April 9th, 2009 10:07pm PST
16 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT
NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker
On the Board: San Francisco 49ers....
The Niners made big noise last season with the firing of former head coach Mike Nolan and seemed to have ushered in a new era and regime under new head coach Mike Singletary. The hall-of-fame Bear's linebacker has brought with him a new attitude, one that is based on hard work, dedication and commitment to the prize, and a new focus intended to change the environment.
Two things the Niners will need in 2009 to compete; one a running game (answer Frank Gore) and two, a defense. Many folks are expecting the Niners to give Southern Cal quarterback Mark Sanchez a look at quarterback, but even Singletary knows you can win with a Jim McMahon. Right now it looks like the team is stock with several McMahon clones (Shaun Hill, Damon Huard, and Alex Smith), although none may have the charisma of Jim.
I would be very surprised to see Singletary make a jump at Sanchez, Josh Freeman (Kansas State), or Pat White (West Virginia). If Maybin or Brian Orakpo (University of Texas) should fall into the Niners lap at ten, this is where I see the team going. Already fitted with one playmaker on defense (Patrick Willis), Singletary is closer to building a solid defensive unit than anything else on his team.
On The Ticker
On the Board: San Francisco 49ers....
The Niners made big noise last season with the firing of former head coach Mike Nolan and seemed to have ushered in a new era and regime under new head coach Mike Singletary. The hall-of-fame Bear's linebacker has brought with him a new attitude, one that is based on hard work, dedication and commitment to the prize, and a new focus intended to change the environment.
Two things the Niners will need in 2009 to compete; one a running game (answer Frank Gore) and two, a defense. Many folks are expecting the Niners to give Southern Cal quarterback Mark Sanchez a look at quarterback, but even Singletary knows you can win with a Jim McMahon. Right now it looks like the team is stock with several McMahon clones (Shaun Hill, Damon Huard, and Alex Smith), although none may have the charisma of Jim.
I would be very surprised to see Singletary make a jump at Sanchez, Josh Freeman (Kansas State), or Pat White (West Virginia). If Maybin or Brian Orakpo (University of Texas) should fall into the Niners lap at ten, this is where I see the team going. Already fitted with one playmaker on defense (Patrick Willis), Singletary is closer to building a solid defensive unit than anything else on his team.
(Photo by Getty Images)
Orakpo lacks the great size to play the traditional end position, but could easily make the transition to a pass-rushing outside backer at the next level. In his senior season at Texas Orakpo led the team with 11.5 sacks and recorded 19 tackles for a loss. With the Niners playing a 3-4, the former Longhorn is ideally suited to step in and likely start on one of the edges.
If Singletary is looking to build a defense and create a winning attitude, he could not go wrong with either Orakpo or Aaron Maybin, should either one be there at number ten come draft day.
Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"
If Singletary is looking to build a defense and create a winning attitude, he could not go wrong with either Orakpo or Aaron Maybin, should either one be there at number ten come draft day.
Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"
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