Crucial Combine Coming
By Chris Woeber (Guest Writer)
With just under a week until the 2006 NFL Draft Combine, Mike Nolan and the 49ers are staring at one the more important weeks in recent franchise history, ie the post Steve Young Era. With a deeper than average draft and a stockpile of picks, this is the year that will chart the course for football by the bay for years to come. Despite having the number one overall pick in the 2005 draft, this year’s crop of fresh meat is considered by most experts to be more crucial to the so-called rebirth of this organization. New stadium deals aside, it’s now or never, and the combine is the beginning of this process.
Here’s a look at what’s at stake:
The Coin Toss
We know by now the Niners will have either the 6th or 7th overall pick in the draft, the same goes for Raiders. Although it seems appropriate that bay area football face off in a duel of futility decided by nothing less than the flip of a coin, it would be quite a sight see Al in his finest valor suit grimacing at Dr John in his newest Sally Jessie specs. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely the NFL Network will carry such a scene. But it’s had to imagine the 49ers wouldn’t be willing to concede the number six pick in order relieve themselves of the burden of signing the higher salary. The difference between 6 and 7? 2001, #6 Richard Seymour NE, #7 Andre Carter SF.
The Players
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