play or two and broke it up, and used his hips well to close the distance on any receiver.
Brooks is considered a high-potential player, someone who is very athletically gifted with a good head for the game - but someone who has always seemed to be one misstep away from putting it all together and having a breakout season. Well, he's been extended now, and things are getting interesting.
Look for Ahmad Brooks to receive more playing time in 2010 and Manny Lawson (reportedly new and improved) will do what he can to fight him off and earn a long-term deal with the 49ers past 2010.