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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en"> <title>Niners Nation - All Posts</title> <subtitle>"We're the San Francisco 49ers, we can do whatever we want."</subtitle> <icon>https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47865/ninersnation_f.png</icon> <updated>2024-05-04T08:05:00-07:00</updated> <id>http://www.ninersnation.com/rss/current/</id> <link type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" rel="alternate"/> <entry> <published>2024-05-04T08:05:00-07:00</published> <updated>2024-05-04T08:05:00-07:00</updated> <title>Willie Snead IV makes cryptic X post that may have been aimed at the 49ers</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A7K47Ata4f_eHZom1e2WPUi0fec=/0x0:5369x3579/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73327072/1950694221.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Given the 49ers’ past, I don’t think there’s much politics in playing time</p> <p id="Hko492">One thing is certain, the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> probably won’t have a need for receiver for awhile. They <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/4/27/24143024/49ers-draft-results-ricky-pearsall-2024-deebo-samuel-brandon-aiyuk-kyle-shanahan">drafted Ricky Pearsall</a> in the first round and later<a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/4/27/24142785/nfl-draft-49ers-select-utep-arizona-wide-receiver-jacob-cowing"> took Jacob Cowing in the fourth</a>. Add those to a unit with Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and others means that group is set, barring a training camp disaster. So Willie Snead IV, who was bounced from the 49ers practice squad to main roster for two years, probably won’t be back in 2024. </p><p id="CSprC4">Snead took to X on Friday to voice where he’d like to be in 2024 and left a<a href="https://x.com/Willie_Snead4G/status/1786440816761942293"> cryptic shot at the 49ers and possibly the Carolina Panthers/Las Vegas Raiders</a>, the two teams he was on in 2021. </p><p id="DNl3Xw">I pasted it below in case it gets deleted. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LFYUcYC_dixOdaJAXEgJjKk-XUs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25432174/2024_05_03_11_48_04.png"> </figure><p id="CEflR9">Snead followed this up <a href="https://x.com/Willie_Snead4G/status/1786556423477846114">mentioning he was playing consistent politics</a> over the last three years, something he didn’t do when playing for then-<a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> head coach Sean Payton from 2014-2018. He also said his<a href="https://x.com/Willie_Snead4G/status/1786497791746814165"> last year of consistent playtime in 2020</a> gave him better numbers than receivers today. </p><p id="sjUYWn">Just for the record, Snead also followed up saying he had “nothing but love for the Bay.” </p><p id="Fe8msF">Hey, I get how things can be a boys’ club in some teams and such, but the 49ers? This is the team that offloaded a quarterback they burned three first round picks for because they felt he wasn’t good enough to be the backup after four starts in two years. They instead went with a seventh-round pick. </p><p id="BVLyPc">I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m left scratching my head on this one. Sorry, Snead. You are a great player and you worked hard during your time in the NFL to make it out of undrafted free agent hell, but you were simply buried on a depth chart containing Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, or even Chris Conley. </p><p id="atSzAo">Maybe he’s talking about players like then-rookie Ronnie Bell? Well, using Bell as an example, the 49ers were trying to utilize him as a punt returner and they also drafted him. That meant they had him for a cheap three-year contract while Snead was on and off short-term deals. That’s not entitlement, that’s managing a football team. </p><p id="X0cFb6">Furthermore, if there’s anything we’ve learned about Kyle Shanahan it’s that he tends to play veterans over rookies. Anyone remember that Josh Norman debate when he started over Deommodore Lenoir? </p><p id="OLuRzB">So who was Snead competing with here? Who was he expecting to compete with? </p><p id="Mlien3">All I’m saying is, if Snead really was good enough to play more, he probably would have. If we’re bringing up numbers, I’d like to know how good a blocker he was compared to the other wide receivers who got the nod. Could have have ran the Deebo play that got Jauan Jennings blown up in the NFC Divisional? </p><p id="c5qrgL">Now, all that said, I’m not on the field and I certainly don’t have these “sources” that everyone seems to have these days, so I have no way of knowing if there’s some truth to what Snead suggests. I just write a sports blog on the weekends. So on the surface, this seems like sour grapes. When you see not just the names, but the level of production on the field, salaries aside, you have a better chance of beating Battletoads without using a continue than you do getting into the starting lineup with that wide receiver group. </p><p id="TPFVuk">One has to wonder though: you think there’s some truth to Snead’s bitterness? Do you think maybe he’s part of a lot of politics in the league on why some players get playtime over others? Especially the 49ers? </p><p id="dJu6DI"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/4/24148300/willie-snead-49ers-x-post-panthers-raiders-shade"/> <id>https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/4/24148300/willie-snead-49ers-x-post-panthers-raiders-shade</id> <author> <name>Patrick Holloway</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-04T05:03:00-07:00</published> <updated>2024-05-04T05:03:00-07:00</updated> <title>Scot McCloughan is a fan of Jacob Cowing, Dominick Puni</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NFL Combine" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SWVVwu0bV0RGREi32A2wYHUUzcI=/0x52:3000x2052/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73326833/2053863570.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>The former 49ers general manager joined The Athletic’s Matt Barrows to discuss the prospects he likes. </p> <p id="A6aawx">After the draft it’s time to see what everyone thinks of the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>. We’ll be sorting things out through the coming days, but one thing I’m always curious about is what former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan thought of the 49ers picks. </p><p id="pzixKb"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641760&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5465066%2F2024%2F05%2F02%2F49ers-nfl-draft-scot-mccloughan-evaluation%2F&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninersnation.com%2F2024%2F5%2F4%2F24148632%2Fscot-mccloughan-49ers-2024-draft-matt-barrows-athletic" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">McCloughan joined The Athletic’s Matt Barrows </a>to go over the 49ers and the 2024 49ers draft. In the past, McCloughan has been on the money. He never liked the Dante Pettis pick (which isn’t a shocker because it was a polarizing pick with fans) and also the Jauan Jennings pick in 2020. </p><p id="2UVdJc">Keep in mind this<a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2017/10/5/16428556/scot-mccloughan-frank-gore-49ers-draft-history-failed-physical"> is the guy instrumental in drafting Frank Gore</a>. So McCloughan knows a thing or two. </p><p id="jwQOT9">This year, McCloughan hyped up fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing. </p><blockquote><p id="h39uw8">“He’ll tear up rookie minicamp, seven-on-seven, all that stuff,” he [McCloughan] said of Cowing. “You’ll be like, ‘Wow!’ you wait and see. He’ll blow your mind. He’s fast and quick. He’s like a little bolt of lightning — gone!”</p></blockquote><p id="H8b017">This goes in line with <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/4/29/24144675/jacob-cowing-ricky-pearsall-lance-zierlein-49ers-nfl-draft">what a lot of draft analysts</a> were saying of Cowing, namely his route-running ability. </p><p id="OjBhDj">McCloughan also suggested Cowing may have a shot at punt returner. There were some thoughts that maybe Ricky Pearsall might be the punt returner during his rookie season. If Cowing wants to fight for the job, some competition never hurt anyone and we all know the 49ers need help at punt returner. They had Ray-Ray McCloud who left in free agency and a rookie Ronnie Bell. McCloud was decent, but Bell had severe ball security issues and is lucky he didn’t lose more fumbles than he did. </p><p id="pzh95j">McCloughan was also a fan of third-round pick Dominick Puni: </p><blockquote><p id="TqCfwW">“I think he’ll end up being a guard,” McCloughan said. “He’s really good with his hips and feet. Really good. But I’m not so sure he can’t be a left tackle when it’s all said and done … if he gets stronger.”</p></blockquote><p id="O4T7zs">Unfortunately, McCloughan wasn’t as high on first round pick Ricky Pearsall. That’s not saying he didn’t like the shiny new 49ers wide receiver. Just didn’t have near as much praise in his discussion with Barrows. </p><p id="DgjhqI">McCloughan was the GM of the 49ers from 2008 to 2010. In 2010, McCloughan departed months before that year’s draft, but that was the year the 49ers got offensive linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati (which would lead to them being one of the best offensive lines in football) and linebacker NaVorro Bowman. It’s speculated a lot of his scouting and board was used in this draft due to the time between him and Trent Baalke. The 2011 draft, which was the first for Trent Baalke and Jim Harbaugh’s partnership as general manager and head coach respectively, is speculated to have been a board that may have had some remains from McCloughan’s tenure. A board Baalke operated off of that got the 49ers Aldon Smith, Colin Kaepernick and others. </p><p id="d2OAkO">Overall, the 49ers <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148047/49ers-anonymous-scout-malik-mustapha-ricky-pearsall-dominck-puni">draft is one that has some optimism in the picks. </a>In previous years, we’ve seen the team get torn apart around this time. Mostly this was due to them not having a first (and in last year’s case, a second) round pick to round out the roster. </p><p id="r0DujF">And there’s always the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> who stole the “what the hell are they doing” award with some of those decisions. </p><p id="KuSna3">How are you feeling about this a week later? </p><p id="9Hq275"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/4/24148632/scot-mccloughan-49ers-2024-draft-matt-barrows-athletic"/> <id>https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/4/24148632/scot-mccloughan-49ers-2024-draft-matt-barrows-athletic</id> <author> <name>Patrick Holloway</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-04T02:00:00-07:00</published> <updated>2024-05-04T02:00:00-07:00</updated> <title>Golden Nuggets: Will we see more three-WR sets in 2024?</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cj17ICgLQnaWC5K0vIt8HLNvwm8=/0x0:275x183/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73326684/images_18.0.jpeg" /> </figure> <p>Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Saturday, May 4th, 2024</p> <p id="KtsViq"></p><blockquote><p id="22eowG"><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-wr-trio-aiyuk-samuel-pearsall-alter-19437733.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&amp;utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral">How 49ers’ WR trio of Aiyuk, Samuel and Pearsall could alter offense in 2024 (paywall) </a></p></blockquote><p id="JXioAz">“Last season, the 49ers had the second-fewest snaps (410) in the NFL with at least three wide receivers, according to the Associated Press. And they have run the fewest snaps with three or more wide receivers during Shanahan’s seven seasons as head coach. If Shanahan does pivot, it could mean less playing time for Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who played 44% of the snaps in 2023.”</p><blockquote><p id="Gf1uX0"><a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/ricky-pearsall-thriving-kyle-shanahan-offense/1731460/">How Pearsall envisions thriving in Shanahan’s 49ers offense </a></p></blockquote><p id="JKHR9M">“Just my route-running understanding,” Pearsall said. “I really understand where to be at, I’m very consistent and disciplined and the spots that I’m at. The quarterback will never be guessing where I’m at. It’s going to be a consistent spot. And then just my fluidity in the route-running. </p><p id="J2y967">“Especially in defenses now, there’s a lot of disguise coverages and moving pieces, so being able to run routes with your eyes up and seeing moving pieces and understanding on the go why everything is happening so fast, I think I do a good job of that. And then just how detailed I am with my route-running and the quality of it and how serious to take this on and off the field really.”</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/4/24148443/49ers-news-ricky-pearsall-deebo-samuel-brandon-aiyuk-rookie-minicamp-first-round-selection-three-wr"/> <id>https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/4/24148443/49ers-news-ricky-pearsall-deebo-samuel-brandon-aiyuk-rookie-minicamp-first-round-selection-three-wr</id> <author> <name>Yinon Raviv</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-03T14:15:00-07:00</published> <updated>2024-05-03T14:15:00-07:00</updated> <title>49ers GM John Lynch reveals who led the team to select QB Brock Purdy</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NFL: Super Bowl LVIII-San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KQefQcyRmqb_luunCUBqFtsmEkg=/0x51:5100x3451/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73325991/usa_today_22522673.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption> </figure> <p>There were two specific people pounding the table for the 49ers to take Mr. Irrelevant.</p> <p id="XGYUCa">The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> struck paydirt in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2022 NFL Draft</a> when they took quarterback Brock Purdy with the last pick, as the <a href="https://www.widerightnattylite.com">Iowa State</a> product has developed into a top-tier signal-caller in the league.</p><p id="UNITtq">Purdy’s emergence has finally resolved the 49ers quarterback controversy that has been a headline since head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch joined the organization back in 2017.</p><p id="ljU1si">However, it wasn’t those two that ultimately found and pounded the table for Purdy; instead, general manager John Lynch revealed that two others in the organization deserve the credit for the pick: Pro scout Steve Slowik and quarterbacks coach Brian Griese.</p><p id="KQcYzv">“I think two people deserve so much credit for Brock Purdy, and one of them is now in our pro department. He’s a guy by the name of Steve Slowik,” Lynch said when talking about the Purdy selection. “His brother’s Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator down there in Houston. But Steve was the college scout that would go through Iowa State.”</p><p id="jWdx1r">Slowik was a big proponent for Purdy during the team’s draft meetings, pointing not only to his play, but also his character.</p><p id="htwpnW">“We thought Brock might come out into the league the year before,” Lynch said. “We had high grades on him, actually a little higher during his junior year than his senior year, but Steve was a guy who had the benefit of going into that school and hearing Matt Campbell, who did such a great job turning that program around, and Steve would always come during these draft meetings, in the fall meetings, and just speak so glowingly about Brock and the culture changer he was, how Iowa State would not be where they’re at without Brock Purdy.”</p><p id="dvUSEB">“And Steve was seeing it with his own eyes, but he was also telling us what Matt Campbell was saying. There’s good recommenders, and Matt had always proven to be a really good recommender. When he believed in a guy, it usually translated. And so Steve was very integral in that process.”</p><p id="oQPJzO">Additionally, Lynch credited quarterbacks coach Brian Griese with putting Brock Purdy on the 49ers radar before the team ultimately selected him with the No. 262 overall pick.</p><p id="n1oeoA">“The other guy I’d say was Brian Griese,” Lynch said. “Brian was incredibly impressed once we kind of gave [Brock] to him and said, ‘Hey, get on these Zooms, start talking to Brock.’ And Griese came back extremely convicted. And then it’s in Kyle’s hands, it’s in my hands, and we start watching.</p><p id="DjiO1t">“And we were so smart, we waited until the very last pick to draft him, and thank God he was there. He’s been tremendous for our organization, and you really could see it right away.”</p><p id="a3oAz0">Purdy initially beat out Nate Sudfeld in training camp during his rookie season before going on an impressive run to end the year in 2022 after quarterbacks Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo got injured, helping lead San Francisco to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game">NFC Championship</a> Game with seven straight wins.</p><p id="6eGGWr">The rest is history, as Purdy cemented himself as one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL this past season, and will look to avenge the team’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> loss in 2024 as the 49ers hope to make another deep playoff run.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148373/san-francisco-49ers-gm-john-lynch-reveals-who-led-the-team-select-qb-brock-purdy-brian-griese-slowik"/> <id>https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148373/san-francisco-49ers-gm-john-lynch-reveals-who-led-the-team-select-qb-brock-purdy-brian-griese-slowik</id> <author> <name>RohanChakravarthi</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-03T12:58:22-07:00</published> <updated>2024-05-03T12:58:22-07:00</updated> <title>Why we’re talking about Ahkello Witherspoon and Marcus Martin today</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="New Orleans Saints v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LMOGiVJRz96B-tcphZq9jZl3rgA=/0x0:3888x2592/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73325766/622225948.0.jpg" /> </figure> <p>It worked out for the 49ers the last time they selected a receiver in the first round</p> <p id="TdLzsP">Looking back at the past is natural, especially during the downtime leading up to training camp and preseason. The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> have a rich history with their draft selections. The expectation is that they perform.</p><p id="GXHwiK">Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was selected in the first round, but what about the other receivers taken in the first round by the 49ers? What about the other cornerbacks taken where Renardo Green was selected? We don’t have to look too far back to find out.</p><p id="sf0Vny"><strong>Pick 31 - WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida </strong><br><strong>Previous 1st round WR selected: 2020’s pick 25 WR Brandon Aiyuk, ASU</strong></p><p id="DBLehq">There is no doubt the Aiyuk pick was a home run. He’s in line to make more than $20 million per season. The 49ers view him as a first-round talent and the caliber of player you build an offense around. Aiyuk has 269 receptions, 3,391 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns in his 49er career. If Pearsall even somewhat approached Aiyuk’s numbers , then pick 31 would have been well spent.</p><p id="ANxCPS">A.J. Jenkins was the previous receiver taken in the first round in 2012. Yeah, sorry. The person reading this has as many receptions as a 49er as Jenkins in his three career games. </p><p id="6ZJujd"><strong>Pick 64 - CB Renardo Green, FSU</strong><br><strong>Previous Day 2 CB: 2017’s pick 66 CB Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado</strong></p><p id="RGAv6B">Witherspoon was taken in the third round of 2017, but it was two picks after Green’s selection, so it is close enough. After four seasons as a 49er, Witherspoon moved on to Pittsburgh following an up-and-down tenure in Santa Clara. During his time with the 49ers, Witherspoon finished with four interceptions and a touchdown. Green may have to wait a season to see the field, but it is a fair bet for him to be more valuable as a 49er. </p><p id="8DYvIE"><strong>Pick 86 - OT Dominick Puni, Kansas</strong><br><strong>Previous 3rd round OL: 2014’s pick 70 C Marcus Martin, USC</strong></p><p id="CPB1MO">The pick difference is 16 spots, but 2014 was the last time the 49ers addressed the offensive line in the third round with Marcus Martin from USC. Martin started 24 games for the team over three seasons before taking a four-year hiatus from the NFL and returning for Detroit and the Patriots in 2020. The Jaguars traded up to the 61st overall pick for the 70th and 150th (Aaron Lynch was selected) overall picks to select WR Allen Robinson. Some have predicted Puni will become the team’s future center, for what it's worth. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148229/ricky-pearsall-brandon-aiyuk-aj-jenkins-dominck-puni-marcus-martin"/> <id>https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148229/ricky-pearsall-brandon-aiyuk-aj-jenkins-dominck-puni-marcus-martin</id> <author> <name>Jason Aponte</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-03T10:35:24-07:00</published> <updated>2024-05-03T10:35:24-07:00</updated> <title>Renardo Green believes he can play any position in the secondary </title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="SPORTS-FBC-LSU-FLORIDASTATE-18-OS" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DfUV-UJtNGc7HnVWDzp2pw18ZW0=/130x0:3000x1913/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73325461/1645811096.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>He did at Florida State.</p> <p id="3g0dPj">If the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> selected a defensive back in the 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> who has experience playing multiple positions. The more you can do, the easier it is to put you on the field.</p><p id="Yf0Zj5">During his post-draft press conference, Renardo Green said, “I can persaonlly play all three positions in the secondary, no matter if that’s at corner, nickel, or back at safety. I can do it all. So really, just wherever the team needs me, that’s what I’m going to do.”</p><p id="BuvMUJ">Green played 651 snaps at <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a> during the 2023 season. According to PFF, he lined up more along the defensive line (17), yes, defensive line, than in the slot (15). He had 29 snaps in the box, five at free safety, and 584 at outside cornerback.</p><p id="FtIsTJ">Gren, a fifth-year senior, played multiple roles throughout in Seminole career. He continued: “For two years I played in the slot position. That was in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. And at FSU, at one point, we had a joker package where we’d go three high safeties and then one of the safeties would drop and become a nickel and that was me. We ran it in 2020, so I got some experience playing in that slot, actually.”</p><p id="CYz9r2">Go back to 2021, and the majority of Green’s snaps came at free safety (96), followed by slot corner (61). He had zero snaps playing wide at cornerback. One year prior, 118 of Green’s 230 snaps were played in the slot, with 58 coming at free safety and only two on the outside at cornerback. So, he’s well-versed in several spots.</p><p id="vxx3LF">If Deommodore Lenoir has a down season, the 49ers could play Green inside for the future and add a cornerback next offseason to play on the outside in the event that Isaac Yiadom, Darrell Luter, or Rock Ya-Sin don’t work out. Conversely, if Green shows enough promise outside, the Niners are set with him and Mooney Ward moving forward.</p><p id="5kKgo7">Green is as “safe” as a prospect in the second round gets. He’s also battle-tested, as general manager John Lynch alluded to on the Pat McAfee show Thursday:</p><blockquote><p id="pQjJhx">“We saw two of those players at <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a>, Nabers and Brian Thomas go in the first round. And it’s really awesome when you get a chance to see guys go up against the best college football has to offer. And you can tell he’s a guy that welcomes that type of challenge. And he certainly did on that day. Held his own, and he held his own all year.”</p></blockquote><p id="iXxbAA">Green followed Nabers for the majority of the game. He allowed two receptions for 20 yards on five targets, and only six of those came after the catch. Green caught an interception after Nabers slipped and also broke up another pass. It was the game that put Green on the map.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148202/renardo-green-john-lynch-malik-nabers-florida-state-49ers-deommodore-lenoir-nfl-draft"/> <id>https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148202/renardo-green-john-lynch-malik-nabers-florida-state-49ers-deommodore-lenoir-nfl-draft</id> <author> <name>Kyle Posey</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-03T08:34:54-07:00</published> <updated>2024-05-03T08:34:54-07:00</updated> <title>Anonymous scouts weigh in on the 49ers 2024 NFL Draft picks</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 30 Florida at Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OKkZc-gIhdwPNjn13tztkLbENUY=/0x488:3360x2728/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73325095/1699316050.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Insider insight from NFL front office members</p> <p id="Y2lCRj">A fun and personal favorite post-<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> activity is to look at what scouts think of the players the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> drafted. Instead, we’re looking at this through the lens of what was said about the players before the picks were made.</p><p id="zIgvuP">This article features pre-draft quotes from real football executives via <a href="https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-1-wrte-hall-of-fame-talent-at">Bob McGinn’s annual draft series</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?xcust=___sb__p_23909534__t_w__d_D&amp;id=66960X1641758&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://theathletic.com/5431528/2024/04/23/nfl-draft-2024-confidential-nabers-harrison-williams/&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2024/5/1/24145493/anonymous-scouts-weigh-in-on-the-eagles-2024-nfl-draft-picks" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>The Athletic’s Draft Confidential</strong></a> (via Bruce Feldman), and Tony Pauline scouting reports. Let’s take a look at what insiders had to say about the 49ers’ selections in the 2024 NFL Draft.</p><h3 id="sFGcPg">Ricky Pearsall</h3><p id="ORmCQP">Pearsall was the tenth-ranked wideout in this series. He went ahead of four players ranked higher than him: Keon Coleman, Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Legette, and Ladd McConkey, although they all went in the same cluster of picks.</p><blockquote><p id="PDMZPZ"><strong>10. RICKY PEARSALL, Florida (6-1, 191, 4.42, 2): Bailed out of </strong><a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com"><strong>Arizona State</strong></a><strong> in April 2022 after starting 12 of 30 games from 2019-’21. Led the Gators in receiving each of his two seasons. “Some people like him but I really love the guy,” said one scout. “Really good route runner. In a deep class, I could see him getting passed up. I don’t think people put him in the conversation with the real guys. When it’s all said and done he’ll be one of the best receivers in the group.” Ran the fastest 3-cone of any wideout this spring (6.64). “I had him in the third (round),” another scout said. “All of a sudden he runs a 4.41 and I put him in the second. He’s a faster Cooper Kupp. More of a slot type although he played ‘X’ and ‘Z’ there. Good hands.” In five seasons he caught 159 passes for 2,420 (15.2) and 14 TDs. “He might be in the (Luke) McCaffrey-McConkey slot group,” said a third scout. “He ran fast, too, but I didn’t see that on tape.” From Chandler, Ariz.</strong></p></blockquote><p id="2mak6E">“A faster Cooper Kupp” is music to Kyle Shanahan’s ears. When I watch Pearsall, his 40-time shows up once the ball is in his hands, when he’s running away from coverage over the middle, or generally when he’s in the slot. Not so much when he’s playing on the outside.</p><p id="99m408">More on Pearsall, this time <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641760&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5431528%2F2024%2F04%2F23%2Fnfl-draft-2024-confidential-nabers-harrison-williams%2F&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninersnation.com%2F2024%2F5%2F3%2F24148047%2F49ers-anonymous-scout-malik-mustapha-ricky-pearsall-dominck-puni" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">from Feldman</a>:</p><blockquote><p id="aowsw5"><strong>WR Coach 1:</strong> “His biggest concern is his contact balance. He has elite ball skills and he can run. He tested great at the combine and those things show up in 7-on-7, but when you play real games and people start knocking you off routes and pressing you at the line of scrimmage, that contact balance is an issue.”</p><p id="51qrdM"><strong>Offensive Assistant 1:</strong> “He reminds me of Ricky Proehl. He’s got the wiggle to him. The double moves. Turn the corner, but you can’t line him up in normal splits and think he’s gonna release and run by everybody. If you play in a <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641760&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2Fnfl%2Fteam%2Frams%2F&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninersnation.com%2F2024%2F5%2F3%2F24148047%2F49ers-anonymous-scout-malik-mustapha-ricky-pearsall-dominck-puni" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rams</a> type of offense, where everything is motions, tight splits and stacks, he has more value.”</p></blockquote><p id="GejV7m">Ricky Proehl is an outstanding comp. And I agree 100 percent with the wide receiver coach. When Pearsall faced press coverage, there were enough examples of him losing his balance to be concerned.</p><p id="92P2Pl">Lastly, from <a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/nfl-draft-scouting-reports">Pauline</a>:</p><blockquote><p id="ILXS3W">Three-year starter coming off a career season. Solid route runner who quickly gets into breaks then extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Adjust to the errant throw, uses his frame to shield away opponents and possesses eye/hand coordination. Consistent hands catcher who lays out for the difficult catch and fights to come away with the reception in a crowd. Quick and elusive running after the catch and shows the ability to pick up positive yardage. Focused on by opposing defensive backs yet still makes plays.Despite his 40 time at the Combine, plays to one speed, lacks a deep burst and isn’t a vertical threat. Moderately productive until last season. Was never a big red-zone threat.Pearsall was the No. 1 target in the Gators passing game last season and the receiver opponents consistently focused on. He’s not a big pass catcher, nor is he fast, rather Pearsall is a solid route runner with dependable hands who could catch on as a team’s fifth receiver.</p></blockquote><p id="XCP6TB">A fifth receiver in the first round is suboptimal.</p><h3 id="BDCjJP">Renardo Green</h3><p id="OJ1Vtd">Only Pauline had a report on Green, who I’m assuming most didn’t have on their radar due to Renardo being a fifth-year senior:</p><blockquote><p id="QmrB1k">Two-year starter who took his game to another level last season. Quick flipping his hips, battles opponents throughout the action and uses his size as an advantage. Physical and smooth, easily changes direction and gives effort defending the run. Effective facing the action, immediately diagnoses plays and locates the pass in the air. Stays with assignments and has a nice move to the throw. Must improve his backpedal and gets flat-footed. Slow locating the pass in the air and does a lot of face guarding. Intercepted just one pass during a five-year college career. Green displayed a lot of improvement in his game the past two seasons and possesses the size, speed and skill to be used in a zone system facing the action.</p></blockquote><p id="MmGkd8">I recall a few times a pass hitting Green in the chest and him not reeling it in. This is the problem with scouting reports. “Immediately diagnoses plays and locates the pass in the air.” Then, two lines later, “slow locating the pass in the air.” Which one is it? I guess we’ll find out.</p><h3 id="Fjz7yU">Dominick Puni</h3><p id="Hw8uDQ">Interestingly enough, the scouts Feldman spoke to saw Puni as a center. They had him ranked third:</p><blockquote><p id="QXAp4r"><strong>3. DOMINICK PUNI, Kansas (6-5, 317, 5.40, 3): Spent 2018-’21 at Division II Central Missouri, starting 22 games at both tackles in the three seasons that the Mules played. “He’s a four-positional player,” said one scout. “He is a right tackle. He’s not a left tackle. He can play guard and tackle at a backup level and may grow into a starting center. Maybe center is his best position. I like his temperament.” At Kansas, he started 13 games at LG in 2022 and 12 games at LT in ’23. “He’s a smooth, smooth athlete,” a second scout said. “Much better pass blocker than run blocker. He kind of plays like Division II: ‘Am I good enough?’ I said he’s got talent, let’s go! He’ll flash movement, change of direction and adjust in pass pro. You’re, like, ‘All right, this guy can be really good.’ He’s just got to get it out of him. I’d try him at left tackle. When he’s on with his movement and natural athletic ability, he does some really nice things at left tackle.” Arms were 33 3/8, hands were 10 1/8. “You love his size and his length and his strength,” a third scout said. “Has some real foot speed limitations. More of a gap scheme guy. Wouldn’t be a great fit for outside zone scheme.” From St. Charles, Mo.</strong></p></blockquote><p id="OCbBZi">I do not agree at all about his fit for a zone scheme. Puni is plenty athletic to get to his landmarks and cut off defenders. But he was selected to protect Brock Purdy. Puni’s redirect skills are impressive. </p><p id="mS9sxL">From Pauline:</p><blockquote><p id="4kVM5U">Large, nasty blocker who is best in a small area. Outstanding position blocker who quickly sets up off the snap and stays square. Makes good use of angles, has the strength to turn defenders from the action and controls opponents in one-on-one blocking situations. Keeps defenders in front of him, keeps his feet moving and seals open running lanes. Plays with a violent attitude and works to annihilate opponents. Displays outstanding awareness as well as vision and works well with teammates.Doesn’t play like a great athlete. Lacks footwork off the edge. Must improve his balance in pass protection. Puni had a terrific season at Kansas last year after transferring over from Central Missouri. He lacks the athleticism and agility to play left tackle, but he has the ingredients to line up as a power blocking guard.</p></blockquote><p id="RL0rvL">“Keeps defenders in front of him” is the most accurate way to describe Puni. He doesn’t lose. When he does, it’s because he goes up against a longer defender who makes first contact and are able to control Puni.</p><h3 id="qcO9ON">Malik Mustapha</h3><p id="gpPvfh">In Feldman’s poll among safeties, Malik Mustapha received four votes among scouts as the top safety in the class, but 15 players received a vote. One NFC scout said, “Every four years safety is a mess. This is a mess. This is a bad class.”</p><blockquote><p id="jUJpZO"><strong>7. MALIK MUSTAPHA, </strong><a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com"><strong>Wake Forest</strong></a><strong> (5-10, 206, 4.54, 3-4): Spent 2020 as a lightly-recruited backup at Richmond before transferring. “He has physicality and ability against the run,” one scout said. “He can cover tight ends – maybe.” A backup in 2021, he suffered a torn ACL in the Gator Bowl but returned to start 10 games in ’22. “I thought he was faster than that (4.54),” a second scout said. “He’s not the biggest guy but he’s smart, instinctive and has a nose for the ball. He does it all. He is a good tackler. He should be a top-10 safety.” Finished with 192 tackles (15 for loss), three picks and 10 passes defensed. His vertical jump (41 ½) and bench press (22 reps) led the position. “More of a strong safety type that’s physical,” a third scout said. From Charlotte.</strong></p></blockquote><p id="kHlYYI">A top-10 safety in the fourth round would make for quite the steal. Mustapha’s vertical jump tells us he has plenty of speed. It just didn’t show up in his 40 that day.</p><p id="ERWM20">From Pauline:</p><blockquote><p id="yLzR9N">Instinctive safety with underrated athleticism. Quickly diagnoses plays, remains disciplined with assignments and works hard to get involved in the action. Very active and consistently around the ball. Fires upfield to defend the run, sells out to make the tackle and drives his shoulders through ball handlers. Goes after opponents and wraps up at the point of attack. Tracks the pass in center field, makes his move to the throw then gets vertical and contorts to defend the pass. Moves well laterally and displays excellent range. Works well with cornerbacks to bracket receivers over the middle of the field.Did not show much improvement last season. Plays to one speed. Did not stand out during <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl">Senior Bowl</a> practices. Lacks height and comes with short arms and small hands. Mustapha is a tough, intelligent defensive back who has potential in a variety of roles and can safely play over the slot receiver. He’s likely to fall into the middle part of Day 3 of the draft, but he has all the tools to line up as a nickel safety on Sundays.</p></blockquote><p id="0MrX3S"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148047/49ers-anonymous-scout-malik-mustapha-ricky-pearsall-dominck-puni"/> <id>https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24148047/49ers-anonymous-scout-malik-mustapha-ricky-pearsall-dominck-puni</id> <author> <name>Kyle Posey</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-03T02:00:00-07:00</published> <updated>2024-05-03T02:00:00-07:00</updated> <title>Golden Nuggets: Talking myself into these rookie o-linemen</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B0bJwrBW2lGu153n_olh0gDMBnQ=/0x3:2134x1426/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73324280/Screenshot_2024_05_02_at_6.20.33_PM.0.png" /> </figure> <p>Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Friday, May 3rd, 2024</p> <p id="9FuLnW"></p><blockquote><p id="PSx68x"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641760&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5465066%2F2024%2F05%2F02%2F49ers-nfl-draft-scot-mccloughan-evaluation%2F&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninersnation.com%2F2024%2F5%2F3%2F24147697%2F49ers-news-offensive-linemen-undrafted-free-agents-jake-brendel-spencer-burford-pass-protection-nfl" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scot McCloughan praises 49ers draft pick Jacob Cowing: ‘He’s like a little bolt of lightning’ (paywall) </a></p></blockquote><p id="IL0GiI">“The final draft pick McCloughan looked at was running back Isaac Guerendo, who averaged 6.1 yards a carry and scored 11 touchdowns for Louisville last season.</p><p id="tYdK1N">“He had a good year,” McCloughan said. “But (he’s) nothing special. Unless he can return kicks and play special teams, I’d be surprised if he makes the team.”</p><p id="EPdRSt">Was he not impressed by Guerendo’s 4.33-second 40 time at the combine? McCloughan noted that neither the combine nor a prospect’s pre-draft interviews factor into his evaluations. His assessments are based solely on a player’s college film.</p><p id="mPWmiJ">“He did that in a T-shirt and shorts, buddy, a T-shirt and shorts,” he said. “I can understand why he went where he went because of how he worked out. But as you’re well aware, I don’t deal with that (stuff). That’s not how I draft at all.”</p><blockquote><p id="9A4kEC"><a href="https://www.audacy.com/957thegame/sports/san-francisco-49-ers/5-burning-questions-for-49ers-roster-after-nfl-draft">Hutchinson: 5 burning questions for 49ers roster after NFL Draft </a></p></blockquote><p id="fIZ6RW">“Usually, watching the 49ers’ undrafted offensive line signings is an exercise in convincing yourself a guy, maybe, perhaps, possibly could be something. It’s a bunch of beat writers walking each other through their mirages, encouraging one another to bask in the grandeur of their delusion. “Join me, join me,” they say, as they point you to a practice squad player who will play three career games, if he’s lucky.</p><p id="BAkwzO">This year feels different.</p><p id="9rVMql">The 49ers identified that one of the main reasons they lost in the Super Bowl were protection breakdowns, especially at right guard. As it stood, their production wasn’t good enough. Jon Feliciano is a great rotational backup, but Spencer Burford just lacked any consistency. He would make mistakes, lose footing, and have more head-scratching plays than confidence-inspiring ones.</p><p id="0n62pM">This isn’t me lashing out at Burford. The 49ers drafted Dominick Puni, who is going to compete with him immediately at right guard. Feliciano will probably be in the mix, too, but the 49ers know exactly what he offers.</p><p id="7quBq3">The depth they added on the interior is extremely intriguing. Jarret Kingston could play at guard or center, and their two undrafted center prospects, in Michigan’s Drake Nugent, and Southern Mississippi’s Briayson Mays, are both athletic.</p><p id="bJxSXf">Those two offensive line draft picks and two undrafted free agents all ran sub-4.47-second shuttle times (of which Jake Brendel, an undrafted free agent, also possesses), which is a sneaky strong indicator of future NFL success given that it shows lateral quickness and burst.”</p><blockquote><p id="7eYReC"><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-wr-ricky-pearsall-make-1st-rounder-19435730.php">How 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall attacked his weakness and boosted his draft stock (paywall) </a></p></blockquote><p id="hk9Ho6">“Pearsall’s weight-room work to increase his strength was evident in his play. Last season he dwarfed his career-best totals with 65 catches for 965 yards. In 2022, his first season at Florida after transferring from Arizona State, he had 33 catches for 661 yards, despite playing with QB Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in last year’s draft.</p><p id="lM4ggQ">At the combine, 27 of the 39 wide receivers didn’t participate in the bench press. But Pearsall did. He had 17 reps of 225 pounds, ranking sixth among the 12 wideouts who lifted. </p><p id="9LRIg1">“His desire to do the bench press, to test well, I think that was a little bit of, ‘OK, I’m going to answer the critics here,’ ” Napier said. “And I think he ultimately checked that box.”</p><p id="1limuW">Napier, 44, a 21-year NCAA veteran, has termed Pearsall “one of my favorite players of all time.” And Pearsall’s response to the NFL’s critique helps explain why. Napier said Pearsall is “almost OCD, to a degree,” and his attention to detail is reflected in his exquisite route-running and sticky hands (six drops on 233 career targets). Pearsall insisted on catching 100 consecutive balls from a JUGS machine, before and after practice, and he would restart if he had a drop.</p><p id="6Obrs5">“He’s got the keys to the facility,” Napier said. “I would like to think I’m one of the first to get here and one of the last to leave. He’s working coaches’ hours.” </p><blockquote><p id="osc7cB"><a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/nfl-draft-culture-fits-john-lynch/1731292/?partner=yahoo&amp;cid=yahoo">Lynch explains why drafting 49ers culture fits is becoming easier</a></p></blockquote><p id="y1nV9O">““I think it’s easier,” Lynch said on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday. “The continuity of Kyle and I working together and early on, we went to great lengths in terms of finding exactly what we want in terms of the talent and the spirit. What are the qualities that we want in a Niner? And those things are fluid and they change, but we have a saying around here. Our wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson tells those guys, ‘No block, no rock.’ So if you want the ball, you better be blocking for your teammates. </p><p id="ZENH2l">“You see Christian McCaffrey doing it for Deebo Samuel. Brandon Aiyuk is tremendous, I love the way that guy plays. His spirit. Jauan Jennings, taking the dude from Green Bay into the Gatorade [cooler]. That stuff is contagious and that’s what we’ve talked about. We want guys who are contagiously competitive. We have a standard and once that standard is set, if you think the guy is made of the right stuff, he might not have been asked to block like that in college, so you have to do some predicting of let’s get to know the person, what was he asked to do, are you willing to do that.</p><p id="FGLqRV">“So those are the players we like to bring in. Like-minded people and we have a standard in which we play and the players, it’s up to them to withhold that standard.”</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24147697/49ers-news-offensive-linemen-undrafted-free-agents-jake-brendel-spencer-burford-pass-protection-nfl"/> <id>https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/5/3/24147697/49ers-news-offensive-linemen-undrafted-free-agents-jake-brendel-spencer-burford-pass-protection-nfl</id> <author> <name>Yinon Raviv</name> </author> </entry></feed> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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