Criticism exploded after 49ers draft this year. Pundits derided the 49ers for failing to secure an offensive lineman in a seemingly deep draft. Worse, according to the experts, De’Zhaun Stribling was a massive reach early in the second round. Most draft boards had Stribling as a third or fourth round pick. So much for the experts, right?
The truth is that the NFL draft is largely an educated guess. General Managers and Coaches are drafting players with certain traits that fit the system and team they want to build. This year, the 49ers focused on speed and versatility. Stribling blazes down the field with 4.36 40 speed and has shown he is a willing blocker and an able route runner. More importantly, Stribling appears to snag the ball anytime its near his wide wingspan.
Romello Height, and Jaden Dugger were drafted for their speed and versatility. We saw it on display last night. Dugger is a particularly interesting prospect as he stands at 6’5 and 240 pounds. He has experience playing safety, linebacker and pass rusher. Linebacker Coach K.J. Wright salivates every time he talks about Dugger.
Rookie Defensive Tackle Gracen Halton popped off the screen last night. He consistently penetrated the Titans offensive line. If he was not penetrating, he was pushing the pocket making life difficult on whoever was under center.
Ephesians Prysock is a pleasant surprise at corner. He made the most of his opportunities last night successfully defending a would-be touchdown against Carnell Tate. Prysock stands at 6’3 and his length gave him several opportunities to tip passes away last night.
The 49ers star of the night was De’Zhaun Stribling. His Thursday Night play matched the camp buzz around him. He ran a variety of routes, securing seven of eight passes for 63 yards. His longest reception was a 32 yard go route. Stribling catches the ball with his hands and runs thru contact. His route running may need some refinement, but it is clear he knows where to be, when to be and he executes the catch when the ball comes his way. So long as he continues to stack good reps, Stribling will turn into a star.
Overall, the 49ers can be pleased with their second and third team players. The Titans starters played at least three offensive possessions only managing to score one touchdown. Kurtis Rourke is looking like another seventh-round steal. Unfortunately, he took an unnecessary risk in running up the middle on a busted pass play earning him injured ribs as he attempted to score on the ground.
Rourke’s importance as the third string quarterback was exemplified as Adrian Martinez struggled through the rest of the game. Martinez is an experienced player who won the UFL Championship a few years ago with the Birmingham Stallions. However, Martinez is not a consistent passer and makes too many avoidable mistakes.
Linebacker Nick Martin looks much improved from his rookie year as he flew around the field making tackles last night. He was rarely out of position and did not over run the ball carrier, consistently breaking down and securing tackles as needed.
Last night was a good gauge for the younger portions of the Niners roster. It appears that the majority of this year’s draft picks will make the final 53 man roster. On to LA!
BONUS POINTS:
The Titans look to be improved this year. Coach Robert Saleh may have finally secured the offensive coordinator he was always searching for when he was the Jets HC. Cam Ward has several legitimate targets to throw to this year while being complimented with a capable backfield. Saleh will ensure the defense is more than serviceable game in and game out. I wouldn’t expect the Titans to be world beaters but a seven- or eight-win season is not out of the question for them. Tennessee has huge upgrades in the coaching department that will more than make up for the past few year’s deficiencies.
