Update: 03:56 - John Clayton during an ESPN chat predicted Brooks will go to the 49ers with a 6th round pick
John Clayton is reporting the Niners are one of three teams showing the most interest in Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks. The other two teams are the Giants and Dolphins. The question facing the Niners and Dolphins is whether to wager at fifth- or sixth-round pick or try to use a first-day draft choice to make sure they get him.
Brooks’ stock rising: Ahmad Brooks, the Virginia linebacker eligible for the July 13 supplemental draft, needs to make a good visit with the 49ers. The 49ers were the first team to schedule a visit after last Thursday’s workout. Brooks improved his stock by running in the 4.6 range and getting his weight to 260 pounds, 32 fewer than his weight 10 weeks ago. The 49ers need an impact linebacker on the other side of Manny Lawson, but Brooks has more experience in the system, coming from Al Groh’s 3-4 scheme at Virginia. The debate is whether the 49ers can steal him with a fifth-round pick or if they have to use a second-round pick.
Source: [John Clayton]
Matthew Barrows, of the Sacramento Bee, reports that WR Derrick Hamilton (knee) recently participated in the team’s charity basketball game against the Oakland Raiders.
He sat out all three weeks of the 49ers’ recent organized team activities because of a lingering knee injury, but he seemed to have no problem staggering opponents with crossover dribbles.
He even had an impressive dunk late in the second half. Before tearing an anterior cruciate knee ligament 13 months ago, Hamilton was the No. 3 receiver on the depth chart. During training camp this year, he’ll be fighting for a roster spot.
Update: 2:27 pm—Seems the reports from Georgatos may be a smoke screen. Here is a tidbit from NFL.com on Brooks workout:
Mike Nolan from the 49ers was the only head coach there. He was joined by San Francisco VP of player personnel Scot McCloughan. Brooks will work out for the 49ers at their place for two days next week.
Brooks lost 32 pounds in 10 weeks (he was measured at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds) and passed five drug tests in the last 10 weeks. He ran three times, timed at 4.68, 4.75 and 4.74 in the 40, with 10-yard splits of 1.53, 1.58 and 1.58 and 20-yard splits of 2.73, 2.75 and 2.75. His arm span measured 33½ inches and his hands measured 9½. He had a 32-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-8 long jump, a 4.43 short shuttle, an 11.84 long shuttle, a 7.43 three-cone drill and 19 benches. The conditions were not really good, just average.
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On Saturday the Sacramento Bee reported that Ahmed Brooks was set to visit the 49ers after June 28th, and take a physical. Which at the time seemed to say the Niners were showing strong interest in possibly drafting Brooks in the Supplemental Draft. Now it appears that the interest in Brooks may be starting to fade.
Dennis Georgatos of the Mercury News is now reporting that the 49ers’ interest has dampened in using a pick in the supplementary draft on Brooks or any other player. Dennis mentions that Scot McCloughan, says the 49ers want to hang onto their picks for next April’s draft. And that the 49ers have decided the risk versus reward is too high for them in the supplementary draft.
There have been some rumors in Ninerland that Ty Law was set to meet with the 49ers. We checked with one of our sources and there are no truths to those rumors. Ty Law is not set to meet with the 49ers.
We’ll keep updating the list when we hear which undrafted free agents (UDFA) the Niners have signed.
Update: 05.05.06 – Niners have signed Tavares Washington, a 6-3, 320-pound tackle from Florida. [Washington Bio]
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Update: 05.03.06 – Ole Miss OT Bobby Harris has signed with the 49ers. [Harris Bio]
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Update: 05.02.06 – TE Onye Ibekwe signed a two-year, free agent’s contract with the San Francisco 49ers.[Ibekwe Bio]
Update: 05.04.06
The Browns and 49ers are talking about a trade for quarterback Trent Dilfer, a league source said Wednesday.It could be done within the next day or two, the source said. The 49ers are interested in Dilfer as a backup to Alex Smith, the first pick of the 2005 draft.
Dilfer, who was at odds with Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon last season, would be closer to his hometown of Fresno, Calif., and reportedly wants out of Cleveland.
Problem is, the Browns need a backup/mentor for Charlie Frye.
The Browns and 49ers have had preliminary discussions recently, but talks have resumed in the past couple of days. A trade could have been completed over the weekend
Source [Cleveland Plain Dealer]
The 49ers have a renewed interest in Cleveland quarterback Trent Dilfer, whom they nearly traded for last year. One NFL source said the 49ers might have made an offer for Dilfer on Sunday if the Browns could have swung a deal for Lions quarterback Joey Harrington. Cleveland apparently doesn’t want to trade Dilfer unless they it has a veteran replacement to compete with Charlie Frye.
Source: [San Francisco Chronicle]
The 49ers are said to be the team interested in Dilfer as a backup for Alex Smith, the first overall pick in the 2005 draft. Dilfer wants to play for the 49ers, according to a source in San Francisco, because they are the closest team to his hometown of Fresno, Calif. Dilfer told a friend he thought he would be traded Sunday, according to a source. The 49ers tried to acquire Dilfer from Seattle in the 2005 offseason, but offered only a sixth-round draft choice. The Browns beat that by giving the Seahawks a fourth-round draft pick in 2005.
News Herald: [Dilfer wants to be traded to SF]
Video from the 1st round of the NFL Draft.
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9IRXe4GwmAY"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9IRXe4GwmAY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>This info was reported late last week, by Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat. It is now official:
The San Francisco 49ers signed free agent safety Chad Williams on Wednesday to a contract. Terms of the deal were not released.
Williams began his career with the Baltimore Ravens as a sixth-round selection in the 2002 draft. He played in 64 games with the Ravens, making five starts, and registered 158 tackles, eight interceptions, three forced fumbles and 5.5 sacks.
The 5-foot-9, 207-pound safety also has three defensive touchdowns, including a 98-yard interception return for a score. Williams also spent time on Baltimore’s special teams.
Here are some of the grades from the News sites around the NFL on the Niners draft.
CNNSI
The 49ers have won an NFL-low six games in the past two seasons, but they took a couple big steps toward being more than the league’s favorite homecoming opponent with Saturday’s development. Maryland tight end Vernon Davis will enter the league as this season’s favorite for NFL offensive rookie of the year honor and San Francisco with its second first-rounder landed a potential impact rush-linebacker in N.C. State’s Manny Lawson.Anybody want to wager that Lawson will wind up his rookie season with more sacks than his former collegiate teammate and fellow defensive end, Mario Williams?
Sportsline
San Francisco 49ers
Best pick: Vernon Davis, the team’s first-round pick, will be a star. They loved him. We know why.Worst pick: I don’t like the idea of using a fourth-round pick on Michael Robinson with the idea of moving him to wide receiver.
Overall grade: B+. They got Davis and Manny Lawson in the first round and both will start as rookies.
Fox Sports
San Francisco: Basically, the 49ers didn’t mess up. Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, like Hawk, was one of the best players in the draft. Davis will give Alex Smith a tremendous target because he’s basically a very large wide receiver. Manny Lawson will try to replace Julian Peterson. Wisconsin receiver Brandon Williams is a super kick returning threat while Penn State quarterback Michael Robinson can be either a runner or a receiver. Fifth-round selection Parys Haralson is a tweener who should mature into a pass rusher. Grade: B+
Mel Kiper
San Francisco 49ers: GRADE: B+
I gave them an A on the first day with tight end Vernon Davis (at No. 6) and OLB Manny Lawson. DE/OLB Parys Haralson, who has good pass-rushing skills, was a solid second-day pick. Penn State QB Michael Robinson landed with the 49ers, but it will be interesting to see what position he ends up playing next season. Lawson’s teammate at NC State, Marcus Hudson, could be a versatile safety in the NFL.
49ers 2006 Draft: I laughed, VD cried and Where We Go from Here
So I’m sitting in my room about 24 hours after the draft. I’ve been able to collect my thoughts on, what was, an exciting weekend to say the least for our team. I was thinking of doing one of those draft pick reviews, but seeing as how every website on the internet has one of those columns with an overall letter grade, I’m going to concentrate on two other things in this article from a fan and coaching perspective. The first is to revisit some of the thoughts on our draft in general, such as the happenings of the day because this was one of the most thrilling drafts I have watched in quite some time. Secondly, I want to discuss the future of the players we took and how I see the 49ers using some of them. And I’m going to do it using my point-by-point Training Camp Report style, because this is really just a collection of random but intriguing thoughts from a very excited and anxious fan.
– Was it just me, or could anyone else not sleep going into draft day? I guess it was the fact that Vernon Davis was on our radars and I had wanted this guy for the longest time. I spent much of the past two weeks spying on Green Bay Packers message boards, trying to find out anything I could about their interest in Davis. I was worried sick that he’d be taken before our pick, and eight hours before the draft were not going to go away with this thing humans call “sleep.”George Chaung, of Niner Cap Hell, was nice enough to share with us another article. This one is his 2006 49ers Draft Review and Analysis.
Well, the draft is done. I’ll certainly miss seeing incumbent NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue step up to the podium to announce which team is on the clock and which team selected whom. Coach Nolan got the players he wanted, so let’s take a look at our brand new 49ers – they’re certainly a class to get excited about, they bring a lot of talent and work ethic to the table. It all starts with the new “Duke of San Francisco.”
Round 1, Pick #6
Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
6-3¾, 254, 4.38 40 time at combine
Davis was quite possibly the best athlete in the entire draft. Incredibly explosive, fast and powerful (over 500+ lb max bench press, 33 reps of 225 lbs at the combine and near 700 lb squat), he is undoubtedly the most talented tight end in NFL history. The 49ers were very lucky that the Saints decided to go with Reggie Bush instead of trading down and Jets and Packers decided to go with top need over best player available with their picks. Alex Smith now has a weapon that could take full advantage of the middle of the field against linebacker and safety coverage due to his amazing speed – he was the third fastest receiver at the combine, with the same official 40 time as New York Giants wideout Sinorice Moss, who is approximately 70 lbs lighter. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner should be able to take full advantage of Davis’ elite talent and exploit mismatches all over the field. In addition, Davis has tremendous work ethic and character, so we should expect nothing but greatness and further improvement on his end, especially in the route running and blocking technique departments which were considered his only flaws. Superb selection of who in my opinion was the second best pure football player in the 2006 Draft class after Vince Young.
Ray Fittipaldo, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports San Francisco 49ers RB Michael Robinson said he will embrace his role as a running back. Robinson added,
“I won’t resist the chance because I understand the way the world works. I think for you to be successful on any level you have to be a football player first. You can’t just limit yourself to whatever role you want to play.”
He said he will be used as a third-down running back-type and a slot guy who would come out of the backfield to do some thing. The team has said they would give him a shot at quarterback.
Rd 1. (6) – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland – [Draft Bio]
Rd 1. (22) – Manny Lawson, OLB, North Carolina St – [Draft Bio]
Rd 3. (84) – Brandon Williams, WR, Wisconsin – [Draft Bio]
Rd 4. (100) – Michael Robinson, WR/RB/QB, Penn St. – [Draft Bio]
Rd 5. (140) – Parys Haralson, DE, Tennessee – [Draft Bio]
Rd 6. (175) – Delanie Walker, WR, Central Missouri St – [Draft Bio]
Rd 6. (192) – Marcus Hudson, FS, North Carolina St. – [Draft Bio]
Rd 6. (197) – Melvin Oliver, DE, LSU - [Draft Bio]
Rd 7. (254) – Vickiel Vaughn, SS, Arkansas – [Draft Bio]
With the 46th pick in the 7th round, No. 254 overall, the Niners select Safety Vickiel Vaughn…
Height: 6-0, Weight: 205, 40 Speed: 4.53
Position: Safety, College: Arkansas
Biography: Has been a regular on the field for Arkansas the past four seasons, gaining recognition as a versatile and nvaluable performer for the Razorbacks. Also has been their most durable player, as he never missed a game due to an injury. He began his career as a free safety, but has also started at strong safety and weak-side outside linebacker. The hard-hitting safety also has been a force on special teams. Led Arkansas defense with four interceptions – returning one for a touchdown – and was second on team with 83 tackles in 2005 after leading team with 66 tackles in 2004, when he tied for the team lead with two interceptions, returning one 52 yards for a touchdown against South Carolina. Played in all 13 games of his sophomore season at linebacker after beginning his Arkansas career at safety in 2002, when he played in all 14 games as a true freshman. In 49 games at Arkansas, Vaughn started 21 times. He recorded 175 tackles (118 solos) with two stops for losses of 8 yards and two quarterback pressures. He had seven interceptions for 105 yards in returns, including a touchdown and deflected nine passes. He caused four fumbles and had a pair of fumble recoveries. Vaughn’s father, Ezekiel, was a high school teammate of Arkansas coach Houston Nutt.
Positives: Ran well at his Arkansas Pro Day, recording a time of 4.09 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.65 seconds in the three-cone drill. Is a well-defined athlete with a lean waist and muscular upper-body frame. Makes quick decisions in coverage and has the deep speed to stay with receivers through their routes. Has recovery quickness and adjusts well to the ball, and can catch it away from his body with large, soft hands. Is a textbook tackler and delivers big hits with good form.
Negatives: Seems a little hesitant in run support, generally losing his balance when getting bounced around by blockers in tight quarters. Despite good technique, can get a little sloppy at times in his wrap-up tackling form, tending to grab at the receivers rather than trying to secure during his hits. Susceptible to the quarterback’s pumps and fakes. Needs to show a more fluid motion when changing direction, as he appears to hesitate before redirecting.
Analysis: A seasoned but unpolished player who has the skills to play center field at the next level but needs to develop a more fluid style. Has proven to be a good all-around football player in college and the 49ers are anxious to see what he’s capable of around better talent and coaching amid the pro atmosphere.
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