Hello again, faithful Observer readers.
So I haven't written anything for the site in a while... my sincerest apologies. Still, I have a very good excuse for my lack of internet posting productivity.
I've been busy as all hell.
Also, the off-season is dreadfully slow for anything that is REALLY worth writing about. Mini-camp, OTA's, and training camp are only truly worth commenting on if something really significant makes the news.
I don't know about you, but I'm personally OK with not being your first source of analysis on what Tully Banta-Cain's off-season weight loss means for the 49ers' pass rushing abilities in 2008. Sorry, I just can't bring myself to care about these minuscule developments when there aren't actual football games to watch every week.
So I am going to close up shop here until the start of the 2008 NFL Preseason. Jesse and I will probably return once Nolan and Martz have named a starting quarterback (spoiler alert - it's going to be Smitty) and by that time there will no doubt be lots and lots to write about.
So as I leave you until late-July, here are my quick takes on some Niner-related developments that have happened since I last posted in April. Enjoy, and I'll be seeing you later this summer.
THE 2008 NFL DRAFT - Not a sexy draft for the Niners, but a very smart one. The defensive line should now (in theory) be solid as ever, with Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, and now first rounder DT Kentwan Balmer from North Carolina as the front three maulers.
Second round pick RG Chilo Rachal out of USC is either a 49er right tackle of the future or the 49er right guard of today. He could end up starting early this season at the right guard spot if current RG David Baas isn't healed up in time from his recent pectoral injury. For those who complained about the 49ers taking a guard this early, the Niners gave up a franchise record (and NFL league high) 55 sacks in 2007. Rachal was drafted to help in that department and bolster what was a very thin offensive line corps. In my opinion, a great, great pick.
Also, Rachal is literally "Straight out of Compton." How can you not want to see this guy succeed?
Third round pick CB Reggie Smith from Oklahoma is now the front runner to replace either CB Walt Harris or FS Mark Roman (Harris is much more of a priority over Roman, as Roman may have 3-4 years left in him). Between Reggie Smitty and second year player CB Tarrell Brown, the cornerback position is now looking surprisingly safe over the next few years.
Also, the dude can RETURN PUNTS. Hal-le-lujah.
The rest of the guys... fourth rounder C Cody Wallace is a project and will probably not play in 2008 (o-line utility man Tony Wragge will backup Heitman at center). Sixth rounder WR Josh Morgan will probably live and die on the practice squad. Seventh rounder OLB Larry Grant will get a chance to compete with Banta-Cain and Parys Haralson at the weakside OLB spot, but he is still unlikely to touch the field during the 2008 regular season.
Overall, a good draft for specific positions of need. I think Morgan was a waste of a pick with WR Jason Hill still looking to earn his spot, but maybe Morgan will surprise me and be amazing. Also, there is a big part of me that that thinks WR Limas Sweed is going to be a great play-maker with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but then the Niners couldn't have grabbed Rachal. Such is life.
VERNON DAVIS VS. PARYS HARALSON MINI-CAMP FIGHT - It wasn't Vernon's fault really, and overall it is a non-story. You can download an uncensored, high-quality Quicktime version here.
The only thing I can say about this is that the 49ers better start getting closer to a .500 record before Click-Clack's contract runs out. This might sound like speculatory-BS, but I am predicting some T.O./Chad Johnson type-shenanigans with Davis if Nolan (or whomever coaches after Nolan if he gets fired after this season) can't get the Niners back to their winning ways by Davis' contract year in 2010. There are a ton of NFL teams that would be happy to snag Davis and make him a star. Let's hope Martz can beat them to it and keep VD productive and happy.
QB COMPETITION - It's going to be Smitty. To the Shaun Hill supporters, just be happy Hill will remain a reliable option if the Alex Smith Experiment (ver 4.0) fails in 2008. To the J. T. O'Sullivan supporters, I feel sorry for your misguided optimism, cause it's not happening.
That's it. I'm done until sometime in July. I'll see you guys then. Go Niners.
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