Why did he jump at the chance a day early? It could be any number of factors. Perhaps by throwing players onto the wire first, they would get lost in the jumble as the wire was later flooded with more cuts around the league. Maybe he also just wanted to finalize his roster that much earlier to let key depth players know that they are on or off the roster.

There is one poignant victim of the roster cuts that all of 49er-nation has noticed and that is of RB Michael Robinson. What saddens me more about his release, which was justified, has been the overall lack of respect and mistreatment by ‘fans’ towards him. All of it not deserved at all and from many angles, fans should be ashamed to even say what they have said.

Robinson began in college as a highly recruited all-around athlete walking into a Penn State program at a time when people started to call HC Joe Paterno too old for the game and antiquated. Robinson was such a spark plug on the field he played RB and WR well before settling into the role of QB and helped lead Penn State to the Orange Bowl his senior year. Upon being drafted, he was our backup RB in 2006 and going in to 2007, split more time with RB Hicks.The next year he was asked to play backup FB and the next year as well and yet then asked to compete at RB another year. All the while he eventually stepped in as a Special teams T Captain and became a practice leader and lock room bedrock.

He began being “So good we will put on the filed somewhere” to a the iconic leading Quarterback in a major program to instantly “not good enough to be an NFL QB”. His reaction? “Put me where i can make a difference, coach.” And thus it was.

Fans cheering his release in any way should be ashamed of themselves. First of all, if Robinson lacked in statistics it was because he did the self-less task time and again of being that depth guy. Along the way he was actually a key cog as depth in 2006 (2 TDs as the designated goal-line guy) improved to 4.7 YPC in 2007 and mostly played special teams his last two seasons on the team. He was hardly like predecessors RB Jackson who virtually never played regular season offense or S Lewis who had one half-season glimpse as a starter only. Also, Robinson was a character guy. A natural leader, a locker room icon through principle and example, and  a true team player.

For those who site his lack of stats and think we dumped ‘dead weight’, feel ashamed. in the end , some rookies and castoff veterans hanging onto the depth chart will get shuffled into his roles. However, none will have his locker room pull and all will be trying to standout to stay on the roster as opposed to finding out how they can make some impact to help the club and not just themselves.

Was his cut justified? Yes. in the cold, cruel business that is the NFL, he got edged out. He was not a top 3 RB in any way and ont only is he a marginal FB but we can hope FB Miller makes it to the practice squad and that F-Back Byham will continue to grow in his F-Back role. With Robinson’s ST’s impact waning, there was no role for him. Especially given his continued increasing salary and the seemingly growing list of players from OLB Briggs to OT Boone and KR/PR Williams or even CB Adams who had more impact on offense or defense and have more powerful futures.

What fans should realize is that no ‘dead weight’ was jettisoned in this process. He did what the team needed at each juncture and with class and led as a football player. He is hardly a ‘flamed out’ former collegiate star who just failed a pro and was flushed out unceremoniously through a special teams role. What he did for the team will e done by equally ‘non-impact’ players who will probably not be nearly the character guy that he was.

That said, this type of move also carries a heavy symbolic tone to its execution. We have parted ways with the ‘character guy’ and a ‘locker room leader’ and instead shuffled his overall role towards one goal: winning. Robinson is gone because we have so many leaders through status and example combined with production that he had no spot left. That and this club has more talent waiting in the wings with a more explosive future. Years ago we lacked playmakers and tough, football guys who put the team first and kept a low-level roster from exploding into a “I will sell out everyone else to get a spot next year:” free-for-all were needed. Now that the roster is growing and talented, we need more playmakers and big-talents than team-players.

It’s a sad and cruel effect of the sport and it was in full effect even in the team’s 1980’s Glory years.  Teams with porous rosters, lacking an identity, and weak coaching leadership need Robinsons. Guys who have solid talent who will fill any role needed and stand tall and be examples all the while. But it’s winners who are so full of guys ready to charge into the darkness to win battles as opposed to loading up on guys who will take a bullet for the good of everyone else. it’s a shift towards winning where raw, productive talent and big plays will make us winners, not ranks of football martyrs.

in many ways this was a farewell to character. A final salute and farewell to Nolan’s ‘football guys’ (and one can’t imagine if Haralson is next) and ‘character guys’ and a push towards simply winning.

There was a well deserved and reverent silence among fans when Michael Robinson was released. It will last a little longer but if you wait, it was all done to prepare for the incoming cheers and impending roar of something this team has not seen since the 2002 season: Success.

Rumination - I can only be worried about the passing game right now on one simple fact and that is Smith has not had the camp or game time to work with Davis and Crabtree that I would prefer. Sure, as we saw last year ‘Crabs’ can seemingly walk in off the street as a rookie and put down a mediocre 5 catch, 50 yard type of game. As nice as it is to see Walker make some plays Morgan has been hard pressed to get open and Ziegler (and Ginn) have been back and forth on their hands. That go-to feeling just is not there for me and I think it would have helped for more live contact experience to be in play.

Rave - Some reasons why I am not worried about the future of our DL? Mitchell and Tukuafu. Let’s face it, our starting three is approaching some trouble. We stand to lose NT Franklin, especially when (if we have a franchise tag) TE Davis and/or FS Goldson may be more tag-worthy. But thankfully we have ‘RJF’ coming onto the scene. Evans is a short term fix and Sopoaga and Smith are both left with 3 years left on their deals, which likely will not be played out but both are also headed towards that dreaded early 30s around then too so the odds of long-term extensions differ. But Mitchell reminds me more of a young Sopoaga, a NT convert to DE who could be a solid backup in the run game and Tukuafu, well he has so much raw, disrupting talent how he can’t be considered sort of our ‘3rd RDE’ I don’t know what will. Hopefully here’s to a big game 4 for both young guys and solid PS spots too.

Rumination - More so than other years, you just know a player is not going to make it when you’ve never noticed them. Take for example WR Jones or C Cody Wallace. When you hear all about Hill versus Ziegler discussions or how both Baas and Wragge can fill in at C with no mention of Wallace…it sticks out. In fact, if it were not for potential and experience, I’d be a bit worried about OLB Haralson even surviving with how well Briggs is growing and Laboy’s recent ascension. OLB Lawson’s unsure tenure may actually be helping OLB Haralson right now.

Rumble - All things considered, for a secondary with a veteran SS who got beaten, a top rookie SS, a returning ‘big shot attitude’ FS and a ’should be getting it by now’ 3rd round FS…man did our secondary get swiss cheesed by bad angles and gaping zone holes by the Raider’s of all teams. I don’t know if maybe someone missed over the top help for S Smith or if Smith really did bite too hard on a sad-shoulder fake and let his WR blow right past him like Mike Rumph used to. Either way, I sure hope that was purely a preseason game. Maybe Manusky wanted to challenge Smith a bit but otherwise I’d hope in a regular season game we don’t let an oppositions best WR and the only one with hands get matched up in the slot on a backup S without help like that.

Rave- The more I watch him, the more I love Anthony Dixon. The kid undoubtedly in my mind has ‘it’. If I were Glen Coffee and stuck behind a top-5 weapon like Gore and then I saw Dixon, a mid-round rookie showing me up big time in practice, I think I’d call it a sign from God and retire then too. This isn’t a stat thing either. Clayton never rung my bell. He never showed vision, he never powered through a tiny crevice and he didn’t make guys miss either. Sadly, it will take an injury for him to see any meaningful game time beyond STs this year. But I really can envision a future where in 2 years as Gore’s deal runs out and Gore also is pushing that spooky  big 3-0 for RBs they could be a deadly 1-2 punch. Much like STL did with Faulk. Give Gore a 2-year extension to play backup RB and let Dixon do the nasty 15-17 pounding runs and leave Gore for key passing plays and 4-8 carries.

Rumination - Alright, it crossed my mind so I will throw it out there. This team reminds me of 2006…and that’s a good thing. We brought in a powerful, mean OG (Allen/Iupati), placed a big OT in at the RT spot (moved LT Harris to RT/Rookie RT Davis). We even have the young and likely oft-used F-Back (Bajema/Byham), the recently drafted backup RB (Robinson/Dixon), the stick-out go to WR (Bryant/Crabtree) and even the same RB, QB and likely FB. That and a coach that loves to run even more than Turner did. Why do I see this as a positive? With the exception of Allen over Iupati, I think our crew, especially spot to spot, is better. And yet that we had Smith’s best overall performance (and he has only gotten better) and we also now have more speed on the field with Ginn and a redzone target in Davis. Plus, even more importantly, a VASTLY better defense(esp. DL and LB crew), better depth defensively, and a defense that makes plays, not just gives them up. In 7-9 we were often underdogs but we scraped out key victories and with a defense, could have won more. This year we’re a better, if not similar team and in a weaker division to boot.

Rave- As much as I loving the Hill pick and expected him to blossom into at the least an underrated #4 WR after 2009, I am now starting to get on the Ziegler band wagon. Do I think he has breakout potential? No. I saw some shaky hands in this appearance and at times some rounded off and sloppy routes. But for what it’s worth he does make those circus catches and has improved at using his body and frame to make catches. As far as a #4 goes, he seems more capable of making the remarkable catch and making himself a big target than the seemingly injury-addled and inconsistent Hill who has not won this battle to date. Unless Ziegler really stinks it up in the next 2 preseason games, he should win a roster spot.

Rumination - I’m sure there is now lots of buzz over a LaBoy/Briggs contest. Briggs who was so disruptive with sacks and plenty of hurries and an INT versus the Colts and LaBoy who showed up so strongly against the Colts. I still think the edge will go to…both LBs. I don’t see a rogue S making the roster and given CB
James’s injury and Adams rise…(evne though I like James over Paymah), our 5 CBs seem to be set. The only other consideration is if we go so far as to consider Mitchell or Tukuafa as a 7th DL. But there seems to be ample room to work with 5 OLBs. Why so many? In part because Lawson is on his last year, Briggs and LaBoy can bring plenty our special teams units and it fixes our lack of an elite pass rusher with plenty of fresh legs and the option to go with whomever is ‘hot’.

Rumination - Top pick OT Davis is off to a shaky start but plenty can be said in his favor. For one, he did hold his own solidly against the Colts. Against a similarly deadly pass rush versus MIN,  he held his own as well. Along the way, he is doing a very solid job as expected in the run game. This is largely looking like a running game improvement and an OT who, if he matures as expected, will be a starting RT as a pass blocker too.

Rumble - Was not at all impressed with our ground game against MIN. Granted, yes they do have a quality space eater in Pat and a top 5 playmaker in Kevin at the DT spots. Watching the game once more, Iupati regularly held his ground against bull rushes and power moves in the pass protection scheme and he moved men and got good angles in the running game. The trouble came as Baas was not moving men nor was Rachal and with so many inside running attempts working on so much as iso-dives as well as interior trap plays, Our rookie looked good, the other two-thirds less so. I hope they pick it up, as a unit, as Heitmann returns and the regular season starts.

Rumble - Sad as it is, the KR/PR battle had hopefully better be settled soon. We already let go of one melting UDFA and Guilllory was hardly a success. I think the hopes of keeping Ginn off of STs needs to be reconsidered and he is now up to the proverbial plate next game as WR Williams appears to be out for the preseason. Williams seems like a lock and Ginn should be his backup until he returns.

Rumble - Was it an impressively long bomb? Yes. Should we crown Davis in any sense because of it? No. Let’s look at simple numbers. In non-pads, top WRs run no faster than 40 yards in 4.4 seconds. Looking at 65 yards, another 25 yards, you’re looking at a 6-7 second count just for a WR to get 65 yards downfield! Now, do we have a top 5 pass blocking OL? NO! In fact, after adding the strong Iupati and huge Davis on top of player like the monolithic Staley and imposing Rachal, we have a big OL built for ‘pounding the rock’, noit airing it out. After years upon years of our QBs not getting 4 seconds to throw…where will we get 6-7 seconds? Not to mention, yeah the kid has an arm but clearly it’s not everything. Any QB coach will say that a downfield shot that long after a snap a huge risk, with a safety over top and a likely trailing CB, the chance such a throw gets picked is high. In that spot you should have rolled out of the pocket and can fire the ball incomplete. Even QB Smith was doing this wisely in 2006.

Rave- I know I’m a broken record on this issue by this point but when it comes to rookie CB Adams: wow. Three PDs in one contest he was pasted all over opposing WRs and their routes against MIN and this comes on the heels of lots of positive buzz about him from training camp. It’s hard to believe he will survive any waiver wire test for any club even needing a 4th CB so he seems more and more like a roster lock even if he ends up as a regular inactive as our #5 CB.

Rumble- It’s a bit sad that CB James managed to pull up lame after the IND game because I really saw more in him than CB Paymah. This only became worse when CB Paymah, his main competition, who has a better knowledge of MIN’s personnel, got to show up in week 2 in preseason. It will probably take a Paymah meltdown in the last 2 weeks on top of an early James return. I like James’s experience and dependability should he be needed as a 3rd or 2nd CB over Paymah who has ‘measureables’ but often has inconsistent fundamentals.

Rave- What Byham has been doing this preseason isn’t even showing up on his stat sheet. I was always a big fan of TE Bajema. Not because I thought he had any value a receiver, but because he was versatile for the team. He could block as a TE or FB and filled many ST roles. Late rounder Pascoe had the size and some power measurables but he clearly was lacking in natural talent. Pick Byham is quite the opposite. He has a frame with more room to grow and is impressive in his feel for the game. He is showing up at FB, blocking at TE, and has even shown very solid receiving and route skills for a guy in his role.

Rumination - For what it’s worth, Nedney is pounding some KOs and is nailing his FG and PAT shots. He may may have hit some solid FGs and his PATs but as of yet may still be just another year weaker in his 50+ yard and deep KO results. At this point, camp competition is even that much more important. Not only to push Nedney but to give us options in the role. I would not be shocked if we keep a K like Andrus with a PS slot.

Rave - I am continually beginning to believe that we have a real chance of not only losing our DC to a HC spot after the season…but that if our DL continues to look half as good as the preseason is showing…that DL coach Tomsula will get poached for a DC spot either in the college ranks or maybe some re-booting NFL clubs. So far, even without our starting NT and so much undrafted talent, Jean-Francois has shown up against starting crews, Tukuafu is just a lightning bolt in the pass rush and it’s not like DL Mitchell hasn’t made some plays himself. Our DL is penetrating, disrupting, and in 2 preseason games blowing up backup OLs aplenty and that type of growth will not go unnoticed. Cheers to coach Tomsula, he is doing an amazing job with his unit and it is not going unnoticed.

All apologies for the lateness of my regular weekly post. I spent a bit too much time on pleasure over the weekend and travel and work swamped me through Wednesday. This season I expect to have time to review gameday tape and post my “RRR” On Tuesdays and post weekly matchup previews on Thursdays and/or Fridays as time allows.

Rumination - It’s a shame we won’t have an extra TE slot available because I liked more out of what I saw in Curtis than Finley but Curtis will not be eligible. Plus, (okay, the TE was a gimme, I’m not counting that) I really think Curtis could be more of the consistent 2nd TE that we need. Sorry but Walker is a short 6 feet and light 240 lbs. and while he gets shots, he blows big plays too. Curtis looked smoother and is a solid 6′5″ and 10 lbs. bulkier. He’s a bigger target.

Rave - Whether it was Smith’s motor and Sopoaga’s block collapsing with the first unit or RJF and McDonald being just comlete disruptors to the Colts running game through the 2nd quarter. The only downside is the Colts do have a pass blocking OL that featured the 32nd rushing attack last season, so it’s hardly like our 2nd unit was beating up the New York Jets top unit. But it was amazing how that DL looked in the first half.

Rumble - I sure hope that it was Heitmann’s injury that has stalled the execution of Cody Wallace.  There was a reason our pocket kept crushing from the front during the second half. It’s also fully of note that despite his experience and all of the raves about his football IQ and consistency, he is still barely our backup OC. Baas was inserted before him and I’d rather see Wragge in over Wallace. Wallace kept getting manhandled and bull rushed like nobodies business.

Rumble - It could be just me as well, but wasn’t our kickoff blocking horrible?  I sure hope it was a case of “All of our 2nd stringers were playing too much so let 3rd and 4th and non-stringers fight it out for a ST role” type of blocking. Even when we had horrible returners some guys like Walker, McKillop, Robinson, and Bajema were creating some holes. I’d also like to hope that even without Bajema and McKillop that Briggs, Byham, and Miller could be useful in that role.

Rumination - Not quite sure what to think about the debut of Taylor Mays. On one end I saw some decisive and solid tackling while he was soft in zone coverage. Fellow S Smith looked pretty nice on the goal line and by making that first big INT return too.  But overall, Manning was destroying the LB-S corridors. Would like to see more out of these guys because if there is one thing teams will do to us is test our safeties.

Rave - OLB Briggs probably just played himself off of any practice squad eligibility. Yes, he was playing mostly against backups. The difference though from last year was noticeable. Last year he was more like Roderick Green, a guy who could show a good edge move for some pressure against backups. He showed good awareness in his interception and he wasn’t just showing one or two moves, he simply owned his blockers. That type of play shows that he what it takes to at least be a 4th OLB on our roster and some team with depth issues at OLB and/or the pass rush will jump on Briggs after that performance.

Rumination - Could Andrus have had any more shots that wrapped themselves just barely around the inside of the upright? Multiple FG attempts and a PAT? This kid needs to work on splitting the uprights a little bit more.

Rumble - Talk about terrible hands. There was some serious alligator arms going on and heavy arms going on too. Robinson short armed a pass. Walker tipped one up he had a good shot at.  Either Ginn or Hill had one that I swear hit him in the chest and had it bounce off. Combine Davis’s mixed up route and that receiving game just looked slopping and confused.

Rumination - So Davis had a rocky start. A false start at that combined with a later poor block on DE Mathis. There as one big positive though. Davis showed good footwork. Even as Mathis went by, Davis showed the quick feet and ability to turn. Back in the day, Kwame Harris would barely be turning to his full right as his defender was well past his hips and almost behind his snap position. As a result, Harris would often just reach out his big arms. That’s what Davis did NOT do. But, if he keeps his feet under him, he SHOULD extend his arms. This would force that rusher on a bigger, slower, wider angle. That aside, he was also great in opening up some big holes.

Rumination - I liked more out of what I saw in Will James at CB and his hustle than I did in the play on the slightly younger Paymah. The downside is James is 31 and likely not going to be a good long-term depth option whereas Paymah could have 3-4 solid years for us a la what we did with Roman. But right now, I like James as a 4th CB ahead of Paymah.

Rumble - I know it’s preseason but I saw too little out of players I wanted to see. Byham sadly will be playing lots of TE snaps because we’re not going to show our goal line or short yardage packages or best ST units in preseason. I would’ve liked to see more of Adams and Stoudamire.

Rumination - Holy Linebackers Batman! We currently have 15 LBs on the roster, 1 on them on IR. That’s 3 full sets of 3-4 LBs with 3 more to spare. I remember the mid 90s when we sometimes went with only 5 LBs on the 53-man roster in our 4-3. Although I think in all fairness our Elephant LB (like Kevin Greene) was listed at DE. But right now could field Lawson-Spikes-Willis- Haralson. Then we could have Brooks-Wilhelm-Bowman-LaBoy as backups. The there is Briggs-Balogun-Kristick-Long as the third string. Then we still have Burnett and Davis.

2) So far, the return game battle has turned into a one man Kyle Williams show.The late rounder is showing excellent fielding abilties, has been good with vision and has a nice burst and acceleration out of his cuts as well.  I’m not wowed by his top gear speed, but hopefully traits like vision, agility, and some quickness from the stop will give him the space for many foot races. That aside, it’s not looking good in WR or return drills that small school, much lauded undrafted prospect Vann.  With the WRs and plenty of KR/PRs out there, he could be a cut next weekend.

3) We have everyone in camp…except Nose Tackle Franklin. This is of course his way of holding out considering his mere 1-year deal when he feels he is due a multi-year contract.  The 49ers don’t want to commit top dollar to a NT going into his mid 30s by deals end. Franklin though had little time and wear for most of his career before the 49ers and was our improving NT at a bargain for several years. Everyone expects him to end up signing his franchise tender and practicing and returning for the 3rd or last preseason game. That aside, converted RDE prospect Ricky Jean Francois reported at in shape and has been showing good NT technique.

4) Ted Ginn is making his presence known. He has been showing an excellent 2nd gear and ability to get downfield and open for big plays early and often. At the least, he must be giving WR Morgan a run for his money. He is making big plays and impressing with his speed and accurate routes. It sure is looking like we may have gotten a steal from MIA for a WR who just needed a fresh start. All indications, at worst, suggest he is a top 3 WR for us and can stretch the field possibly better than anyone else.

5) The RB depth battle is hardly going to be a route and rumors of Coffee’s demise are just that: rumors.  He has managed to show up in improved shape. After an off-season of largely lower body focus he added muscle weight and dropped body fat and is showing more quickness into and out of cuts. There is a big difference in this battle. Coffee has hands the staff likes and he has excellent ability to stuff edge rushers.  I am also not convinced he was ‘that bad’ his rookie year. With a year to adjust to the speed of the game and his running style, he could secure our #2 role. Meanwhile rookie Dixon is not nearly the hands guy in replacement of Gore and he needs to adjust his style to the NFL game. He has more to overcome up front and he also faces the rigors of a rookie headed to a 17-week schedule. So it’s not like Dixon is already #2 unless he shine in a “Gore, 2005″ type of way.

6) The team has already lost ILB Scott McKillop for the season. This was hardly the result of a “Nutcracker” drill nor was it some torturous drill that injured him. In a regular defensive unit drill, he went up for a pass and landed awkwardly on his leg and twisted his knee. The loss to our defense is not terrible. We still have rookie Bowman and veteran Wilhem for the season. The pain is that McKillop actually turned heads last year in special teams, especially on both kickoff teams.  When he wasn’t in tackle piles, he took out lead blockers to create one and he cleared some nice lanes with big hots on kickoff returns too. Hemade some noise on punt teams too. The upside is Wilhelm at least has the 3-4 experience and Bowman casn fill McKillop’s STs role and perhaps with even more speed and vigor and he’s a more natural LB.

7) There is a lot of focus on S Taylor Mays. First off, he has cemented a role as a backup safety with 2nd year Taylor being relegated to a 5th S label.  Coaches are working close with him on every snap to help him out and one really gets the feeling that they are working hard to expedite him to the starting lineup by seasons end if not the 3rd safety role. With Goldson’s high contract demands and Lewis’ high costs and head injury and body wear concerns Mays seems to be on a fast track to a key role his rookie year.
Contract negotiations are under way. The team made it a goal to secure their rookies and they will be looking towards extensions for a couple of players before the regular season starts.  Goldson is one player they want, but not as his near top-5-safety asking price.  A new deal for P Lee is quite likely and the team wants to pay LB Brooks before the season starts.

9) Our 1st rounder in OG Iupati is looking every bit the real deal. Not only has he quickly looked like a natural at LG while veteran OG Baas sits out a concussion. Not only is he looking nice in some drills (on one running game drill he did a solid number while locking up ILB Willis) but he’s a natural nut cracker, quickly becoming a blocking powerhouse in the camp drill. He has some room to grow, he admits but honestly, Baas never showed this much power despite his reputation in college and Iupati is already looking like a great pick.

10) For possibly the first time since I can remember, natural leaders are stepping up. Not just guys who can produce well who try to act like it, but guys who will lead with such charisma that other follow without question. Tight-end Davis conitnues to often beat and jaw with the defensive backfield. QB Smith is showing poise and control. Willis has a presence that everyone listens to.  The in the middle of all of it: Coach Singletary. He has reached the part where speaches and motiviation are not noted. Players know what they need to achieve. It’s not ‘coach sing’ up on a pulpet for daily speeches. Ity’s a team that has its identity and will accel at i.t

Let’s quickly review Lawson’s history with the club.

- After losing DE/WOLB Carter and SOLB Peterson  in free agency, the team trades up a week before the draft to have a shot at a starting OLB. Lawson is what we got. A two-year OLB in college who payed down DE his senior year. Immediately his DE experience had everyone expecting him to be a pass rusher first and OLB second. Also compare him to the ‘elite class’ of 2006. Sims has only 2.5 sacks and 1 INT in his career. Greenway was good in ‘08 with 5.5 sacks and 3 FF. But he has no sacks any other year and 3 FF, 5 INTs in the other 2 healthy years. Hardly standout above Lawson.  Carpenter has washed out of DAL and CLE’s Wimbley had a great rookie year but has not been standout since.

- His rookie season, he is pushed into extensive time. Has issues with stamina on the field and lack of power in his OLB role but he shows great flashes of coverage skills.

- Shows up even better in coverage and after adding lots of upper body power for 2007. Starts great and then tears his ACL in a week 4 practice session.  As a result, TEs tear us apart the next few weeks. Especially as LB Navies in attacked in coverage and OLB Haralson has to work hard to develop and later take over the role left behind.

- In 2008, he comes off his ACL. Plays 14 games nad has a rather pedestrian year. No high tackles, 1 FF, and 3 sacks.

- In t2009 has a career year. Despite limited playing time at points, led team with 6.5 sacks and 4 FF. Along the way, showed vastly improved ability in run stopping and controlling the edge.

The fact is Manny is due to make under 700k for his experience and effort. He is the best coverage OLB we have. He has better run stopping skills than Haralson and sets the edge very well. He showed he has regain enough burst and playmaking in 2009.

The counter-argument is that he has had only 1 good season but in all fairness, he did suffer a virtually impossible injury. Even Jerry Rice suffered a busted ACL. That said, he is our best all-around weapon at OLB. He can add sacks, cover, and run stop.  Plus, what are our other options? Sure, maybe Brooks has that 9+ sack ability and Haralson has shown it himself.  Even if the other two improve and turn into starters over Lawson two things hold true. One is that he’s still a versatile and capable 2nd stringer and the other is that he is really useful. He can be a nickel LB for us and a capable starter.

I say we bump the man up with 4 new seasons on top of the next one. Start with a new salary. A new signing bonus and loaded with escalator and bonus clauses. If he continues to start, he gets a bump or two of 1M to 2M per remaining season. If he gets sacks and/or turnovers, he can net up to an extra 1M per season. So if he returns and flames out and never has more than 4 sacks and 2 FFs and 2 INTs in a season as a backup, he won’t be overpaid and had his shot. If he improves vastly in the next 2 years, he can expect improved compensation and can even complain after 2 seasons for a bigger, more guaranteed, higher salaried deal. Win-win and we keep depth at worst.

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More Articles in the upcoming weeks leading up to camp, keep an eye out for material.

For example, teams need some core ingredients. One is an impressive coaching tree and a head coach with plenty to prove himself. This allows a club to lose assistants to better jobs and still keep tacking on winning seasons. Second is that you need a system on the field that works towards a dynastic approach in that it must be able to allow turnover and still produce. Denver for example had a great system where low-round, lighter, ‘athletic’ OL were the core of its pass blocking and cutback/counter based running scheme that also worked wonders with lower round RBs. IND has won a title and been a top team for nearly a decade now despite never having a big investment at DT, a revolving door at OLB, and never over-investing at RB either. Such teams have a system whereby they can maximize a ‘lesser’ talent in a specific role and have it produce. Third is continuity and a design from the front office whereby you lock down key franchise players and refuse to overspend on the expendables. If you lose continuity, whomever steps in may differ in long-term vision and it’s that ongoing 3-4 years down the road type of plan that is needed.

That said, I don’t really think the 49ers have any of those. Singletary doesn’t have much of any offensive coaching set up and if tomorrow our DC gets a good job offer, we could be in trouble there too. I don’t think we have a system in place. If anything we are talent overloaded in some roles and having trouble putting it all together. We are nowhere near the point where we can start a cycle whereby we are winning, can keep at least 18 starters intact through the next 2 years and can start drafting for depth and future starters today.

That said, it made me wonder if our window of opportunity is incredibly small. If you don’t believe in the dynasty concept then you believe teams can bulk up and be good for short periods of time, at best, before the forces that be rip that said team apart. Is it possible that this team really is in a spot where we could have problems in only 2 seasons?

Look at the evidence.

CB: There is little doubt that CB Clements will be gone after 2010. His salary explodes for 2011 and for an aging CB, he will be too expensive too keep and may be too much of an elephant in the room(too uncomfortable to watch him slide down our depth chart each year) to extend and cut his salary. It looks like Bly is not returning and if he did it would not be for long. Harris is as good as done. Spencer is 28, K.Smith is 30, and James is 30. Paymah is our only real non-rookie depth that is not hitting the big 3-0 in the next 2 seasons. While Brown is only 24, he is one guy and still unproven. This unit lacks defined starters, has several veterans who likely won’t even make the active roster, and is shaky over the next 2 years. The need to add at least a 1st or 2nd round talent and/or a top free agent is extraordinary.

RB: Let’s make this one even easier. Gore turned 27. According to the traditional clock, he has 3 good seasons left in him at best. Given how RBs who have avoided the dreaded ‘400-carry curse’ and avoided major injuryies tend to unravel at record paces once they hit 30, Gore is no exception. Especially given his collegiate knee injuries, one can say that means his body is fresh and his knees have been solid. But he also routinely misses 2-3 games with ankle or foot injuries. Add that up to Coffee being less than extraordinary and not knowing what we have in Dixon as of yet, we have no real RB depth and our superstar talent could have only 2 or 3 good years left. So now we’re looking at a 1st or 2nd round RB in 2012 to be a good decision.

DL: Let’s assume we cannot extend Franklin. That leaves NT as a big key need for us in 2011. We can pray that divine inspiration strikes Sopoaga or that Balmer rounds into an excellent prospect as a NT this summer and upcoming season. Or be realistic that a top NT will be on our 2011 wish list. Also, look at our depth. Sopoaga may just get another extension as our versatile LDE/NT/DT guy. But what happens to the rest of our depth while we keep getting amazing seasons out of J.Smith at RDE and at 30, could see a slow down in the next 2 years. There is reason to believe we need at least 2 top rounders in the next 2 drafts to really add punch and sustain this unit.

WR: Yes we have Crabtree and Davis playing so well as a TE is key too but we lack depth. That 2nd WR who can still put up an 8-catch, 100 yard, 2 TD type of game as teams double down on our top 2 weapons isn’t present. This is especially noted because if we lose one of those top 2 weapons, it would kill our offense. It allows teams to lock down on our only other big receiver and the slippery slope begins there.  No real guarantees moving forward and yes, even a good 2nd or 3rd round WR in the next year or two would be excellent. Maybe Ginn will really shine as a #2 who can burn, we will wait and see.

OL: Let’s pretend it all works out. Davis is a stud RT, Staley improves at LT, Rachal picks up his game at RG and Iupati is a pro bowler at LG in his second year. That still said, I’m not holding my breath on Wallace and Heitmann is not getting younger. When Baas leaves and also likely an aging Wragge too…we will not have any interior OL depth. Plus, once Snyder is finally cut and Sims retires, even if Boone rises to the occassion, the need for perhaps a new starting OC needs to be mixed with a need for a swing OT and backup OG who can produce.

After having what looks like a solid, successful draft towards improving our roster and what we can do on the field, how close are we? Are we still a wild-card round type of team or can we ride a weak division and favorable schedule(most of our toughest non-division games are at home) to as far as a bye and maybe a division title game…or more?

What reasons are there to be optimistic? First, our K is still incredibly accurate and can make the clutch 50-yarder, for now and we do still have a vey accomplished punter. Plus, last year we went 8-8 with absolutely terrible punt return numbers. While I don’t think Ginn is a 2 TD/all-pro return man, he is undoubtedly at least average. Plus, a smattering of talent from the rookie pool will compete for that job. Not to mention a world class long snapper. This makes for competitive special teams and it’s good special teams that help you win field position battles, minimize turnovers, and can provide a spark of momentum.

Second, we have what I consider to be an underrated pass rush. Yes, we lack one of those “16 sacks per year’ type of players but since when is that requisite? It gives offenses a man to single out and you’re also one injury from losing a big factor in your pass rush. I’m rather in favor of several guys like what we have now. We can bring in fresh legs and injuries have less of an effect and it makes our pass rush harder to predict. After, while Jared Allen and his counterpart may snag19 sacks, our top 3 OLBs who gather an average of 6 sacks a piece…18 sacks. Except losing Allen likely tanks his stats but those of the guys who got better shots due to him. If we lose an OLB…still 2 more capable of combining for a 12-sack effort.

Do we have an elite single rusher? No. But you can’t lie about a top 5 pass rush, especially when we did excellent jobs in some tough games on veteran QBs.

Third is our ground game can only get better. Gore is a stud workhorse who can make plays even as a WR. Coffee, I’m not giving up on him yet. His stats are horrible for sure but we telegraphed his usage to much and often teams had him pegged with a run blitzer just as he gets the ball. He has 2 guys in the backfield and a plugged hole i n most of the snaps last year. That said, I’m not going to downgrade the addition of blocking TE Byham and RB Dixon. Then add in the drafts blue ribbon OG talent in Iupati and a 1st round talent at OTas well. We added 2 quality movers and a specialist mover too. Oh and one heck of a possible steal in the later rounds at RB to boot. What more says “want to run the ball” more than adding a 1st round OT and OG on top of a big RB and the drafts 2nd most prestigious blocking TE?

Then there is our weaknesses.

Let’s just throw the biggest elephant in the proverbial room out there. Smith is not a proven QB, we have an  who lacks an ‘innovative’ reputation to say the least, we are facing a blocking change en-masse, and also we lack a deep, effective receiving crew. This normally sounds like a nightmare. In one sense, we do have WR  Crabtree who is expected to bloom and TE Davis established himself as a top weapon, even great and raw rookie blocking will beat pathetic veteran efforts, and Smith may yet prove himself effective. But it does make for one big offensive problem. Our WR depth has lots of question marks and on top of that we have questionable blocking mixed with growing rookie blocking.  This offense could just as easily fizzle towards the bottom 7 as much as it could sizzle towards the top 15.

The next biggest problem is the secondary. We don’t have any great safeties and could be relying on an upstart 4th round FS, a workout warrior 2nd round SS, a veteran head case SS, and a can’t-stay-healthy FS backup. Not to mention one of our CBs is on a huge contract that won’t last another year as is and the rest of our depth is either raw or aging. Yes, a CB like a Haden or Wilson or a top S would have been nice. But we do lack DB depth and we are gambling a bit on that front.

So where do we lie overall? With health and an offensive click and best case scenario I can see this team using a good schedule and weak division towards an 11 or 12 win first round bye. But if we have offensive troubles due to receivers, blocking, and/or the QB then we could see a near ‘09 repeat but I still envision a worst case scenario of a division win wild-card.

But we lack the veteran and deep DB corps mixed with an experienced offensive unit, even if it is one that does well in 2010, can work in the deep playoff games.

When it comes to the intent of this pick, I give it an A. I love that we have our scouts and confidence and our man was there and we made a really smart trade to get him. Anyone remember 2004, when WR Clayton went right in front of us (and we later admitted he was our target player…) and we ended up plummeting and picking a bust in WR Woods? So, trade a 4th to secure the ‘guy we want’ at our biggest position of need? That was brilliant. In terms of the actual player, my opinion is a C+ for now. We got a consensus top OT but I don’t like the risk. We made a great move and executed wisely to fill a big hole…I’m just not sold on the guy we got.

LG Mike Iupati, Utah: Alright, I bite. I love the idea that we may once again have a dominant, pro bowl level guy like a Sapolu in the middle of our line. While I have no doubt we can take RT Davis and have the best run blocking off the right side since the 2006 season, I think Iupati will do similar to the left side. Wragge is not getting younger, we’re not going to pay Baas, and Rachal needs to step up this year. Plus, Snyder is just as bad at OG as he is OT. This pick added a top flight OG talent. In terms of value and intent, I give it an A- and in terms of the player I give it the same.

S Taylor Mays, USC: So what can be said? He’s healthy, he likes to hit, often takes poor angles or pursuit, is not a great ball swatter or ball hawk, and often goes for hits over solid plays on the ball. the positives are his experience, his physical numbers, and likely his desire to prove himself a top safety. I envision Mays as a possible form of upgrade over S Lewis. He has the build to play on the LOS and he has better speed and range. Possibly a year as our SS #2 and we will be able to move on from Lewis who concussions are a concern. On defense, only NT is a more pressing concern in terms of players and tenure. For intent and value this pick is an A+. Excellent value on the pick at a need spot. As for the player, I’d say it’s a B right now. He does have solid value and ability and with good coaching, can excel. That aside, it’s not like Goldson wasn’t equally as hampered when he was a 4th rounder.

OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn State: I adore the way we dropped back and managed to add a future draft pick here. That 4th next year can either help us add depth or increase our maneuverability in rounds 1-3 to help cherry pick the best players to put us over the top. I am curious to see where we end up placing Bowman because in my book, he looks more like a Willis backup. He doesn’t have great pass rushing skills nor does he have the size to take out lead blockers and seal the edge on outside runs. But Bowman does have speed and like most ‘Linebacker U’ turnouts, great natural instincts and lightning fast read reflexes. If he can just add 10 lbs or so of muscle, he has the read speed and capability to be a ‘Mike’ fill-in. We missed our shot I suppose at top Ted backups to develop and instead went for a great Willis backup. In that sense I’d label this pick a B+ in value and design and the same for the player. At the least he should add a lot of speed and power to our special teams units and keep our starting defenders more fresh.

RB Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State: Love this pick. Absolutely LOVE it on so many levels. Let’s start with the bravery involved. By going with yet ANOTHER backup RB pick we are in a sense passing a referendum on our previous picks. Clayton has big guns but no vision. Coffee, I don’t know if he has enough initial acceleration and balance to be effective. Dixon on the other hand is likely going to be asked to be an inside runner and short yardage runner at his size. I like his value immensely at this pick and either we just more or less cut ST captain Robinson, will cut RB Coffee in camp, or maybe Dixon is meant to be a functional-FB heir. He may lack the weight and experience but his hands are great for 6th rounder and he can run for power, so he could edge in as a 2nd FB/RB specialist of sorts. As it comes to helping our depth and his value and versatility this pick is an A.

TE Nate Byham, Pitt: Love this pick as much as the previous. Why? I miss TE Bajema. You read that right. Do I think he has anything on TE Vernon Davis? Not to save his life. But there is something to be said about a cheap, versatile player who fills almost half a dozen key emergency slots on gameday. In our big running, plow over people 2006 season Bajema was a key cog. He was in on a third of our offensive plays and a staggering 70% or so of our runs. As a 2nd TE, he was a solid blocker. But he could also be a somewhat useful 2nd FB, a blocking wing TE, he played on field goal and kickoff return units and if we needed one…could also long snap. In the freak event we lost a FB/LS/key ST’er/TE during a game, Bajema had our back. Just like how it’s great to have a guy who can cover multiple OL spots or a versatile LB who can play inside or outside in a pinch. That said, Byham (as far as I know) has no blocking FB/LS experience. But he is a good ST’s blocker and is one of the nations top collegiate blocking TEs. Last year we gambled on Bear Pascoe based on his fringe athletic build and work ethic, but he wasn’t a natural football player. Byham not only excelled at a solid program in his role, but is ready for the NFL in that aspect. The player value here is very good and I like that we added a power blocker to our fold, this pick is an A- in my book. All that is missing is if he happens to be an excellent long snapper or has FB experience too.

WR Kyle Williams, Arizona State: I’m not enthused by this pick. In my book, I have a habit of using 6th and 7th rounders on only 3 types of players. One is special teamers like kickers, punters, etc. The second is flyers on injured and/or troubled players who have excellent talent but could shape up to be big impact guys like when we gambled on Tai Streets. The third is when it comes to simply snagging a player to force camp competition and to shake up depth. Williams lacks size or physicality to be an impact WR in the NFL and he is a sloppy route runner, a serious negative in my book. But he does have great acceleration off the LOS and blazing speed. So as far as I can tell, this pick is us taking a ‘flyer’ on a speed prospect possibly to add to our KR/PR camp depth but I suppose he does hold value as a Kickoff cover/punt cover gunner/contain type of player. However, more so than any of the previous picks, I think his contribution will be to push other fringe players and return men than to be a direct impact himself. Overall, a B- for the intent and ideals but a D for the player. There were better similar players out there and many we could have had for no pick at all. At this pick, a likely cut and practice squad NT to develop would have been smarter, if only to shake up our similar prospects during a crucial year.

DB Phillip Adams, South Carolina State: This pick beats me. My only personal guess is that between his physical nature (he is good in bump coverage) and man on man attitude, we have ourselves another CB/S tweener in the mold of Hudson. So he need to show punt blocking/coverage and gunner/cover man ability on punt and kickoff teams to win a spot.  This is clearly a 2nd straight flyer. I have a deep seeded fear that history will show that Iupati, Bowman, Dixon, and Byham will be good long-term producers and Davis, Mays, and our last 2 picks could end up as mistakes. I see the ‘replace Hudson’ attempt here, I just don’t see the need for a draft pick when I’d rather see a flyer at OG to challenge Wragge, Wallace and De La Puente. I give this pick a C- overall.

What I Liked

- Some solid draft savvy. We moved sup to get our man at RT and dropped down to add a useful pair of picks this draft and next. Note to draft pundits: Just because the Patriots draft around like madmen does not make them ‘masters of the draft’ when they simply load up on players they cut in a year or two! Look at 2009 for example. S Chung hardly lit up the world, Brace was so unused that they gave a big extension to NT Wilfork instead. In the end, only middle rounder WR Edelman made an impact. Plus, don’t get get me started on how they blow top picks on TEs they discard two years later. End rant.

- I love how we came through on getting a RT and also managed to add a blocking TE while at the same time finding a backup SS and RB/FB prospect to develop. Getting a new OG and likely backup Mike LB was nice too. What would have made this draft grade would have been to pass on S Mays and turned our 2nd rounder into a later 2nd and a 4th and having used both on a 4-3 DE speed/edge rusher and a 3-4 OLB prospect later on.

What I Disliked

- I really, really, really wanted OT Trent Williams but his combine and ability were so good he went as the 1st OT in the draft. I’m not nearly as high on Davis The guy who didn’t play both sides at a national title competing school, who ran the 40 in about half a second faster, had more vertical leaping and bench ability and impressed scouts in the agility and footwork drills.

- Seemingly wasted pair of last picks. Neither has NFL level talent.Was a practice squad likely DE or NT really that hard to find or maybe a FB to challenge Norris? In a camp like we are headed towards, yeah, even a third FB is a good idea for bodies.

Before the draft even opens up Thursday, we are already well on a road to success. While I think we’re smoke-screening a bit, we got our return man in Ginn for only a 5th rounder. In comparison, his 3 years of experience, speed, and explosiveness make him a superior value to a 5th rounder in our current draft. He brings three things to the table. One is experience as a WR and depth at WR. We hardly have much better for depth other than him and he has starting experience. Second, his open field ability and speed make him a deadly weapon for our offense if we use him in some reverses/end-arounds/bubble screens and a slot man. Lastly, he brings us a punt and kickoff return man which we sorely need.

In terms of impact for a 5th rounder, that one is a solid A- and puts us a good step towards an effective draft.

Draft #1: My Dream Draft

This one isn’t of the ‘exceptionally outlandish variety’ such as the “imagine all of the top 5 players fall to all of our first 5 picks” type. But it does require a big dosage of suspension of disbelief because chances are, we’d be lucky as all heck for these players to be available, but it’s not entirely impossible.

1A: RT Trent Williams

1B: NT Dan Williams

2: CB Brandon Ghee

3: LB Jamar Chaney

That gives us a stud RT, a franchise NT, a CB with lots of potential in Ghee and a LB in Chaney who has the range to play Mike and the power and build to play Ted. It fortifies our depth across the defense and fixes our biggest offensive problem. In rounds 4, 6 and 7 I’d look to add a DB to replace Hudson, an OG for camp competition, and maybe a RB/KR/PR too. But chances are Williams is gone in the first, Ghee might go early 2nd and Chaney may even got before our pick in round 2 let alone fall to the third round.

Draft #2: My ‘Holmgren Draft’

This one follows the standard that you don’t just band-aid a problem, you go all out and get it stitched up, Neosporined, heavily bandaged and fully rested in a sling…

1A: OT Bruce Campbell

1B: OG Mike Iupati

2: S Reshad Jones

3: OT Sam Young

4: CB AJ Jefferson

You don’t just try to fix a problem, you inundate it. Campbell is a very talented guy who can play RT and eve has the skills to later move to LT as a swing tackle. Iupati, meanwhile, can step in at LG as in instant starter. This provides 2 top 1st round talents along the OL, our single worst offensive unit. Meanwhile, Jones has lots of talent to be a great SS to replace Lewis and Jefferson has some return skills to bring into camp, but is also a physical specimen who could develop as a CB project. In rounds 6 and 7 I’d look to trade at least 1 pick away for a future 5th and the other I would use on a RB. Young meanwhile, I think will be a good mid-round steal for someone. He lacks ideal size but he has a good background, played well at the senior bowl to stick out, and has a head on his shoulders. One year working out and building up his game and he can be an effective pass blocking RT. For us, I’d like him over Snyder. So adding Campbell and Young would be like adding 2 rookie RTs.

Draft #3: My Value Draft

Simply put, at each pick we go with the player who has the best ‘value’ per pick. So in essence, not necessarily the BPA but the one whose likely return will be better.

1A: OT Brian Bulaga

1B: OG Mike Iupati

2: QB Colt McCoy

3: WR Mardy Gilyard

4: ILB Brandon Spikes

No, I’m not forgetful. I’m not a big fan of Bulaga. But all of the pundits have him as one of the top 4 OTs and I also have him as the likeliest to fall to us. Okung never will, Williams is almost definitely not going to make it, and Campbell probably won’t slide past Oakland. But I could see only 3 OTs going. That said Iupati is the best value at 17th  in terms of his potential. That said, the same goes for the next 3 players. all I think are going to end up being better players than their draft position and all hold above average value on my board.

My Aggressive Draft

Teams that are terrible don’t need 1 or 2 impact guys. What they need is to first raise the level of overall talent. That means trading down for more picks and more competition on the roster. It’s the good teams who often lack those 1-2 great guys to fill a big hole and raise the team to a new level. I think we’re a solid 2-3 big impact players away…

1A: (Trade up. Send our 2nd rounder and 1A to OAK to get OT Bruce Campbell)

2A:(Trade back, giving our 1B pick to NE for their pair of 2nd round picks at 44 and 53 and a 2011 4th rounder then we pick RB Dexter McCluster)

2B: ILB Jamar Chaney

This secures us a top OT, adds a RB/KR/PR in McCluster (and more speed and flexibility on the offense) as well as an ILB who we can develop under Spikes this year. Combine this with a new LT deal for NT Franklin and a smart CB signing and hopefully we get OG Chester…and we hit all of our major needs.

My ‘Ideal, Realistic’ 49ers 2010 Draft

…To be included in a post on Wednesday. (sorry for the tease)