Purists Never Fear, the Spurs Bring Back Team Basketball

In an era of the NBA where Closers are en vogue, big threes are the new model, and announcers preview games by saying “Kobe and the Lakers come to Miami to take on LeBron and the Heat,” The San Antonio Spurs are going off script.  They share the ball, the credit, and are winning every single time they take the court.  Apparently they didn’t get the memo. 

Sure each team in the NBA has a method, but the Spurs have a science, or if you prefer an artistry about them.  

The Heat alternately hand the ball to LeBron or D-Wade and say “go score” while  the other mega-star watches with mild interest waiting for his turn to shoot.   The Thunder fall prey to Russell Westbrook’s hot and cold temperament where he may in fact shoot the ball 5 times in a row no matter the degree of difficulty or how open his teammates may be.  It’s no surprise Westbrook’s idol is Kobe Bryant, because anyone watching the Lakers this year saw Kobe play his share of hero ball as Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum tripped over each other in the paint. 

The Spurs meanwhile are simply a machine, every cog with its purpose, and no mechanism goes unused.  Tony Parker comes off of a Tim Duncan pick, sambas into the lane, and finds Matt Bonner in the corner to knock down a wide open three.  Ginobli Euro Steps into the paint only to pause and scoop the ball to Danny Green for an open layup.  Duncan studies the defense from the high post, only to laser a pass to a cutting Tiago Splitter for an easy two points. 

Now Bonner, Splitter, and Green are not household names, nor are Kawhi Leonard, Gary Neal, or Boris Diaw- but these are precisely the players that make the Spurs the best team in the NBA.  Sure Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli set the table, there can be no disputing that, but the unselfishness of the Spurs great players allows their role players to flourish. 

Watching any Laker, Thunder, or Heat game you can see a look of shock on respective role players’ faces when they get the ball late in the shot clock as they try to hot potato the ball back to one of the stars that “should be shooting.”  Ramon Sessions throws an errant pass desperately looking for Kobe who is double teamed, Kendrick Perkins hurls a panicked hook shot at the hoop, Mike Miller stumbles into the lane and travels, none ready for their moment because they weren’t supposed to get that ball at that time.

This is why the Spurs are great.  There is no “supposed to” with them.  The open man is the most dangerous one for San Antonio and he is the man expected to punish the defense.   Paraphrasing the late great Bruce Lee, the greatest style is no style, and the Spurs seem to follow this axiom to the letter. 

Watching San Antonio is as close to a spiritual experience as basketball can be.  No agendas, no ego, just pure beautiful basketball, a team of individuals united moving together toward a common goal unencumbered by the limits of stardom, status, or roles.  

Eric Asks, Adam Answers

I was itching for the perverse, expansive and deep dark thoughts that emanate from the mind of Eric LeJeune, and I got it.  Here are the questions that are burning Eric's loins, and my corresponding answers.

1. Who wins the AFC West?

Really this is such a tough one.  If Peyton Manning is his old self, they are at least even favorites to win the division.    Still, whose to say that Phillip Rivers isn't the best passer in the division even if Manning is healthy.  I'll rule out the Raiders and save us all the time of an explanation.  They're the Raiders for God's sake.  In the end I'll take the Chiefs.  Matt Cassel doesn't make my heart skip a beat, but he's solid, and the cast around him is hands down the most talented roster in the division.  Dexter Mccluster, Dwayne Bowe, Tony Moeaki, Jonathan Baldwin, Jamal Charles, and Peyton Hillis is a skill group that can rival any in the league.  The Chiefs also probably have the most defensive talent in the division with newly acquired Dontari Poe joing stars Tamba Hali (pass rusher) Derrick Johnson (middle linebacker) Brandon Flowers (cornerback) and Eric Berry (safety).  The defense legitimately has four pro bowl level players, and if Poe can live up to his monstrous potential that number will soon be five.  I think KC's roster is so far superior to any other team in the West, that Cassel's mediocrity can be overcome.

2. What is the Saints' season going to be like?

Probably a lot like the off-season. Which is to say, I have no idea.  Sean Payton is gone for the year, GM Mickey Loomis is gone for half the year, Drew Brees is mad about his contract, defensive leader Jonathan Vilma is gone for the season.  Robert Meachem also left via free agency as did all-pro Carl Nicks.  I think the Saints have enough offense and enough leadership with Brees to still win a handful of games, but I don't expect them to compete for a championship like last year.  I would think with the Panthers, Bucs, and Falcons either improving or already a tough out, the Saints would be lucky to win the division.  

3. Which team flying under the radar is going to surprise some people this year?

I have to pick between Washington, Carolina, and Tampa Bay because they all intrigue me.  I'll go with Tampa.  I think they have a really good offensive line with the addition of Carl Nicks.  LeGarrette Blount is a good but not great running back that can carry the load.  Vincent Jackson gives them a legitimate number 1 receiver to complement the promising Mike Williams and the pro bowl level tight end Kellen Winslow.  They also hit big time on their first three picks in the draft: Mark Barron will start immediately at safety, Doug Martin comes in to complement Blount at the easiest position to transition to (running back) and Lavonte David (OLB) continues to add to the young talent in the Bucs Front 7.  With the Saints down, the Falcons status quo, and the Panthers rising Tampa and Carolina could easily be battling for the division crown.

4. Who's going to underwhelm most?

Again it's a race: The Ravens, Jets, and Broncos.  I'll go Ravens because I think people still expect them to be a title contending team while a lot of people are unsure about Manning's health, and have lost faith in the Jets.  For the Ravens, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are just not elite players anymore.  Reed is too injury prone and Lewis has lost a lot of range.  They are still quality starters but they aren't the game changers they once were.  Haloti Ngata is a monster, and Terrell Suggs was the other stud in his prime on this defense, but he's now out with an achilles tear.  The offense has never been able to turn the corner.  Joe Flacco has Matt Ryan disease- we saw how good he could be in his first year and then he never got much better.  Anquan Boldin is quickly turning into Hines Ward (slow, tough, good blocker, but not a game breaker).  Torrey Smith is good at running a straight line, but he needs a lot more polish.  Stud guard Ben Grubbs also left via free agency.  I like the way the Bengals are stockpiling talent, I think the Steelers offense could be lethal, and the Browns at least have life with Trent Richardson coming in.  I could see Baltimore as a 8-9 win team when a lot of people probably still see them as 10-12 wins.

5. With two rings, where does Eli Manning rank among the league's top quarterbacks?

Eli was not a great player in his first Super Bowl run.  His regular season QB rating that year was a 73.9, or 16 points lower than Alex Smith's rating this year.  No doubt he turned it on in the playoffs, but four games does not an elite player make.  Timmy Smith ran for 204 yards for the Redskins in Super Bowl XXII but he's not up there on the Mount Rushmore of running backs.  The following year in the playoffs Eli was bounced by the Eagles in the divisional round of the playoffs posting a 40.7 rating with 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  In 2009 the Giants didn't even make the playoffs though Eli's rating was very good at 93.1. Again no playoffs in 2010, and then the Giants narrowly got in this past year and just like 2007 happened to get hot.  The Giants have two prolific Super Bowl runs and three first game exits during Eli's reign, not elite in my opinion.  Here are the Quarterbacks I would want as of right now before Manning: Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, Matt Stafford.  I put Eli in the second group with Tony Romo, Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, and Michael Vick.  

6. Can the 49ers win a Super Bowl with Alex Smith at quarterback?

Yes.  They won 13 games last year, then beat a team with a far superior quarterback in Drew Brees, and were two muffed fumbles away from playing and probably winning the Super Bowl.  Now Smith has another year in a good offensive system, a stable of running backs (Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James) and a ton of options at wide receiver (Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, Michael Crabtree, 1st round pick AJ Jenkins, and star right end Vernon Davis.  In addition everyone from the leagues best defense was resigned as were all the key components of the league's best special teams units.  With four explosive weapons added to the offense, a full off-season to integrate the system, and the confidence from last year's run Smith could certainly win this team a Super Bowl.

7. Who's your favorite player going today?  Ever?

Well, let's break this up a little bit.  Of course a 49er has to be my favorite current player- and that is a split decision between Patrick Willis and Vernon Davis, love em' both, can't choose.  My favorite non-Niner is without a doubt the people's champ Aaron Rodgers- cool, calm, has every tool in the kit, and dare I say handsome.  All time favorite is again a split.  In terms of 49ers it has to be a three way tie between Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Bryant Young.  All were such professionals, such warriors, such masters of their craft, and none of them bitched off the field.  Outside the Niner organization my favorite players of all time are Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders, and Reggie White.  Deion was simply electric, Barry was a human video game, and Reggie made me fall in love with football when I saw him throwing Patriot lineman into Drew Bledsoe during the Packers 1996 Super Bowl.  Kevin Greene's insanity at outside linebacker also has a special place in my heart.  Apologies to Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana, I just wasn't old enough to appreciate your greatness.  

8. Who makes the bigger impact Year One, Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III?

hmm...I would Say RG3 because I think he has a better team around him, but I think Griffin has a tough road playing against the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys.  Luck will get 4 games against the Titans and Jaguars.  I also think Luck is so damn polished that he will find a way to be pretty good right away and not get his head knocked off.  Neither team is going to the playoffs, but I'll give the edge to Luck.  

9. Which team improved itself the most this off-season?

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks, and three draft picks that could make an immediate impact.  

 2. St. Louis Rams- long term this will be a much improved team, they turned the #2 overall pick this year into the 14th pick this year, two second rounders this year, and first rounders in the 2013 and 2014 drafts...not bad.  

10. How long will it be until the Browns can compete with their AFC North big brothers in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cincinnati?

If Brandon Weeden can be a good NFL player then they can compete not this year but next.  They have the running back, a solid offensive line, and some good players on defense.  They need talent on the perimeter offensively, and to continue to fill out the defense with talent.  In all likelihood this is at least two more years of good drafting and free agent signings before this team can compete for a playoff spot.  

Utterly premature but fun 2012-2013 NFL Power Rankings

1. San Francisco 49ers

The best defense in the NFL is back with some possible depth added in the draft, and a little health at the corner position bolstering that spot.  Aldon Smith should bloom into a superstar alongside Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis.  The real story is the offense, which added Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and high picks AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James to complement incumbent studs Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.  If Alex Smith can build on his progress from last year, this is the team to beat.

2. Green Bay Packers

Adding the pass rusher Nick Perry and defensive tackle Jerel Worthy should add depth and explosiveness to the front 7 that so struggled last year.  If Perry can emerge as a consistent threat opposite Clay Matthews this defense could go from one of the worst in the league to at least middle of the pack.  Aaron Rodgers is the best player in football.


3.  Houston Texans

Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, Ben Tate, and Owen Daniels represent one of the most talented groups of skill players in the league.  Yes the losses of tackle Eric Winston and pass rusher Mario Williams will hurt.  Williams however was aptly replaced by another pass rushing demon in Connor Barwin, and last year's rookie Brooks Reed can bring the heat as well.  Add in first round pick, DE Whitney Mercilus, the relentless JJ Watt, and the terrific Brian Cushing and the Texans still have arguably the best front 7 in football.  Jonathan Joseph also has completely turned around their secondary.


4. New England Patriots

First round picks Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower should really boost the Patriots depth and talent in the front 7.  New England continued to add to the defense all draft long after adding Brandon Lloyd to be the perimeter threat that compliments Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Wes Welker.  If Lloyd can play at a near pro bowl level the offense should be historically good, and I expect the defense to be significantly better.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

The drafting of David DeCastro (especially) and Mike Adams completely revamp what was a big weakness into a potential strength.  I believe DeCastro will be a good starter right away in the league, and Adams has the size to play right tackle immediately without getting pushed around.  Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emanuelle Sanders and Heath Miller provide as good a set of targets as Ben Roethlisberger could ask for.  Rashard Mendenhall may not be back to begin the season, but they should survive without him and maybe he returns mid-season for a boost.  The defense is undeniably old, but still has great players, and youngsters Cameron Heyward, Lawrence Timmons, Lamar Woodley, and Ziggy Hood provide a solid foundation of youth.

6. Detroit Lions

Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson alone are enough to put this team in the top ten.  Add in star tight end Brandon Pettigrew, explosive Jhavid Best, and the return of last year's second round bruising running back Mikel LeShoure and this offense should be ready to explode.  Detroit also added impressive and polished tackle Riley Reiff in the first round, who as most Iowa lineman should be ready to play from day one.  In the second round receiver Ryan Broyles is a nice slot complement to Megatron.  He's quick, smart and productive.  after the first two rounds the Lions went exclusively defense which was smart.  If they can find one starter and another solid contributor out of those picks the defense should be improved.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Mike Vick staying healthy is obviously the huge asterisk with this ranking.  Talent is all over this offense with LeSean McCoy turning into a star, DeSean Jackson having unparalleled explosiveness, and Jeremy Maclin blossoming into a star.  Demetrius Bell will be adequate at left tackle but losing Jason Peters really hurts.  Most of all, Philly filled the atrocious middle of their defense with solid signee Demeco Ryan, draftee Fletcher Cox (1st round) and second round linebacker Mychal Kendricks.  With Trent Cole and Jason Babin rushing the passer, and talent in the secondary, the Eagles could be a dominant defense if the new pieces fit.

8. Chicago Bears

The Bears were an excellent team until Matt Forte and Jay Cutler went down with injuries.  With those two back in the fold and finally a premier receiver in Brandon Marshall the Bear's offense could really turn into a threat.  Rookie Shea McClellin should add pas rush, and if Alshon Jeffrey can live up to his potential he was a steal in the second round.

9.  Cincinatti Bengals

With Leon Hall coming back from injury, and being joined by the 17th overall pick Dre Kirkpatrick the secondary should be much improved from last year.  Cincy also got plug and play guard Kevin Zeitler who should help solidify the line for young Andy Dalton.  DT Devon Still should join a talented defensive line rotation, and Mohamed Sanu had a 1-2 round grade from a lot of scouts.  AJ Green, Jermaine Gresham, and Sanu make up a promising young trio for Dalton.  I think the Ravens are aging, and take a step back with the achilles injury to Terrell Suggs and the Bengals slide in.

10. Dallas Cowboys

They fool me every year, but I think this team has the talent to win 10-11 games.  Romo is a very good quarterback.  Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten are star caliber targets in the passing game.  DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones are a nice running back duo.  The offensive line is in better shape with the emergence of Tyron Smith at tackle last year.  Morris Claiborne was a huge pickup for Dallas, they now have a legitimate cover corner who will surely have his ups and downs in his rookie season but should also develop into a star.  With Claiborne solidifying the secondary, and the front 7 still boasting Jay Ratliff and Demarcus Ware, the Boys could field a better defense than most people think.



11. Kansas City Chiefs

Jamal Charles, Eric Berry, and Tony Moeaki all missed the entire season last year, and will all be back this year.  Those are three star level players coming back into the fold.  Matt Cassel is not a great player, but handing of to Charles and Peyton Hillis while throwing to Dwayne Bowe, Moeaki, and last year's first rounder Jonathan Baldwin should make him look more than competent.  The signing of all-pro right tackle Eric Winston is another huge move.  Defensively Tamba Hali, Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry are pro-bowl caliber and if Dontari Poe pans out this defense could be special.


12. San Diego Chargers

The loss of Vincent Jackson undoubtedly hurts, but Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates are still in the fold, and Phillip Rivers should bounce back to have his usual terrific season.  Ryan Matthews is turning into a stud back as well.  The defense will be helped tremendously by top pick Melvin Ingram who was drafted way too low.  They then snatched Kendell Reyes, a defensive tackle a lot of people had in the top 25 picks, but he slid to the second round.

13. New York Giants

You might think I'm being unfair simply because I hate the freaking Giants, but in all honesty I think they are due for a slide.  They scraped to 9-7 last year and then got hot but this team has holes.  Their linebacking group is unathletic and their secondary doesn't scare anyone.  Jason Pierre-Paul is a superstar, and Eli Manning is one dangerous man.  Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are dynamic at receiver and Ahmad Bradshaw should do well splitting carries with talented rookie David Wilson.  Still, lots of holes on this team and I won't be surprised if they miss the playoffs.

14. New Orleans Saints

I know they have talent all over the offense but they lost all pro guard Carl Nicks and quality receiver Robert Meachem, not to mention Jonathan Vilma for the year.  And oh yeah Sean Payton is suspended for the year as well.  Too much turmoil and turnover for this team to be a title contender again.



15. Baltimore Ravens

This seems like a drastic fall, but I think every year a team finally reaches the point where it gets too old.  I could be way off, but Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are both on their last legs, and Terrell Suggs won't even play this year.  The secondary is still a little green at corner as well.  The offense has never been inspiring and Ray Rice is now holding out.  Anquan Boldin is also really slowing down.  This is a team in transition and Joe Flacco is not good enough to put this team on his back.


16. Atlanta Falcons

I just don't believe in the Atlanta defense.  I also think that Michael Turner is due to slow down, and the offensive line can be shaky at times.  Matt Ryan has plateaued, though Julio Jones and Roddy White make this team dangerous.

17. Denver Broncos

I just don't know what Peyton Manning will be, but even if he's back to his old tricks he doesn't have many weapons on this offense, and the defense struggled through many games last year.  The Broncos failed to give Manning to much help in this year's draft.

18. Carolina Panthers

If Cam Newton can take another step in his progression he can be one of the very best players in the league and win games by himself.  Steve Smith showed he still has a lot of prime left, and the duo of Jon Stewart and Deangelo Williams is still very good in the backfield.  The defense was the issue last year, but the return of star linebacker Jon Beason who will be flanked by 9th overall pick Luke Kuechly should improve this defense dramatically.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman was a rising super-star two years ago, and had an off year last season like the whole Bucs team.  Enter pro-bowl level wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and all-pro guard Carl Nicks and Freeman will have plenty of help to get back to his previous level of play.  Rookie running back Doug Martin should provide a strong 1-2 punch with LeGarette Blount in the backfield.  This offense really has some talent now and could take off.  Defensively this team just needs to grow- Gerald McCoy, Adrian Clayborn, Brian Price, and Da'Quan Bowers are all 2nd and 3rd year players with talent that has the potential to blossom into a strong unit.  Safety first round pick Mark Barron is regarded as an immediate impact player, and Lavonte David was a steal in the second round at linebacker.

20. St. Louis Rams

They were awful last year, but when healthy Sam Bradford is the best passer in the NFC West.  Stephen Jackson is still an elite back.  They also added athletic stud Brian Quick at receiver with the top pick in the second round, not to mention they bolstered their defense with two other second round picks.  Scat-back Isaiah Pead and receiver Chris Givens could also be fast contributors on offense.  Jeff Fisher will make this a smart fundamental team that has an incredibly bright future.

21.  New York Jets

The Jets just aren't very good.  Their offensive line is pretty good, their quarterback is average, they don't have a feature running back, and their best receiver is a complete headcase (Santonio Holmes). Their top two picks Quinton Coples (pass rusher) and Stephen Hill (WR) are two of the most physically gifted players in the draft, but who knows how that will translate to the field and the Jets unusual culture.

22. Buffalo Bills

Hard team to read here.  They lost Demetrius Bell who was an important part of their offensive line, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is decent at managing the game but lacks any of the elite physical skills you would want in your quarterback.  Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, and Stevie Johnson are a nice trio of skill players, but they could use more talent on the perimeter.  Stephen Gilmore was a great pick at #10, he will be a very good player just like last year's top pick Marcel Dareus.  The Bills are slowly building an impressive core on defense.  Adding super-star pass rusher Mario Williams doesn't hurt either.  Give the Bills 1-2 more good drafts and they could be competing for the playoffs.

23.  Washington Redskins

I think RG3 will be able to make plays right away and Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, and Chris Cooley give him some viable targets.  The defense has promise with edge rushers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan forming a frightening duo.

24.  Seattle Seahawks

If Matt Flynn can prove to be a good NFL starter this ranking could go up substantially.  Marshawn Lynch is a very good running back, and the offensive line is young and improving.  Seattle had a strange draft but they do have a lot of defensive talent.

25. Cleveland Browns

I don't really like the pick of Brandon Weeden, but I know Trent Richardson can play and make a big impact immediately.  I think his running will keep the Browns close in a lot of games.

26.  Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil solves the left tackle issues, and hopefully Adrian Peterson will be back near the beginning of next year.  Percy Harvin and newly signed Jerome Simpson represent a talented if temperamental receiving duo and the tight end combo of Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson could be Christian Ponder's best friend.  If Ponder has what it takes, this team could turn around fast.  Getting Harrison Smith (safety Notre Dame) was a really important pick for this defense.

27.  Arizona Cardinals

Kevin Kolb, you are out of excuses.  Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd are very nice targets to throw to.

28. Indianapolis Colts

I think Andrew Luck will be good right away.  Reggie Wayne and Coby Fleener should provide nice targets to throw to.

29. Tennessee Titans

Maybe this is way too low but I just don't see a quarterback, a great defense, or skill players that really scare me unless Chris Johnson can regain his old form.

30.  Jacksonville Jaguars

The defense has some young talent, and Maurice Jones Drew, Marcedes Lewis  and Justin Blackmon surround Blaine Gabbert with some really nice talent.

31. Oakland Raiders

Sorry Raider fans, Carson Palmer is done, you don't have a good offensive line, the receivers are raw and the defense is unspectacular.

32.  Miami Dolphins

The Ryan Tannehill-Reggie Bush combo doesn't really scare anyone.

A Video Treat

For all those that love the NBA playoffs and the Mamba that has come to define post-season greatness, The Hill gives you a piece of video heaven:

Reviewing the 49ers Draft

Why review only one team?  Because it's my blog, this is the team I love, and looking at 32 teams picking about 7 players each is too much work.  I'm also calling it a review rather than a grade because we really won't know how well teams drafted until these rookie hit the field.

49ers Draft

Round 1: A.J. Jenkins WR, Illinois

I liked Jenkins as a prospect watching him in pre-draft footage.  He was productive at Illinois notching over 90 catches last year as opposed to the 29 catches the more flashy prospect Stephen Hill compiled.  Jenkins was also a bit of a combine freak, running a 4.37 40 yard dash.  Jenkins is a sudden athlete with good size just over 6 foot.  The only gripe I have about this pick is that perhaps the Niners could have moved back 5-10 spots and still gotten him, though this is the man they wanted all along.

Round 2: LaMichael James RB, Oregon

James is a good pick from the standpoint that he can help what was a plodding offense get some explosive plays, but I'm not sure he meets much of a need.  In a backfield with Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, and Brandon Jacobs, a second round pick seems high for James.  Maybe the writing is on the wall for older backs Gore and Jacobs, or maybe Harbaugh and GM Trent Balke simply think they can get James the ball 7-10 times a game and he will make an impact.

Round 4: Joe Looney OG, Wake Forest

Looney fits a major need with guard Adam Snyder leaving for the Cardinals.  Looney should provide competition for last year's late round pick Daniel Kilgore for the starting right guard spot, though I think perhaps the Niners could have addressed this position earlier.  Looney is known as a technician with good strength who has the intelligence to assimilate quickly to the NFL.

Round 5: Darius Flemming OLB, Notre Dame

Flemming is a pure pass rusher, and he's good at it.  Parys Haralson, Aldon Smith, and Ahmad Brooks are still going to be the main rotational guys at outside linebacker, but Flemming will come in when there is no doubt it's a passing situation.  He adds versatility to the Niners, and should be deployed on the 49ers tremendous special teams unit as a new weapon.

Round 6: Trent Robinson S, Michigan State

Robinson is a good overall athlete who started for three years at a big-time program and he fits a position of need.  Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner are an excellent duo of starters but there isn't much in the way of depth behind them, hopefully Robinson can win the third safety spot.

Round 6: Jason Slowey C, Western Oregon

The Niners under Trent Balke have continually stockpiled young offensive lineman and built that unit through the draft.  Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati have turned into starters (Iupati is exceptional, Davis is growing).  Daniel Kilgore is going to battle for a guard spot with Looney, and Slowey may prove to be an eventual replacement for Jonathan Goodwin.  Slowey is not a very good athlete, but he's strong and can move people in the run game.

Round 7: Cam Johnson DE, Virginia

Johnson had a fourth round grade from a lot of scouts because he is a good athlete with strength, who moves well for being 270 pounds.  I think he projects as a situational pass rusher and might just be big enough to play a little defensive end in the 49ers 3-4.

Summary:

I Liked: Because of some of the maneuvering the 49ers did in this draft they have a whopping 13 picks in next year's draft, which can't be overlooked.  I liked how San Fran focused on continuing to add playmakers to an offense that sorely lacked them last year.  The receiving group now consists of Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, and A.J. Jenkins, along with star tight end Vernon Davis.  The Backfield boasts pro-bowler Gore, the promising Hunter, the bruiser Jacobs, and the potentially electrifying LaMichael James.  Alex Smith should logically be able to build on the best season of his career with another year under a great offensive system, and the talent around him growing exponentially.  Looney is a key to this draft class, if he can come in and push Kilgore or even steal the starting spot, then the 49ers offensive line could really gel into an elite unit.  Iupati and Joe Staley are stars are there positions, and Anthony Davis could grow into one.  Darius Fleming and Cam Johnson add some athleticism, depth, and potentially some pass rush to the front 7 which is already vicious, and Robinson may help shore up secondary depth.  Slowey is a solid pick if he can be a good backup for Goodwin.

I Didn't Like: Jenkins might have been had later in the draft, and the Niners could have accrued more picks by moving back.  James is an explosive player, and the offense needs help, but not really at the running back spot. I think picking a guard in the second or even first round would have addressed the biggest need. The 49ers defensive front 3 is excellent with Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, and Ray McDonald but there is very little depth behind those players and not much was added in this draft.  Carlos Rogers was re-signed, Tarell Brown and Chris Culliver are promising corners and Tramaine Brock and Parrish Cox are good athletes who can compete over the 4th corner spot.  Still, another good cover man was a need in my opinion, and the Niners got nobody to compete for playing time at that position.

Overall:  The 49ers are going to have a much more talented offense that's hitting its groove in year number two of the Harbaugh regime.  The best defense in the league is all back from last year, and some potential depth was added in the draft.  Special Teams is still in tact with David Akers, Andy Lee, and Ted Ginn all back, and I expect a lot of these rookies to become contributors to the dynamic special teams unit for San Francisco.