Travis LaBoy Still Out There for San Francisco 49ers

With the 2010 NFL Draft now days away, it seems I've looked at pass rush improvement options everywhere from Brandon Graham to Clifton Geathers, but Travis LaBoy remains an option as well.

The 28-year-old, 6'4", 260-pound LaBoy, who dished out punishing hits from defensive end and outside linebacker positions in Tennessee and Arizona over his career, will still visit Miami and likely New England as he tries to secure a contract before the draft.

Nevertheless, the fierce and versatile defender worked out in Santa Clara Wednesday and could still land at outside linebacker in San Francisco's 3-4 defense.

Although LaBoy wants to get a deal done before the draft (when the rookies will saturate the market), it simply might not happen. If it doesn't, San Francisco could have one edge over other teams: LaBoy grew up rooting for the 49ers and played at Marin Catholic High.

An old wound may heal slowly, however. LaBoy was bitter when San Francisco passed on him in the late first round, taking Rashaun Woods instead. Now LaBoy has the freedom to play for the team that provides him the most opportunity.

The reality here is that Miami is likely to land LaBoy by next week. A strange triangle has sent released LB Joey Porter to Arizona, freeing up a roster spot as well as a spot on the field for LaBoy. As of this morning, Miami has sent Ted Ginn Jr. to San Francisco for a late round pick, potentially completing the cycle.

But there's still an outside chance he could be available to San Francisco post-draft, and if they haven't already taken a pass rusher, there could be a place for him on the 49ers defense as well.