2010 NFL Cuts: San Francisco 49ers; Nate Davis Cut, Troy Smith Signed
Mike Singletary may have said there isn't a youth movement going on in San Francisco, but his choices for the 53-man roster and the practice squad tell a different story. All eight of San Francisco's 2010 draft picks made the active roster, as well as one of this year's undrafted free agents (CB Tremaine Brock).
The practice squad consists of six more undrafted free agents, one third year player (Bruce Davis), and one second year player (Jehuu Caulcrick). After all, if everyone drafted makes the team, who do you have left to put on the practice squad?
Note: A player has only three years of practice squad eligibility and cannot be placed on the squad if he has one year on an NFL roster, or has played in at least six games. This is why you won't see guys like Karl Paymay, or Michael Robinson on the practice squad. Also, a player on the practice squad is not protected and can be signed to the current roster of any NFL club. Much as LB Larry Grant was signed by the St. Louis Rams in 2008 and RB Kory Sheets was signed by the Miami Dolphins last year.
There were no huge surprises this year. Not unless you consider Michael Robinson a surprise. I thought he would make it as a special teams player, but Singletary seems to want players who can contribute more than just special teams play. With the emergence of Anthony Dixon, Robinson was doomed.
Quarterback Nate Davis seemed to have survived Friday's cuts as he was named to the starting roster. However, when the team saw that Baltimore Raven's backup quarterback, Troy Smith, had been waived, they quickly cut bait with Davis and signed Smith, and Al Michaels would say, with "alacrity".
It is too early to tell what Davis' future is with the team, but if he clears waivers, he could very well end up on the practice squad.
Other notable cuts were Jason Hill, Karl Paymah, and Cody Wallace. Again, I don't think any of these cuts were a huge surprise to anyone.
Hill has either been injured, or in someone's doghouse since he was drafted in 2007. I felt bad for him when he got poked in the eye during the final preseason game against the San Diego Chargers, but I think the writing was already on the wall for Hill.
Paymah cost himself a roster spot with his poor coverage during the Chargers game.
Cody Wallace has been the invisible man since he arrived in 2008. When Eric Heitman went down with and injury and the competition was between David Baas and Tony Wragge, it was a foregone conclusion that Wallace would be cut.
It should also be noted that just because a player makes the final roster, he is not guaranteed to see significant, if any, playing time. Only 45 players suit up for the game and eight must be declared inactive. However, unlike practice squad players, inactive players are protected and cannot be signed by any other team.
This surely played into some of Singletary's decisions as players such as OT Alex Boone and LB Diyral Briggs played well enough in the preseason that they were likely to have been targeted by other teams if they were left exposed on the practice squad.
The Quarterbacks: Alex Smith, David Carr, Troy Smith
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Obviously Alex Smith is the starter and David Carr, after a bit of inconsistent play in the preseason is the backup.
However the biggest surprise is Nate Davis. On Friday he seemed to be safe having been named to the 53-man roster.
Today however, the team cut Davis and signed former Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith.
That's right, the team now boasts two Smiths, two number one picks, and a Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback.
I am not sure if this puts much, if any, added pressure on Alex, however Carr may find himself looking over his shoulder when Troy Smith gets the playbook down.
Practice squad: Jarrett Brown, West Virginia
Brown went undrafted this year and the 49ers moved quickly to sign him. He is said to have every bit the arm Davis has, is quick, and has great "escape-ability".
I was disappointed that we didn't get to see more of Brown in the preseason as he only played one series, was sacked, and never attempted a throw.
If Davis clears waivers, the 49ers will have to decide which one of these guys they want to keep around.
49er Running Backs: Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook, Anthony Dixon, Moran Norris
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Frank Gore is of course the heartbeat of this team's offense, but this year he could very well have the best supporting cast in football.
Brian Westbrook was quickly signed after the surprising retirement of Glen Coffee. Westbrook flashed some of his old moves on a just a couple of carries in the preseason. The big question on Westbrook is, can he stay healthy?
What I think is important to note here, is that Westbrook will not be on the field for every play as he has been in the past with the Philadelphia Eagles.
As long as Gore stays healthy, Westbrook will be used to give Gore a breather, maybe come in for some third down plays, and there is the possibility of a few plays were Gore and Westbrook are on the field at the same time, but he still has less chance of getting injured simply by the fact that he will be on the field less.
Anthony Dixon is the poster boy for taking advantages of the chances given one. He saw increased playing time in the preseason with Coffee's retirement and the 245lb running back showcased his speed, power and agility by rushing for a league high 300 yards on 74 carries.
Dixon may have very well taken playing time away from Westbrook. It is too early to say if he will claim the number two spot, but stay tuned!
Moran Norris will continue his duties as primarily a blocker—don't expect to see him get a lot of carries. Britt Miller had pushed him in training camp, but ultimately Norris' blocking won out over Miller's versatility and inexperience.
Practice squad: FB Jehuu Caulcrick, Michigan State
A lot of fans had Brit Miller landing on the practice squad rather than Caulcrick. But Miller couldn't seem to translate has training camp success to the playing field. I don't think Miller even played a down in the last game.
Caulcrick displayed his versatility by catching passes out of the backfield and rushing for some tough yards. He did fumble while trying to get into the end-zone, but his determination is unquestionable.
Caulcrick is a survivor in more than one way. He went undrafted in 2008 and has managed to keep his NFL Career afloat by staying on the practice squad of the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Bucaneers, and now of course the 49ers.
But he was also in Liberia and survived the ravages of a war torn country. His adopted brother was killed and his grandfather was shot while protecting his grandchildren.
Caulcrick's father, a politician, was assassinated when Jehuu was very young.
Surviving the NFL? A piece of cake.
49er Tight Ends: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham
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There isn't much to say about Vernon Davis that hasn't already been said. He had a season last year that few players can boast about.
The biggest question is, can he duplicate that magical season, or better yet,even improve upon it?
This may seem like a tall order, but with defenses having to account for Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, and throwing players like Tedd Ginn and Kyle Williams into the mix...it will be tough to allocate too many resources to cover Davis.
I like it.
Delanie Walker brings yet another dimension to the field, he isn't as physical off (or on) the line as Davis, but he is fleet of feet and will keep defenses honest.
Then of course there is sixth round draft choice Nate Byham.
"I like to bloody noses," he said. "I don't shy away from contact. I go into the hole to hit somebody. I'm trying to inflict pain. I'm not just there to get in somebody's way."
He was brought into block, and block he will. But he has displayed some hands in the preseason as well, after a vicious hit against the Vikings, he had a few drops, but redeemed himself by catching some tough catches.
The 49ers kept only one full back on the team as Byham can man that position (blocking) as well.
Practice squad: None
Others released: Joe Jon Finley and Tony Curtis.
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49er Wide Receivers: Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Tedd Ginn, Ziegler, Williams
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Michael Crabtree played well last year after his holdout. But this year he needs to become a super star complement to Vernon Davis.
He has for the most part shed his "diva" label and done all that is asked of him.
But if your going to holdout because you think you need top five draft pick money, well then, put your talent where your mouth is.
Nothing short of a thousand yard season will do, and what? 14 touchdowns? Gotta top Vernon!
Josh Morgan has at times seemed to be a steal in the sixth round. As long as he can stay healthy, he has a chance this year to prove to the rest of the country that he indeed was a bargain.
Tedd Ginn Jr. will get a chance to flash his speed on kick returns, as well as the when the team lines up three receivers. His speed alone will stretch defenses, but he needs to prove he can hang onto the pigskin.
Domique Zeigler has finally answered his critics. Is he tough enough to go over the middle?
Question answered.
The 185 pound receiver made several tough catches in the preseason and proved that after a bone- jarring hit, he still had the moxie to go back over the middle and make the tough catch.
He made some wonderful acrobatic-circus type catches as well...but needs to have a better sense of where the out-of-bounds marker is.
The real question was if the team would hang onto Jason Hill in light of Kyle Williams sprained big toe.
Question answered.
Williams will be returning punts when his toe is healed and I know myself, and a lot of other fans, can't wait to see him in the slot.
Damn, this could be the best group of receivers the team has boasted in years.
Practice squad: Kevin Jurovich, San Jose State
I don't know why the team was so infatuated with Central Missouri State wide-out Bobby Guilory. He may have been oozing with talent, but to say he lacked self confidence would be an understatement.
Jurovich could be a diamond in the rough. He has shown some return ability and made some big catches late in games during the preseason.
The team had tried to sign Jurovich after the draft, but the Philadelphia Eagles beat them to it. When the Eagles released him in early August, the 49ers picked him up as they had an open roster spot.
With less than a month to learn the playbook, I would say he has a ways to go, but so far he has done himself proud.
49ers Offensive Line: Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, Joe Staley, Chilo Rachal...
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The coaches made these choices fairly easy as they named first-round draft picks, Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati starters during just the ninth day of training camp.
So, with Iupati at left Guard and Davis at right tackle, that leaves Chilo Rachal at right guard and Joe Staley of course at left tackle.
David Baas might have been on the block if not for Eric Heitman's injury at the center position. Baas played extremely well and will give the 49ers several options on the line when Heitman returns.
Some fans may have liked to seen last year's starting tackle, Adam Snyder, cut as he had a rough year. But he was really playing over his head as his natural position is guard. He gives the team much needed dept at both positions.
There really was no question on Cody Wallace, he could only man (not play) center. He appeared in just one regular season game in three years. When he got his chance in preseason...he commits a blatant personal foul. Bye Cody.
The question on the offensive line is who the odd man out would be between veteran OT Barry Simms (who seemed to be safe when Staley was injured during the preseason and filled in nicely for him), versatile backup Tony Wragge, and second year undrafted free agent Alex Boone
So Sing keeps all three giving us ten players on the roster for the O-line. I really don't think this is a bad move considering that it seems like there is always a player on the offensive line going down.
Wow, quality starters and depth. That is something considering this was a weakness the last few years.
Practice squad: OT Matt Kopa Stanford
Kopa may take a little time to develop, but he played very well in the preseason. Besides, a team cannot have too many quality tackles.
Others released: G Brian De La Puente
49er Line Backers Patrick Willis, Spikes, Lawson, Haralson, Bowman, Laboy, Diggs
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Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes will again be manning the middle for the 49ers. Was there any doubt?
Even with a bit of a contract dispute, there was really no doubt that Manny Lawson would be back at his outside linebacker position. Parys Haralson will again be on the other side, and this could be the last year we see these two here, but that is another time and another article.
I really think (of course I said the same thing last year) that this could be a break out year for Lawson. He is fighting for a new contract, and with all the youngsters behind him, he might just be auditioning for other teams.
The youngsters are of course, Ahmad Brooks, Travis Laboy, and Diyral Briggs. Well, okay, by most standards Laboy isn't a youngster. But all three of these guys can bring the heat.
Some were thinking that the team would keep the veteran Matt Wilhelm and relegate Briggs to the practice squad.
But in much the same way the team kept Alex Boone protected, they did the same with Briggs, not wanting to risk either to the practice squad. Well, at least that's the way I see it.
The danger in doing this, however, is keeping only Navorro Bowman as a backup inside line-backer.
One has to wonder if the team is considering bringing back Wilhelm. Unless they can find someone on waivers, it is a little late to be trying to develop someone that can come in and play right away if needed. Wilhelm played well last year and in preseason, and he already knows the playbook.
Practice squad: ILB Keaton Kristick, Oregon State
OLB Bruce Davis, UCLA
Kristick is another undrafted free agent. He played well during the preseason, but is a bit undersized and needs to add some weight.
Third year man Davis, much like Caulcrick, has bumped around from one team to another, most recently he was a member of the Denver Broncos. Davis seemed to be all over the field in the preseason, when he wasn't pressuring the quarterback, he was tackling the runner, or dropping back in coverage and breaking up passes. But still, it is the preseason.
Davis does boast a strong pedigree, as he is the son of former Raider's and Oilers OT Bruce Davis Sr.The Senior Davis played for 11 seasons in the NFL and started for the Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII.
Others released: Mike Balogun
49ers Defensive Line: Aubrayo Franklin, Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga
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Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, and Aubrayo Franklin will remain the starters, with a healthy dose of Ray McDonald.
The veteran Demetric Evans will also see a lot of playing time.
The big surprise of this group is last year's seventh round draft selection Ricky Jean Francois. He was one of those "character risk" players and that is one reason he dropped to the last round. He was the defensive MVP in BCS Championship game for LSU against Ohio State in2007, but he only had started nine games in his collegiate career.
So why did the 49ers draft him ?
Because he is pretty damn good, that's why.
Jean Francois proved he could man the nose while Franklin was away. He may not yet be able to occupy a double team like Franklin, but with another year under his belt, nothing is out of the question.
Practice squad: NT Will Tukuafu, Oregon
Because of a roster spot opened up by the departure of Kentwan Balmer, Tukuafu got his shot with the team after being released by the Seahawks. He played well in the preseason and to the surprise of some got named to the practice squad over DT Derrick Walker. With Franklin's uncertain future with the team, they may be looking for talent to develop at the nose tackle position.
Others released: Khalif Mitchell
49ers Corner Backs: Nate Clements, Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown, Will James
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Shawntae Spencer has wrested the title of the team's best corner away from Nate Clements, and rightfully so. Clements was embarrassed last year by Atlanta Falcon's wide receiver Roddy White. And before his season ending injury, he had been benched in favor of the speedier Tarell Brown, but he seems more focused this year and wants to prove he is still a top-flight corner back.
If you watched the last preseason game against the Chargers, then you are probably praying for both Spencer and Clements to stay healthy.
Brown and Karl Paymah were both beat like a drum on multiple occasions, and although the rookie Phillip Adams looked good on punt returns and showed he could cover third string receivers, he still has some work to do before he is promoted to the nickel.
I was pleasantly surprised when the team opted to keep the injured veteran Will James over Paymah. In the past, injuries at this time of year seemed to be the kiss of death if you wanted to keep a roster spot.
However what I didn't see coming at all was the decision to keep undrafted rookie Tramaine Brock. Brock showed in preseason that he has some coverage skills and good closing speed. He will have to learn that he can't face-guard however.
I just figured the numbers being what they are, Brock would be named to the practice squad. When James returns, however, this could still very well happen.
Practice squad: None
49er Safties: Dashon Goldson, Michael Lewis, Taylor Mays, Reggie Smith, C.Taylor
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The hard hitting tandem of Dashon Goldson and Michael Lewis will remain the starters.
Although I do have a new found respect for Lewis (San Francisco 49ers:Michael Lewis and The American Heart Association), this will likely be Lewis' last season as a 49er, and with all the expiring contracts in the next two years, Goldson just might be keeping a spot warm for Taylor Mays, or Reggie Smith.
But I am getting ahead of myself.
Smith has been the defensive star of training camp, and made a spectacular interception return for a touchdown against the Colts. But in getting burned for a long touchdown against the Raiders, he still showed that he has something to learn.
Taylor Mays has been driving the coaches crazy with questions, and wants to prove that he didn't deserve to slip into the second round. He also had a nice leaping interception in the end-zone to prevent a score during the Raider's game.
The surprise keeper of this group is Curtis Taylor. The first of two seventh round picks the 49ers had last year (the other being Ricky Jean Francois) he seemed to be the odd man out with the emergence of Smith, and the drafting of Mays. But the coaches obviously see something in Taylor and are showing faith in him by selecting him to the 53-man roster.
Practice squad: Chris Maragos, Wisconsin
One thing about going undrafted is that you can choose where you want to play (at least for the summer).
"Coach Singletary (coaches) my style of play. He is the kind of coach I would absolutely love to play for."
"According to Maragos, his choice came down to the 49ers or the Dallas Cowboys."We just felt that San Francisco was the best fit," Maragos said." (from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Maragos was one of those hustle players in the preseason. He played quite a bit on special teams and seemed to be in on just about every tackle when he was on the field.
49ers Special Teams: Joe Nedney, Andy Lee, Brian Jennings
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Well since this is the last slide, let's make this quick.
The veteran Joe Nedney will be the kicker, Shane Andrus performed well, but unless Nedney gets hurt, his best chance to play in the NFL is with another club.
Nobody was brought in to compete with Andy Lee at punter, and why would they? Lee is one of the best in the business. No matter how backed up the offense maybe, Lee always seems to be able to give the defense some breathing room, as long as the rest of the squad tackles the returner that is.
You can have a long and lasting career in the NFL if you know how to be a long snapper. Brian Jennings has been doing it for the 49ers for eleven years now, and will again be manning those duties for the team this season.
That's it, all 53 players and the eight practice squad players. But don't think the team won't be making anymore moves.
Just as they have done with Nate Davis and Troy Smith yesterday, the team has shown it isn't afraid to make a move if they think it will improve their roster. What team Wouldn't?
Writer's note: If you would like to check out something on the lighter side of the 49ers, please check out my parody, The Night Before Kick-Off.
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