Niner News Thread

[PoLLo LoC831]

UFDA Guyton gets away from 49ers

http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2195440

On Sunday, 49ers GM Scot McCloughan said he would not be divulging any names of undrafted free agents with whom the club had agreed to terms. The reason: A deal is not a deal until a contract is signed.

Reports widely circulated late Sunday and Monday that the 49ers agreed to terms with Georgia Tech linebacker Gary Guyton. But on Monday, Guyton OFFICIALLY signed with the Patrots.

I don't know what happened with Guyton, who played for the 49ers-coached South squad at the Senior Bowl. My guess is that he did not believe he was Better Than Ezra, and did not have much of a chance to make the team. That's Ezra Butler, the player from Nevada who plays the same position. He has reportedly agreed to sign with the 49ers.

A similar thing happened last year when several reports had the 49ers acquiring UDFA Mickey Pimentel of Cal. He was reportedly going to the 49ers, then signed with the Panthers. Pimentel did not make it there, but he's currently with the Chiefs.

There's no attesting to the veracity of these findings, but here's one website that's trying to keep up with the undrafted free agent signings. (After all, last I checked, they still had Guyton with the 49ers, even though the Patriots have already turned in the paperwork to the league office.)

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

Welcoming party for 49ers' top pick means business

http://www.sacbee.com/sf49ers/story/897144.html

SANTA CLARA – After a missed flight in North Carolina and some plane delays in Texas, Kentwan Balmer finally touched down in his new NFL home Sunday night.

Waiting for him at the airport was someone Balmer will get to know very well in the coming months: 49ers defensive-line coach Jim Tomsula.

"We meshed pretty well, and we got a good understanding of what he kind of wants and what the franchise wants from me," said Balmer, the 49ers' first-round pick in the draft Saturday. "Everything was smooth sailing."

Balmer arrived slightly tardy but decidedly happy.

The 6-foot-5, 311-pound North Carolina defensive lineman spent Monday touring the 49ers' facility, meeting coaches and even getting a couple of the people he met – coach Mike Nolan and cornerback Nate Clements – to sign their autographs.

"Just to meet him, to be in his presence and to have him give me an opportunity to be on his team, I couldn't be more grateful," Balmer said of Nolan. "Like I said, I'm still a fan, so I had to ask him."

Balmer also was asked by a fan for his autograph outside his hotel, a first for the 21-year-old. He said he was too embarrassed to sign his name, so he wrote "Go Niners" instead.

Balmer flew back to North Carolina on Monday and will return to Santa Clara on Friday for the team's three-day minicamp.

Tomsula and the 49ers have not decided whether Balmer will play nose tackle, a position he played extensively for the Tar Heels, or left defensive end.

"Whatever they want me to do, it doesn't matter," Balmer said. "If they want me to gain weight, lose weight … whatever they need, I'm going to do my best to do it."

Talent scramble continues – As soon as the draft ended Sunday, the 49ers and the other 31 teams scrambled to call agents in an effort to sign the best players who weren't drafted over the weekend.

By Monday afternoon, the 49ers had agreed to deals with at least seven players, including two Cal Bears – wide receiver Robert Jordan and guard Brian De La Puente. They also signed Nevada linebacker Ezra Butler, who was an edge rusher in college.

Take a number – The 49ers have issued numbers for the six players drafted over the weekend. Balmer will wear No. 67, guard Chilo Rachal No. 62, center Cody Wallace No. 65, cornerback Reggie Smith No. 31, wide receiver Josh Morgan No. 84 and linebacker Larry Grant No. 57.

Asked if he was happy with No. 67, Balmer laughed and said, "No comment. … That's what they want me to have, that's what I'm going to wear, that's what I'm going to be proud to wear. As long as I have a 49er logo on my helmet, I'm content."

Balmer will have the option to switching to a number in the 90s if one becomes available.

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

S.F. picks up 2 players from Cal

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/29/SP9F10D8K0.DTL

Two more former Cal players joined NFL rosters Monday, after the school had six players drafted in the two-day weekend event.

Receiver Robert Jordan and offensive lineman Brian De La Puente both signed free-agent contracts with the 49ers.

Five Stanford players signed free-agent contracts, a day after the Cardinal program went without a draft pick for only the second time in 46 years.

Wide receivers Mark Bradford and Evan Moore signed with the Cowboys and Saints, respectively. Bradford will be joined in Dallas by punter Jay Ottovegio. Quarterback T.C. Ostrander also signed with New Orleans. Center Tim Mattran signed with the Vikings.

NFL teams picked up three San Jose State players: quarterback Adam Tafralis went to the Colts, linebacker Matt Castelo to the Seahawks and punter Waylon Prather to the Saints.

Among other players with Bay Area ties, Hawaii receiver Davone Bess (Skyline-Oakland High) signed with the Dolphins; Nevada tight end Adam Bishop (Rancho Cotate) signed with the Jaguars; Miami quarterback Kyle Wright (Monte Vista) signed with the Vikings, and San Diego defensive end Eric Bakhtiari (Burlingame) signed with the Chargers.

Eagles sue T.O.: The Eagles sued Terrell Owens, their former wide receiver, for bonus money he has not repaid the team.

The suit for nearly $770,000 was filed in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia on Monday. Owens lost in arbitration earlier this year, a ruling calling him to repay $1.7 million in bonuses the team paid him when he played for the Eagles in 2004 and '05.

The Eagles suspended Owens for conduct detrimental to the team midway through 2005 and he lost $965,000 in salary after the team withheld game checks. He was released after that season and the Eagles now are trying to get back the remaining sum: $769,117.



Staff Writers Michelle Smith and Rusty Simmons contributed to this report.

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

He was a fan before being 49ers' first pick Balmer admired S.F.'s Super Bowl defense

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/28/SP5610D72L.DTL

It's fair to say Kentwan Balmer was born, not made, to be a defensive football player.

While his 49ers-fan father was watching San Francisco rack up 49 points against the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX, it was a defensive sequence that the 8-year-old Balmer remembered from that game 13 years ago.

"I remember seeing you guys play the Chargers and that goal-line stand against Natrone Means," the 49ers' top draft choice said Monday in a conference call. "My dad has been loving this team before I could remember."

That triggered other memories of growing up in Weldon, N.C., as the youngest in an extended family of older brothers and older cousins.

"I remember myself and my brothers playing with Ninja Turtle footballs and my mother always wanting us to play tag, but I always wanted to tackle people," he said. "It has always been the mentality of mine to be the aggressor. I think that's fitting for a defensive lineman."

Fitting, too, was one particular roughhouse game against an older cousin, Shawn Stevenson.

"We were ... playing Kill the Man With the Ball," the now 6-foot-5, 310-pound lineman said. "We hit head-to-head. He had like a big unicorn knot on his head. He said he knew I would always be on defense. I guess he was right."

The 49ers hope they were right as well in selecting North Carolina's Balmer with their first pick in the draft Saturday, 29th overall. He will play either nose tackle or left defensive end and probably start wherever he lands.

"He's a really good player," general manager Scot McCloughan said. "He's got good athleticism, passion, work ethic and intelligence. He's a pretty dang good athlete for 300 pounds."

Balmer had a whirlwind trip to the Bay Area that lasted less than 24 hours before he flew back to North Carolina on Monday. He'll be back Thursday in time for a three-day minicamp that starts Friday. Balmer was supposed to meet with reporters in the flesh Sunday afternoon but that got pushed back to 7 p.m. and finally canceled because of a delay in catching a connecting flight from Dallas.

"Sorry I missed you all yesterday," Balmer said. "I wanted to apologize and let you all know I appreciate you being patient with me. It was a miscommunication on my part, and we had a few flight problems in Texas."

Though good manners are certainly appreciated, the 49ers probably do not want to hear any apologies coming from a defensive player. Offensive, maybe.

"I still can't grasp that I'm a 49er now," said Balmer, who sought autographs from cornerback Nate Clements and coach Mike Nolan during his brief visit to team headquarters in Santa Clara on Sunday. He also signed an autograph himself, his first, for a fan outside his hotel in San Jose.

"I guess they were a little surprised, but this is still a game and I'm still a fan," Balmer said of collecting signatures from Clements and Nolan. "I've been watching coach Nolan wear those suits and looking sharp on the sidelines. To have him give me an opportunity to be on this team, I couldn't be more grateful."

Briefly: The 49ers remain interested in signing free-agent linebacker Takeo Spikes but nothing is imminent. McCloughan said the team's interest in Spikes and Spikes' interest in the 49ers is "50-50." ... The club has had no contact from guard Larry Allen, whose contract expired after the season. It's uncertain whether Allen will return for a 15th season. ... Nolan said he expects a little fewer than 80 players on hand for the weekend minicamp, including six or seven undrafted free agents.

 

[BELLY408]

^^^^
He talks about it on TV49 on the niners website. Seems cool.

 

[Tony]

Y'all drafted a pretty good dude... seems down to earth. He'll be good for y'all.

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

Niners' six draft picks: What it all means

http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2195800

In the cause-and-effect world of the NFL, every acquisition means a job is lost somewhere else along the line.

As coaches and GMs love to say on cutdown day, it's a numbers game. There are only 53 roster spots available per team at the start of the regular season. The 49ers added six draft picks. Some draftees - Kentwan Balmer, Chilo Rachal, Reggie Smith and Cody Wallace - are virtually assured roster spots. Josh Morgan and Larry Grant have work to do to stick on the final roster.

Here is the breakdown of what each new addition means to the team:

Defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer

What it means for him: Chosen in the first round, Balmer must make an immediate contribution. The 49ers are keeping an open mind. They plan to use him at nose tackle and left end before settling on a spot for him. Either way, he figures to get a lot of playing time as a rookie.

What it means for others: Aubrayo Franklin enters the second year of a three-year, $6.1 million contract. Isaac Sopoaga, who was Franklin's back up last season, recently signed a five-year, $20 million deal. Sopoaga will make twice as much as Franklin, which might be a clue which player's starting job is the most tenuous. The plan is to move Sopoaga to left end. Justin Smith, Sopoaga, Balmer, Franklin, Ronald Fields and Ray McDonald figure to be on the team. Guys such as Joe Cohen, Atiyyah Ellison and Melvin Oliver have to battle to stick around.

Guard Chilo Rachal

What it means for him: When minicamp opens on Friday, Tony Wragge will line up at right guard with the first-team offense. But the door will be open in training camp for Rachal (second-round pick) to get in there. If he shows he can handle the move up to the NFL, Rachal has a good chance to be an opening-week starter.

What it means for others: David Baas will miss a portion of training camp. It's a lot like his rookie season. He was projected as a starter as a rookie, but a hamstring injury kept him sidelined most of camp. He could not recover from missing so much time in training camp. Baas did not move into the starting lineup until injuries forced the issue late his rookie season. Again, he was scheduled to be a starter. Now, he has a long road in front of him to get back on the field after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle last week. After being cleared, he still has to regain his upper-body strength and win his way back into the starting lineup.

Defensive back Reggie Smith

What it means for him: Some view the third-round pick as a Cover 2 corrner. Others see him as a safety. The 49ers envision Smith as a physical, in-your-face cornerback. Because Nate Clements takes the opponents' best receiver and does not get much help, the 49ers want the corner on the other side to be physical at the line of scrimmage. The other corner generally has safety help over the top. If, over a period of time, Smith proves he can't cover NFL receivers, the 49ers have the option to move him to free safety.

What it means for others: Walt Harris is a 13-year vet who eventually must be replaced. The 49ers want to make sure they have some candidates ready to take over. Shawntae Spencer signed a reasonable contract extension in 2006 and has a deal in place through 2012. He has experienced difficulty staying healthy. When healthy, Spencer has not been the most consistent performer, either. Tarell Brown, whom many believed was a second-round value found in the fifth round, is not fully recovered from a partially torn ACL from the final game of the season. The injury did not require surgery. The club expects him to be ready for the start of training camp. After 2005, when the 49ers were picking up free-agent corners off the street and sticking them in the starting lineup, the club has at least built some depth at this spot. A decent player will probably be let go after camp. Marcus Hudson and Donald Strickland, along with Smith, Brown and Spencer will duke it out for backup spots.

Center Cody Wallace

What it means for him: The fourth-round selection comes to the 49ers as a backup to Eric Heitmann. It would be very difficult for a rookie to win a starting job at center over a guy who has been around like Heitmann. So much of the center position is having a grasp for the team's protections and a concept of what the defense is doing.

What it means for others: Heitmann is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season. Perhaps, they're lining up their contingency plan. Or, Nolan mentioned that Heitmann is capable of moving to guard, too. With Wallace on the team, obviously the 49ers are not projecting Baas as the next center. This is a big season for Baas, who is signed through 2009. If he has yet to establish himself as a starter, the club might decide he does not fit into their future plans. The 49ers want Adam Snyder to play guard, but I can't help but think the 49ers have the makings of a good long-term offensive line with Joe Staley and Snyder at the tackles, Baas and Rachal at the guards and Wallace at center.

Receiver Josh Morgan

What it means for him: There is not a bona fide No. 1 receiver on the team, so the door is wide open for this sixth-rounder to prove he can be of value to the 49ers. Playing time will be difficult to find as a rookie. He'll have to adjust to Mike Martz's offense and Jerry Sullivan's detailed coaching. He will have to battle through the frustration of learning things that are completely new to him. But Morgan definitely has a chance to stick around. If he takes advantage of some chances, he could work into a significant role. He better come to training camp in great shape. Rookies have never worked like they will during their first NFL training camp. And rookie receivers, in particular, are susceptible to leg injuries.

What it means for others: Jason Hill and Ashley Lelie must get off to a great starts to work their way into positions to get more practice reps. Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and Arnaz Battle don't seem to be going anywhere. Morgan, conceivably, could push Hill or Lelie back a notch.

Linebacker Larry Grant

What it means for him: The good news for this seventh-round pick is that he projects at a position where the starting job is up for grabs. He'll have an opportunity to compete for the starting "ted' linebacker job. Although it's unlikely he'll win the starting job, Grant can still make a major impact on special teams as a rookie. But the 49ers might keep only four inside linebackers, which means that while he has an outside chance to win a starting job, he is also fighting for a roster spot.

What it means for others: If the 49ers had grabbed Curtis Lofton in the first round, Dontarrious Thomas would have been replaced as a starter before ever starting a game. Grant's acquisition appears to mean that Brandon Moore is, again, pushed to the background. Nolan said Thomas, Jeff Ulbrich and Grant would line up and compete at the "ted," while Brandon Moore will be Patrick Willis' backup at the "mike." The "ted" is the strong inside linebacker position. The team is obviously not convinced Moore has the ability to get off blocks effectively enough to play on the strong side. The door remains open for the 49ers to pursue veteran Takeo Spikes, who is returning from season-ending surgery on his rotator cuff. The Eagles released him (failed physical) earlier this offseason. Because Spikes would play the strong inside position, he would be taking on more blockers, thus exposing himself to more collisions.

 

[Tony]

Why do y'all post so much garbage in this Niner thread?

 

[Chree]

Why do you post so much garbage overall?

 

[Supa SAV'D OUTT]

If ever a team had an un-sexy NFL draft, it's the 49ers.

A mere six picks overall, starting way down at 29 in the first round, led to this:

-- A versatile defensive lineman who probably will become a starter.

-- An offensive guard who eventually could be a starter.

-- A cornerback who might not be good enough to play corner.

-- A backup center.

-- A wide receiver with an arrest on his record and an indelible memory of being pepper sprayed.

-- A linebacker chosen for his value on special teams and his ability to block kicks.

Legions of people rely on far less to put them to sleep every night.

Nevertheless, general manager Scot McCloughan, who made the call on each pick and naturally believes in his new guys, said they make the club better.

"We think we had a heck of a draft," he said. "Everybody we drafted we had on our board. I'm excited about it. I can't say they'll be starters but they're good players. We've got enough depth on the team, they've got to earn a (starting spot), like last year with Patrick (Willis) and Joe (Staley). They had to earn it."

Top pick Kentwan Balmer of North Carolina can play either nose tackle or defensive end in San Francisco's 3-4 alignment. Wherever he ends up playing, his talent and range at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds is presumably sufficient to keep those pesky offensive linemen from mauling Willis, who tackles anything that moves.

Balmer figures either to push nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin for a starting job or to replace the retired Bryant Young at left defensive end. Though Balmer might provide a balm in run defense, he is not a sack specialist, as he recorded seven in four seasons in Chapel Hill.

For those fans fretting over the lack of an outside pass rusher taken in the draft, consider free-agent acquisition Justin Smith from the Bengals as a No. 1 draft pick with seven years' experience in the NFL and 43 1/2 sacks on his resume.

Comparing Smith to Chris Long, taken second overall by the Rams, coach Mike Nolan said, "They remind me of one another because they both have very good motors," Nolan said. "I like the fact ours has played in the league six years (seven, actually) already."

On a less-than-thrilling second day, McCloughan went with the highest-rated players he had on his board at that particular time: cornerback Reggie Smith of Oklahoma in the third round, center Cody Wallace of Texas A&M in the fourth, wide receiver Josh Morgan of Virginia Tech in the sixth and inside linebacker Larry Grant, who went to City College of San Francisco before moving to Ohio State, in the seventh and final round.

Smith, who has good size at 6-1 and 197 pounds, was taken on the league-wide belief that a team cannot have enough cornerbacks for depth, various pass-defense alignments and special-teams duty.

Wallace was believed to be up and at 'em when the 49ers called and had this reaction later in a call with reporters: "This is actually earlier than I expected. I didn't think it would happen so soon."

Morgan was the only wide receiver taken by the 49ers. He had 46 receptions for 552 yards and five touchdowns in 2007, and has a 2006 arrest on his record for disorderly conduct and obstructing justice. Seems he punched out the driver's side window of a vehicle that reportedly came close to hitting him while he was a pedestrian. The police used pepper spray to subdue him.

"That was the only incident I've had in my life," he said. "I just made a mistake and learned from it. You can say it's unfair (to judge him because of it) but due to everything that's going on in the NFL with 'Pacman' Jones, it has to be addressed. It's bad timing to have any red flags on you."

McCloughan called the incident " 'Little.' Key word. Not a bad kid at all."

Morgan was in a building directly next to the one where the shooting massacre occurred at Virginia Tech a year ago.

"I heard the first couple of shots," he said. "It was a devastating time. It was kind of surreal. You didn't expect anything like that to happen. It was a normal day."

San Francisco's last pick was Grant, who grew up in Santa Rosa and Sacramento.


-- 49ers pick Cody Wallace overcomes family tragedies. C6


Larry Grant
Pick: 7th round, 214th overall

Position: Inside linebackerSchool: Ohio State

Height: 6-1Weight: 230

College career: A player who can claim San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Sacramento and Oakland as his home. After finishing high school in Sacramento, he went to CCSF before transferring to Ohio State. Excelled on special teams and set California and national junior college records with 12 blocked kicks in two years. Played in 25 games at Ohio State and started 14, including 13 last season. Had 51 tackles, including 9 1/2 for losses, in 2007.

NFL outlook: Listed as an outside linebacker on draft charts but will be tried at inside linebacker, although he's unlikely to play from scrimmage as a rookie. Instead, Grant will earn his keep on special teams, where he has proven to be an outstanding player. At Ohio State, he blocked three kicks.

Reggie Smith
Pick: 3rd round, 75th overall

Position: CB/SSchool: Oklahoma

Height: 6-1Weight: 197

College career: Three-year starter for Sooners at both cornerback and strong safety. Also returned kickoffs (21.9-yard average) and punts (7.3). Had five interceptions and broke up 11 passes in first two years, with 88 tackles. Increased productivity as a junior with three interceptions, 11 passes defensed and 78 tackles. Missed Fiesta Bowl last season with toe injury.

NFL outlook: Smith is the type of player found on all teams throughout the league - a versatile defensive back who plays on all special teams and helps when needed in a backup capacity. Fell to the third round primarily because 40-yard-dash time of 4.55 is comparatively plodding for a corner. The 49ers like his size as a "matchup" corner in their division with its big receivers.

Josh Morgan
Pick: 6th round, 174th overall

Position: WRSchool: Virginia Tech

Height: 6-0Weight: 219

College career: Had 46 receptions for 552 yards and 5 touchdowns in 14 games as a senior (11 starts) after compiling 76 catches for 1,265 yards and 11 TDs his first three years. One red flag came in 2006 when he was suspended for one game following an arrest for disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice in which he had to be subdued by pepper spray. He returned kickoffs (17.3 average) and punts (10.6) and started 24 of 51 games.

NFL outlook: Has good size and decent speed (4.46 for the 40). Will compete for playing time in the 49ers' revamped receiver corps that includes Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Ashley Lelie, Arnaz Battle and Jason Hill. Although wide receiver was a position of need, Morgan was the only one taken.

49ers' picks
Rd Player School
1. DT Kentwan Balmer (29) N. Carolina
2. G Chilo Rachal (38) USC
3. CB Reggie Smith (75) Oklahoma
4. C Cody Wallace (107) Texas A&M
6. WR Josh Morgan (174) Virginia Tech
7. LB Larry Grant (214) Ohio State

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

Why do y'all post so much garbage in this Niner thread?

you are garbage so stop posting on here

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

49ers Announce FA Signings

http://sf49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4192&section=PR News

The 49ers announced Thursday that the team has signed 11 rookie free agents. San Francisco inked rookie free agents LB Lewis Baker (Oklahoma), G John Booker (San Jose State), LB Lance Brandenburgh (Nebraska), LB Ezra Butler (Reno), WR Cam Colvin (Oregon), G Brian De La Puente (California), TE J.J. Finley (Oklahoma), DE Louis Holmes (Arizona), WR Robert Jordan (California), S D.J. Parker (Virginia Tech), LB Shaun Richardson (Tennessee State).

Baker (6-3, 203) saw action in 50 games with 19 starts at Oklahoma and tallied 171 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and five passes defensed in his career. In 2007, Lewis played in all 14 games with 12 starts at linebacker and recorded 91 tackles and seven tackles for loss. A year prior, Baker saw action in all 14 games, tallying 31 tackles, one fumble recovery and a team-high 15 special teams tackles. Baker played in 11 games with seven starts at the strong safety position in 2005 and registered 36 tackles and two passes defensed. Baker redshirted in 2004 after playing in 10 games in 2003 as one of only two true freshman on the team to see action, posting 13 tackles.

Booker (6-4, 313) started 35 games at San Jose State, lining up at different positions along the line during his career. In 2007, Booker started nine games at right tackle and one game at left tackle, earning All-WAC second-team honors as one of four team captains. Booker started at three different offensive line positions (left guard, right guard and right tackle) in 2006 for the Spartans. A year prior, he held down the right guard position. Booker became the first true freshman to start at offensive guard for the Spartans since freshman eligibility was restored in 1972. He made his first start against Boise State (11-13-04) just two months after his 18th birthday and went on to start the final two contests of the season.

Brandenburgh (6-1, 230) was a versatile member of Nebraska’s linebacking corps throughout his collegiate career, earning four letters while lining up at all three linebacker spots. He played in 41 games and made 118 career tackles. His most impressive year came as a senior in 2007 when he tallied 51 tackles before his campaign was cut short when he suffered a season-ending injury in the ninth game of the season. Brandenburgh was also a three-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 choice (2005-07).

Butler (6-2, 235) saw action in 44 games with 35 starts at Nevada and posted 258 tackles, 17 sacks, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. He also set a school career record with 51 tackles for loss. Butler was named the team’s Outstanding Defensive Player by teammates and coaches in 2007 after starting 10 of 11 games and posting a team-high 93 tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception returned for a touchdown. In 2006, Butler posted 71 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown in 13 starts. A year prior, he started 12 games and ranked second on the team with 75 tackles to go along with 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. As a redshirt freshman, Butler lined up eight games at left defensive tackle and tallied 19 tackles and a half sack.

Colvin (6-3, 210) caught 74 passes for 892 yards and seven touchdowns as a collegian at Oregon despite a career that was often slowed by injuries. Colvin’s healthiest and most effective season came as a sophomore in 2005 when he caught 22 passes for 332 yards and three touchdowns while starting all 12 of the team’s games.

De La Puente (6-4, 302) started all 13 games at left guard for California in 2007 and earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors. He also picked up the team’s Bob Tessier Award as its Most Improved Offensive Lineman. De La Puente was part of a unit that allowed a league-low 11 sacks and helped Justin Forsett rush for 1,546 yards to rank second in the conference, second on the Golden Bears’ all-time single-season list and 15th nationally.

Finley (6-6, 254) played in 51 games with 29 starts at Oklahoma and caught 62 passes for 775 yards with 10 touchdowns in his career. Finley starter 13 of 14 games in 2007 and earned All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention after posting a career-highs of 23 receptions, 290 receiving yards and four touchdowns. In 2006, he started all 14 games and finished with 19 catches for 241 yards with three touchdowns. A year prior, Finley appeared in 11 games with two starts and recorded 13 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 12 games behind James Moses at tight end and caught seven passes for 94 yards and one touchdown.

Holmes (6-6, 265) played in 24 games with 22 starts at the University of Arizona after transferring from Scottsdale Community College following the 2005 season. He finished his career with the Wildcats with 72 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2007, Holmes started 10 of 12 games and recorded 36 tackles. In 2006, he posted 36 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as he earned second-team All-Pacific 10 Conference honors. At Scottsdale Community College, Holmes posted 192 tackles, 40 tackles for loss and 16 sacks, earning NJCAA All-Region first-team honors in 2005 and first-team 2004 NJCAA All-America honors.

Jordan (5-11, 171) had a solid collegiate career at California, where he ranks No. 7 on the Golden Bears’ all-time list for receptions (156) as well as ninth in both receiving yards (2,047) and receiving touchdowns (13). The two-time honorable mention All-Pac-10 choice also owns California’s record for consecutive games with a reception by catching a pass in 42 straight contests. Jordan posted career-highs of 47 receptions and 689 receiving yards in his 2007 senior season. He had 247 of those yards in his final two contests and was named the Golden Bears’ Most Outstanding Offensive Player in the 2007 Big Game versus Stanford.

Parker (6-0, 198) started the final 27 games of his collegiate career at free safety for Virginia Tech. He was considered the captain of a secondary that in 2006 led the nation in pass defense (128.23 ypg) and total defense (219.46), while the entire defensive unit also led the nation in scoring defense (11.0 ppg). As a senior in 2007, the Hokies ranked third in the nation in scoring defense (16.07 ppg) and fourth in total defense (296.93 ypg). He finished his career with 144 tackles, including a career-high 59 stops in his senior season to earn All-ACC honorable mention recognition. He also forced three career fumbles and returned another for a touchdown, while picking off five passes and returning one for a score.

Richardson (6-1, 248) played in 11 games at defensive end for Tennessee State in 2007, earning All-OVC Conference first-team and All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team honors after tallying 46 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four forced fumbles, one interception returned for a touchdown and one fumble returned for a touchdown. In 2006, Richardson posted 25 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two passes defensed. Richardson transferred to Tennessee State from Joliet (IL) Junior College.

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

49ers Mini Camp Info

http://sf49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4190

Although the majority of the team has been in over the last several weeks for the team's voluntary off-season strength and conditioning program, all players are expected to report for this weekend's mandatory mini camp - including the 49ers rookie class.

Players will undergo physicals and take their new mug shots on Thursday and then report early Friday morning for the official kickoff of the three-day camp.

Two practices are scheduled for Friday and Saturday with one practice set for Sunday.
Guard David Baas had surgery last week to repair a torn pectoral muscle and has been ruled out of the mini camp.

Defensive tackle Joe Cohen and linebacker Manny Lawson are also being held out of the camp as a precautionary measure after ACL injuries in 2007. Both players have been active in the team’s off-season program.

Quarterback Alex Smith is expected to have his snaps monitored over the weekend. He and quarterback Shaun Hill will alternate snaps with the first unit.

Following the mini camp and due to NFL rules, 49ers rookies will not be allowed to join the off-season conditioning until either May 16 or following the date of graduation at their respective universities. The rule was put in place to encourage athletes to finish school.

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

49ers' draft additions might challenge vets

http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/907220.html

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers emerged from the weekend's draft with several players who can line up at multiple positions. And while that gives the 49ers' roster better flexibility, it has an added benefit: It makes more veterans nervous about keeping their starting jobs.

Kentwan Balmer, the team's first-round draft pick, is a good example.

The 49ers insist the big defensive lineman can play two positions, nose tackle and left defensive end, and they will test him at both spots when the team assembles today for its first minicamp. That puts pressure on veterans Isaac Sopoaga and Aubrayo Franklin.

Sopoaga, who is penciled in as the starter at left defensive end, had his best season last year under position coach Jim Tomsula and was rewarded with a contract extension. But while Sopoaga has the physical tools to start, consistency continues to be a concern.

The 49ers also want more out of Franklin, whom they acquired last season in free agency to play nose tackle.

Franklin has not participated in the team's offseason conditioning program, and coach Mike Nolan is not happy about the absence. Franklin will, however, be on hand today.

Asked Saturday whether Balmer's selection meant the 49ers were unhappy with Franklin, Nolan said no. "But I hope it makes him come in here next week for the offseason program," he said.

The team's second-round pick, Chilo Rachal, mostly will play guard, but the 49ers also wonder if he can play tackle. The 49ers' offensive line set a franchise record in sacks allowed last season, and one of the interior line's many breakdowns resulted in quarterback Alex Smith's shoulder injury.

At cornerback, meanwhile, the 49ers have two clear-cut starters in Nate Clements and Walt Harris.

Beyond them, however, there are only question marks. Shawntae Spencer and Marcus Hudson have been injury prone in recent years. Second-year player Tarell Brown is unproven, and Donald Strickland recently was arrested in downtown San Jose.

Third-round pick Reggie Smith will put pressure on that entire group. And because he also can play safety, veterans such as Keith Lewis, Dashon Goldson and Mark Roman also must be wary.

"Corner, safety, whatever – he's a good football player," general manager Scot McCloughan said of Smith. "He's going to come in here and make plays for us one way or another. Year one, year two, who knows. … Watch the tape, and it's pretty impressive."

The team's seventh-round pick, Larry Grant, creates more competition at inside linebacker, where only one position – Patrick Willis' starting weak-side linebacker spot – is nailed down.

Grant will compete for the starting strong-side linebacker spot with veteran Jeff Ulbrich and free-agent acquisition Dontarrious Thomas. Brandon Moore once was part of the mix at that position, but Nolan said Moore instead would back up Willis at the other inside linebacker spot.

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

Kawakami: Martz alone might be worth price of admission

http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/ci_9129313?nclick_check=1

He's the upgrade, all by himself, no need for fleet new receivers or perfect offensive linemen.

Mike Martz is the singular 49ers all-caps headline OFFENSIVE UPGRADE - Mike Nolan said so himself a few days ago. And after speaking with Martz on Thursday, I can tell you there's a tangible Entertainment Upgrade for sure.

He's definitely not Jim Hostler, by the way. The 49ers start the first mini-camp of the Martz Era today, and he is already so much more than what they just had.

Martz is cocksure, hyper-smart and aggressive, just like he wants his offense to play. He's also combustible, risky, high-strung and continuously controversial - and so are his offenses.

But if he were a perfect coach, well, Martz wouldn't have been available to save Nolan's job, err, I mean, resurrect the 49ers' offense, right?

I can't wait. Martz can't wait. So to jump-start things, I got a hold of him and fun things began to happen.

Mike, I've heard you really like the backup quarterback you used to have in Detroit. Does J.T. O'Sullivan have a chance to become the 49ers starter over Alex Smith and Shaun Hill?

"Oh, absolutely he does," Martz said. "If we started the season tomorrow and said, 'OK, J.T. is our starting quarterback,' I'd be a happy guy. That doesn't bother me in the least.

"Now are the other guys better? I don't know. We'll find out. I've got to see that. All three guys are going to get a chance. . . . The quarterback thing

will resolve itself in short order, I think. And that'll be kind of fun to watch."
Martz is saying this partly for effect, unquestionably. It only helps him get a better feel for Smith's resiliency if the former No. 1 pick repeatedly reads that O'Sullivan starts off as the favorite of the New Boss.

But there's more to it, a theme, and Martz touched on it over and over during our conversation: The players who do it his way, and prove they can do it his way starting today, are going to be featured. No matter what happened last year.

"All sins are forgiven, so to speak," Martz said.

If that's Smith, whom Martz complimented for his ability to pick up the scheme, fine. Martz is going with the guys who play fast and smart and get the ball down the field, period.

That includes Frank Gore, even though Martz is widely known for abandoning the running game at the first chance. Here's how he let me know: While Martz described various ways he could use Vernon Davis split wide, he warned that he'd keep Davis inside as much as possible because Davis is such a good run-blocker.

"That's what makes Frank Gore go, really," Martz said. "When you get a tight end who can block a defensive end by himself . . . that's where it all starts."

Martz says he has been thrilled working with receivers Jason Hill, Bryant Johnson and Ashley Lelie in the days leading up to this camp.

So when I asked if he had any problem with Scot McCloughan and Nolan passing on wide receivers in the first three rounds of last weekend's draft, Martz gave me a soliloquy on the greatness of the 49ers' draft approach.

But this is an offense without a No. 1 receiver, being turned over to the man who loves to throw it, and yet the only receiver taken was Josh Morgan in the sixth round.

Is Nolan right? Is Martz by himself the sole necessary offensive upgrade for a team that scored only 217 points last year? (Psst: Martz's Rams scored 503 points in 2001.)

"I certainly appreciate that," Martz said of Nolan's words. "The thing I would say is that I think there are some guys that really are just in a position to step up and be counted on - Ashley and Jason and (Bryant Johnson).

"We brought in Isaac Bruce. . . . What more do you want? These guys have played in the league, played at a high level. Now you want a first-round pick? No, we didn't need that. There's enough there that I just feel good about. I don't think that's an issue. I'm excited about those guys."

There are obviously questions that cannot be answered in May: Will Nolan and Martz complement and compliment each other in November, if the interceptions and sacks start piling up? What happens if the QB isn't any good?

All TBD. But for now, the obvious answer is the only one: Martz is better than Hostler.

"I think things are really identified early for us," Martz said. "I think that makes it a lot easier for these players, too. I think it was an uncomfortable situation (last year, when Hostler was hired late to replace Norv Turner) and I think the result was obvious."

It starts today. It'll be a circus throughout. Successful or not, I can't wait.

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

49ers Get After it in First Practice

http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4194

The 49ers are looking for Vernon Davis to give their offense a much awaited spark in 2008, and the tight end was happy to oblige right out of the gates. During a team drill in the first practice of mini camp on Friday, Davis enthusiastically took on linebacker Parys Haralson on a play that continued beyond the whistle.

“You’ve got guys out there competing like Parys,” said Davis. “He was coming hard and like I always do, I got a little, not upset, just a little emotional. I didn’t mean anything towards him and we just started to compete.”

Both players got in at least one punch before Haralson went to the ground in a fight that ended when Davis tossed Haralson’s helmet to the sidelines. That’s when head coach Mike Nolan grabbed the tight end and told him to cool it for a few plays.

“Coach said to keep each other up and not to hurt each other and to control the anger and go on from there,” said Davis.

Some other highlights from the first practice included several grabs from Isaac Bruce, who made it look easy all practice long, and an interception by linebacker Brandon Moore.

Quarterback Alex Smith took the first reps with the first-team unit, with quarterback Shaun Hill expected to take the first reps with the first unit during the afternoon’s practice. Smith was full-go in the practice. Both players are expected to split the reps with the first unit as they compete for the starting quarterback position.

Every player on the 49ers roster was out on the field for the start of Friday’s three-day mini camp, except for G David Baas, who is recovering from surgery to repair his torn pectoral injury.

DT Joe Cohen, DE Melvin Oliver and LB Manny Lawson are not expected to participate in the camp as they continue rehabbing their ACL injuries, but all three did some light work in the individual periods.

Wide receiver Arnaz Battle was expected to go on Friday, but was held out after tweaking his ankle at the team hotel on Thursday night.

Stay tuned for more updates to this story…

 

[Tony]

Some other highlights from the first practice included an interception by linebacker Brandon Moore.

Who threw the pick? Is Alex Smith already gettin' picked off?

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

^^^^ Ur just here to talk shit why dont u go back to the raiders thread and worrie about winnin more then 4 games

 

[Espiohti]

Who threw the pick? Is Alex Smith already gettin' picked off?

Shut your bandwagon ass up.

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

2008 Mini Camp Pictures

http://www.49ers.com/photos/index.php?level=album&id=128

QB Alex Smith gets ready for the snap from C Eric Heitmann

QB Shaun Hill

RB Frank Gore

WR Isaac Bruce

WR Bryant Johnson hauls in a reception

LT Joe Staley

G Chilo Rachal

CB Walt Harris

RT Jonas Jennings

DE Justin Smith