FSH: NFL DRAFT REVIEW

February 17th, 2010 10:07pm PST

2009 Draft Review

Working with the staff over at the NFL Draft Bible, the following is my assessment of how the Niners did with their seven 2009 draft picks. The grade is based on the pick, considering when the pick was taken and how the player developed or did not. For complete coverage of all 32 teams, check out the NFL Draft Bible.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 2009 DRAFT REVIEW

(1-10) Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The Niner's first round pick had a tumultuous start to his NFL career sitting out the first five games of the 2009 season. Once signed Crabtree quickly showed the skills the team had hoped to see. Crabtree didn't shatter any records his rookie season, but he was arguably one the best receiver in the 2009 draft class. Grade B+

(3-74) Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama: Perhaps (Pick received from Bears): The slightly undersized former Crimson Tide was impressive in the preseason, but did not carry over his strong play to the regular season, eventually disappearing in the second half of the season. Coffee will need to improve this summer if he is to compliment starter Frank Gore's power running style. Grade C-

(5-146) Scott McKillop, ILB, Pittsburgh: The (Pick received from Giants through Eagles): The fifth round pick saw quite a bit of his action on special teams in 2009 recording 31 tackles (on special teams). The special teamer looks to be the future, especially with the Niners currently filled with talented vets at the linebacker spot. McKillop will likely have to wait until Spikes vacates before he sees his opportunity to shine. Grade B

(5-171) Nate Davis, QB, Ball State (Compensatory selection): The Niners entered the 2009 draft unsure at the quarterback position and selected the Ohio native Nate Davis. The rookie quarterback played very well in the preseason and secured the third string position for 2009. With Smith expected to be the starter next season Davis will battle for the backup job this offseason. Grade C+

(6-184) Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State: The native Californian was drafted in the sixth round by the Niners for his blocking talents. Lacking speed Pascoe was unable to win a spot on the Niners active roster. Eventually released by the Niners before the start of the season he was signed in December by the Giants. Grade F

(7-219) Curtis Taylor, FS, LSU: With good size and build the seventh round pick out of Louisiana State made the club as a special teamer. Taylor was unable to complete a full campaign going on IR in December with a torn hip flexor. With no guarantees in 2010, Taylor will likely find himself having to battle for a spot on the team this offseason. Grade C-

(7-244) Ricky Jean-Francois, DT, LSU (Compensatory selection): The Niners took a chance with the inexperienced former LSU Tiger. Jean-Francois didn't pan out well in 2009 for the Niners. The seventh round pick only got into three games this season and did not record a single tackle. He'll need to make great strides this offseason if he hopes to stay with the team in 2010. Grade D-

Check back for more as I will be reviewing the Arizona Cardinals next….

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 15th, 2010 11:07pm PST

Monday Morning Huddle

What's Next

Tomorrow's Stars

The NFL Combine is just 8 days away and with more than 200 college senior (and underclassmen) invitees expecting to gather in Indianapolis to participate. Once again scouts, general managers, and coaches will be taking front seat to eye the future stars of tomorrow. Some of the notable names that are expected to be in attendance include; Nebraska's defensive tackle Ndamukong Su, Stanford's running back Toby Gerhart, Texas' quarterback Colt McCoy, and Clemson's running back C.J. Spiller to name a few. For seven days (Feb 24th- Mar 2nd) some of college footballs very best will gather to display their talents and abilities while the great minds of the NFL evaluate.

Here's an unofficial list of some of the notable invitees;

COLT MCCOY (QB)-TEXAS

TIMOTHY TEBOW (QB)-FLORIDA

TOBY GERHART (RB)-STANFORD

DEXTER MCCLUSTER (RB)-MISSISSIPPI

CLIFFORD SPILLER (RB)-CLEMSON

MARSHWAN GILYARD (WR)-CINCINNATI

BRANDON LAFELL (WR)-LOUISIANA ST

JORDAN SHIPLEY (WR)-TEXAS

JERMAINE GRESHAM (TE)-OKLAHOMA

RUSSELL OKUNG (OL)-OKLAHOMA ST

TRENT WILLIAMS (OL)-OKLAHOMA

TERRENCE CODY (DL)-ALABAMA

JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM (DL)-FLORIDA

BRANDON GRAHAM (DL)-MICHIGAN

GREG HARDY (DL)-MISSISSIPPI

ARTHUR JONES (DL)-SYRACUSE

NDAMUKONG SUH (DT)-NEBRASKA

BRANDON SPIKES (LB) FLORIDA

SEAN WITHERSPOON (LB)-MISSOURI

TAYLOR MAYS (DB)-SOUTHERN CAL

PATRICK ROBINSON (DB)-FLORIDA ST

This year's class of prospects may not be housing quite the picks of the litter that we have seen from recent draft classes (from 2008-Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, DeSean Jackson, Jerod Mayo, Curtis Lofton, from 2009-Knowshon Moreno, Beanie Wells, Mark Sanchez, Percy Harvin, Austin Collie, Michael Crabtree, Jairus Byrd, Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing, and Brian Orakpo) but it is still loaded with plenty of talent.

The questions are who will go where in this year's draft.

Fantasy Watch 2010

As the NFL prepares for the NFL Combine, let’s re-examine some of last year’s talent that could emerge this season as real contributors and fantasy impact players.

In Philly LeSean McCoy would certainly appear to have every opportunity to be a starter next season with so many questions surrounding running back Brian Westbrook. Even if Westbrook returns to football, the Eagles will have to think hard about committing so much money to him in 2010.

In Denver rookie Knowshon Moreno finished his 2009 campaign strong scoring three times in his last two games, giving fantasy owners every impression he could blossom even more this coming season. He certainly has the potential to be a 20-plus carry running back in 2010.

These were just a couple of 2009's rookies that could be elevating their fantasy value this summer. Check back with "More From the Huddle" for more of the projected 2010 Sophomore Sensations.....

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

February 14th, 2010 10:07pm PST

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

What's the Latest

Matt Jones signs with Bengals

The Bengals are not wasting any time addressing some of their offseason needs signing free agent wide receiver Matt Jones to a one year deal. Jones will likely be a long shot to make the team, given his one year hiatus from football in 2009. Chad Ochcinco and Laveranues Coles are the current starters, Jones would likely battle for the number three spot.

Joey Porter remains a Dolphin

It was announced earlier in the week that the Dolphins had released linebacker Joey Porter, but recent reports deemed the release was invalid. Porter is still a Dolphin, but likely won't be for long. Despite the sudden change the Dolphins are sure to release Porter sometime in March avoiding a $1 million dollar salary cap-hit. Porter is looking for a full time gig, which could be a tough find in 2010.

Brian Westbrook planning to return in 2010

The Eagles running back does not sound ready to hang them up according to the Philadelphia Enquirer. Westbrook plans to play in 2010 and stated his goal is "to get back out there." Unless doctors advise against any return, fans can expect to see Westbrook back in 2010, but as an Eagle could be a different story. Coming off a couple of concussions and due to earn over $7 million this coming season, the Eagles may have to take a hard look at bringing the 30 year old ball carrier back for another season.

No sounds from the Brett Favre camp

The 19 year veteran is thankful and happy with his decision to play this past season with the Vikings, but despite the many endorsements from management, team-mates, and the Vikings fans Favre does not sound ready to commit. This has been the routine the past couple of season, so fans should not expect anything any time soon.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more of "The Latest" .....

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL TALK

February 13th, 2010 11:07pm PST

More Football Talk

2009 saw a lot of great play by some big stars, but unfortunately many fantasy owners were disappointed by quite a few duds this past season. With players like Carson Palmer, Matt Hasselbeck, Brandon Jacobs, and Braylon Edward failing to live up to even modest expectations the dud list in 2009 was not short.

Fantasy Stars: Looking Back at 2009 (continued)

2009 Fantasy Duds

Quarterback

The former Patriot's quarterback Matt Cassel was not expected to be any kind of savior in Kansas City, but like the Chiefs fantasy owners were expecting a little more. Cassel had a solid campaign in 2008, but his numbers fell off quite a bit in 2009 passing for just under 3,000 yards (ranked 20th) and completing just 55 percent of his throws. His 16 touchdowns were average, but coupled with his 16 interceptions his numbers were pedestrian at best.

Running back

The Eagles running back Brian Westbrook suffered through a forgettable 2009 season, along with his fantasy owners. The talented runner missed half of the 2009 season and finished with just 274 yards (ranked 66th) on the ground. His carries, yards, catches, receptions, and touchdowns, were the lowest totals since his rookie season in 2002. Coming off two concussions this past season, expectations and value are likely to plummet in all fantasy leagues.

Wide Receiver

Although the Bills receiver Terrell Owens showed some big play ability despite poor quarterback play, he was still too inconsistent and dropped too many passes (9 total-ranked 4th most). At 36 years of age, father time may be catching up with T.O. who posted some of his lowest numbers since 1999. Owens caught just 55 passes (ranked T48th) for 865 yards (ranked 33rd) and his five touchdowns were a significant drop off from previous seasons.

Tight end

The Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey may have changed uniforms, but he could not escape his injury past in New Orleans. Shockey missed three games in 2009 and caught just 48 passes (ranked T14th) for 569 yards (ranked 14th). His three touchdown receptions were also very unimpressive ranking him 18th among tight ends (far below where owners drafted him).

Noteworthy

Some will argue that despite his 1,400 yards the Rams running back Steven Jackson was a fantasy dud in 2009. Jackson logged over 300 carries in 2009, but managed just four touchdowns. This would support such an argument.

Another player that should make this list is Bears running back Matt Forte. After his strong rookie campaign (1,715 total yards) Forte followed that up with a dismal performance in his sophomore season. Forte averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, scored just four times in 2009.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: FOOTBALL FRIDAY

February 12th, 2010 11:07pm PST

Football Friday

Dear Diary

Without question 2009 was the year of the long ball with 12 quarterbacks throwing no fewer than 26 touchdowns. Names like Manning, Schaub, Brees, and Favre head the list of today's NFL gunslingers.

And while many fans were being entertained with the big pass plays, players like Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson were churning out the yards on the ground. At 31, Jets running back Thomas Jones showed little slow down with another solid campaign that included 14 rushing touchdowns.

In 14 games this past season, the Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker had a memorable year catching 123 passes, while the Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson gave fans a lot to cheer about with so many big plays in 2009; Jackson had 10 plays of over 40 yards.

Looking back on 2009 there were quite a few performers that stood out from the rest. Here are my picks for the Studs in 2009.

Fantasy Stars: Looking Back at 2009...

2009 Fantasy Studs

(Quarterback)

Drew Brees (Saints) turned in another big season passing for over 4,000 yards for the fourth straight season. The Saints passer would finish the 2009 campaign with 4,388 yards passing and he would also completed 70 percent of his throws. Brees led the league for the second straight season with 34 touchdown passes.

(Running back)

Chris Johnson was by far the most dominant running back in 2009 turning in a breakout sophomore season with 2,006 yards and 14 touchdowns. Johnson was solid in his rookie season, but the versatile back exploded this past season. Johnson became just the sixth player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards and added 50 receptions and another 500 yards receiving. His 2,509 total yards also set a record for most yards from scrimmage in a season.

(Wide Receiver)

There were a few notable receivers that had a big year in 2009, but none more than the Texans Andre Johnson. The fantasy beast had another 1,500 yards receiving to go along with nine touchdown reception. Johnson also caught 101 passes in 2009; it was the third time in his career with over 100 receptions in a season.

(Tight End)

The Colts did not lack any firepower in the passing game this past season. One of their best weapons was tight end Dallas Clark. The sure handed receiver had his best season in his career with career highs in receptions (100) and yards (1,106). Clark also posted 10 touchdown receptions.

Noteworthy

Brett Favre not only turned in a notable season for any young gun under center, but at age 40 he defied father-time with 4,202 yards passing and 28 touchdowns to lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship.

Running back Ray Rice proved that he can be a versatile featured back in the Raven's offense. Rice rushed for over 1,300 yards, caught 78 passes, and scored eight touchdowns to lead the Ravens.

The Bronco's wide receiver Brandon Marshall showed star power again in 2009 with over 100 receptions and 10 touchdowns catches to lead Denver.

The Niner's passing offense showed more than a pulse in 2009 with the re-emergence of tight end Vernon Davis as a viable receiving threat. Davis turned in career highs with 78 catches, 965 yards receiving, and a league high 13 touchdowns.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....