Eureka 49ers

49ers Continue To Make 'Break Out' Lists

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:33:18 GMT

Just a quick note here as I make some late-night preparations for my trip to the game later today. I was reading up on random NFL news and I came across yet another list of "teams to watch." The national media loves to do these kind of things. They'll give you players to watch, teams to watch, players to avoid watching, teams to bet on, teams that you shouldn't bet on, players to draft in your fantasy league and so on and so forth.

Last year, the 49ers were making a couple lists. Celebrity analysts tried to make a name for themselves by picking the 49ers on gameday and occasionally it would pay off, sometimes it didn't. The point is that it wasn't wide-spread acceptance. Now it appears to be.

ESPN, Sports Illustrated, NFL.com, Yahoo Sports and many, many more continue to pick the 49ers as the team to watch. The team that's most improved, the team that's dead-set on making the playoffs or go up in flames trying. The bar is being set for them, and with any luck they'll charge down-field and hurdle right over it into the endzone for a playoff berth and potentially more.

For what it's worth, the article that inspired me to write this is from NFL.com and it lists the 49ers as a team that has been steadily building for the past couple years that are now ready to compete. I'm inclined to agree. There's a lot of hype, let's hope it's not unfounded.

The article can be found here.

A Quick Note and 49ers 53-man Roster Projection

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:40:51 GMT

It's been awhile since I put together a post here at Eureka 49ers. It's do mostly in part to my increased role with other websites and other sports writing for more and more teams throughout the Bay Area. After a long and confusing time, I've decided that I do want to continue writing here for Eureka 49ers and I want to provide unique and worthwhile content on a day-to-day basis. So bear with me while I get back into the swing of things and let me hit you with a quick 53-man roster projection.

Quarterbacks (3) Alex Smith, David Carr, Nate Davis

Running Backs (5) Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook, Anthony Dixon, Michael Robinson, Moran Norris

Wide Receivers (5) Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Ted Ginn Jr., Dominique Zeigler, Kyle Williams

Tight Ends (3) Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham

Offensive Line (10) Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Eric Heitmann, Chilo Rachal, Anthony Davis, Barry Sims, Alex Boone, David Baas, Tony Wragge, Adam Snyder

Defensive Line (6) Justin Smith, Aubrayo Franklin, Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Ricky Jean Francois, Demetric Evans

Inside Linebackers (4) Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, NaVorro Bowman, Matt Wilhelm

Outside Linebackers (5) Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, Diyral Briggs, Travis LaBoy

Cornerbacks (5) Nate Clements, Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown, Will James, Phillip Adams

Safeties (4) Dashon Goldson, Michael Lewis, Reggie Smith, Taylor Mays

Specialists (3) Joe Nedney, Andy Lee, Brian Jennings

There's not many surprises here. The offensive line looks so bloated because of a key injury to Eric Heitmann, perhaps the most solid player on the line. Alex Boone makes it because he doesn't last on the practice squad. Last year's seventh round draft pick, Curtis Taylor, probably doesn't make the roster with the drafting of Taylor Mays. The team collects linebackers due to LaBoy and Briggs' very stellar play and work this offseason and preseason.

Later on today I'll take a look at the practice squad and the likely candidates to make it.

Lawson Present At Minicamp; Seeking Contract

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:57:24 GMT

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.

Early 49ers 53-man Roster Projection (Defense)

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 08:48:42 GMT

Things have been slow for the 49ers. My most recent piece was looking at the offensive side of the ball and predicting who would end up on the 49ers 53-man roster at the time final cuts are made. If you want to read that bit, check it out here. Today (after a bit of a break, it's the offseason after all) I take a look at the defensive side of the ball.

Italics denotes a player who is officially of another position but is listed for depth chart purposes as backing up another position.

Defensive Ends: (5) Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Kentwan Balmer, Demetric Evans

Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, McDonald and Balmer are all locks for the active roster. McDonald sees significant playing time being rotated in, and the 49ers like to keep players fresh. With that in mind, I will say that they once again keep seven defensive lineman (read ahead for the defensive tackles).

The debating point is Demetric Evans. Most fans like to think that Evans won't be around next season, but the fact of the matter is he plays a lot like the other players in the line, is a reliable veteran, doesn't cost very much at all and is reportedly great in the locker room. The team likes players who are similar, to rotate in the mix, as well.

Nose Tackles: (2) Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean-Francois

Aubrayo Franklin has yet to sign his franchise tender as he wants a long-term contract in place, regardless of this, however, he'll be on the field with the 49ers in 2010, and he'll be the starter. With Franklin's absence at OTAs, Jean-Francois has been getting a lot of looks at nose tackle. Jean-Francois doesn't fit the mold physically, but the team likes them a bit smaller anyway. He'll have plenty of time to bulk up, and plenty to learn from Franklin once he returns to team workouts.

Left Outside Linebackers: (2) Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, Travis LaBoy

Lawson, like Franklin, hasn't been at the team's organized team activities, and doesn't project to report until it's mandatory to do so. Lawson is also unhappy with his contract and wants a long-term deal in place. This absence has given Brooks time to learn how to be a starter in the league and is now the primary backup at the left and right sides. LaBoy is a dependable veteran who wants to prove himself.

Inside Linebackers: (4) Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Navorro Bowman, Scot McKillop

Veteran Matt Wilhelm will look for a roster spot, and might be able to get it if Bowman doesn't show enough progress in training camp as a viable backup option. Willis just received a 5-year contract extension, Spikes looks to continue to be productive, and McKillop is turning into a very reliable special teams player.

Right Outside Linebackers: (2) Parys Haralson, Ahmad Brooks

Parys Haralson is more well-rounded than Brooks at the moment, but if he struggles just a little bit, he'll be surpassed by Brooks on the depth chart. Refer to the bubble list for another candidate for this position.

Left Cornerbacks: (2) Nate Clements, Tarell Brown, Philip Adams

Say what you want about Clements and his status as being an overpaid player, but the CB Position was one that went largely ignored in the draft. Clements is the clear starter, Brown is the clear backup, and my pick to make the roster is Phillip Adams. Some might think Stoudamire, but read about the bubble prospects for him.

Right Cornerbacks: (2) Shawntae Spencer, Will James

It's between James and Paymah, but I don't think it's really a competition at all. In every game situation, James has shown he's the better player. Spencer was the best cornerback on the roster in 2009.

Nickel Cornerbacks: (1) Tarell Brown, Will James, Philip Adams

Brown will be the starting nickel corner when the team reverts into... well, the nickel formation. He's a young guy battling to get into the starting left or right spot, he doesn't care which.

Free Safeties: (2) Dashon Goldson, Reggie Smith

Curtis Taylor is the odd-man out and is practice squaded. Goldson is another player currently unhappy with his contract, but, like Lawson and Franklin, will undoubtedly see the field in 2010 and be starters. Smith has made some big strides, especially on special teams, and could even be mixed in as a cornerback or strong safety on certain downs.

Strong Safeties: (2) Michael Lewis, Taylor Mays

Mays won't start right away, but he'll get playing time. Lewis is a reliable veteran who will do well in teaching Mays how to take his job. There are no doubts about this position going into 2010 as far as the 53-man roster is concerned.

On The Bubble On Defense

CB Patrick Stoudamire - Stoudamire is a fan-favorite to make the roster as the final cornerback. My reason for going with Adams is that I think the feeling is that the team likes him more. They scouted both these players, and while both were on the board, picked Adams. Stoudamire has looked good in practice, but has looked less athletically gifted than Adams. Still, he does have talent, and won't go down without a fight.

LB Diyral Briggs - Briggs is a player who has a definite shot at making the roster, and probably has the best shot of these players to actually do so. The coaching staff is said to be very impressed and excited about him as a pass-rushing specialist. The preseason will be his time to shine. The Niners are coached by a linebacker, with a defensive coordinator who loves collecting lineman and linebackers. Briggs has a shot.

LB Matt Wilhelm - If the team is afraid of the youth in their linebacking backups, Wilhelm, who played well in a reserve role last season, will get the nod, but not to replace any of the four inside linebackers listed.

CB Karl Paymah - Paymah is battling with Will James for the primary right cornerback backup role, as well as other defensive backfield backup roles. He has his work cut out for him though, as James is coming off his best season of his veteran career.

Why Not? Early 49ers 53-man Roster Projection (Offense)

Sun, 23 May 2010 06:05:31 GMT

It's a slow day for 49ers news, and such slow days are likely to continue throughout the next two months, so I'm going to fill it with musings on the 49ers roster. It's obscenely early to be predicting who will make the final 53-man roster, but I find it's always a good option for discussion and usually a good read for any 49ers fan starved for updates and the like. So today will be the offense, and at some point in the next 24 hours, I will do the defense. So without further ado...

Italics denotes a player who is officially of another position but backs up another one as well, and helps when I make final counts so I don't count them twice.

Quarterbacks: (3) Alex Smith, David Carr, Nate Davis

The quarterback situation seems pretty set. The team has expressed confidence in Alex Smith, and Carr seems to be the definite backup. There is a perceived position battle going on between Nate Davis and Jarret Brown for the third quarterback position but Davis has looked good so far in OTAs. Brown didn't get a chance to throw at the most recent team activities but he's a rookie, and thus slightly behind Davis. It should head up in training camp.

Halfbacks: (3) Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Anthony Dixon

This is pretty much set in stone, but I'm thinking more and more every day that the team might only keep one of Glen Coffee and Anthony Dixon on the roster, but at this point it's far too early to tell. Coffee didn't get a real chance to show off his skill-set last season under the circumstances. Michael Robinson is on the roster in my projection, but I have him listed as a specialist.

Fullbacks: (1) Moran Norris, Nate Byham

Brit Miller is going to push the veteran, and he's going to push him hard, but when it all comes down to it, the team wants another 2006-esque season from Frank Gore. With a boosted offensive line, there's no reason to believe that Norris can't return to that form and lead the way for Gore.

Split End: (1) Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn Jr.

Not much to say here, Crabtree is the clear starter at the number one receiver position. If Brandon Jones makes the roster, he will be the backup here.

Flanker: (2) Josh Morgan, Jason Hill

I'm thinking Jason Hill will make the roster over Brandon Jones. They're of similar speed, Hill has shown more, and has had a good offseason so far. Brandon Jones' contract is also on the unreasonable side.

Slot Receiver: (2) Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams

Kyle Williams is looking impressive in training camp, and has added value as a punt returner. He should be a no brainer here--and Ted Ginn is an obvious choice for the slot position.

Tight End: (3) Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham

No surprises here, except for maybe Byham. Some would argue that Byham won't make the team, but I think with one less wide receiver to worry about, and a boosted offensive line, the team would like to bring in a tight end as opposed to being too obvious and always bringing in an extra lineman. They have space for him.

Left Tackle: (2) Joe Staley, Barry Sims

Staley is the left tackle of the future. There are those who think Anthony Davis could be our LT, but that will only happen if it is radically obvious early on that he would be a much better fit there. (Read: he will need to struggle at RT while having Staley struggle at LT, while also showing in practice he understands how to play LT). Barry Sims showcased starting caliber left tackle play when filling in for Staley last season.

Left Guard: (2) Mike Iupati, David Baas

Iupati was the first round pick, and while Singletary says he'll have to earn it, he'll be the starter, because we all know he will earn it. David Baas has some versatility and was actually a serviceable starter--will be a very valuable backup.

Center: (1) Eric Heitmann, David Baas

Cody Wallace will be gone, after being a relative disappointment, the team just doesn't see potential in him anymore. Heitmann is the teams most consistent offensive lineman, and is the o-line coach. Baas was taking snaps at center in the OTAs, and has a lot of experience there. Should be a solid backup.

Right Guard: (1) Chilo Rachal, Adam Snyder

Snyder is a tackle, but can play both tackle and both guard positions. This is Rachal's last year to "get it together" after finishing strong in 2009.

Right Tackle (2): Anthony Davis, Adam Snyder

Davis was the teams' first pick in the draft and will likely struggle early on--but he also has the most potential of all the offensive tackles taken in the draft, and should do well with the help of guys like Joe Staley, Barry Sims, and offensive line coach Mike Solari. Snyder is more versatile than Alex Boone and Tony Wragee, and thus gets the nod.

On The Bubble On Offense

FB Brit Miller - Miller could definitely make this team. Things that he has going for him: extremely athletic, good hands, a defensive mis-match for his position, electric special teams player. Things that he doesn't have going for him? Moran Norris being almost indisputably better than him with lead blocking--something that will be asked of the starting FB a lot in 2010. Miller could make the roster as a backup RB/FB if Byham fails to make the roster, if the team goes without one of Glen Coffee or Anthony Davis, or if the team parts ways with specialist and 4th string running back Michael Robinson.

TE Tony Curtis, J.J. Finley - These guys have a history with the team and could definitely make it in place of Byham. It will all come down to blocking, which gives Curtis the best chance to supplant the less athletic Byham.

T Alex Boone, Chris Patrick - Patrick is a physical specimen and could play both guard positions and tackle. Boone is a guy who is extremely dedicated after one out-of-shape rookie season and seems to be improving every day. Both likely to be on the practice squad, both likely to not be picked up.

WR Brandon Jones, Dominique Zeigler - The team really likes Zeigler, and really likes what he's done this offseason. He hasn't been on the PS because he's not good enough, or that they just needed an actual body. Occasionally a player will make a PS just as a stopgap, Zeigler has always felt like someone the team wanted to succeed, so maybe he has matured enough and will get a chance. Brandon Jones was brought in for a reason, to be a deep threat and go-to receiver, if he can do that, he'll make it over Hill--but for now, I'm thinking Hill has the better skillset.

49ers Wrap Up May Practices

Sat, 22 May 2010 12:52:36 GMT

Yesterday, the team saw the practice field for the last time in the month of may, wrapping up a four-day OTA session in which the offense appeared to make strides and the defense appeared to make due with less.

So let's take a look at each day, followed by a summary afterward. Note that OTAs (organized team activities) are mostly drills and run-throughs for early evaluations--it is mostly no contact and none of the players are in pads. In fact, it's against league regulations to wear pads this early--that's not allowed until June training camps.

Day 1 (Monday, May 17th)

Offense: What was most clear on the first day of practices was the way QB Alex Smith carried himself. He had a command of the huddle and the players on the field. He not only tested his offensive players, but he was seen addressing defensive players and quizzing them. This is radically different from last season. At this point a year ago, the team was working on figuring out how to line up in the huddle. With Jimmy Raye returning as the team's offensive coordinator, the group as a whole looks much more confident.

The backup center position was occupied by Tony Wragge, a deviation from recent practices in which Cody Wallace was the backup. This is probably a confirmation of past rumors of the team not being very impressed by Wallace. Wragge will need to show versatility if he wants a spot on the final 53-man roster.

The offense looked like you'd expect, there was some rust to shake off but for the first time in a long time a 49ers May practice session looked like a team on the same page. Alex Smith overthrew a few passes, recently acquired WR Ted Ginn dropped a few passes, but beyond that, it seemed to be a productive first day.

Defense: The defense was patchwork at best. That isn't to say it didn't play well, but several key contributors were not present. Projected starting cornerbacks Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer elected to continue working out on their own as opposed to attending the voluntary OTA sessions. LB Manny Lawson was not present, it's the final year of his rookie contract and he has been reportedly upset about it--he desires an extension, though Singletary is of the opinion that he will be there "when it matters" (Read as: mandatory).

Still, this allowed younger players like Tarrel Brown and Phillp Adams to get playing time. Adams impressed on the first day, snagging an interception and playing at every cornerback position, left, right, and third for the nickel.

Ahmad Brooks was the starter at left outside linebacker, which is a definite plus for the team when you consider Manny Lawson's contract situation. Brooks has been used as a situational pass rusher and is now getting time on all three downs in practice--perhaps Lawson doesn't fit into the 49ers future plans? Or at the very least, they have a backup plan.

Special Teams: It's all about returners this offseason, and where the 49ers were weak in 2009, it seems they are much stronger in 2010. Kyle Williams, Ted Ginn Jr. and LeRoy Vann fielded punts from the jugs machine and displayed a lot of quickness. Kyle Williams looked the sharpest out there.

Day 2 (Tuesday, May 18th)

Offense: WR Jason Hill had a very good day, and it's something he needs for him to be back in 2010. The 49ers carried six wide receivers on their roster last season, but that was only because they had no clear number one. Now they do, with a reliable target in Michael Crabtree and a resurgence TE in Vernon Davis, so the team figures to keep maybe five at most. So Hill, who has been in Singletary's dog house on more than one occasion, will need to step up his game.

3rd string quarterback Nate Davis battled hard to show he can play well given an opportunity, and spent his limited playing time throwing mostly good passes, sans one or two. 2nd stringer David Carr, who was acquired this offseason, looked shaky, but rebounded nicely after a couple bad passes with a solid pass and grab with Crabtree.

Tony Wragge continued to backup the center position behind Eric Heitmann, and last season's starting LG, David Baas, also saw snaps at the backup center. Baas probably wants more money than he's getting if he's going to start--but he won't start. The team wants to see if he can go back to his college days and play some center, and turn him into a backup in favor of first round pick Mike Iupati.

Defense: Taylor Mays saw reps with the third group of safeties and played mostly on the left side, the "Free Safety" position, which coach Singletary insists is interchangeable with the "Strong Safety" position in Greg Manusky's version of their 3-4 defense. It's not entirely the same, from watching, but I suppose the team is focusing on Mays' coverage abilities, which is always nice. He sure does look fast out there.

Special Teams: Brandon Jones joined Ted Ginn, Kyle Williams and LeRoy Vann in returning punts from the jugs machine. Williams again looked the sharpest, though it's not this huge margin.

Day 3 (Wednesday, May 19th)

Offense: Wide receivers Ted Ginn, Dominique Zeigler and Kyle Williams all stepped it up. Williams saw a lot of time in the slot, and is the only player on the 49ers roster who is built for such a role. Zeigler made some good catches, and Ted Ginn had a nice battle going on with CB Karl Paymah and catches were made. Alex Smith looked better each day, with some bad passes sprinkled in, but nothing major.

Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree missed a good portion of the sessions, as they were subject to random drug tests, which we can assume they've passed.

Defense: Like I said earlier, just about everything today focused on passing, and to their credit, the cornerbacks made life hard for Smith and his receivers. Keith and Reggie Smith broke up a pair of passes, Karl Paymah had a good day, and as a whole the defense kept the session as close as they can without being able to fly into their targets.

Special Teams: Williams, Ginn, Vann and Jones were fielding punts again, and on day three it was almost sad to watch. The wind carried the ball in such a way that all four players had trouble even fielding the punt.

Balls bounced off hands, chests, heads, feet and players well down; but to their credit, they always got back up.

Day 4 (Wednesday, May 20th)

Offense: Smith opened with a beautiful pass... to linebacker Parys Haralson--who gladly obliged him and snatched it out of the air. Beyond that, Smith looked probably the best he looked in the four day span, efficient, collected, and assertive.

Defense: The defense was also good, and kept the offense from having too many highlights. LeRoy Vann, who figures to be almost exclusively a returner, broke up two passes as a CB this session. Justin Smith showed off some serious movies with a finesse roll to switch his stance, and UDFA Patrick Stoudamire looked good, getting a piece of a pass and generally being around the ball.

Special Teams: The unit recovered well from day 3's disaster, fielding punts cleanly and looking good.

So..

Overall the feeling in the first OTA is positive. The team is miles ahead of where they were last year at this time, and had mostly everyone there on offense for continuity. On defense, they were missing a few players, but it gave them an opportunity to see more of the young cornerbacks and Ahmad Brooks in an every down situation. Their next session for organized team activities will be next month, from June 7th through June 8th.

Etc..

Quick note, sorry it took me a couple days to get a new article. I had a family emergency and also took up a bigger role at another site I write for. I am back to regular posting and will have my Weekend Prospecting up on Sunday, as well as a post looking at the depth charts of each day of OTAs the 49ers held.

Vernon Davis Will Make Less Money Than He Could

Thu, 13 May 2010 01:36:00 GMT

Last offseason when the team parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Martz, there was speculation that players and coaches would avoid the 49ers like the plague. Articles were published about new head coach Mike Singletary's stubbornness and how it would be detrimental to any coordinator who made San Francisco their home.

The prevailing theory was that young, up and coming coordinators wouldn't have enough going for them to run their system when Singletary steps in, and those who had already established themselves would have personalities clash, a la Martz before being sacked. Talk of Singletary's stubborn vision and hard minicamps drove off potential free agents--again, in theory.

So why, then, is Vernon Davis very likely going to end up taking less money than he could be just so he can keep being coached by the guy?

Obviously, beat writers and bloggers alike are a silly, naive bunch. I'm not exempt from that; I myself was groaning. On one hand, happiness at a strong willed, intelligent coach with the fire to win now. On the other, an unwavering idealist whose very ideals may be too outdated to work correctly in this league. How I love being wrong.

After one or two coaches being "driven off" the 49ers settled with Jimmy Raye, who has been less than fantastic, but offers continuity and at the very least a clear gameplan that fits the Niners' personnel. They're now taking him into the second year, and the team seems to want to play for Singletary more than ever.

Vernon Davis, a man who's work ethic and potential have never been questioned, never quite lived up to his potential until Mike Singletary got a hold of him. After banishing Davis to the locker room on that fateful day, something clicked in his head, and now he wants to party, as Singletary would say.

It's not just with Davis either. Some people would say that Patrick Willis took his extension early because money now is better than money later, because you never know what can go down as far as injuries are concerned, and granted--that probably does play a part. But I think the bigger part was Willis wanted to be a 49er--and just just a 49er, a Mike Singletary-led 49er.

After this coming season, Vernon Davis will hit the free agent market, and if he produces another season in which he is definitively a top two tight end, he will become the highest paid player at his position in the league, easily. Whatever he asks for, he'll get it.

But he won't make it that far. Willis' contract defers a large potion of his salary until 2013, and I believe that is because the team knew they'd be able to sign Davis this offseason, leaving them to concentrate on Aubrayo Franklin, Dashon Goldson and Manny Lawson. Look at it, they're taking care of not only their best players but also the players who want to be there the most.

Goldson wants to get paid, the same can likely be said for Lawson and Franklin. Davis wants to play, and he wants to play hard. He has a money figure in his head, and it's not out of the question. Even if it was, I think he'd go lower, just so he can stay here.

I'm rambling now, as I tend to do, but I wanted to get this point across. Not only do we have better players in place--not only do we have continuity with the coaching staff and hopefully the quarterback position, but we have an image. We have what feels like a winning image before we've won, and that's making core players like Davis want to stay here.

He'll get paid, but don't be shocked if the number isn't "huge." But he will get paid, and he will, once again, ball. As a 49er.

Weekend Prospecting- 09/05/10

Mon, 10 May 2010 12:09:52 GMT

Every Sunday I'll be taking a look at all of the 49ers news, notes and quotes that came out during the previous week. It won't be an in-depth analysis of everything that went down as per my analysis--I will be linking elsewhere, unless something of mine is applicable. So let's get to the first edition of Weekend Prospecting, we begin with last Monday...

Tricked you.. First, I'd like to wish my mother, Sheryl, a happy Mother's Day. If I could do something better, I would, unfortunately I'm broke and this article is all I've got. Happy Mother's Day.

Monday (3rd)- Highlights of Jimmy Raye's talk with the media came out, as well as defensive coordinator Greg Manusky's session as per the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. I joked with Phil Barber of the Democrat that he no longer covers the Raiders and had no need to fear a beating from the ever imposing Manusky.

Fooch from Niners Nation took a look at the draft grades from several (generally) reputable sports websites and assembled them into a single post for viewing pleasure. My draft grades were posted recently, will link them soon. He also got the ball rolling (or at the very least pushed it further along) with some technical contract talk, namely about extending TE Vernon Davis and what could be preventing it.

There was only one thing I could link to for last Sunday, so I'll put it here--Andrew from Niners Nation examines RB Anthony Dixon and where he fits for the 49ers in the future.

Tuesday (4th)- Fooch from Niners Nation posts the press release he received from the 49ers--announcing that they have signed LB Patrick Willis to a 5-year extension.

Dan Brown of Mercury News reports that Will James, formerly Will Anderson visited to take a tour of the facilities after the cornerback had a good visit the previous day.

Wednesday (5th)- Barrows of the Sacramento Bee points out that the 49ers have made Patrick Willis the highest paid middle linebacker in league history.

Maiocco, looking sharp with his new home of CSN Bay Area, reports that the 49ers signed free agent CB Will James.

Smileyman from NN takes the salary talks a step further and looks at the 49ers salaries and the 30% rule, along with some of the other players who the team wants to extend.

Thursday (6th)- On Thursday I began posting here on Eureka 49ers. I began with my introductory post and then provided my personal draft grades for the 49ers.

Phil Barber of the Press Democrat posts some notes about Patrick Willis' run on the media circuit after his contract extension.

Friday (7th)- Barrows of the SacBee has a post about David McCloughan parting ways with the 49ers, to be replaced by Joel Patten of the Rams as the director of college scouting.

I posted my article on Mike Iupati and the impact he'll have on the offensive line for the 49ers this season.

Mike Sando of ESPN highlights the offseason that teams in the NFC West have had thus far, seems a bit like he had to reach to come up with something bad for the Niners.

Saturday (8th)- Virtually nothing happened with the 49ers on Saturday but one of my fellow writers over at Niners Nation, Drew K, highlights some of the top running backs this upcoming college football season.

So it was a fairly active week, the 49ers extended their best player, had a solid free agent signing and plenty of discussion was had on contracts and upcoming free agents. I began my time here at Eureka 49ers and I think it started out just fine--one question I have to anyone reading this is: would you like more links each week? I can link to more opinion pieces from people like Barrows, Barber, Maiocco and even Fooch if you're looking for more than just the headlines.

Thanks for reading, let's hope for a bountiful week of news and links starting today. I also hope to have a logo done for this next week.

Patrick Willis Is A Whole Different Monster

Mon, 10 May 2010 01:44:42 GMT

Ray Lewis, Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert, Mike Singletary. Some of the best middle linebackers in NFL history, to add another among their ranks they must illustrate at least one of the qualities exuded by these players right? Most definitely, every linebacker that comes along and produces anywhere from good to very good shows signs of a Dick Butkus, shows signs of a Mike Singletary.

This may be the first time in league history that we’ve seen a player to combine all the features of these players. Singletary, Lewis, Butkus.. they all exude toughness, elite level play recognition, superb tackling ability and a body built for imposing their will on an opposing player. Willis has all of these things, he has them in spades. What of Lambert? He was the only one of the four mentioned that really had above average speed for a middle linebacker, and what he lacked in physical strength he made up for in spades with absolute toughness, intensity, and occasionally, dirty fighting.

Willis has speed. He has speed that is so rare among middle linebackers, speed that would embarrass a Jack Lambert in a footrace. He flies all over the field, with wreckless abandon, but always with a purpose. Willis has strength, he has that intensity, he has the desire to make plays and he punishes himself mentally when he doesn’t.

In short, Willis exhibits all the qualities of a player who could very well go down as the greatest middle linebacker to play the game… and he’s only in his third season. As scary and ludicrous as it sounds, Willis still has room to grow. Coach Mike Singletary talks about it all the time, as perfect as Willis’ game is, he’s still making progress every day to get even better. What a thought.

All of this is why they recently made Patrick Willis the highest paid middle linebacker in NFL history. They extended him five years, giving him a contract worth around 50 million dollars with 29 million of that in guaranteed dollars. It’s a lot of money to be guaranteeing, but the team is sold on Willis as a player and, thanks to Mike Singletary, sold on him as a person. Singletary is convinced that the pay day won’t change Willis, that it won’t dull his play. Asked what he expects of Willis now that he has received 29 million in guaranteed dollars, he said "The same thing I've been getting. There's no one harder on Pat than himself."

If Pat is half as hard on himself as he is hard on opposing players... I feel for the guy.

Iupati's Impact on the Offensive Line

Sat, 8 May 2010 01:45:29 GMT

Impact is the definitive word, here. That moment where two forces collide; the difference that is made in something. When you’re talking about the 17th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, both definitions suffice in a big way. That is to say, six and about a half feet tall with three hundred thirty one pounds of “big.” Iupati has been called many things, and I’m not about to dispute any of them when the operative words are “mauler” “vicious” and “holyjesuskillsdefensivelineman”. The last one may have just been my thoughts thrown together after watching some game tape, let’s call it my professional, snap-decision analysis.

Iupati was the second offensive lineman chosen by the 49ers in the first round. Its something that doesn’t happen very often, but it’s paid off so far when it has. In 2006 the Jets took D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold, who have combined for three pro bowls. In 1975 the Los Angeles Rams selected Doug France and Dennis Harrah, who combined for eight pro bowls in their careers.

At least one of the players the 49ers have taken can be assumed to make a pro bowl if he is coached up and reaches his potential in Anthony Davis, the teams 11th overall selection in the draft. Davis has been considered the offensive tackle with the most upside in the draft. But their other selection, Iupati, has been just short of being called an immediate pro bowler.

But back to impact. Iupati immediately improves this line at the point of impact. He has the technique, he can pull, he can get into space and make a block, but the thing that we’ll see on the highlight reel is his impact. Iupati manhandles players, when was the last time you saw the 49ers offensive line visbily manhandle someone? It’s been some time, probably not since Larry Allen was signed as a free agent from the Dallas Cowboys in 2006.

Iupati will be a pro bowler, he will open up holes in the running game and be Frank Gore’s best friend. When the 2010 season begins, you’ll hear all about Iupati and his ability to pull and open up holes, but be sure to watch for that point of impact.

I’d wager you can just listen for it. Gives me goosebumps.

49ers 2010 Draft Grades

Fri, 7 May 2010 02:16:18 GMT

The 2010 NFL Draft has come and gone and I’ve given the dust its time to settle, I’ve taken some time to digest each selection and watch a couple hours of video on the selections and I think it’s about time I get to illustrating my complete thoughts. I’ll begin, however, with the seventh round selection, cornerback Phillip Adams. I find that as a comprehensive article is fleshed out, as I get near the end I’ll be writing less and less about my points—I figure if I start from the bottom I can talk more about the players you potentially know less about and therefore be more informative. Maybe it will catch on?

With the 224th pick the the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Phillip Adams, CB, South Carolina State – So here’s where I pretend I knew who he was before the draft, right? Wrong. I had no idea Adams existed until his name was called, and even after some research, Adams is still a large question mark for me. I wonder why they took Adams instead of some other players that were available at the time, but at the same time, they scouted him and they scouted the guys I was advocating, I’m assuming. So what does Adams bring?

Adams potentially fills a need at the cornerback position, though some (myself included) felt that the team should have addressed the need earlier on. Adams does hold special teams value, however. Watching what I could on the guy he seems to have decent speed and a nose for the ball carrier. He’s a question mark, but he does technically fill a need and therefore gets the benefit of the doubt… kind of. C+

With the 206^th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Kyle Williams, WR, ASU – Coach Singletary expressed the desire to bring more than one person onto the roster who could return kicks and punts on special teams. Last season the 49ers averaged 4.4 yards on punt returns, an abysmal average. Williams was a good returner when he got the ball in his hands, but my feeling is that he was brought on for much more than that. Williams was explosive and more than a little intriguing during his time in college. I get the feeling that the team brought him in to be a slot receiver, a position they don’t currently have an answer for. They have an abundance of receivers battling for position, but nobody they can slip into the slot and get some plays… how you say… made. B+

With the 182^nd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Nate Byham, TE, Pittsburgh – Unlike most, I think Nate has a future with the 49ers organization. He will be a blocker more than anything, and can even be a backup fullback if the team needs it. Byham is tough, and fits the Singletary mold perfectly. The team currently has Tony Curtis and J.J. Finley for a blocking role, and drafted Bear Pascoe last season in the sixth round before cutting him at the final 53 roster cuts.

The opinion in the coaches’ minds is probably that, while these players have progressed and may be “sufficient” they just don’t fit the mentality that they want in the role. If they’re going to spend a roster spot for a third tight end who comes in solely for blocking, they want to make sure this guy is exactly what they want at the position and Byham could be that guy. A coaching staff being overly picky doesn’t justify a reach when there is still other talent available, however. B-

With the 173^rdpick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State – I don’t know how to feel about this pick. I, along with many others, figured that the Niners would be taking a running back in this draft but nobody figured it would be someone who didn’t fit the speedback role. Still, watching video of Dixon shows a lot of promise, he could either supplant Glen Coffee as the backup or settle in nicely into the 3^rd running back role. Either way, he should be exciting to watch in the preseason as he battles for that spot and position. He’s powerful, though he shows signs of finesse which is promising. The thing I like about Dixon is how smart he is. He’s a “Bellichick-esque” player, someone who can be coached up very well, as evidenced by the way he’s interviewed. B-

With the 91^st overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State – The fact that Bowman wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near this selection (on the good side) already gives this a higher grade. Bowman was a great player in college, playing several linebacker positions and having a good speed and pursuit to the ball. Last year the team picked up Scot McKillop and seems to be slotting him in as a special teams ace, while Bowman could possibly be the teams TED linebacker of the future. Questions have come up about his size for the position, but the kid figures to have one to two seasons to put on some muscle and fill the role once Spikes retires. Mike Singletary seemed to not think he had any size issues. Should see some playing time this season. The team also traded back and picked up an extra fourth round pick in the 2011 draft, pushing this grade even higher. A

With the 49^th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Taylor Mays, S, USC – What a pick. Mays was a player who slid from possibly being a top ten pick all the way down to the 49ers in the second round at pick 49. There’s not much to say about the kid that hasn’t been said, he’s athletic, he hits hard, he should be great in the box and will fill the role that Michael Lewis filled excellently for a few seasons here.

So we now have questions about Mays and his ability to cover, or lack therof. My opinion is that Mays was never asked to cover. They never coached it into him, it’s not something he learned, but look how good he is at the things he WAS coached up on. Mays obviously has the capacity to learn, and now that he has a real coach backing him, it will be interesting to see if he’s just Michael Lewis, or something new, stronger, better… We shall see. A

With the 17^th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Mike Iupati, G, Idaho – Iupati is a mauler. There’s not a whole lot to say about the guy that hasn’t been said. He’s mean, he’s tough, he throws people around and is an instant upgrade at the left guard position and should start from day one. If you have any doubts about Iupati in the NFL go look him up on YouTube and watch him toss people around with reckless abandon. He will “compete” with David Baas at LG and he will win. A+

With the 11^th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers – Davis was a player the 49ers wanted from the beginning. They traded and moved up two spots to acquire the tackle and in doing so lost a 4^th round selection in this years draft. Was it worth it? I’m inclined to think so, if there’s a player that a coach knows that he wants for the job, a 4^th round pick is worth coughing up. Davis is strong, he’s quick, he should be a starter at RT for years to come and could even play LT. A very solid pickup, though he has some character issues. Questions have come up about his work ethic and things of that nature, but most analysts (myself included) are of the opinion that this isn’t as big an issue with the 49ers what with Mike Singletary and the new offensive line coaching staff. B+

The 49ers addressed some needs in a big way and drafted players that fit their philosophy. They brought in tough, physical players who won’t shy away from contact. Many people have the 49ers as having one of the best drafts this year, at least based on projections, and I agree with them. They brought in 650 pounds of offensive lineman, a first round talent safety in the second round, a first round talent linebacker in the third round, and covered a range of situational players with their late round picks who all have a solid chance of some form of contribution. They’re probably the frontrunners to “Win the West” this upcoming season but let’s see how training camp and OTAs play out. The 49ers will have their first rookie minicamp beginning on April 30^th. Overall Grade: A-

Welcome to Eureka 49ers

Fri, 7 May 2010 02:22:20 GMT

Hello to all, and welcome to my little slice of 49erland, Eureka 49ers. Some of you will know me as Ninjames and some of you will know me as James Brady. A lot of you won’t know me at all but I like to think you’ll stick around to my little blog here. First, a little bit of background.

I’ve written on a blogging and beat writer basis for the 49ers off and on for about three years now, most notably my Golden Nuggets posts over at ninersnation.com. I’m not leaving Niners Nation or devoting any less time to it, and in fact, I’m devoting more time now than ever.

I just have my own opinions and agenda, the front page over there only has so much room and we have so many quality writers. I have my own thoughts, my own take on just about everything 49ers-related, and I’d like to post them here. I will keep up to date with 49ers news, my sources of information coming from the beat writers, other blogs, and my own personal two or three guys who are, how you say, “in”.

So add me to your bookmarks, comment on my opinions, head over to Niners Nation and check out my daily links. That being said, here’s to hoping I get some page views here and do well on my own. In my first post I’ll be posting my thoughts and grades on the 49ers draft, unless of course some big news breaks—in which case I’ll be on it, don’t you worry.