SB Nation - Jahi Word-Daniels

2009 Roster Projections: Cornerbacks

Fooch — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:00:14 -0000

Yesterday's news that Walt Harris sprained his knee in practice had me thinking now was as good a time as any to take care of our roster projections for the cornerback position. Up till now we've handled the defensive line, offensive line and running backs.

Walt Harris is 34 and seen his performance decrease each year since his Pro Bowl season in 2006. The 49ers have attempted to develop younger talent and have been touch and go thus far.

Locks
Nate Clements, Walt Harris, Tarell Brown, Reggie Smith

Highly Doubtful
Carlos Thomas, Jahi Word-Daniels, Terrail Lambert

Bubble
Shawntae Spencer, Marcus Hudson

I included Reggie Smith in this group even though he's likely to see most of his playing time at safety. Given the talent and potential injuries out there (I'm talking to you Spencer), I could see Smith moving back and forth, even if that's not the best idea in the world.

As you can see, I've listed both Spencer and Hudson in the bubble column. I've been a big Spencer apologist the past few years. I see a ton of potential in a nickel back role and he just keeps on getting injured. Rotoworld had an interesting comment a couple months ago when they said:

49ers CB Shawntae Spencer is a candidate to be released this offseason.
Spencer's cap number is close to $3.5 million, and he's due a $500,000 roster bonus. Coming off an injury-plagued season and no longer viewed as a starter, Spencer's days in San Fran are numbered.

It was based on a San Francisco Chronicle article that stated Spencer might be seen as a salary liability. While he hasn't been cut yet, I am curious to see how what happens with him this season. Spencer is signed through 2012, but if he were to get hurt again, could you see the 49ers cutting him after this season? I definitely think that's a distinct possibility. He's injury-prone and likely has been passed on the depth chart by Tarell Brown.

Speaking of Tarell Brown, I like to think his time is coming soon. Walt Harris is a free agent after this season. Even if Brown isn't the replacement, I don't see the 49ers bringing Harris back. However, given that the team did not pick up a cornerback in the draft, do you think that they think Tarell Brown is their long term answer?

We had a rather brief discussion about the corners back in January and I thought I'd carry that poll over here and see what people think at this point. It's the same exact, poll but I'd like to see what people think at this point after a draft that included only undrafted free agent cornerbacks.

Poll

At what point will Tarell Brown be the 49ers starting cornerback opposite Nate Clements?

During training camp

136 votes

During one of the 4 preseason games

93 votes

Week 1

124 votes

Midseason

150 votes

2010

123 votes

Never

50 votes

676 votes | Poll has closed

49ers Rookie Camp: Team officially signs rookie free agents

Fooch — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:42:11 -0000

Although the team's rookie minicamp starts tomorrow, all the new 49ers arrived today to get introduced around. Due to this administrative day, that means we have the official list of undrafted free agents signed by the 49ers. Also, the 49ers officially inked Marques Harris. After the jump we've got quick bios.

Alex Boone OT Ohio State

Diyral Biggs LB Bowling Green

Dobson Collins WR Gardner-Webb

Pannel Egboh DE Stanford

Kirby Freeman QB Baylor

Kyle Howard G Wyoming

Matt Huners G/C South Florida

Terrail Lambert CB Notre Dame

Khalif Mitchell DE East Carolina

Kory Sheets RB Purdue

Carlos Thomas CB South Carolina

Jahi Word-Daniels CB Georgia Tech

ALEX BOONE

Tackle

Height: 6-7 Weight: 328

College: Ohio State

A two-time All-Big 10 selection during his four-year career at Ohio State, played in 46 games (35 starts) since his freshman campaign in 2005. Started 22 games at LT for the Buckeyes, earning All-America honors as a senior. A two-time All-Ohio selection, was a three-year starter at St. Edward (OH) HS. Also competed in shot and discus and played basketball for a year. His uncle, Ed, played football at Penn State. Enjoys hunting and playing golf. Born 05/04/87 in Lakewood, OH.

DIYRAL BRIGGS

Linebacker

Height: 6-4 Weight: 230

College: Bowling Green

A two-time All-MAC selection (2007-08) and MAC Player of the Year (2006), played in 47 games (27 starts) and finished his career with 221 tackles, 36 TFLs, 26 sacks, 5 FR, 4 PD and 1 FF. In 2008, led the MAC in sacks (9.5) and recorded 60 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 1 PD, 1 FF and 1 FR. In 2007, registered 54 tackles (15 solo), 7.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks and 2 PD. A two-time all-league choice, played at Mt. Healthy (OH) HS, where he tallied 16 career sacks on defense and 12 TDs on offense as the team’s captain. Also lettered in basketball, averaging 15 pts. per game his senior season. Majored in sports management. Born 10/31/85 in Mt. Healthy, OH.

DOBSON COLLINS

Wide Receiver

Height: 6-2 Weight: 178

College: Gardner-Webb

A two-time All-Big South selection, played in 42 games (22 starts) and totaled 143 receptions for 1,745 yds. and 14 TDs. In 2008, tallied 76 receptions for 937 yds. and 10 TDs, while contributing in the return game with 14 punt returns for 136 yds. Amassed 51 receptions for 649 yds. and 3 TDs, as junior. Also competed in track and field, holding the school record in the 55, 60 and 110 meter hurdles. Ran the 100-meter dash in 10.7 seconds. Attended Stone Mountain (GA) HS, where he totaled 21 receptions for 332 yds. and 2 TDs during his senior season. Born 7/12/87 in Stone Mountain, GA.

PANNEL EGBOH

Defensive End

Height: 6-6 Weight: 276

College: Stanford

A three-year starter, played 40 games (35 starts) and totaled 140 tackles, 25.0 TFLs, 10 sacks, 3 PD, 3 FF and 3 FR. Recorded 31 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and a FR, as a senior. Had his best season in 2007, registering 49 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 FF and 2 FR. Played his first season of football as a senior at North Mesquite (TX) HS, finishing with 54 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 3 FR and 3 blocked field goals on his way to All-Southwest team honors. Played basketball for two years and earned all-state academic honors. Earned a degree in management science and engineering. Born 03/23/86 in Mesquite, TX.

KIRBY FREEMAN

Quarterback

Height: 6-3   Weight: 210

College: Baylor

Transferred to Baylor after playing three years for the Miami Hurricanes. In his 27-game career (8 starts), passed for 1,360 yds. and 13 TDs, completing 46.7 percent of attempts. In his senior season with the Bears, played in 3 games (1 start) and threw for 49 yds. and 1 TD on 6 of 13 passing. In 2007, played 7 games (3 starts), completing 18 of 58 passes for 256 yards with 3 TDs. As a senior, at Brownwood (TX) HS, passed for 1,454 yds. and 10 TDs, gaining 956 rushing yds. for 10 TDs. Earned his degree in sports administration at Miami (FL), graduating in his redshirt junior year before leaving for Baylor. Majored in sports pedagogy. Born 03/28/85 in Abilene, TX.

KYLE HOWARD

Guard

Height: 6-7   Weight: 312

College: Wyoming

A three-year starter, played in 43 games (40 starts). In 2008, started all 13 games, 12 at RG and 1 at RT. In 2007, shifted over to RT from LG, starting all 12 games. Earned all-conference, all-region and all-city honors at Coronado (CO) HS, as a senior. Named most valuable lineman in his junior and senior seasons, while also earning all-conference and all-city honors in basketball. Father, competed in track and field at Oregon. Majored in physical and health education teaching. Born 5/13/86 in Colorado Springs, CO.

MATTHEW HUNERS

Guard/Center

Height: 6-3   Weight: 290

College: South Florida

A three-year starter, played 34 games with 27 starts. In 2008, started in 12 of 13 games, garnering an All-Big East. Suffered a torn ACL in 2007, but remarkably recovered to play in 3 games and was given the USF Coaches Award for his amazing recovery. An all-county selection at Palm Harbor University (FL) HS, was a three-time offensive line MVP, not allowing a sack during his junior and senior seasons. Born 10/15/85 in Dunedin, FL. Full name: Matthew Allen Huners.

TERRAIL LAMBERT

Defensive Back

Height: 5-11 Weight: 195

College: Notre Dame

A three-year starter, played in 48 games (30 starts) posting 115 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 6 PD, 4 INTs, 1 FF and 1 FR. During his senior season, played in 11 games (8 starts), recording 33 tackles and 4 PD. In 2007, started all 12 games and posted 34 tackles and 1 INT. An all-state selection as a defensive back, played five positions (RB, DE, LB, S, CB) at St. Bonaventure (CA) HS. In his senior year, tallied 87 tackles and 3 INTs, while rushing 13 times for 133 yds and 2 TDs. Also ran track.. Earned a degree in film, television and theatre and is currently enrolled in graduate studies program. Born 12/01/85 in Los Angeles, CA. Full name: Terrail Lamar Lambert.

KHALIF MITCHELL

Defensive End

Height: 6-5 Weight: 318

College: East Carolina

Spent his first two seasons at North Carolina, totaling 28 tackles as a part-time starter before transferring to East Carolina. After sitting out the 2006 season, played in 11 games (6 starts) and earned honorable mention All-Conference USA after recording 19 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 2 sacks. As a senior, posted 16 tackles, 3 TFLs and 1 sack in 7 games (4 starts). Attended Hargrave Military Academy and helped lead the team to an 8-1 record. Started at DE and TE at First Colonial (VA) HS, playing football for just two seasons after moving to Virginia from New Jersey. Also lettered in track, competing in the shot put and discus. Majored in communications. Born 04/07/85 in Virginia Beach, VA. Full name is Khalif Quadree Mitchell.

KORY SHEETS

Running Back

Height: 5-11 Weight: 208

College: Purdue

A four-year letterman at Purdue, ranks 2nd in school history behind Mike Alstott with 3,341 rushing yds. and 664 carries. Holds the school record for career rushing TDs (48), a total ranked 5th all-time in the Big Ten history. A 2008 All-Big Ten honorable mention, finished with 1,131 rushing yds. for a school record 16 TDs. Totaled 1,643 all-purpose yards that season, ranking 6th in school history. Ran for 859 yds. and 11 TDs on 168 carries with 30 receptions for 216 yds. and a pair of scores in his junior season. Was an All-Conference selection as a senior at Bloomfield (CT) HS, leading the team to a state championship that year, while also garnering all-state recognition in track and field. Majored in organizational leadership and supervision. Mother, Krystal, participated in track and field at Morgan State. Born on 03/31/85 in Manchester, CT. Full name is Kory Gerren Sheets

CARLOS THOMAS

Cornerback

Height: 5-11 Weight: 197

College: South Carolina

A four-year letterman, played in 48 games (25 starts), recording 59 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 12 PD and 6 INTs. In 2008, played in 13 games (5 starts), registering 14 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 5 PD and 3 INTs. In 2007, played in 13 games (10 starts), tallying 27 tackles and 2 INTs. An all-state selection in 2004 at Bannekar (GA) HS, recorded 30 tackles and 4 INTs. Also ran for over 1,000 yds. along with 9 TDs, as well as recording in 20 receptions for 411 yds. and 5 TDs. Majored in African American studies. Brother, Levon, played WR in the NFL. Born 05/01/87 in College Park, GA.

JAHI WORD-DANIELS

Cornerback

Height: 6-0   Weight: 194

College: Georgia Tech

Played in 42 games (25 starts), recording 124 tackles, 7 TFLs, 23 PD, and 5 INTs. In 2008, started every game he played, finishing with 24 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2 PD and 1 INT. Enjoyed most productive season in 2007, starting all 13 games and registering 56 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 8 PD and 2 INTs. An all-state selection at Hoover (AL) HS, tallied 7 INTs and 2 blocked punts, as a senior. Majored in management. Born 11/19/86 in Hoover, AL.

Poll

Which UDFA has the best chance of making the 53-man roster?

Alex Boone

305 votes

Diyral Biggs

10 votes

Dobson Collins

8 votes

Pannel Egboh

15 votes

Kirby Freeman

20 votes

Kyle Howard

5 votes

Matt Huners

5 votes

Terrail Lambert

17 votes

Khalif Mitchell

14 votes

Kory Sheets

233 votes

Carlos Thomas

9 votes

Jahi Word-Daniels

9 votes

650 votes | Poll has closed

Golden Nuggets: Does Crabtree Make This A "Great" Draft?

Ninjames — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:30:16 -0000

Good morning! James here with your Nuggets for today. It occured to me that we more than likely will get a ton of new visitors tomorrow to see how the draft went and to all of you: welcome to the site, and I hope you end up registering and staying! That being said, holy links, Batman! I've got a little something for all of you, and that something is..a complete Nuggets article! Complete with me buying time and dragging on the intro to make it look even more complete! (See: the last sentence.) For real though, the draft is done with and I'm pretty excited, we had a good draft and we're being semi-agressive towards signing undrafted free agents... So here's some links, enjoy them while they last. Remember to check the comments for updates on more links throughout the day.

And so the draft is complete, and what better than to get Maiocco's take on it? (PressDemocrat.com)

Here's a nice pick-by-pick analysis for the draft, just click on a selection. (NFL.com)

ESPN provides analysis for just the NFC West. (ESPN.com)

They also take a look at what the NFC West didn't address. (ESPN.com)

Here's another recap, of the first day. (FoxSports.com)

And the guy from yesterday who doesn't know a thing about football's analysis. (CBSSports.com)

Meet our first round draft pick, WR Michael Crabtree. (SFGate.com)

McCloughan is very excited for what the team did on the second day. (SFGate.com)

What do you think? Is it a "bad" draft because we failed to address some needs? (SFGate.com)

Toughness is the theme in San Fran right now and the future. (SacBee.com)

I've got some grades of my own for our picks and our draft in general. Check it out. (NFLTouchdown.com)

Here's a transcript from the Crabtree press conference. (49ers.com)

Cris Carter says the 49ers have found a winner in Crabtree. (MercuryNews.com)

The 49ers signed some undrafted free agents, interesting picks in OT Alex Boone, RB Kory Sheets, and DE Pannel Egboh. (NinersNation.com)

And now some player videos in TE Bear Pascoe, QB Nate Davis, LB Scott McKillop and RB Kory Sheets. (NFL.com)

And yesterday's edition of Singletary's Notebook. (49ers.com)

To close (for now) here's conference calls with Nate Davis and Bear Pascoe. (49ers.com)

49ers reportedly sign Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State and Jahi Word-Daniels, CB, Georgia Tech

Fooch — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:18:55 -0000

Although these must be taken in the context of UDFA signings, the 49ers continue to be aggressive in adding bodies. KFFL is reporting the 49ers have signed Alex Boone, an offensive tackle out of Ohio state, and Jahi Word-Daniels, a cornerback out of Georgia Tech.

Some folks were crowing for Boone in the 5th and 6th rounds. He stands 6-7, weighs 328lbs and seems like a beast of a man to place on the offensive line. I did a check of his NFL Draft Scout bio and in the negatives, it fails to mention the character issues that dropped him on many draft boards. He's been arrested twice for alcohol-related events: one was drunk driving and the other was public drunkenness. I suppose if somebody can tame him, Mike Singletary is that man. More importantly, if he does mess up, he could quickly be cut. Here's his scouting report otherwise:

Positives: Tall tackle prospect with good functional strength and long arms. … His size and strength makes it tough to bull rush him … Agile enough to combo down and then move straight ahead to the middle linebacker. … Can lock onto defensive ends and keep them out of the play...

Negatives: May need to play right tackle in the pros, as he is more of a mauler than an athlete. … Does not move his feet or hands quickly enough to handle explosive speed on the edge. … Also loses his balance when sustaining because he leans too far forward and his hands are not inside the body. … Plays too upright in pass protection. … Lacks great flexibility to adjust to oncoming blitzers.

Word-Daniels also seems like a guy with talent, only his issue is general inconsistent effort. If he just was inconsistent due to lack of overall talent, that'd be one thing. But a summer in Mike Singletary's training camp could be what gets him on the right path.

Positives: Good height, strong build and long arms for the position. … Opens his hips to run with quicker receivers down the sideline. … Supports the run and attacks screens on the outside, closing quickly to cut down the ballcarrier.

Negatives: His tackling has been suspect in the past, although he has the size and reach to be effective. … Could be dominant as a press cornerback but gives inconsistent effort at the line, whether jamming receivers or as the gunner on special teams. … Stays high and is slow in his pedal. … Inconsistent hands for the interception...

No confirmation yet on these signings.

Chiefs Likely Present at Georgia Tech Pro Day

Joel Thorman — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:31:35 -0000

Tech DE Michael Johnson

As we've noticed with the Kansas City Chiefs offseason coaching search, sometimes knowing the right person is just as important as your, you know, actual job qualifications. Keeping this in mind, I wanted to highlight Georgia Tech's Pro Day which took place yesterday.

Chan Gailey is the former head coach of the Yellow Jackets and the Chiefs spoke with draft prospect Andrew Gardner at the NFL Combine so we have plenty of reason to think that the Chiefs are interested in taking a closer look at one, or a few, of the prospects that worked out.

With 26 teams (and two head coaches) attending yesterday's workout, we can make a safe assumption that the Chiefs were one of them.

A few of the participants we should keep an eye on are listed after the jump.

Michael Johnson was the star of the Georgia Tech Pro Day. He's being viewed as a late 1st/early 2nd round draft choice. At 6-foot-6 7/8 and 266 pounds and 40 times in the 4.61 range, consider him in as a rushing linebacker in a 3-4. Of course, the Chiefs don't have a 2nd round pick so he is likely out of the picture.

***

via media.scout.com

Remember Georgia Tech OT Andrew Gardner? He interviewed with the Chiefs at the NFL Combine. He seems to have the size (6-foot-6 305 pounds) for tackle in the NFL. Anyway, he participated in all drills at today's Pro Day except for the bench press. He tore his labrum towards the end of last season but he still ran the forty in a shade under 5.0 (4.99).

According to his agent, he'll be ready to participate in all mini-camp drills once he's drafted.

***

via img232.imageshack.us

Jahi-Word Daniels is a 6-foot 1/8th 191 pound corner coming out as well. He placed second among all defensive backs at the NFL Combine with 24 reps on the bench press. He's certainly got the big and strong part down.

According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, he ran the forty in a high of 4.59 seconds but didn't participate in all drills because of a left groin injury

***

Vance Walker is a defensive tackled that measured in at a shade under 6-foot-2 and weighed in at 304 pounds. They say he's better suited for a one-gap defensive system.

The concerning part is a drop in production from his junior to senior year.

***

Darryl Richard is a defensive tackle that measured 6-foot-2 1/2 and 297 pounds. He put up 19 reps on the bench press (the highest was 37).

He's projected to be anywhere from a 7th round pick to an undrafted free agent.