Fooch's Note: Given Seau's prominence in the NFL for so many years, I thought this was worth moving to the front page.

According to reports from various outlets, it appears that Junior Seau - former LB for the San Diego Chargers has died. Here's a link from Yahoo's Shutdown Corner.

Even creepier is the fact that he is apparently the 8th member of the 1994 Super Bowl runner up San Diego Chargers team... CREEPY.

Apparently he took his own life...

RIP Junior. I wish that you could have worked through it.

NFL legend Junior Seau was found dead in his home in Oceanside, CA ... and cops are investigating a shooting ... multiple law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

Cops are currently at Seau's home just outside San Diego. Seau was 43-years-old ... and leaves behind 3 kids and an ex-wife.

In the pre-offseason doldrums, we're really left to scratch our heads, pontificate, prognosticate, and fume over the woulda/coulda/shoulda of last season. The good news is that we're not far from the free agency signing period, followed closely by the NFL Draft.

Getting back to the prognostication, there have been many discussions/posts/arguments about the use of the Franchise Tag. I've been wanting to put a post together about this but being unemployed and spending nearly 100% of my time finding a job has really put a crimp on the amount of time I get to pontificate...prognosticate....ok...you get it.

Jason LaCanfora has put together a great breakdown of the franchise tag landscape as it currently stands. Follow me after the jump for a summary and some quotes if you're too busy to read the article over on the NFL site...

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I posted a comment on the "pick one thing to improve" thread that really took me back...  In making the comment, I realized that I had inherently ASSUMED that the 9ers ARE going to the playoffs.  So that led me to ask the question: what does the math say?  Follow me after the jump to check it out.

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That's right folks, "Get Alex Smith onto your team now" is what the front page of NFL.com says.  On top of that, they've got Frank Gore prominently displayed just below that headline...  And an entire segment of Fantasy Football Live about the 49ers, Josh Morgan's injury and the roster moves (pre-IR or Swain).

It's funny how winning a few games can turn the world around for you.  I don't think ESPN is ready to acknowledge the 49ers are legit this year, but I'll take what we can get!

To make things even more upside-down in the Universe, Philly is 1-4 and Detroit is 5-0!?!?!  WTF?!?!

Breaking news from NFL.com - "

T.O. joining Bengals

Terrell Owens has agreed to a one-year deal with the Bengals, a team source told NFL Network's Michael Lombardi."

So it looks like the answer to the question "Will the 49ers try to get him back?"  is NO!

I guess nothing is final until he signs, but I think that's a formality at this point.  I heard that Chad Ochocinco (who shares the same agent at Owens) has been lobbying with the Bengals' organization to sign his friend...

We'll see how that team does with 2 showboats...

smileyman update:

Jason LaConfora broke the news (via twitter) that Dez Bryan has just signed a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Adam Schefter is reporting that the deal is a 5 year, $11.8 million deal that includes $8.5 million in guaranteed money. As a comparison last year's 24th overall pick was DL Peria Jerry. His rookie deal was 5 years, $10.35 million with $7.55 million guaranteed. Looks to be about a 10% increase this year over last.

Colt McCoy has also signed a four year deal that could be worth up to $5 million. 

I'm bumping this post to the front page since it's excellent information regarding most of the rest of the picks.

Bradford's agents begun negotiations last week for his deal. I suspect that the 49ers have had contract talks with Rosenhaus for Anthony Davis when Rosenhaus visited the front office last week. Joe Haden better get cracking on a deal if he wants to make it to the Brown's training camp which starts this week. 

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Here's the short of it:

"Early Saturday morning police from South Bend, Indiana discovered a party that ultimately sent 44 people to the St. Joseph County Jail. The NBC affiliate, WNDU, reports that eight Notre Dame football players were included in the arrests.

According to reports among those who were arrested include Notre Dame back-up quarterback Nate Montana, the son of legendary NFL and Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana. Other players arrested at the same party include Lorenzo Wood, a corner back and incoming freshman; Chris Watt, a sophomore offensive guard; Roby Toma, an incoming freshman wide receiver; Nick Tausch, a sophomore kicker; T.J. Jones, an incoming freshman wide receiver; Steve Filer, a junior outside linebacker; and Tate Nichols, an incoming freshman."

Here's the link to the story I quoted.  You can find numerous other sources as well by googling it....

http://www.examiner.com/x-30425-College-Football-Examiner~y2010m7d19-Joe-Montanas-son-among-eight-Notre-Dame-football-players-arrested

In his morning post about Nate Byham, Fooch got us up-to-date on the 49er draft signings thus far.  A few weeks ago, I posted a question about where to find a tracker for draft signings.  Several folks responded and provided me with resources to go check out.

We're only weeks away from the start of training camp, so I thought I would bring a quick update on the status of the 2010 Draft rosters....

As of today, (actually, 5:19pm last night) 133 of 255 draftees have signed contracts with their teams.  That means we're over 1/2 way and things are about to get really interesting - especially considering that we have 2 first rounders of our own to think about!

After the jump, I'll get into more specifics.

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In my previous post about the 49ers getting some fantasy respect, I looked at the fantasy rankings of a number of 49ers.  This post is basically an update from NFL.com's fantasy section that shows where we stand in a number of ranking systems.

There really are no surprises here, but I thought it would be good to post a link to the rankings and let everyone see where people stand.  After the jump, we get the specifics....

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We've seen a lot of FanPosts (and even front page articles) here about the 49ers Quarterback situation.  I believe the consensus around here - and correct me if I am wrong - is that the majority of us are hopeful, but not overly optimistic about Alex Smith and his potential to be the QB of the future for us (for the record - I am a fan and believe he is).  As the numbers show in my FanPost earlier this year, I think he has a very good shot at stepping up to that role.... but I think we're all in a "show me" mode with him this year.

There have also been some discussions about our Cornerbacks and what is going to happen with them.  Nate Clements has played well from time to time and suffered injuries that have hampered his ability to contribute.  Dre Bly, Walt Harris, et al never really panned out for us either.  So here we are with the Pass Defense ranked 21st in the league, but not really making moves to improve our primary coverage.  As Maiocco states in his recent article about the 49ers CBs, that 21st ranking is misleading and when one examines the underlying stats, they will realize that we're actually pretty darn good.

I believe we went the right way in this year's draft for sure.  Each team only gets so many picks and we were blessed to have 2 first-rounders  this year, where the majority of rookies likely to be capable of starting right away are likely to be found.  We clearly needed to set up the O-line to protect whomever Mike Singletary decided to put under center for years to come.

I think that we've got a big question on our hands for 2011:  Barring a blowout year by Alex Smith and his clear establishment of himself as the "QB of the future" for our franchise, which way do we go in the 2011 draft?

From what I've seen and read, most of us believe we are solid on a number of fronts:  We have an awesome featured RB.  We have at least 1 awesome WR in Crabtree.  We have arguably one of the top 3 TE's in the NFL, and a very solid overall defense (Including the #1 MLB in the NFL IMHO).  Also from what I've seen, many (including me) believe that our next weakest position is CB.

Do we go with QBs for the 2011 draft if Smith only has a so-so or even "decent" year?  Or do we hold on and go after CBs?  Do we pick them up in free agency next year?   Does anyone know what QBs and CBs might be available as UFA's next year?

Just another thing to keep our minds sharp during the "dead zone" we're in.

I just saw another FanPost asking which niners jersey someone should buy.  In that post they explain some of the obvious choices "Patrick Willis is the obvious choice, but he's not my favorite player" and laments that a couple of others are coming up on wanting/needing new contracts and "they might not be there next year."

I posted a (IMHO) witty reply that he should go for the Joe Nedney jersey because they'll be propping that guy up with a walker and he'll still be hitting 50-yarders.

But that got me thinking.  We've all been tough on/ skeptical of Alex Smith at one point in time or another.  Many have recently posted something to the effect of "No more excuses, this is his year to shine or show he's a true bust of the highest order."  I won't go back over all the things I think happened that inhibited Alex's success (most of which were situational or external factors IMHO) because we all know them.

Imagine this - It's opening day in Candlestick Park.  Our 49ers are facing the reigning Super Bowl Champions - the New Orleans Saints - and their superstar QB Drew Brees.  Alex Smith and the team run out onto the field to thousands of cheering fans.....

And they are all wearing #11 jerseys.

Other than the obvious ("that would never happen - you're an idiot Pete") - what effect do you think that would have on Alex?  On his performance that game?

Ultimately, the question I wish to pose is:  Does a "he could be great but hasn't shown it much yet" player get fan support because he performs?  Or do we, as fans, choose to support him and, therefore, he performs?

Heck, make that number 85.  Or 15.  Or 52. Or 21. Or Joe Nedney's #6.  :)  Or whoever.... the player doesn't matter (well...maybe I made myself a target for proposing that 60k+ SF fans would a) BUY an Alex Smith jersey at all let alone b) all wear them to 1 particular home game...)  But I hope everyone sees my point and the questions I'm throwing out there...

I don't have a solid opinion one way or the other - I was just pondering and wanted to see what you guys thought.

Last year was my first time playing Fantasy Football and I had a BLAST with it.  While I enjoyed managing a team, it was always a struggle not to go pick up 9ers just because they were 9ers and I liked them.  There was also a side argument I had with my brother.  He contends that playing FFB equates to cheering for another team other than his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers...but that's a different discussion.

So I was watching NFL network "Top 10" this weekend (Joe Cool is the #1 "clutch QB" - like we needed a show to tell us that) - and saw the fantasy scroll in the crawl.  I saw Frank Gore as the #5 RB and was like WHOA!  That's awesome... finally getting some respect!!!  Saw Alex Smith ranked #15 (though as you see below he's fallen - or FFTB hasn't updated) and VD is ranked #4 in his position.

All tolled, there are 4 players ranked in the top 10 of their positions, and 7 49ers ranked in the Top 200 overall, which is above the statistical mean of 6.25 (200 top, divided by 32 teams).

I thought I would post their current positions here (pulled from the FFToolbox.com Top 200 list)  The first number is their overall ranking.  The (number) is their ranking at their position.  Players without a first number did not make the Top 200 overall.  Defensive players ranked by position for IDP leagues.

5 (5) - Frank Gore

73 ( 4 ) - Vernon Davis

83 (32) - Michael Crabtree

144 (66) - Josh Morgan

167 ( 8 )  - San Fran Defense

178 (79) - Jason Hill

183 (22) - Alex Smith

(21) - Joe Nedney

(17) - Ted Ginn (ranked as Returner)

(7) - Dashon Goldson (DB)

(1) - Patrick Willis (LB)

(11) - Justin Smith (DL)

http://www.fftoolbox.com/football/2010/cheatsheets.cfm

Hey everyone - I was excited about the Dixon signing and went looking to see where the 2010 draft class was in terms of signings, contract $$ etc... and couldn't find a consolidated post anywhere...  Does anyone know where I can find that info?

All I can find is sporadic stories of a signing here and there... doesn't look like any one place consolidates and compiles all of this.  Is it because none of the 1st rounders have signed yet?  Is that all anyone is interested in?

Thanks!

Pete

Hi everybody!  I just wanted to share how excited I am that my wife told me she's pregnant (again!)

This makes the 3rd little Niners fan we've produced.  We currently have a 2yr old girl and an 8 month old girl.  Everyone pray for a boy for me please...  I'm drowning in estrogen!!!!

Anyway... .just excited to share.

Pete

P.S.  See?  Another thread that has nothing to do with Alex Smith.  Wait... does this P.S. make that not valid?  Oh well...

:)

I know a lot of the people on this board (and for the most part rightly so) lend a lot of credence to statistics...  Since the discussion in my other post (Why Alex Smith will Succeed and Thrive 2010 Forward) was a bit of a tat-for-tat, I figured I would get some empirical evidence to support my thoughts.  I'm a businessman by trade and I focus a lot of my energy on recruitment/selection, training, development and retention...so I know a little bit about which I speak...  maybe not in the NFL context, but selecting and developing talent is what it is...anyway...

I went back to compare the stats and here's what I found...  If you take out 2005 (rookie year where he only played 9 games with 7 starts and was a complete abomination) and 2008 (when he didn't take a single snap due to the 2007 injury) and 2007 (where he only played 7 games before getting hurt)...you get 1 full season of play...2006.

FYI: the only number that went down was his yards per completion...

After the jump are the stats I was playing with, ALL of which were improvements (some were HUGE improvements).  And just for giggles, I am throwing in a comparison with Peyton Manning's same stats for 2009...  :)

Enjoy the numbers... they speak for themselves I believe, but here's a FAST summary:

1. Smith's sacks/game went down by 9% in 2009 (from 2.2/g to 2/g) and his QB rating went up by 9%
   
2. His Yards/Game went up over 18% and his Yards/Start went up by almost 30%
   
3. His TD/INT rate went from 1:1 to 1.5:1. - an improvement of 50%  Manning's is 2:1

Pete

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This is a re-post of most of my response to the "Who will be the 49ers QB in 2011" thread, but thought it would be good enough to stand alone and draw some discussion.

It's my position that Alex Smith was the #1 pick in 2005 for good reason, but the team was ill prepared for their "QB of the Future," so to speak.  When I hear people get down on Smith, I always come back to a few points and that it's not as much an Alex Smith question as it is a question of:

1) His (lack of) protection (the LOLine really hurt him). The 49ers allowed 150 sacks in the last 3 regular seasons – an NFL high. That’s an average of more than 3 per game. If the new line can just give Alex some time - A. Davis and Iupati are here to do just that - he’ll come through for us.

2) Lack of a running game. See #1. No blocking means no holes. No holes means you could have anyone short of God almighty in the backfield and they’d get stuffed. New OLine means holes. Holes means running game. Running game lifts pressure from the pass rush, allowing Alex more time to go over the top.

3) Offensive weapons. He has them now. Davis. Crabtree. Gore. Morgan. Combine the correction of points 1 and 2 and you end up with a potent formula.

4) Strong D. If our Defense can at least stay as good as it has been, we’ll probably be a lock for the NFC West. If they get better, then we might be talking more, but that’s all conjecture.  Add a few of new new UD class of CB/S's (check them out - they have huge upside potential) and get them under the mentorship of veterans like Clements and Willis and we might have a dynasty-quality defense.

5) Consistency in the OC and the system. This kid has been with a new OC every year since he got to SF. I am not a fan of Jimmy Rae…but whatever. I trust coach Sing. And if he thinks JRay can get it done, then I’ll trust that. ANYTHING consistent is better than changing the system every year.

6) Experience. Alex has been at the top (college), been hurt…thrown into a crappy situation…benched… and earned the job back. He did well once he took over last year…let’s not forget he had to pick himself up off the ground at least 30 times in the 9.5 games he played…. He’s got it now. It’s his time to shine.

Bottom line – you take a #1 pick rookie and throw him into a situation with crappy blocking, no running game, weak offensive weapons, etc…and you get crap. Build a team around him, and you get Joe Montana. :)

(waiting on the "how do you equate Smith with Joe Cool???" responses)

Pete

Just popped onto 49ers.com and the splash page has the "enter to win the draft day experience" thing on it...  One of the "prizes" is "Meet both 1st Round Picks."

Thought this was interesting, because of my experience attending the Houston Texans draft last year....I waited around all day (in a PIMP suite and getting to meet cheerleaders etc, mind you) and then they traded their pick at the last second.

Talk about a downer.

Seems to me the 49ers plan to USE both those picks, which is an excellent choice IMHO!

Pete

Fooch's Note: Since Andrew won't be able to post a fantasy post this week, consider this an official FanPost for discussing the weekend's fantasy football action.

Hey everyone - just wanted your take on this fantasy call I need to make this week...  Pierre Garcon (IND) or our own Michael Crabtree?

Most recommendations I have seen have them listed fairly equally (targets, receptions etc..). I am NOT in a PPR league, so only YDS and TDs count..  Garcon is the #3 WR red zone target in the NFL and has performed well.

My concern is this: IND is up against the #2 pass defense in the NFL, and rumors are that Manning will get rested at least part of each of the rest of the regular season games....which makes Garcon more risky.

On the other side, Crabtree is up against the #30 pass defense, but will likely be covered by Rodgers-Cromartie, and an AZ defense looking to avenge the Week 1 shellacking we handed them.

Thoughts?  Help a brother out?

Pete