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With all the great nostalgia for better days by the Bay that has surrounded the imminent Hall of Fame induction of Jerry Rice, and all the optimistic but valid comparisons of the 2010 San Francisco 49ers to some of the Super Bowl squads of yesteryear, the first week of 2010 training camp has brought with it the shadows of another, more recent, and less heralded chapter in 49er history.
This time last year, the main focus around the 49ers was not about whether Shaun Hill or Alex Smith would capture the staring quarterback job, whether Patrick Willis could continue to build on two strong seasons, or even how Mike Singletary would fare in his first full season as head coach. Rather the primary buzz surrounded a player who was not even on the practice field, the conspicuously-absent hold-out rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
The saga drew on through training camp and the preseason and well into the regular season, amidst constant speculation and misinformation ranging from a signing being imminent to reports that Crabtree was willing to sit out the entire season and re-enter the draft in 2010.
Ultimately, Crabtree joined the team five games into the season and quickly established himself as a rising offense star, despite having foregone the benefit of his formative rookie offseason. However, the journey was not a happy one, and Crabtree’s absence may have exacerbated the offensive anemia that doomed the 49ers to another slow start and seriously hurt their shot at a playoff berth.
While there was perhaps a silver lining in the fact that Coach Sing was basically forced to supplant media darling and fan favorite quarterback Shaun Hill with the embattled Alex Smith, spurring a potential renaissance to what to date had been a painfully disappointing career, the publicity and distraction the drama generated did no favors for the young 49er squad and it certainly was something they hoped to avoid in years to come.
It has been one week since rookies reported to 4949 Centennial Boulevard in Santa Clara for their initial orientations prior to camp, and while it came down to the wire for their top four selections—tackle Anthony Davis, guard Mike Iupati, safety Taylor Mays, and linebacker NaVorro Bowman—the 49ers avoided such an issue this year as all rookies were under contract by the start of camp.
All rookies were under contract, but not all players.
Tight end Vernon Davis and linebacker Manny Lawson have been outspoken about their desire to sign long-term extensions with the team this offseason, but each player remains under the final year of his respective rookie contract and neither has breached that contract in favor of a hold-out as both reported to camp on time. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin is another story, however.
The cornerstone of the 49ers’ three-man pass rush was designated as the team’s franchise player this offseason, and—by virtue of the fact that the sides could not reach a long-term agreement—is thereby entitled to slightly more than $7 million this season. Wanting a long-term deal, however, Franklin has not signed his contract tenure and has abstained from all team activities to date.
It is soundly disappointing that Franklin cannot follow the shining example of Vernon Davis and simply go to work and continue to prove his value as he continues to lobby for a new deal. Early reports have not been optimistic about the ability of the 49ers to compensate for the void he leaves on the field. Ricky-Jean Francois and Kentwan Balmer have both reportedly struggled in their attempts to fill in. Finding a solid, pure 3-4 nose tackle is a rarity in today’s NFL, with more teams going to a four-man defensive line, making Franklin keenly valuable to the team.
Luckily, though, the story has not been as pervasive in the public eye as “As the Crabtree Turns” of a season ago. Despite the potential difficulties the on-the-field absence might entail, the lower profile of the defensive line position means this drama may not be as large a distraction and therefore may be easier for the 49ers to live with.
Coach Sing did an excellent job maintaining his team’s focus through the soap opera that was last summer and fall, but the constant saturation of Crabtree-mania (perhaps the biggest sporting news story since Alex Rodriguez’s steroid admission) had to take some measure of a toll. Perhaps the lack of the media circus will allow a more resolute atmosphere in camp this year and help the rest of the team gel with or without Franklin.
Franklin will eventually realize that he is hurting his cause and a prolonged hold-out will do nothing to bolster his value moving forward. We can only hope he has this “epiphany” sooner rather than later, but the team must move forward for now. And the early returns—aside from this singular issue—have been promising.
Major and respected experts like Sports Illustraded’s Peter King and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen have been to camp and offered high praise and justified enthusiasm for the season at hand. As reported by the 49ers’ website, The Governator himself, Arnold Schwarzenneger even made an appearance after attending a meeting hosted by team president Jed York on Friday and complemented the players’ conditioning (that coming from a seven-time Mr. Olympia).
No matter when Franklin decides to join the party, the 49ers have set the bar high in 2010. Just how ready do they look to meet these expectations? I hope to find out tomorrow at camp! Stay tuned and . . .
Keep the Faith!
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Ryan Mathews signs a five-year contract. Contract worth 25.65 million dollars. Ah yes, we can finally put a price tag on it!
The first running back that was drafted in the first round to sign was Jahvid Best yesterday.
As suspected, Mathews would follow closely after. Chargers fans can breathe a sigh of relief and focus now on the “bigger fish to fry,” so to speak.
Ryan Mathews marks the 25th player in the first round of 32 to ink a contract.
The current draft status includes:
- St. Louis Rams Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma: six years, $78M; $50M Guaranteed
- Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska: Unsigned
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma: five years, $63.5M (max) $35M Guaranteed
- Washington Redskins Trent Williams OT Oklahoma: six years, $60M (max); $36.75M guaranteed
- Kansas City Chiefs Eric Berry S Tennessee: six years, $60M (max); $34M guaranteed
- Seattle Seahawks Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State: unsigned
- Cleveland Browns Joe Haden CB Florida: five years, $50M (max); $26M guaranteed
- Oakland Raiders Rolando McClain LB Alabama: five years, $40M; $23M guaranteed
- Buffalo Bills C.J.Spiller RB Clemson: unsigned
- Jacksonville Jaguars Tyson Alualu DT California: unsigned
- San Francisco 49ers Anthony Davis OT Rutgers: five years, $26.5M; $15.954M guaranteed
- San Diego Chargers Ryan Mathews RB Fresno State: five years, terms undisclosed
- Philadelphia Eagles Brandon Graham DE Michigan: five years, terms undisclosed
- Seattle Seahawks Earl Thomas S Texas: five years, $21.2M; $12.32M
- New York Giants Jason Pierre-Paul DE South Florida: five years, $20,050,000; $11,629,807 guaranteed
- Tennessee Titans Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech: terms undisclosed
- San Francisco 49ers Mike Iupati G Idaho: five years, $18.25M; $10.8M guaranteed
- Pittsburgh Steelers Maurkice Pouncey C Florida: five years, terms undisclosed
- Atlanta Falcons Sean Weatherspoon LB Missouri: five years, $17.54M (max); $10.5M guaranteed
- Houston Texans Kareem Jackson CB Alabama: five years, $16.3M; $10.35M guaranteed
- Cincinnati Bengals Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma: unsigned
- Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech: five years, $15.5M (max); $9.35M guaranteed
- Green Bay Packers Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa: five years, $14.75M; $8.76M guaranteed
- Dallas Cowboys Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State: five years, $11.8M; $8.5M uaranteed
- Denver Broncos Tim Tebow QB Florida: five Years, $11.25M / $33M (max); $8.7M guaranteed
- Arizona Cardinals Dan Williams DT Tennessee
- New England Patriots Devin McCourty CB Rutgers: five years, $13.2M (max); $7.825M guaranteed
- Miami Dolphins Jared Odrick DE Penn State: five years, $13M (max); $7.133M guaranteed
- New York Jets Kyle Wilson CB Boise State: five years, $13M (max); $7.12M guaranteed
- Detroit Lions Jahvid Best RB California: five years, $12.M (max); $7.1M Guaranteed
- Indianapolis Colts Jerry Hughes DE TCU: unsigned New Orleans Saints
- Patrick Robinson CB Florida State: five years, $12.2M
The Chargers other draft picks are all signed as well, on the following contracts:
- Donald Butler LB Washington 4 years, $2.598M; $808,500 Signing bonus
- Darrell Stuckey S Kansas 4 years, $2.296M, $506K Signing bonus
- Cam Thomas DT North Carolina 4 years, $1.981M $191,300 Signing bonus
- Dedrick Epps TE Miami 4 years, $1.838M, $48K Signing Bonus
It looks like all the rookies are enrolled in Chargers school now. The training camp kicked off last Wednesday, and will change substancially tomorrow when number 24 arrives tomorrow.
The only previous measuring stick is based on Jahvid Best at the number 30 position who will be making 2.4 million annual salary.
Mathews more than doubles that with over 5 million dollars annual salary.
Go Bolts!
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221 of the 240 2010 draft class have been signed, and yet still no Ryan Mathews. Okay, wev’e all waited patiently enough.
15 of the first rounders have already signed. including:
4. Washington Redskins —Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma—Signed (6 years, $60M max; $36.75M guaranteed)
5. Kansas City Chiefs—Eric Berry, S, Tennessee—Agreed to Terms (6 years, $60M; $34M guaranteed)
8. Oakland Raiders—Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama—Signed (5 years, $30M/$40M max; $23M guaranteed)
11. San Francisco 49ers—Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers—Signed (5 years, $26.5M; $15.954M guaranteed)
13. Philadelphia Eagles—Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan—Signed (5 years, financial terms undisclosed)
17. San Francisco 49ers—Mike Iupati, G/T, Idaho—Signed (5 years, $18.25M max; $10.8M guaranteed)
19. Atlanta Falcons—Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri—Signed (5 years, $17.54M max; $10.4M guaranteed)
20. Houston Texans—Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama—Signed (5 years, $13.1M; $10.35M guaranteed)
23. Green Bay Packers—Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa—Signed (5-years, $14.75M max; $8.76M guaranteed)
24. Dallas Cowboys—Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State—Signed (5-years, $11.8M; $8.375M guaranteed)
25. Denver Broncos—Tim Tebow, QB, Florida—Signed (5 years, $11.25M/$33M max; $8.7M guaranteed)
27. New England Patriots—Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers—Signed (5 years, $10M/$13.2 max; $7.825M guaranteed)
28. Miami Dolphins—Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State—Signed (5 years, $13.07M max; $7.133M guaranteed)
32. New Orleans Saints—Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State —Agreed to Terms (5 years, financial terms undisclosed)
So what is Mathews waiting for training camp? Nah, already missed its opening day. Pre-season? Could be, its just two weeks away, certainly he wont need any time learning the playbook before then.
Oh , I know, he’s waiting for C.J Spiller the number 9 pick of the Buffalo Bills to sign. Just three different slots in the draft separate the two , and same position. Oh, and guess what, A.J Smith is loving it!
Wanna know why?
1. Primarily because the Bills are cheaper than he is.
Their total annual salary last year was just $ 111,956,000 , and that was with Terrell Owens Drawing $6,250,000 off that.
A guy in similar position to Spiller is RB Marshawn Lynch. He is a first round pick of the Bills 2007 draft class. He was contracted for $632,000 total salary in 2009. Traditionally a very poor rate for a first round running back.
So when the Bills drafted CJ Spiller, Smith must have turned cartwheels. Had a big spender such as the Dolphins or Redskins selected him, Smith would have backed way off, so the price would drop.
Now it makes perfect sense to me why Smith went totally berserk in his pursuit of Mathews. It also makes perfect sense as to why Mathews has not signed yet—because Spiller hasn’t.
When should these signings happen? Interestingly enough, both the Bills and the Chargers started their training camps this week. Same for the Detroit Lions, who signed the other first round running back Jahvid Best.
Obviously all three remain unsigned, just waiting to play follow the leader.
It will definately be a domino effect when the first guy signs. However, never underestimate the greed of an agent when millions of dollars are on the line.
Do we have a measuring stick for Mathews? The closest we can get would be Knowshon Moreno. Moreno was drafted last year by the Broncos in the 14th overall pick of the draft. His contract was 5 years, 23 million.
The best estimate I could predict for Mathews would be a 5 year/25 million dollar contract. However, If Spiller signs for less, The number drops.
Sadly, this bargaining ground has become par for the course, and has overridden rookies getting to training camp, which used to be considered a vital component. Now its secondary.
The other rounds go much smoother. Here is a breakdown for you of the 2nd-7th draft picks this year.
Round 2 30 of 32 signed
Round 3 32 of 34 signed
Round 4 33 of 33 signed
Round 5 38 of 38 signed
Round 6 38 of 38 signed
round 7 50 of 50 signed
So, who’s the first to jump? My guess would be Detroit. They also have to sign another first rounder Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is a much bigger fish to fry. He was the number 2 overall selection of the draft.
Spiller will sign with Buffalo quickly after, because the Bills don’t have any contract disputes.
The Chargers are in contract disputes with three high profile players. So, they will have a real clear cut outline of Mathews contract price right after Spiller signs. Is it worth waiting for? At this point, absolutely!
If Spiller reaches pre-season in two weeks unsigned, Smith will have to cave in and be first to sign. But right now, he’s looking at saving some bucks. We all know A.J!
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Frank Gore is the player that the San Francisco 49ers offense revolves around. He is one of my personal favorites, and I hope he finishes out his career in SF.
So with Gore’s long-term durability in mind, and the desire to build a more physical football team, the 49ers have added two bulls to their running back pen.
Glen Coffee has gained 15 pounds of muscle and hasn’t slowed down at all, putting him at 6’0″ and 225 pounds. Rookie Anthony Dixon is 6’1″ and 233 pounds.
I will remind you that Frank Gore scored 10 rushing TDs last year. Gore scored from 80, 79, 64, and 14 yards, with six TD runs of six yards or less.
Let’s assume that either Coffee or Dixon emerges as a safe bet for short-yardage touchdowns behind a blocking group revamped by Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, Nate Byham or Delanie Walker, and a healthy Joe Staley.
Does it make sense to have Gore get these tough carries? For a TD that Dixon or Coffee could get for you?
I would speculate that if the offensive line and Byham live up to expectations, we may see more big TD runs from Gore. By the same token, if pass protection is improved, it may well equate to him catching more open field passes as a check down.
On the other hand, I could also see Coffee or Dixon getting the nod if the team is ahead comfortably. Four of Gore’s short TD runs last season came with the 49ers way ahead.
While Gore’s yardage may remain high, I do expect his total TDs to drop.
By no means am I telling you to avoid Frank Gore in your fantasy draft!
He’s just as good, but I don’t know if he’s a first-round pick this year, with a better San Francisco team behind him. He might be a better second-round pick!
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There are going to be a few battles when the San Francisco 49ers open training camp this year. Iron will sharpen iron, and starters will be chiseled from stone. Some of the ore that’s left behind will be forged into backups or practice squad members. The rest will blow away with the wind and the waiver wire.
Who could say in June who the victors of these battles will be come September? But, we can name the best battles that await in camp.
The hardest combat should be seen on offense, especially on the line, where the 49ers spent two first—round picks this offseason. Defense will not be seeing any push overs in camp either.
O-Line
The left tackle spot is essentially owned by Joe Staley, and Eric Heitmann is a lock at center. The shuffles and scuffles will take place at guard and right tackle.
Right Tackle
Anthony Davis was taken in the first round of the April draft with a purpose in mind: The 49ers added size and strength to their offensive line for years. Davis may end up at left tackle eventually if something happens to Staley, but for now he’s going to compete hard for the starting right tackle position.
In his sixth year, Adam Snyder will also be fighting for the starting right tackle spot as well. The 6’6″, 325-pounder has played every position on the line and will certainly see time as a reserve player should he not land a starting role.
Similarly, Barry Simms brings 11 years of NFL experience at a variety of offensive line positions. Sims is expected to play a mentor role to the new guys, but that won’t stop him from bringing it in camp. He may be an old piece of iron for sharpening the new stuff, but he’s still a solid chunk of metal in the trenches.
Simms stepped in for an injured Staley last year and performed admirably at left tackle. If he doesn’t find a starting spot on the line in 2010, he’ll play a solid backup whereever the 49ers need him.
Alex Boone is the X—factor at right tackle this offseason. Boone went undrafted in 2009 and spent the season on the 49ers practice squad. Full of potential, the 6’7″ Frankenstein’s monster has struggled with the stigma of being immature and undisciplined. Many scouts and teams considered him incorrigible after a tumultuous off—the—field history at Ohio State.
The 49ers took a risk on him.
Boone’s weight became another issue in the NFL, and he was soon flirting with unemployment. In response, he upped his exercise program and began stricter dieting. A slimmer, quicker, more agile Boone will be coming into camp this season—voraciously hungry for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Guard
Mike Iupati was San Francisco’s second pick in the draft, and the 330-pounder was the exclamation mark on the message the 49ers sent that day: The 49ers added size and strength to their offensive—line for years!
A lot is expected of Iupati, but like Davis, he’ll need to grow into the starting role. Incumbents Chilo Rachel and David Baas aren’t the type to forfeit their starting roles without making some noise, but the word has been that the 49ers didn’t bring the two first—round offensive linemen in to sit on the bench.
David Baas, for better or worse, has been Alex Smith’s main form of interior pass protection since the 49ers took him with the 33rd pick of the 2005 Draft. A block of a man at 6’4″, 330 pounds, Baas is a guard by trade who can work on the right or left.
The line has been porous all over since Smith showed up. For this Baas has received much of the blame and very little of the credit. Nevertheless, Baas received the Bobb McKittrick Award after starting 16 games at left guard last season.
Chilo Rachel started all but one game at right guard last year. At 24 years young, time is on his side, and Chilo’s improvement has been plain to see; his advancement in knowledge of blocking techniques and schemes has soared since he began starting midway through his rookie season. Still, like everyone else, Rachel will face brutal competition for the spot in training camp.
It won’t take too long to figure out who wants to really pound the rock—once the pads come on.
Outside Linebackers
No player recorded more sacks than Manny Lawson (6.5) last year, but Ahmad Brooks came in a close second (six). Parys Haralson recorded almost as many (five), and Travis LaBoy has had a similar average (4.7) over his career when healthy.
It’s hard to say who—if anyone—will step up and lead the team this year. Lawson is heading into a career year, and LaBoy signed a one—year contract just before the draft.
Speaking of the draft, rookie linebacker Navarro Bowman should see a play or two outside of his projected special teams role. If the new kid performs well in camp and through the exhibition season, he’ll see even more action in the regular season. Bowman played outside linebacker in college and could be effective using his speed off the edge.
Expect an all—out smash—mouth clash of warriors in this competition.
Backup Running Back
There’s no secret that Frank Gore is going to be the starting running back; he continually puts the team on his shoulders and bulldozes defenses. Every year, however, Frank gets a little banged and a little busted for a game or two. As a result, the role of backup running back has become increasingly important.
The battle to be the 49ers second-string running back is a bit more clear-cut. Second-year back Glenn Coffee is taking on rookie Anthony Dixon.
Although Dixon is the larger player, he plays with more finesse—more shake-and-bake—than Coffee. In an offense where the aim is cut and get up-field ASAP, the coaches are looking for Dixon to do less flinching and dancing.
Glenn Coffee, on the other hand, is a more fundamental back. Coffee has a head start, as he already knows his blocking assignments and has come to terms with the hits he’s going to take regularly as a running back in the NFL.
Coffee is said to be coming in bigger and stronger for his sophomore season, and this could help a lot. He will need to find another dimension for his upright running style, however. A good battle is brewing between these two, and if we’re lucky, the real loser will be the opposing defenses.
Second and Third Receiver
Michael Crabtree is the man on the 49ers receiving corp. With OTAs, training camp, and a full season, he should be the team’s vocal pass catching leader who’s not named Vernon. Exactly who he runs his routes next to is still up in the air.
Josh Morgan is the favorite to accompany Crabtree. ESPN’s fantasy brains project that Morgan will grab six touchdowns in 2010. Furthering his case, Morgan just about doubled his 2008 yardage last season. The youngster also blocks on running plays—a must on the 49ers. It’s fair to say the second receiver position is his to lose.
Jason Hill has seen mild success in limited playing time. Although Hill has shown flashes of potential, he’ll need to bring it in camp to keep a spot amongst some of the new acquisitions.
Such acquisitions include former Dolphins return man Ted Ginn Jr and rookie Kyle Williams.
Ginn has impressive speed and value as a big-play special teams threat. On any given play he can take one to the house. Although he has a reputation as a stone-hands pass catcher, Ginn does provide another over-the-top threat.
Kyle Williams, on the other hand, could be a prototypical slot receiver. He’s not going to out jump to many defenders, and he’s not going to blaze down the sideline and get in back of too many defenses—but his acceleration and ability to change direction have given him a nose for the end zone.
And Williams might have some potential as a return man as well.
Who shines and who fades will determine the passing attack. These guys are going to want to be on the quarterbacks’ good sides.
Backup Quarterback
“Alex Smith is our guy.” How many times have we heard that now? A million?
Well, they said it so many times it has to be true. Alex Smith has enough NFL experience now and has finally been set up for success in the NFL.
David Carr is an older veteran in Alex Smith’s image. Nate Davis is a youngster who has busted his tail to learn an NFL offense in spite of being slowed by dyslexia. Both have tools to succeed, but do either have the tools to excel?
Carr has the experience, even if the experiences are not impressive or enjoyable. Davis has next to zero experience, which can be a blessing in disguise. The lack of knowledge he brings makes room for pure-instinct play making.
The accepted understanding is that Carr will be backup and the slow-to-learn Davis will ride the pine another year, but if Nate excels in camp, it will be an open competition.
Nickel & Dime DBs
The 49ers secondary often played good coverage last season considering the always-a-split-second-late pass rush they had to play behind. Still, they got burned on more than one occasion. Adding speed without sacrificing physicality has been one mission this off-season, and they seem to have done a decent job of that.
Aside from finally parting ways with Dre Bly, their selection of Taylor Mays in the second round might have thus far been the biggest improvement to the 49ers’ secondary. If we’re talking talent, this guy is steak tartare or fillet mignon—raw and rare.
Mays won’t push incumbents like Micheal Lewis and Dashon Goldson immediately, and they should win the starting spots. Nothing, however, is concrete.
The 49ers also brought in situational defensive back Karl Paymah. The fifth-year player saw limited time in Denver and played last year in Minnesota. Paymah is now loving the California weather, and he’s been a little starved for playing time.
Reggie Smith, Curtis Taylor, Will James, and even rookie Phillip Adams will join the rumble in attempt to get on the field, and with so many defensive backs clawing to get in the game, the cream of the crop must, and will, rise to the top if they are to get playing time.
The last men standing here are going to be like projects from metal shop class when the dust settles.
Synopsis
The best action this preseason will be at offensive line, outside linebacker, and backup running back, but sparks are going to fly with the new crop of burning receivers pushing their ways onto the team.
The passers are going to go through their motions, but the quietest of quarterback controversies could break out in any given exhibition game—once Smith leaves for the sideline.
While the starters in the secondary seem clear, there’s going to be a number of little monsters looking to shake up the depth charts.
In these looming competitions, anything can happen—once the pads come on.
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