Moderators: CalamityX12, MHSL82
wartyOne wrote:
I would argue he led the league in tackles because the 9ers defense was on the field an inordinate amount of time due to the incompetence of the offense, not because he fully recovered from the ACL.
CalamityX12 wrote:wartyOne wrote:
I would argue he led the league in tackles because the 9ers defense was on the field an inordinate amount of time due to the incompetence of the offense, not because he fully recovered from the ACL.
If you're going to say that player A led the league in tackles due to incompetence on the offense, couldn't that be said for any healthy LB behind an incompetent offense?
wartyOne wrote:CalamityX12 wrote:wartyOne wrote:
I would argue he led the league in tackles because the 9ers defense was on the field an inordinate amount of time due to the incompetence of the offense, not because he fully recovered from the ACL.
If you're going to say that player A led the league in tackles due to incompetence on the offense, couldn't that be said for any healthy LB behind an incompetent offense?
Not necessarily. Obviously the OLB's in a 3-4 aren't going to generate the number of tackles in the run game that the ILBs are, and when the guy opposite Bowman isn't as good as a 20% healthy Bowman, I wouldn't expect him to have more tackles either. But my point wasn't that Bowman came back and was useless. My point was that he wasn't what he used to be, which isn't a knock on him. Adrian Peterson is the exception with ACL's. Very few players return to play at better than 90% pre-injury.
Ray_Dogg wrote:Well Blair might get some PT at OLB with Lynch out now, at least one would think he should. Not exactly a given with this coaching staff.
CalamityX12 wrote:wartyOne wrote:CalamityX12 wrote:
If you're going to say that player A led the league in tackles due to incompetence on the offense, couldn't that be said for any healthy LB behind an incompetent offense?
Not necessarily. Obviously the OLB's in a 3-4 aren't going to generate the number of tackles in the run game that the ILBs are, and when the guy opposite Bowman isn't as good as a 20% healthy Bowman, I wouldn't expect him to have more tackles either. But my point wasn't that Bowman came back and was useless. My point was that he wasn't what he used to be, which isn't a knock on him. Adrian Peterson is the exception with ACL's. Very few players return to play at better than 90% pre-injury.
Can one really expect someone to return to pre-injury form in a short time from a serious injury?
He may not be the same Bowman in terms of the Willis/Bowman tandem but he's still Bowman and can be effective and has shown so. He'll need new roles or maybe a better DC to put him in the position to succeed. O'Neil is a crap hole.
Ray_Dogg wrote:Well they are trying to trade Torrey Smith now. Multiple teams interested including the Eagles.
Hilarious what we would trot out on the field the rest of the year.
Unrestricted free agents
K Phil Dawson
Dawson will be 42 in January. The ball is likely in his court when it comes to his decision to play a 19th season. He’s been rock solid in his four seasons with San Francisco. Dawson’s salary shouldn’t be a concern considering all the cap space the 49ers will have – and the increased value of kickers with the new extra point rule.
Return confidence: 65 percent
DL Glenn Dorsey
Dorsey, 31, missed all of 2014 with a torn biceps tendon and the final six games of last season with a torn ACL – which has kept him out of two of the last three games. The 49ers badly need a run stuffer along the defensive line. Dorsey offers veteran leadership that’s hard to find on this young roster. But it’s hard to see San Francisco investing in Dorsey again given his injury woes at this stage in his career.
Return confidence: 20 percent
DL Ian Williams
Williams’ loss has quietly been huge for the 49ers this season. He was the team’s best run defender along the defensive line in 2015 and led the group in snaps played. He’ll miss all of 2016 after having ankle surgery, again, in the offseason. He’s still just 27, but his ankle issues put his future in doubt. The 49ers badly need a nose tackle in the upcoming draft. They’ve allowed six straight 100-yard rushers during their losing streak.
Return confidence: 10 percent
QB Blaine Gabbert
It’s abundantly clear Gabbert’s best served as a back-up. The question becomes whether or not he’d want that role with the 49ers in 2017, or if he’d rather go somewhere else. San Francisco is going to draft a franchise quarterback early, making Gabbert a placeholder at best – depending what happens with Kaepernick and Christian Ponder. So there’s a good chance Gabbert bolts in free agency to compete for a starting job elsewhere. He wasn’t thrilled with losing the starting gig under Chip Kelly.
Return confidence: 35 percent
LB Michael Wilhoite
Wilhoite has proven to be a reliable back-up that can contribute on special teams. But he no longer looks like he can compete for a starting role. The 49ers will likely invest heavily at his position in the draft and/or free agency. He’s been with San Francisco since 2012 and might try to stick around. He’s been a good soldier.
Return confidence: 50 percent
DL Tony Jerod-Eddie
Like Wilhoite, Jerod-Eddie joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent who first appeared in games in 2012. He’s a versatile back-up defensive lineman who does his best work in sub packages. But he hasn’t developed into a starting-caliber player. The 49ers might be more inclined to find reserve linemen who are better against the run next season, which could spell the end of Jerod-Eddie’s tenure.
Return confidence: 30 percent
RELATED:
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) runs after a catch for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) pursues during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
49ers discussing trading receiver Torrey Smith
TE Vance McDonald
The 2013 second-round pick has been one of Baalke’s most frustrating prospects. McDonald is big and fast, representing everything anyone would want in a tight end. But he lacks consistent hands – to put it kindly. His splits with Gabbert were remarkably better than with Kaepernick. He’s a capable blocker. If the 49ers find a quarterback that throws accurately and with touch, McDonald might finally break out. The 49ers aren’t exactly loaded with options at the position.
Return confidence: 75 percent
RB Shaun Draughn
Draughn opened the season as the No. 2 running back to Carlos Hyde, but saw his role decrease when Hyde went down. Mike Davis became the starter while DuJuan Harris stepped in to lead 49ers backs in carries and yards Sunday against Tampa Bay. The 49ers could use a third-down back that offers something in the return game. Draughn is solid, but isn’t a play maker that keeps defenses up at night. Expect the 49ers to draft a speed back in the spring.
Return confidence: 30 percent
WR Jeremy Kerley
One of the brights spots in a miserable season, Kerley leads the 49ers in receiving after being a late addition in August. He’s a good slot receiver and reliable option in the return game – when his own teammates aren’t running into him. San Francisco lacks talent at the position and would be wise to bring Kerley back.
Return confidence: 75 percent
LB Nick Bellore
Bellore is a decent special teams player who’s proven he’s not good enough to start. As we mentioned with Wilhoite, the 49ers will likely target the position in the draft and free agency, making the chances at a return dubious. Bellore is a good third or fourth inside linebacker on a roster.
Return confidence: 35 percent
WR Rod Streater
Streater’s playing time has been scarce since joining the 49ers via trade during final cuts. He began behind the eight ball having spent training camp with the Chiefs. The likelihood of his return will be defined by how he finishes the season – particularly if his playing time increases.
Return confidence: 50 percent
RELATED:
October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Setting over/under bets on hapless 49ers rebuild
QB Christian Ponder
Like Streater, it’s impossible to handicap Ponder’s return. He’ll likely get a chance to start at some point during the second half of the season, which will prove his value to the 49ers and Chip Kelly going forward. He wouldn’t be a bad option to have competing for a back-up job. But we have to see how he plays, if/when he ascends to the starting lineup.
Return confidence: 50 percent
RB DuJuan Harris
Harris has ping-ponged from released to the active roster, to the practice squad, to back on the roster. He provides value as depth piece and return man, but he’s hardly irreplaceable. As mentioned with Draughn, the 49ers could use another complimentary running back to Hyde in the draft.
Return confidence: 35 percent
QB Thad Lewis
Lewis has remained a regular at the team’s facility while he recovers from his preseason ACL tear, which could bode well for his chances at returning to compete for a roster spot in 2017. The 49ers could use a veteran camp arm next summer to push the rest of the QB group. Plus, Lewis might not have a better option than playing for Kelly.
Return confidence: 50 percent
LB Ray-Ray Armstrong
Armstrong was the surprise winner of the competition to play alongside NaVorro Bowman before going down for the season during the second game. How Armstrong recovers from his torn pectoral will determine the 49ers’ interest in bringing him back. But if he’s healthy, he’d have a leg up on Wilhoite and Bellore.
Return confidence: 60 percent
LB Gerald Hodges
Hodges went from playing in base situations, to not playing at all for three weeks, to back in the starting lineup. The 49ers haven’t figured out how to use Hodges, nor has Hodges played well enough to earn his keep. He hasn’t been trusted to learn both inside linebacker spots – only playing ‘Will’ – which doesn’t bode well. Hodges’ physical tools are intriguing, but he’s been too much of a liability.
Return confidence: 30 percent
WR Quinton Patton
Patton is tough and fearless, but not a great receiving option. On a good team, he’s a fourth or fifth receiver that gets most of his playing time on special teams. But he’s been a starting receiver this season that’s struggled to consistently get open. He has good speed but lacks strength and is too easily bottled up in press coverage. He ranks 113th in the NFL with 187 yards receiving in seven games. Still, Patton could be a cheap option next season to provide competition among a group that figures to change drastically.
Return confidence: 65 percent
Restricted free agent
DB Chris Davis
Davis was lost for the season with an ACL tear after earning the top nickel corner job coming out of training camp. The 49ers will have the option to match any offer Davis gets. However, coming off the injury, he’s unlikely to have a robust market. If he returns, he’d have to beat out Jimmie Ward and Will Redmond for playing time.
Return confidence: 35 percent
Exclusive rights free agents
DB Marcus Cromartie
Cromartie switched from cornerback to safety pretty seamlessly and has become a quality special teams player. It will be up to the 49ers to decide whether or not they want Cromartie to hit free agency as an exclusive rights player. He’s a versatile piece to have on the back end of a roster.
Return confidence: 70 percent
RELATED:
Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
49ers dodge a bullet with Rashard Robinson's knee injury
OL Andrew Tiller
Tiller may have lost his starting job to recent first-round pick Joshua Garnett, but he’s turned into a quality guard. The 49ers would be wise to bring him back to add depth or compete for a starting job again in 2017.
Return confidence: 80 percent
NT Mike Purcell
A nose tackle’s job is primarily to be disruptive in the running game. And the 49ers have the worst run defense in the NFL. That doesn’t bode well for Purcell, who’s been forced to play a lot with the injuries to Dorsey and Williams. However, he’s not a bad option to have as a reserve. And he’s well-liked by his teammates and coaches.
Return confidence: 50 percent
clyde21 wrote:Vance McDonald (depending on contract)
wco81 wrote:clyde21 wrote:Vance McDonald (depending on contract)
So 5 years, $35 million, $16 million guaranteed.
Is that the right kind of contract to make it worth keeping him with a deep TE class ion the upcoming draft?
