San Francisco 49ers: Thoughts on Players for the Upcoming Offseason

The San Francisco 49ers have already lost eight games this season. They're not mathematically eliminated yet, but it's time to start thinking about the 2011 offseason.

The 2010 season is embarrassing, and change is coming to San Francisco. Here are some of my thoughts on college players, 49ers players, and other NFL players.

The Current Quarterback Situation

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Quarterbacks David Carr #5, Alex Smith #11 and Troy Smith #1 of the San Francisco 49ers walk out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Gle

Don't worry. This is the only slide where I'll even mention any of these three. To start, none of them are the future at quarterback.

Alex Smith is bad on third downs and causes crucial turnovers. I think they should let him walk.

Troy Smith can be good, but he's inconsistent with his accuracy. If he's willing to accept that role, they should keep Troy as a backup or maybe a placeholder for a rookie quarterback.

David Carr handed the Panthers their only win, and they need to cut ties with him despite the remaining year on his contract.

Andrew Luck

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal warms up before their game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Many people consider Andrew Luck the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning. That is why the Carolina Panthers are expected to take him with the first overall pick, which they will likely get, but that's not a given. The Panthers could easily pass on Luck for a guy like AJ Green or DaQuan Bowers.

If the 49ers lose the last four games they could have a top-five selection with a 4-12 record. That's perfect position to take advantage if the Panthers pass on Luck.

DaQuan Bowers

DaQuan Bowers is a defensive end for Clemson who is expected to be a top-five, possibly top-10 pick in the draft, probably because he leads the NCAA with 15.5 sacks. He would be a monster upgrade over Isaac Sopoaga if they decide to take him.

Also, in the video I posted, he lines up mostly at left end, some right end and even some tackle. I think that versatility would help him adjust to the 3-4 the Niners run.

Taylor Mays

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 15: Taylor Mays #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Taylor Mays is 6'3", 230 pounds. To put that in perspective, Patrick Willis is 6'1", 240. Mays is also blazing fast. There were questions before the draft of whether he would play linebacker or safety in the NFL. I think the 49ers should take advantage of this and become a little more creative on defense.

Mays could essentially play his own position and do some of everything. He could drop back into coverage or rush the edge. The whole point of the 3-4 defense is so the offense doesn't know where the pressure is coming from, and throwing Taylor Mays into that would be a great idea.

There's no way a 300-pound lineman can stop Mays—who recorded an unofficial 4.24—around the edge when he's not expecting it.

Drew Stanton

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 20: Drew Stanton #5 of the Detroit Lions looks for a receiver during the game against the Arizona Cardinals on December 20, 2009 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Drew Stanton is a quarterback for the Detroit Lions who sits behind Matt Stafford and Shaun Hill on the depth chart. He caught my eye last year when he led some great drives coming off the bench for the underperforming Daunte Culpepper against Arizona in Week 15 last year.

Just last week he almost led the Lions to a win over the Bears, but lost 24-20. He's a free agent after this year, and he's better than a third-stringer, no matter how many times the Lions let their quarterbacks get hurt.

If the 49ers need a decent backup quarterback this offseason, they should give Stanton a call.

Jake Locker

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies drops back to pass during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies 4

Locker plays quarterback for Washington, and he was projected to be the top pick in the 2011 draft before his struggles in his senior season.

Locker has a decent arm, good accuracy, and is said to run about a 4.3 or 4.4. He also has fumbling and consistency issues.

He's got potential, but he isn't NFL-ready. That means that he might not be a fit with San Francisco, but they shouldn't rule him out.

Ryan Mallet

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COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

I think some teams are attracted to Ryan Mallet's monster arm, enough to warrant a first-round choice, but I think the 49ers should completely avoid him.

In 2009 he was arrested for public intoxication. That's a red flag.

On the field he needs time and a pocket to play well, and he reached double digits in picks for the year in only 12 games.

Michael Crabtree

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Tracy Porter #22 of the New Orleans Saints intercepts a ball intended for Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

Something needs to happen with Michael Crabtree. He's not producing, regardless of whatever quarterback issues there are.

I've seen, more than any other receiver, balls bounce off Crabtree into the air, and then a defender's hands. Some of those were just badly placed passes, but with the one against the Cardinals, he got two palms on it. That's unacceptable.

I think next season he needs to work harder and participate in the preseason.

Kevin Kolb

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Bay Area would probably have some issues with Michael Vick's past, so I'm only going to discuss the other Philadelphia quarterback. Kevin Kolb is a decent NFL quarterback, but the Eagles are asking for a second- and fourth-rounder, I've heard, and that's a little steep.

If there really aren't any other options, they should pursue Kolb and negotiate the price down.

DeAngelo Williams

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Frank Gore is a beast, but he will be 28 next season when he comes back from his injury. With the beating he takes every season he won't last much longer. If there's any time to cut down on his workload, 2011 is it.

They should maybe go after DeAngelo Williams if Carolina lets him walk. Williams would be a great back for Gore to split work with because he's another elite back in his late 20s who won't be able to take all the carries in 2011.

It would make the 49ers fun to watch again.