49ers notes from The Station
By Christian Liliedahl-Allen
Twitter: @ctrainstation
With only a little under a week until the NFL Draft, here are some random notes to consider if you are a fan of the 49ers.
Despite the fact that rosters are hardly established until late summer, depth (always) and durability (always with these 49ers) is a definite concern.
- Back up Tight End. The 49ers desperately need to find a back up tight end who can consistently gain the respect of opposing defenses. Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner are above average blockers, but they don’t provide any of the utility that Kittle does. George Kittle is one of the most physical runners in the NFL, and the Niners have to provide elementary contingency should he go down for a couple of games, or for the inevitable scenario that he at least picks up a knock. This is so critical for the 49ers; without a TE to threaten the center of the field of defenses, it really allows that front 7–8 defense to key in on the run and crushing the quarterback. This position really has paramount importance in Shanahan’s playbook, I cannot stress that enough.
- They absolutely, positively need more of a feature back. (UPDATE: The 49ers just signed Wayne Gallman, who can really crack down the middle!) Mostert isn’t even close to a full time, feature back (que the possible fan breakdown) . Here’s the thing; I don’t want him to be the feature back! Mostert is by far best utilized AFTER a defense is slightly buttered up ( through a more physical back based attack that utilizes the classic Shanahan zone movement up front). I have written before that Mostert’s nickname is Mosterati. In what situation on gods green earth would compel a person to essentially off road their Maserati? The equivalent is happening every time the Niners bash Mostert up the middle. A consistently durable bigger back is necessary. Mostert is generously listed at 205lbs. Wilson Jr. at 213. This isn’t good enough. More power is needed between the tackles; they provide the body blows that eventually lead to knockout Mostert runs. A wonderful option the Niners could have, mid draft, would be Jermar Jefferson of Oregon State. Although only 207lbs, Jefferson is a dynamic zone runner who loves punishing defenses. Check out some of his action linked right below:
- I am fairly sure that most NFL top defenders diagnose a whole lot of plays before the snap. With that said, Jimmy G has a really bad “tell” when the Niners are passing compared to when they are running the football. I am a 49ers fan; I am not going to mention it lest any other football team find out and really punish him. However, the moment the Jimmy G isn’t the starting QB of the 49ers, I will show you(the reader) his massive tell.
Here are a couple of things about Russell Wilson:
Wilson vs. the San Francisco 49ers
Of his three NFC West foes, Wilson has been most successful against the 49ers.
In 19 head-to-head clashes, he has only lost to San Francisco four times, and all four were by seven or fewer points.
Wilson also defeated the Niners, 23–17, in the NFC Championship Game, on the way to his first Super Bowl title.
No defense has surrendered more touchdowns (34) to Wilson than the 49ers.
Russell Wilson is 15–4 against the 49ers. Regardless of what Niners fans may think, Wilson absolutely owns the 49ers. Here’s the catch; earlier this offseason, he literally gave away one of his biggest weaknesses! I get it, the Seahawks aren’t necessarily supposed to be good next year. Here’s the thing; if the Hawks can even get one win against a 49ers team that is looking to win the most competitive (on paper) division in the NFL, it could spell doom for the team. Bosa, Armstead, Dre Greenlaw, Fred Warner, do me a favor; really stick it to Wilson this year. Per his own words, he’s fed up of being hit! You HAVE to listen to what he’s saying if you’re the 49ers. Wilson is known as a fearless leader who has a belief that only the great ones have. He is composed, concise and clinical with his play. Hit him. I’m not saying hit him after the whistle, or when he’s down or out of bounds. You have to touch him this year. If you don’t, Seattle will reload and he will act as a 49ers foil for another 5–7 years (unless he gets traded).
The article below is from 2019. When Jimmy G was injured (ACL), he watched a bunch of football tape with Kyle Shanahan’s dad, Mike (who is an NFL offense mastermind). Ok… AFTER Mike spent time with Jimmy G, the 49ers mulled chasing Tom Brady. I get that Brady is GOAT status, but something is up when your QB spends lots of time with Coach’s dad (who is also a coach) and they decide to chase Brady and publicly mention their pursuit to the media! What I am saying is that the film study and time spent with Mike couldn’t have gone amazingly. No way no how.
Snippets about the NFL Draft:
- The Niners can win a Super Bowl with more than one of the top QB prospects. This is obvious, football is a team sport.
- I think it’s borderline criminal that there are measurements such as that players get their hands measured at the combine, but they don’t measure leg length! Jerry Rice and John Taylor are only a couple examples of players that played faster than their 40 times. I believe they played faster because they had looong legs, which really help over long distances. An example in this current draft can be found in DeVonte Smith of Alabama.
- If the 49ers can somehow get a starting caliber DB via the draft…that would be clutch.
- Kyle Pitts (TE Florida) in the right system could be a Waller-esque problem at the very least!
- I like a lot of the WR’s in this draft, but I would love for the 49ers to get another WR in FA.
- If the Niners can SOMEHOW get Najee Harris… He is a bad man on the field!
Till next time 49ers fans!
