SB Nation - Glenn Dorsey

49ers position battles: Handicapping the defense following OTAs

David Fucillo — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:31:08 -0000

Last month, before the 49ers got into their OTAs, we put together a pair of posts looking at the offensive position battles and defensive position battles. The offseason workout program doesn't provide winners or losers to position battles, but they do give us at least a little more information about the different participants. Yesterday, we followed up with the offensive position battles. Today, we move on to the defensive position battles.

Minicamp practice reports: Day one Day two Day three

Cornerback

Participants: Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver, Nnamdi Asomugha, Perrish Cox, Tramaine Brock, Marcus Cooper

In the pre-OTAs post, I mentioned how Tarell Brown was a likely leader for one of the two starting positions, and Carlos Rogers had the spot to lose opposite him. Rogers focused on some weight room work, but has not been involved in team drills. He is expected back in time for training camp, but his absence has provided Nnamdi Asomugha with plenty of first team reps.

The offseason workout program did not really help us in getting any closer to a resolution on the starting situation. Tarell Brown spent most of the offseason working out at home, Rogers is getting back to 100%, and Chris Culliver has been flying under the radar. Nnamdi, Cox and Brock benefited in terms of more reps, but we're left to wait until training camp.

For now, Matt Barrows put together his thoughts on the current depth chart, and it is what would be expected: Rogers/Brown at the top, Culliver/Asomugha second, Brock/Rose third and Cooper/Morris fourth.

It is of course worth noting that the 49ers spend more time in their nickel than in their base 3-4. Vic Fangio has said Carlos Rogers will remain the nickel back, although he did not clarify if that meant he would be out of the base starting lineup. It would seem however, that for now the primary battle for playing time could be between Culliver and Asomugha. That is more speculation than anything on my part, as we really are stuck waiting for the start of training camp.

Backup outside linebacker

Participants: Parys Haralson, Corey Lemonier, Cam Johnson

We've had a small bit of clarification at the outside linebacker position. Previously I listed Darius Fleming here, but Vic Fangio has confirmed the team moved him to inside linebacker. That leaves three players with distinct storylines. Parys Haralson is the aging veteran who took a pay cut to stick with the team. Corey Lemonier was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Cam Johnson was a seventh round pick last year, but spent much of the season on the practice squad.

It is impossible to assess the pass rush skills of Lemonier and Johnson from the offseason program, since there is no live contact. However, of this group, I think we can expect to see Haralson as an injury fill-in option early, while Lemonier gets most of his work as a nickel defensive end, in the mold of Aldon Smith's rookie season. Cam Johnson will compete with Lemonier for that role, but faces an uphill battle. Johnson has practice squad eligibility, and it would not surprise me to see him spend another year on the practice squad.

Free Safety

Participants: Eric Reid, Craig Dahl, C.J. Spillman, Trenton Robinson, Michael Thomas, Darcel McBath

At the start of OTAs, Eric Reid was working with the second team. By the end of OTAs, Reid was splitting first team snaps with Dahl and Spillman. Reid did not take any first team snaps at minicamp as he was "working through something" after day one.

I would not be surprised if the 49ers opened training camp with a rotation at free safety, but if Reid wasn't handling most or all of the first team snaps in the days following the first preseason game, I would be a bit surprised. He has the athleticism, intelligence and work ethic to take his game to the next level. It strikes me as a sink or swim situation for the 49ers. Maybe Reid ends up not working out. There are no guarantees. But to not see what he does with the ones would not strike me as the best decision.

It will also be worth tracking Dahl vs. Spillman for additional playing time behind Reid and Donte Whitner. Spillman got some of that work last year, particularly in the team's goal line package.

Nose Tackle

Participants: Glenn Dorsey, Ian Williams, Quinton Dial

Nothing appears to have changed here. All signs point to Dorsey starting out as the first team nose tackle, but I think Williams will get some chances in the preseason. Quinton Dial is dealing with a toe injury and has not had a chance to get on the field thus far. He will not pass Dorsey or Williams anytime soon, but I think we'll see him getting some mop-up time at the position during the preseason games.

Defensive line depth

Participants: Tank Carradine, Glenn Dorsey, Demarcus Dobbs, Quinton Dial, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Will Tukuafu, Lawrence Okoye

We can't make many changes to our assessment thus far because of the lack of contact work (stop me if you've heard that before!). The notable information would be that Carradine and Dial have not practiced because of injury rehab. Both are expected back sometime in training camp, but until then, the rest of the depth chart gets a chance to improve themselves.

Lawrence Okoye remains a significant question mark, and based on comments from camp, the practice squad seems more and more possible. Nobody has said he is struggling, but Vic Fangio has emphasized how much he has to learn, and how hard it is to assess anything before contact and double teams and pads. If I had to pick one guy I am most anxious to see in the preseason, it would have to be Lawrence Okoye. He could do absolutely nothing in the preseason, but it would give us more information with which to work than we have thus far.

KEEP READING:

49ers Roster, 90-in-90 breakdowns: Will Tukuafu

David Fucillo — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:59:18 -0000

Here at Niners Nation, we're presenting a series called "90-in-90". We'll be looking at every player on the 49ers offseason roster, one player per post, from now until the start of training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers defensive front slowed down a bit as the 2012 season wore on, and the 49ers attempted to address that issue in the 2013 NFL Draft. They added Tank Carradine and Quinton Dial, but there will be plenty of competition from returning players. With Carradine and Dial both dealing with injuries heading toward training camp, there absence will give the returning a veterans a minor leg up early on.

One such veteran is Will Tukuafu. In three season with the 49ers, Tukuafu has slowly worked his way up the ladder. He signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2010, and spent most of his first year on the practice squad. He made his NFL debut in 2011, and seemed set to get some work as a defensive lineman, and also as a fullback. However, his season was cut short as he went on injured reserve after suffering a wrist injury in the 49ers Week 4 win over the Eagles.

Tukuafu returned in 2012, and spent the entire season on the 53-man roster. He was active 14 of the 16 regular season games, missing games with a wrist and a neck injury. The 49ers listed Tukuafu as a nose tackle on the depth chart, but in reality he brings some versatility as a defensive end/defensive tackle type of hybrid. Add in his fullback work, and he joins a growing list of 49ers that can be viewed as a jack of many trades.

What to expect in 2013

If Tukuafu makes the 49ers 53-man roster in 2013, it will be for a couple reasons. The first is that he can play two-way football, or really three-way if you factor in potential special teams work. The second is that he will show improvement in his defensive line work. While Tukuafu was solid at Oregon, he has not been able to quite work his way into consistent defensive line playing time. The 49ers need to find players who can spell Justin Smith and Ray McDonald and not be a sizable drop in performance. Tukuafu has not gotten a ton of playing time on defense, leading us to wonder if he has what it takes to be a consistent part of the rotation.

If Tukuafu is a 49er in 2013, I think we would still see similarities in playing time compared to this year. He would get his blocking work on offense, he would get special teams work, and he would get some spot duty on the defensive line. The 49ers invested heavily in the defensive line this offseason, and that would seem to potentially leave Tukuafu down the depth chart.

Odds of making the roster

It is entirely possible that Will Tukuafu and Demarcus Dobbs will be competing for one roster spot. After Justin Smith and Ray McDonald, the defensive end/defensive tackle options include Glenn Dorsey, Ian Williams, Tank Carradine, Quinton Dial, Tukuafu and Dobbs. Tony Jerod-Eddie, Lawrence Okoye, Mike Purcell and Lamar Divens are options as well, but for now I'm looking at the previous group. Jerod-Eddie could work his way into that first group, but for now I see a distinct divide between him and the rest. As for Okoye? Well, I have nothing with which to assess him at this point, so he's sort of on his own.

Carradine will be sticking around, and given that the 49ers invested a fifth round pick in Dial, I have to think his roster odds are good as well. That really would seem to leave Tukuafu and Dobbs battling it out for a roster spot. Would the 49ers consider keeping both given their versatility on special teams and blocking on offense?

What do you think? Where exactly does Will Tukuafu fit in the roster at this point?

49ers Schedule Preview 2013: Seattle Seahawks (Week 2)

AnthonyLy — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:00:06 -0000

Talk about bad blood.

If there's one game this season that players have circled on their calendar, it's this one. After all, it was the Seattle Seahawks who routed the San Francisco 49ers to clinch a playoff spot last December. And it was a rout in the worst way.

Related: Week 1 preview

If there was ever a "Niner Killer" these days, it would be Marshawn Lynch who rumbled for a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter alone. Russell Wilson threw a career-best four passing touchdowns. The Niners didn't even sniff the end zone until 1:40 left in the game when Colin Kaepernick found Delanie Walker for a touchdown. But at that point, it was to salvage whatever dignity was left on the field.

Final score: 42-13, Seahawks.

It was not one for the faint of heart, to say the least. And if you think either side have extended an olive branch at any point this offseason, you're dead wrong.

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 23: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks during a game at CenturyLink Field on December 23, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won the game 42-13. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

It seems like a flock of Seahawks have been getting busted lately for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Earlier this week, Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke up on the matter.

"Play by the rules," said Harbaugh. "You always want to be above reproach [...] because if you cheat to win, you've already lost."

Just a few days later, Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner, a guest on Sports Radio KJR in Seattle, was asked about his thoughts on Harbaugh's comments. Let's just say the disdain was reciprocated.

"He’s never gonna be out there lined up against me," said Browner. "I wish he would. I’d put my hands around his neck."

Hey, now!

If you ask me, it feels like the Niners and Seahawks are tussling into the NFL's newest, fiercest division rivalry. Move over, Steelers/Ravens! And it certainly helps that the head coaches hated each other before they even arrived to their respective NFL teams. Any Niners fan in the know has heard about the "What's your deal?!" fiasco, but in case you haven't (or wish to relive it)...

You know what really makes a good rivalry great though? When both teams are actually good. And the Niners and Seahawks are both damn good teams. Hell, they were damn good last year before the arms race this offseason with all of the free agent signings, trades, and draft picks.

Seattle added one of the most coveted offensive weapons in the league with the trade for Percy Harvin. And to balance the scales, they added Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, and Antoine Winfield to the defensive side. Not to be outdone, the Niners made a trade for veteran receiver Anquan Boldin and signed Glenn Dorsey and Nnamdi Asomugha. And both teams had very strong drafts to boot.

Offseason power rankings--if that's your thing--can't seem to make up their minds as to who's #1 and who's #2. While the Niners and Seahawks are discussed almost interchangeably in the discussion of the league's top dog, I happen to agree with ESPN SportsNation's recent poll...

Just kidding! But seriously. It's going to be a great game and a great rivalry for years to come. And what's better than two teams that hate each other's guts? Having the whole country watch them tear each other apart on Sunday Night Football. No pressure, guys!

Follow Anthony Ly on Twitter

49ers minicamp: Jim Harbaugh discusses mistake of IR'ing Parys Haralson and more

David Fucillo — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:00:11 -0000

Although Jim Harbaugh has had a strong tenure as 49ers head coach the last two seasons, he has made mistakes. On Wednesday, Coach Harbaugh admitted one such mistake. He was asked about what it means to have Haralson back on the field, and he used that question as an opportunity to admit that the team should have used the return designation when they placed Haralson on injured reserve. According to Harbaugh, Haralson was good to go by mid-December. Had the 49ers had his services, they probably would worked him into a rotation with Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks since both were dealing with shoulder injuries.

Smith and Brooks have both been sidelined thus far, which could prove quite helpful in the long run. The rest of the outside linebackers were moved up the depth chart for the offseason workout program. They will move back down when training camp gets here, but this provides an opportunity to learn the defensive installation with the ones and twos, and get a chance to compete with them.

Having a veteran like Haralson could potentially be a steadying influence for the young talent. And having a couple legitimate outside linebacker options behind Smith and Brooks would be pretty big. Clark Haggans was able to fill in on occasion, but he was more of an emergency option, rather than a legitimate backup last season. The 49ers need that to get Smith and Brooks at least a little bit of rest.

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
Press Conference - June 12, 2013
San Francisco 49ers

Listen to Audio I Media Center

When you look at this defense, a lot of defensive changes on the line. So, what are you seeing during this mini-camp with DT Justin Smith out, losing two big key pieces and then DT Tank Carradine isn't in there yet? What have you just seen from that front?

"I think the big position is the tackle position, the nose tackle position. [NT] Ian Williams, [DL] Glenn Dorsey, two fine players that there will be a lot of attention on that position this training camp and this fall. Got very high expectations for both those men."

Would you keep Ian just at the nose, or would you use him at backup at the end kind of like former 49ers DT Ricky Jean Francois did last year as well?

"Well, there's some flexibility. But, the key thing is the nose position right now. And they've done a phenomenal job. Ian is going into his third year, worked extremely hard. Ready to have that opportunity. Glenn Dorsey has done everything you can ask a man to do this offseason. He's paid his dues. He's poised for perfect attendance after tomorrow. And he's played well. And fit in real good with the team. And again, high expectations for both those guys this year."

How has S Eric Reid been coming along?

"Good. Eric's coming along good."

You said, I think last week or the week before, that DT Justin Smith was bench pressing 350, or was looking good. Is everything on pace with his return for training camp and prognosis good in his status?

"Yes, believe so. Everything on schedule for Justin."

How much does he mean to your defense as a whole to have him healthy enough to play 90 percent of the snaps I guess?

"Well, that's what he does. He's been a great football player for our team, and a team leader. He's one of those guys that we were talking about yesterday who's at the top of their game, top of their profession. And there's a lot of pressure on those kind of guys. And he is one like [QB Colin] Kap [Kaepernick], like [LB] Patrick [Willis], like [LB] NaVorro [Bowman], like many of our players, [RB] Frank [Gore], they relish that pressure."

Has he mentioned at all how many more years he will want to play?

"No."

CB Carlos Rogers, is he on schedule working through something, but doing OK in his recovery?

"Yeah, Carlos is doing good."

Anything you can elaborate on him?

"No, not that I'm aware of that needs elaboration."

OK. But, he'll be healthy and good to go by?

"Yes. I believe so. Unless you know something I don't."

I don't. I'm just checking.

"OK."

How have you liked the way the safety position, the competition has unfolded through the offseason?

"It's good. Very good competition. Good players lined up at that position. And things have been very fair the way our defense is going about throwing out the balls and letting the guys compete. Floating one starter this week, a different starter last week, a different starter the week before. A very good way to do it."

Is S C.J. Spillman the one that you probably know the most since he's been here the longest?

"[Shrugs]"

Well, [inaudible]

"Yeah, I don't know if it's any..."

Any great advantage?

"Yes. Thank you. Appreciate it, [49ers beat writer from the Bay Area News Group] Cam [Inman]."

Is CB Nnamdi Asomugha a quick learner? Do you sense that he's getting things, settling in nicely here?

"Yes. He is a quick learner. I think he's shown all those things of being a true professional. I forgot to check it, too, but I think he's in store for a perfect attendance certificate. So, it's been really good. Real pro, as you would expect. And then also something really I think interesting to point out is [WR] Kassim Osgood who got here, I think started practicing June 4th or 5th, so last week OTA seven, eight, nine and 10. And, basically he showed up and we're telling him the plays, where to line up, what route to run, what his blocking assignment was, every single play. And then over the weekend, he must have just locked himself in his hotel room and studied the playbook all weekend because he came out here on Monday and didn't have to tell him anything. He got the play in the huddle with the correct alignment, the split, the route, depth, everything was really good like he had been here all offseason. An example of a real professional and a guy who works at his craft. A great example for the rest of our guys."

Are you looking at him as much as a wide receiver as you are on special teams?

"Yes."

Did you give him some feedback? I mean, "hey, I noticed you did a great job preparing."

"Yes. Yes. Yeah, it was one of those things that really stood out."

Are you and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio starting to get an idea of how you can use Nnamdi in this defense? Or are you just going to let him go through mini-camp then look at the film and decide by training camp how you might use him?

"Yeah, more than just an idea, that's as you would expect. We're not going to fly by the seat of our pants there. So, yeah he's doing a great job. And he's a guy who has a lot of tools in his bag you can use in many forms and fashions."

With your top five corners returning, how can he make his imprint on this defense?

"Just like anybody else would."

Is there a certain, like with his skillset, does he give you something you guys didn't already have?

"I'm not saying that. It's just how does anybody make their imprint, their impression on the team? Knowing what they're doing. Playing with great competitive fire, and playing within the framework of the defense within their skillset."

Is it difficult for a rookie safety to come in because you've got to know all the techniques pretty much of both free and strong?

"Yeah, difficult, every job out there is difficult. There is nothing that these guys do that is easy. That's what the NFL players do, the good ones, the great ones, they make the difficult look easy. So, all positions are hard. Everything that looks easy as you watch it on TV, most of the times it's a world-class athlete making the difficult look easy."

With former 49ers TE Delanie Walker no longer here, how's the tight end position shaking out during these mini-camps and OTAs?

"Well, first and foremost, [TE] Vernon Davis has been an absolute stud all offseason. I believe he's in line for a perfect attendance certificate. And just done everything right. Done everything at a captain level. Then [TE] Vance McDonald has really asserted himself, both athletically and someone that's understanding the system also with a lot on his plate. At a position that's asked to do a lot of different things. [TE] Garrett Celek continues to improve and come along. And [TE] MarQueis [Gray] is doing a nice job, a college quarterback. But, I think he's got the ability to be an NFL player. And then I think you already know my appreciation for [FB] Jason Schepler, back playing Y tight end and fullback. So, again, another guy to keep a close eye on as somebody that you just root for, that you're pulling for because he's a do-stuff-right guy. And all of that has really come from Vernon Davis' example, and I think it carries down to the rest of the position group."

Can you put your finger on why there's been two Achilles injuries just in a couple weeks?

"No. No, don't have the finger put on that right now."

Have you guys changed anything, stretching or anything like that?

"No."

To have LB Parys Haralson's presence again, what does that mean to this team?

"Well, we've always had his presence."

Certainly, but back to the field.

"Yeah, and it brings up a really good point. Parys showed what kind of team player he was last year, what kind of leader he was. And throughout the season, (he was) engaged, helping all teammates at his position and on the defensive side of the ball. I know one of the things I look back and think that I made a mistake on personally was probably not putting that tag on him, that exemption that he could have come back and played because he was healthy and ready to go probably mid-to-late December. And to his credit, he always stayed engaged and stayed focused on helping his team. So, now that he's back on the field, I know that all of us coaches and players and certainly Parys himself, there's a life-giving energy when a 49er, a true team player like that is back out doing what he loves to do."

Is he sort of a natural leader type?

"Yes, he's got great leadership qualities."

49ers Roster, 90-in-90 breakdowns: Quinton Dial

David Fucillo — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 23:57:29 -0000

Here at Niners Nation, we're presenting a series called "90-in-90". We'll be looking at every player on the 49ers offseason roster, one player per post, from now until the start of training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers spent much of the 2013 offseason turning over their defensive line and adding depth. Justin Smith, Ray McDonald and Isaac Sopoaga did great work on the line, but they wore down by the end of the season. And once Justin Smith went down with his injury, the defense struggled mightily. You can't just replace a guy like Justin Smith, but the team added more depth to potentially keep Justin Smith closer to 100% for a longer stretch of time.

Tank Carradine and Glenn Dorsey were the two big-name pickups, but Quinton Dial is a guy who could provide the kind of grunt work that can earn a roster spot. He faces a lot of competition for playing time, but as we discussed a few days ago, Dial could prove himself to be particularly adept at run-stopping all along the defensive line. I'd also recommend checking out the scouting report his college roommate put together.

The 49ers used a fifth-round pick on the Alabama defensive lineman. He stands 6'5, 318 pounds, making him a monster of a man. He played all along the Tide's 3-4, and worked his way into their four-man fronts as well. He had toe surgery in January, and has sat during the team's OTAs, but it sounds like he has a good chance to be back in time for training camp.

What to expect in 2013

If Dial is healthy and makes the roster, he's a guy who could fill a sort of Ricky Jean Francois type of role. RJF could do a little bit of everything, filling in for Sopoaga, Smith and McDonald at different times. Dial could be a similar type of player.

That being said, much of his playing time potential will depend on factors out of his control. The 49ers brought in Dorsey, extended Ian Williams and drafted Carradine. Dial will likely get some third or fourth string nose tackle snaps in training camp. At defensive end, his options could depend in part on how Dorsey does at nose tackle, and how Carradine recovers from his torn ACL.

If Dial makes the roster, I could see him getting some mop-up duty, but in reality, spending more time inactive. As is often the case with young guys on the 49ers, it's a tough numbers game. Do you see more out of him in 2013 if he's on the 53-man roster?

Odds of making the roster

The 49ers obviously like Dial, but given the depth at defensive line, he still faces an uphill battle to make the roster. You hope a fifth-round pick does not get wasted, but he's still a bit of a bubble guy. He has to contend with Dorsey, Williams and Carradine, as I mentioned above, but he also has to contend with the likes of Lawrence Okoye, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Will Tukuafu, Lamar Divens and Demarcus Dobbs.

Dial has an edge on some of them, but strong performances by a couple of these guys in training camp and the preseason could make it tough for Dial. I think he makes the roster, and I think he has better than a 50-50 chance due in large part to his versatility. However, it certainly won't be handed to him on a silver platter.

San Francisco 49ers Offseason Review

Brandon Birkhead — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 19:13:50 -0000

The San Francisco 49ers scored to make it a three point game in Super Bowl XLVII with 3:54 to go. If their great defense was able to get the ball back, Colin Kaepernick and the offense would have had a shot to either tie the game and send it to overtime, or even perhaps win it.

That didn't happen though. Joe Flacco completed a thirty yard pass to Anquan Boldin, and that was all she wrote. The 49ers lost the Super Bowl.

They overcame a QB controversy to make it to the Super Bowl behind their tremendous coach and dominating defense. They had a great season, and they will be the team to beat in the NFC this season.

BUT, all this really doesn't matter, because the 49ers did not beat the Rams in 2012. It is still awesome.

The 49ers did have one of the best offseasons in the entire NFL. Let's review their major moves.

More: For more 49ers news check out Niners Nation

Trades

The 49ers sent Alex Smith to the KC Chiefs after he lost his starting job to Kaepernick. The 49ers successfully committed robbery by snagging a 2013 2nd round pick and a conditional 2014 3rd round pick for the mediocre QB. Trent Baalke, you boss.

Then the 49ers traded a 6th round pick to the Ravens to acquire Anquan Boldin. A sixth round pick for a dependable veteran receiver. I think Trent Baalke operates at a unique and vastly superior level compared to us mere mortals.

Free Agents Lost

The 49ers lost starting safety Dashon Goldson to Tampa Bay. He was a solid player for San Francisco, but very overrated. His loss will be felt, but the defense won't be much worse off for it.

The Niners also lost two key rotational pieces on the defensive line in Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois.

The other notable players that left the team are Ted Ginn Jr, Larry Grant, Clark Haggans and Delanie Walker. All four were useful special teams players, while Walker was also one of the better blocking TEs in the NFL.

Free Agents Signed

Glenn Dorsey was signed to a two year contract. Dorsey is largely seen as a bust, but he is a decent option to start. He just never developed into the dominating force many expected him to become coming out of LSU. He was a bit lost in the Chiefs 3-4 scheme, and seems better suited to work with a defense like the 49ers, who run more of a hybrid 3-4.

The 49ers gave Nnamdi Asomugha a incentive heavy, prove it deal with no guaranteed money, after he proved to be one of the worst free agent signings ever with the Eagles. This is a great move. Either he bounces back to form and the 49ers have a tremendous man coverage CB, or he continues to struggle and they can cut him with no cap hit. Again, Trent Baalke y'all.

The 49ers also brought in Dan Skuta, Marlon Moore, kicker Phil Dawson, and everyone's favorite Ram, Craig Dahl.

Craig Dahl, is a San Francisco 49er.

It's going to be tough, but I think us Rams fans will get over it.

NFL Draft

1st round, 18 overall	Eric Reid, S, LSU
2nd round, 40 overall	Tank Carradine, DE, FSU
2nd round, pick 55	Vance McDonald, TE, Rice
3rd round, pick 88	Corey Lemonier, OLB, Auburn
4th round, pick 128	Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
4th round, pick 131	Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
5th round, pick 157	Quinton Dial, DE/DT, Alabama
6th round, pick 180	Nick Moody, LB, FSU
7th round, pick 237	BJ Daniels, QB, South Florida
7th round, pick 246	Carter Bykowski, OT, Iowa St.
7th round, pick 253	Marcus Cooper, CB, Rutgers

San Francisco had only a few needs, and they filled all of them in the draft.

Eric Reid was a player I compared to Dashon Goldson throughout the draft process. Makes sense that he was drafted to replace Goldson.

The Tank Carradine pick has a chance to be a home run. He has great talent, and if he can get past his injury issues, he should be a very productive player.

Vance McDonald is very good at using his size to take advantage of mismatches to make plays despite his lack of speed. He has the size to be a great blocking TE, but he struggled in that area in college. He can be used in the joker role quite effectively to start his career as he learns his blocking.

Quinton Patton might have been the steal of the draft. Patton was the best WR at blocking in the draft, which is huge for a team like the 49ers. He also has great hands and is already a good route runner. He is not an elite athlete and has a low ceiling, but his floor is high. He won't be asked to do much his rookie year, which will give him time to develop.

The Marcus Lattimore pick is a shot in the dark. He is not fully healed from his horrific knee injury last season. He is going to need at least a year off to get back in football shape after his rehab is finally completed. Lucky for him, the 49ers don't need a running back next season. With the embarrassment of riches San Francisco have in the back field, they can afford to give Lattimore a "red-shirt" year.

Quinton Dial was a great run stuffer in college, and that should translate into the NFL. The Niners choose BJ Daniels over Tyler Bray and Sean Renfree. I choose not to question it because Trent Baalke's moves are not to be questioned or even understood. They simply are, and they almost always work.

Crabtree injury

Michael Crabree tore his achilles tendon and will be out for all of next season. Losing 1,105 yards and 9 TDs will be tough to overcome, but not impossible. Considering that the 49ers brought in Anquan Boldin, Quinton Patton and Vance McDonald, I think they won't miss Crabtree much. Then again, there is this amazing player named AJ Jenkins who is still on the roster. We all know that Harbaugh will never play my fellow Illini as a personal attack on me. #FreeAJJenkins

Overall Thoughts

The 49ers were close to winning the Super Bowl last season with a first year starting QB. The team improved greatly in the offseason. Barring a second year slump from Kaepernick, or injury trouble, the 49ers will be one of the NFL's elite teams in 2013.

But all this really doesn't matter because they can't beat the Rams. They may tie the Rams, but they will not beat the Rams.

3 steps to success: Chiefs need answers from Alex Smith

Matt Verderame — Wed, 29 May 2013 18:00:09 -0000

There wasn't a more disappointing team in the NFL last season than the Kansas City Chiefs.

After being pegged by many pundits to win the AFC West, the Chiefs won exactly two games and watched a nightmare of a season turn tragic with the suicide of Jovan Belcher after he murdered his girlfriend.

Once the campaign came to a close, owner Clark Hunt completely overhauled the franchise by firing head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli. Hunt moved quickly to replace both, adding Andy Reid and John Dorsey to fill the roles, respectively.

After making those moves, four-year starter Matt Cassel was released and replaced by Alex Smith, who was benched in favor of Colin Kaepernick following a concussion.

Dorsey then hit the free-agent market, signing corners Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson, defensive end Mike DeVito, tight end Anthony Fasano, wide receiver Donnie Avery and backup quarterback Chase Daniel while only losing Glenn Dorsey (no relation).

So what will constitute a successful season for the Chiefs in 2013? Let's dive in.

3 Steps To Success

1. Alex Smith needs to be above-average
Over the past two seasons, Smith has quietly been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league. Since Jim Harbaugh arrived in San Francisco, Smith became very accurate with a 70.2 completion percentage in 2012 and led the 49ers to an NFC Championship Game in 2011. Smith needs to continue playing like this for Kansas City, and not the first five years of his career in San Francisco.

2. Sean Smith must be solid
Last year, the Chiefs tried to replace Brandon Carr with Stanford Routt. Needless to say, that was a disaster. Routt was released mid-season. Kansas City has a very good secondary with Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers. If Smith is good, it will be very tough to throw against Kansas City.

3. Winning road games
Outside of the AFC West, the Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. Kansas City needs to have a winning record away from home if it wants a playoff berth. Looking only at the rosters of the respective teams, only the Denver Broncos and Washington can hang with the Chiefs.

3 Feats Toward Failure

1. Blowing easy home games
Kansas City has the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers and Cleveland Browns coming into Arrowhead Stadium. These are three games that the Chiefs can't lose. Kansas City finished 1-7 last year in a venue known as one of the toughest places to play in sports. If things are going to turn around, the Chiefs have to win the easy ones.

2. Andy Reid can't forget about running the ball
Jamaal Charles is arguably the best running back in football not named Adrian Peterson, and he needs to be treated as such. Charles was lost in the game plan in 2012 by one of the worst coaching staffs of all time. In five games last season, Charles had 12 carries or less.

3. Dwayne Bowe can't get injured
In football, everybody is a health risk. However the Chiefs can't afford for Bowe to miss anymore than a game or two. Kansas City has some depth, but the wide receiver position is thin with Jon Baldwin and Avery as the second and third receivers.

Ultimate answer

This season will be a success if the Chiefs make the playoffs and win a game. Despite having a 2-14 record last year, Kansas City is a very talented team on paper in a weak conference.

Only the New England Patriots and Broncos seem like surefire playoff teams. Plenty more squads are awful in the AFC. The Chiefs haven't won a postseason game since 1993. It's time to break that streak for the Arrowhead faithful.

Kansas City has players on the roster who can make a difference. The key is utilizing that talent to its optimum ability. Andy Reid has a history of doing that despite his past two seasons in Philadelphia.

All things considered, the Chiefs need to make a large, but reasonable jump in 2013.

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State of the AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

RDreamer — Tue, 28 May 2013 23:19:51 -0000

In the first of my series on the other three teams in the AFC West division I begin with the team with the worst record in football last season, the Kansas City Chiefs.

They made some big changes at the top of the organization, getting rid of GM Scott Pioli and their entire coaching staff and bringing in new GM John Dorsey and former Eagles coach Andy Reid. They let QB Matt Cassel go and acquired former 49ers QB Alex Smith in a trade. It's said that you can accurately predict how an NFL team will do by looking at the coach and the quarterback. Cassel and Crennel? Blecch! Reid and Smith? Hmm.

While Andy Reid was, until his firing last season by Philly, the longest tenured head coach in the NFL, it's important to note that he didn't win bubkes after the passing of the late, great defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. With Johnson, Reid's Eagles were perennial Super Bowl contenders and very nearly won one. Without Johnson, they were NFC East doormats. While Reid's offense is certainly a potent scheme, it is not the Saints or the Patriots, and it cannot overcome a mediocre or downright bad defense.

It's also worth noting that while Kansas City's best player is clearly RB Jamaal Charles and KC's offensive line excels at run blocking, Andy Reid hardly ever runs the ball. If your QB in a pass-happy system is Donovan McNabb in his prime, you can get away with this. If it's Kevin Kolb or a deer-in-the-headlights Michael Vick, you are in trouble. Statistics have clearly shown Reid has a much better win-loss record when his run/pass ratio approaches 1 to 1, but for most of his career it's been closer to 1.3 passes to every rush.

Reid is trying to speed up Chiefs practices. This isn't really a surprise, as everyone's trying to be the Oregon Ducks. Philly's offensive line wasn't able to run at breakneck speed, but Kansas City's offensive line is extremely athletic and ought to be able to handle it. If Branden Albert can overcome his back problems, KC's offensive line will be formidable. I think Eric Fisher is the real deal, despite the lower level of competition. We have only to look at our own Jared Veldheer to know that it doesn't matter what college you went to; if you can play you can play. Read Arrowhead Pride's take on their offensive line here.

KC's receiver is Dwayne Bowe. Nobody else is worth discussing. Perhaps Jon Baldwin will one day remember he was a first round pick and begin playing well, but today is not that day. Maybe Dexter McCluster will turn into the new Brian Westbrook. Who knows? AP has some thoughts on Bowe and company.

So the offense is a question mark, with the personnel seeming in my mind to be a poor fit for the pass-happy Reid. The defense on the other hand has some serious talent, led by their secondary and safety Eric Berry, who in my opinion is the finest safety in football today. Cornerbacks Sean Smith and Brandon Flowers are solid if not spectacular in a hey-let's-sign-Stanford-Routt sort of way.

The defensive line is also a question mark, with the team having let the underperforming Glenn Dorsey go in free agency to San Francisco. Tyson Jackson, Dontari Poe, and former Jet Mike DeVito now man the line in the Chiefs' 3-4 defense. DeVito isn't much of a sack artist, but he can move the line back a few yards whenever he wants. Jackson has been a disappointment in KC so far, and will have to step up his game if he wants a big free agent contract after this season.

Linebackers are also a strength, with Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali being two of the very best in the game. Johnson went through a few years of mediocrity but has developed into one of the premier MLB in the AFC. This is a unit with few weaknesses and an abundance of talent. Click to read AP gloating over their embarrassment of riches at linebacker.

So the bottom line is that KC will have to show they made the right decisions in hiring Reid and trading for Smith, as the other units are much the same as last year. We'll just have to see, who are the Chefs?

via cdn3.sbnation.com

49ers Roster, 90-in-90 breakdowns: Ian Williams

David Fucillo — Sun, 26 May 2013 21:01:26 -0000

Here at Niners Nation, we're presenting a series called "90-in-90". We'll be looking at every player on the 49ers offseason roster, one player per post, from now until the start of training camp.

More: Quinton Patton LaMichael James Patrick Willis Parys Haralson NaVorro Bowman Joe Looney Jewel Hampton Anquan Boldin Kyle Williams Vernon Davis Justin Smith

The 49ers defensive line has seen some turnover this offseason, particularly at the nose tackle position. The team let Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois depart in free agency, signed free agent Glenn Dorsey and drafted Quinton Dial. Dorsey is considered by some to be the front-runner at the nose tackle position, and Dial will likely get opportunities in a RJF type of role.

In light of the additions, it is easy to forget the in-house talent. The 49ers signed nose tackle Ian Williams to a two-year contract extension. It was not an overwhelming contract, but it would seem to indicate the team was sufficiently intrigued by his talent. The 49ers let their two primary nose tackles walk, and they are creating a competition between players with limited nose tackle experience in the NFL. Dorsey was primarily a 3-4 defensive end, Dial is a rookie and Williams has not spent a lot of time on the active list.

~~Dorsey~~ Williams was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2011 and made the 53-man roster right out of his first camp. He played in one regular season game as a rookie, and then played in three regular season games in his second season. Williams was active September 30 at the New York Jets, and then the final two regular season games against the Seahawks and Cardinals.

What to expect in 2013

Williams has looked solid in preseason play through two seasons, but he also was coming into the game rather far down the depth chart. This year, even if he is coming in after Dorsey, he will at least get some time against second stringers and maybe first stringers, as opposed to facing the end of the opposing roster's offense.

Williams and Dorsey aren't the biggest guys in the world, which will be interesting to follow for the nose tackle role. Isaac Sopoaga was bigger than both guys. Of course, the nose tackle role is not heavily emphasized (no pun intended) by the 49ers defense. They need a guy who can fill the role, but he is not going to spend a ton of time on the field given the 49ers use of four-man fronts.

It's hard to predict how this position battle will play out because of the limited exposure for both guys. Williams has limited experience outside of the preseason, and Dorsey's experience is at 3-4 defensive end and some defensive tackle in four-man fronts. I think the 49ers will be fine at nose tackle, but that's as much supposition as anything at this point.

Odds of making the roster

You give a guy a two-year extension, I think you want him around. While Williams may not be a 100% lock, I have to think he's pretty close. One drawback to his roster chances would be if he proves to only be nose tackle material, and not somebody with versatility to play defensive tackle in the nickel. The 49ers have added bodies to rotate in and out, but versatility is always a big plus. I don't think that's a huge concern for Williams right now, but it will be something to keep in mind, particularly depending on what we see from Quinton Dial.

Keep Reading:

Kansas City Chiefs d-line breakdown: A mixed bag

Matt Verderame — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:51:57 -0000

The Kansas City Chiefs need to see improvement from their defensive line.

Everybody can agree on that, after the team ranked 27th in opponents rushing yards with over 135 allowed per game and 25th in yards surrendered per attempt.

With that in mind, new general manager John Dorsey let mainstay and former No. 5 overall pick Glenn Dorsey walk. To replace Dorsey, Mike DeVito was brought in via free agency from the New York Jets to anchor the run defense alongside nose tackle Dontari Poe and end Tyson Jackson, who restructured his contract to stay in Kansas City.

Twists and stunts: Generating pressure in the NFL

This position group has been a source of anger for years among Chiefs fans considering the lack of return on investment. Kansas City spent three top-10 picks on defensive lineman from 2008-2012, only to see very little improvement if any.

Will anything change?

Let's go ahead and take an in-depth look.

The starters

We know barring injury that the starters will be Jackson and DeVito on the ends with Poe clogging up the middle.

With one year left on his deal, Jackson needs to continue growing as a player. Last year, Jackson saw his tackles dip from 55 to 43, but his sacks rise to three. If he can nab a few more sacks and consistently hold up against the run, he could get another contract.

Poe was decent as a rookie. The rookie had only 16 tackles through the first nine games of 2012 before registering 22 over his last seven contests. With continued coaching and maturation, Poe should be a very solid nose tackle for the Chiefs going forward.

DeVito will be 29 years old in June, so he's in his prime. Last season, DeVito made 52 stops, the second highest total of his six-year career. The New York native doesn't offer much against the pass, but he's a bull versus the run.

We can count on...

Poe to step up and become more of a factor. It was obvious despite being cloaked in a 2-14 season that the rookie from Memphis was developing nicely throughout the campaign. As Poe understands the NFL game and new system, he will only get better.

If Poe jams the middle with regularity and pushes the pocket occasionally, Kansas City will be thrilled. The 350-pounder doesn't have to dominate, he only needs to draw double-teams and free up the linebackers.

The biggest area of concern...

Depth. The Chiefs have virtually no depth at this position after letting Ropati Pitoitua hit the market and sign with the Tennessee Titans. Pitoitua finished sixth on the Chiefs with 51 tackles and even contributed a pair of sacks in 2012.

Now, Kansas City has Allen Bailey as the primary replacement at end with nobody else of note. Bailey seems to be someone people have belief in; don't count me in that group. In two years, Bailey has 15 tackles and one sack. Anthony Toribio is serviceable, but he's not someone who should see a ton of time on the field for a good team.

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

My prediction

This group is going to make all of us lose our hair if any injuries happen. The Chiefs have absolutely no depth at this position and could be in for serious trouble if any of the three starters go down.

DeVito is a very solid player who I watched plenty of living in New York. The Chiefs and their fans will be very happy to have him on board. Jackson will be quietly respectable and Poe should make some noise, so if health prevails the line should be improved.

If not, expect a lot of run blitzes.

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49ers Schedule Preview 2013: Seattle Seahawks (Week 2)

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San Francisco 49ers Offseason Review

3 steps to success: Chiefs need answers from Alex Smith

3 Steps To Success

3 Feats Toward Failure

Ultimate answer

More from SB Nation:

State of the AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

49ers Roster, 90-in-90 breakdowns: Ian Williams

Keep Reading:

Kansas City Chiefs d-line breakdown: A mixed bag

The starters

Don't miss the other position breakdowns

We can count on...

The biggest area of concern...

My prediction

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