I've searched around Niner Nation and was surprised to find that no one had discussed a nickname for Michael Crabtree.  I had previously read that he prefers to be called Crabs.  Though I think we can be more creative than that. In the poll below, I'll put some of the stuff I've both heard and came up with.   My personal favorite is Moneytree.  Though I think it'd also be funny to call him [site decorum] as the mention of his name makes me think of curse words.

I can't help but wonder what would've happened had the 49ers drafted an offensive tackle instead of Rod Tidwell, er, Michael Crabtree with the 10th pick of the draft.  (Though to be fair, at least the fictional Tidwell was an established player who sought more money, and Eugene Parker is no Jerry Maguire; but I digress)   Of course, hindsight is 20/20 but I do think we got caught up in the hype and lost focus of our problem areas.  Lest we forget, the team gave up 55 sacks last season.   To solve this dilemma, we went after a washed up player in Marvel Smith (missed 15 games in the past two seasons and 29 games since 2003.)  and now we're in a real pickle because he retired.

Michael Other was still available at the 10th slot.  The Niners also could've moved up to grab Eugene Monroe or Andre Smith.  I do remember some debating the merits of going  after someone to shore up our defensive line as well. And then there were people who really wanted Crabtree.  Hell, I was a bit excited about him falling to us initially.  Still, you had to wonder how he would get  the ball if Shaun Hill didn't have time to get it to him.  Having watched the pre-season games, the offensive line looked mediocre and the defensive line didn't look very strong even against the lowly Raiders.  That last game against the Cowboys was especially troubling.  However, the past is the past and we can only make adjustments here in the present. 

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In my previous fanpost, a couple of people stated that they'd be interested in seeing how other fans here at STR would grade the draft.  Now here's your chance to do just that. 

Here's a quick recap of what we did:

-Passed over Ricky Rubio in favor of Tyreke Evans with the fourth pick.

-Drafted Israeli basketball player Omri Casspi with the 23rd pick

-Drafted Jeff Pendergraph with the 31st pick and then traded him to Portland for the 38th pick (Jon Brockman), Sergio Rodriguez and cash.  (though I don't know how much they gave us)   

After Blake Griffin, suspense filled the draft.  Would Memphis or Oklahoma City take Ricky Rubio and if not, who?  As David Stern read their picks, it became apparent that the Sacramento Kings would have the option of picking the Spaniard.  Leading up to the draft, rumors swirled about the actual level of interest the Kings had in Rubio.  The selection of Tyreke Evans over Rubio indicates that they indeed soured on Ricky and shows the direction the Kings want to go in.

The selection of the Memphis guard shows that the front office is indeed more dedicated to winning in the near future than filling empty seats with the more hyped Rubio.  Rubio undoubtedly has great potential but will take time to adjust to the NBA; timing being something the Kings don't have.  Furthermore, he wasn't the right fit for our needs.  The Kings needed to get athleticism,  size, and defense; something Evans will provide.  While Tyreke has issues with inconsistent shooting, point guards generally aren't used to put points up in bunchs.  Instead, he needs to be able to distrubute the ball well and guard the already excellent number of point guards currently in the league.  I know I feel a lot safer with him guarding Chris Paul or Deron Williams than with the undersized Rubio.  Sure, we'll miss out on some incredible pass or move that Rubio makes in the future, but the Kings chance of topping 17 wins looks a lot brighter with Evans.  Now we just need another big man.  With the cap room we have and are building,  the chance to land a top big free agent seems to provide hope that the Kings will return to glory.  And for God's sake, beat the living hell out of L.A.

Based on the depth and number of comments in response to my last fan post, I think it is safe to say that there are a number of differing opinions about what the benefits and risks associated with acquiring Brandon Marshall.  After looking through most of the comments, I believe that the majority of opinions on here are influenced by how one looks at our chances for winning this season and our prospects for the future.

Old and busted: Defense Wins Championships.  New Hotness: Wide receivers Win Championships

Those that believe that we didn't make any major moves to improve our team during the off-season see a team that will be lucky to match last year's record.  These individuals seem to be saying that we need to stop being picky and take a risk.  They believe a major superstar, ala Brandon Marshall or even Anquan Boldin, will open up our run game and give us a threat in the red-zone.  The skeptics also are not sold on the potential our current receiving corp nor are they thrilled about our quarterback situation.  These sentiments are not baseless but I believe that they miss several points.

One of the best counterarguments I seen that were against trading for a superstar wide receiver note the fact that having a volatile but  game-breaking wide-out hasn't led to the big show.  Examples included the Cowboys (T.O and Roy Williams) and the Patriots (Moss).  Instead, teams like the Titans did well without having a big name receiver.  Another strong point took note of how the Redskins have took major risks in acquiring top free agents with little success to show for it.  In addition, quite a few of you echoed my feelings about having other positions that are in more dire need of upgrading.  Some of the more optimistic fans also feel that the young recievers the 49ers currently have the potential to be just as good.  While I'm not quite as sold on our current crop, I think most of us are content to wait and see given the risks associated with going after Marshall. 

I don't even think the majority of us against the trade are opposed to the trade because of his issues (though it doesn't help) but because the price is too high.  Having 2 first rounders allows us to go either gamble and acquire the number 1 pick or try our luck at having two first rounders; with odds that at least one of them will grade out as a star.  Furthermore, I think this year will either show that we have a serviceable quarterback or that we need to get someone else (via trade or in the draft).  Somehow, I feel this season in particular will show if we are actually improving or if we need to start taking risks. 

Don't hate the player, hate the game

I agree with the comments  that suggest that some seem to view managing the team as though it's Madden 09.  Though franchise mode in the game is quite involved and has some realistic elements, one thing it cannot take into consideration very well is how a trouble-prone player upsets team chemistry.  I mean, in the game, I'm sure you could build a dynasty of a team by the second year.  However, teams that have done really well in real life have worked together for years; developing rapport and mutual respect for one another.  These very important elements can't be attained through trade or signing some big money guy.  I think this is especially true for players on the offensive side of the ball, where timing is very important. Aside from that, I like the game.  I used to be in the Top 100 online but slipped to rank 150 (level 20) on Madden '09 on the Wii.  I go under Tino on there just in case your feeling like you want to play against me.  In the meanwhile, I'm taking wagers as to how long it'll be before I get criticized for playing video games.  Atleast I got an excuse for now in that I'm only in my 20's.  I don't know what my excuse will be later in life.  Maybe you older gamers can provide one for me. 

Besides that I think that the ratings for the teams are only loosely associated with how much talent and potential a particular team has.  Look at how the Dolphins were rated last year which only goes to show the inconsistency each season brings.  Or, how some seen the previously 7-9 Lions (2007) as having playoff potential. Or even the Jaguars.  This is why the actual games are played.  Why when you look at the schedule and see a good team, you can't assume that they will continue at the level.  Conversely, when you see a really bad team lined up, you can't assume a win.  This is why I have hope for the 49ers.  They do have a "tough" schedule right now.  However, who knows how those teams will really stack up once the season plays itself out.  The NFC West has always been up for grabs.  From 2001-2008, you have the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks and Cardinals winning the division.  If we can stay healthy at key positions, other teams WILL have key injuries that dramatically diminish their possiblity of winning.  Maybe I'm delusional, but I see something positive coming from this season.

Hey hey ho ho, JTO had to go

Many fanposts have commenters going after one another with little agreement about anything.  Though I think we can all unite under the banner of disliking JTO (insert favorite insult).  I also don't sense much love for former offensive coordinator Mike Martz either.  Between the two, they did seem to create a lot of turnovers.  If the number approachs similar levels this year, one wonders who the scapegoat will be this time.  Maybe, just maybe, the offensive line will have to be looked at and improved.  Anyhow, let us hope for the best and expect the worse.  Go Niners!

Recently, Brandon Marshall has made a big fuss about not being paid adequately and has made it known that he wants out of Denver.  He even went so far as to bid farewell to Denver fans in his blog.  The 2.198 million he is set to make this year is a bit low for someone who averaged over 100 catches and a 1000+ yards the last couple years.  Being that the Niners have some cap room, the question becomes, should we make a move for him?

Keep in mind that while he is incredibly talented and put up some big numbers that he comes with some several negatives.  First off, he is coming off hip surgery.  Not the biggest turnoff considering he is only 25.  Second, he has had a number of run ins with the law, including alleged domestic abuse.  Third, he lied to his team about a cut to his arm he received during wrestling.  If that wasn't bad enough, he also was suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct code and could get suspended again if he gets convicted this summer on some charges he has pending before the courts. 

After taking all that into consideration, should the 49ers makes a move to acquire him and if so, what should we part with.  I have read that he'd want to make $9 million and that Denver would want at least a first rounder.  We currently possess two first rounders for next years draft.  I'd imagine that they'd want Bruce and our original first round pick.  Is the gamble worth it (believing Singletary can reign him in) or do you believe like I do that this guy is just another T.O type that racks in the numbers but doesn't really improve the team he's on?  Though the idea of him and Crabtree lining up for the Niners would definately be fun to watch.

I love this team just as much as any fan.  I hope every year that this is the year.  Still, I know that this isn't  the year.  You see, this is in all likelihood a 9-11 win team and most fans know that.  Now, I'm sure many people will point to the Cards as an example of how far a 9 win team can go.  (Almost winning the Super Bowl).  The thing is, the team hasn't done enough to upgrade the offensive line nor has it done enough to get some serious pass rushers.   Marvel Smith is adequate but still isn't enough to shore up the amount of pressure we allow to get to our quarterbacks.  There is no way we win with an o-line that allowed 55 sacks last season and far more pressure than what shows up in the stats.  How do you think they'll hold up under the pressure of a Super Bowl?

Defensively, the team has a rock solid linebacking core but still averaged less than 2 sacks per game.  (30 in all).   To stop someone like Big Ben or Manning (take your pick) running around back there finding their guy, we need a stronger line.  On top of that, the ability of Nate Clemens to shut down a top receiver is questionable.  Anyone remember what T.O. did to us?  He isn't even in my top 10 either.  At best, I think we got some really good players to rebuild with and I think we go to the divisionals; baring any major injuries of course.   I think you give Crabtree a couple years to develop and get some pieces on defense and the team will be dangerous.