NFL MVP Vote: All Day

By: Brian Sanchez

(Left: Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson are the two leading MVP candidates)

     If I were to vote for the NFL MVP, it would not take me very long to make my decision. I would think about picking Peyton Manning, I wouldn't choose him, but I would have to pause and think for a second. I have decided my vote goes for Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, and I wouldn't have to ponder (see what I did there?) it for very long.

Disclaimer
     This is my rationale for MVP, not comeback player of the year. Because both Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning have come back from devastating injuries, played a full season, and were incredibly effective, I consider the injury category a push and do not factor it into my decision. This is also based on the regular season and not on which player is in a better position or has a better chance to win the Super Bowl.

My Definition of Most Valuable Player:
     This may seem painfully obvious, but it is an important place to start in the Manning vs. Peterson debate. There is no set definition for being the NFL MVP, and each voter has their own distinct and unique way of deciphering who to cast their vote for. When I go about choosing the MVP, I put the most emphasis on the "V", it's all about value. And by that I mean how valuable the player in question is to their team.

Adrian Peterson with a stiff arm on Packers Safety Atari Bigby

     Now, in my opinion, the tactic of saying, "if you were doing an NFL fantasy draft for this one year, who would you choose first?" slants way too far towards the QB's. Quarterback is the single most important position in any sport, thus it carries the most weight in decision making. By the fantasy draft way of thinking, Adrian Peterson would more than likely not even be in the MVP conversation. Because QB is so important, if you were doing a draft of all players to start your team for one year of play, you would almost assuredly take Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees over Adrian Peterson. I'm also sure there are people who would take players among the likes of Matt Ryan, Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, and Russell Wilson purely because of their positional importance. That's why I throw that theory out the window.
     They way I like to decide MVP's is by taking the player off of the team and replacing them with an "average player" at the same position. This is the same basic idea of the popular Baseball statistic WAR (wins above replacement). By doing this, I think you get the most realistic look at the value of any particular player.

Why Adrian Peterson?
     Bottom line: The Minnesota Vikings do not make the Playoffs without Adrian Peterson. First, let's look at Adrian Peterson's season statistics:

348 car, 2,097 yds, 131.1 yds/gm, 6.0 yds/car, 12 TD, 2 fumbles lost

     Wow, talk about dominating the league. Peterson ended up only nine yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson's all time single season rushing record of 2,105 yards. I think breaking that record would have made Peterson an easier choice for most, but I don't think nine yards will change my opinion of him. 

Adrian Peterson leaps over Bears Safety Major Wright

     Let's run Adrian Peterson through my test of replacing him with an average player. With Adrian Peterson narrowly missing the greatest single season by any RB in history, the Vikings snuck into the Playoffs in the final second of the final game of their season. I do not believe any other RB in the league could have carried the Vikings to victory, only Peterson. Christian Ponder the QB for the Vikings is very little more than a game manager. Ponder only threw for 2,935 yards this year. 2,935, that's only 900 yards more than Peterson ran for. Are you serious? That's 183.4 yards per game. Ponder averaged 50 yards a game more than Peterson IN A PASSING LEAGUE. That's argument number one in my mind right there. 

     If the Vikings had another good, not even average, but good running back like Benjarvus Green-Ellis who ran for over 1,000 yards, do the Vikings make the playoffs? No way. Peterson had to do more than just have a productive year, he had to make plays, big ones, he was the deep threat for this team, especially with Percy Harvin injured. 

Why Not Peyton Manning?

Denver Broncos QB, Peyton Manning

     Manning had a great season, there is no denying that. He got the No. 1 seed in the AFC while throwing for 4,659 yards and 37 TD's. I can not deny those are MVP type numbers. But when I put him through my MVP calibration test, he passes, but not with flying colors like Adrian Peterson. Manning's value to the Broncos during the regular season is overrated in my eyes. I don't even have to imagine what this Broncos team could do with an average QB. Last year we saw what they could do with a Quarterback that can barely throw a football. Tim Tebow led the Broncos to the Playoffs. The man who could not start over the horrendous Mark Sanchez or the rookie 7th round pick Greg McElroy was able to take the Broncos to the playoffs, and win a playoff game over the Steelers. 

     My grand point is this, Peyton Manning took over a playoff team that won their division before he was there and did the same. Sure he got more wins and a better seed for his team, but he took over a division winning team. Look at how pitiful the AFC West is. The Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers are three of the 10 worst teams in the NFL. The only reason those three sorry teams got wins was because they got to play each other and every time that happened one team out-worsed the other.

Closing Statement

The Most Valuable player must bring the most value to his team. Could the Denver Broncos have won the AFC West and made the Playoffs with an average Quarterback instead of Peyton Manning? Yes. Could the Minnesota Vikings have made the Playoffs with an average Running Back instead of Adrian Peterson? No way. Adrian Peterson for MVP, All day.

My NFL MVP vote, Adrian Peterson

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NBA Mock Draft 2.0

The Order is Set
By: Brian Sanchez @SportsReportDU

1. New Orleans Hornets- Anthony Davis, PF/C Kentucky

The obvious pick here.  Is the Draft Lottery really random or is it crooked?  I said it was rigged on the show, but I'll let you think what you want.  The Hornets will be positioned to compete for the 8th seed. Jack, Gordon, Ariza, Aminu, Landry, Davis, Okafor and another lottery pick?  Not bad.  

2. Charlotte Bobcats- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF Kentucky

It is highly unfortunate for the Bobcats that they won't be getting Anthony Davis.  Now the team that is supposed to go No. 1 has only kept the pick 2 out of the last 14 times.  They don't get Davis but they do get MKG.  He is a defender, competitor, leader, warrior, and winner.  He is a good start to the rebuilding process in Charlotte.

3. Washington Wizards- Bradley Beal, SG Florida

The Wizards have a solid line up going in to this season.  They like Chris Singleton at the 3 and have Seraphin and Nene down low with John Wall running the point.  They need scoring on the perimeter and especially at the SG spot.  Beal struggled from 3 last year (33%) but has NBA range and projects out to being a good perimeter scorer.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers- Harrison Barnes, SF North Carolina

It looks like Kyrie Irving will be very good for a long time.  He needs help on the perimeter.  Jeremy Lamb would be a huge stretch here and so would Dion Waiters.  As long as Harrison Barnes is on the board he is the 3 point shooting SF that the doctor ordered in Cleveland.

5. Sacramento Kings- Thomas Robinson, PF Kansas

This would be ideal for the Kings.  They have Cousins at Center but need someone to work next to him.  Robinson might be the perfect fit.  He's an athletic, hard working, high character, high effort, good rebounding PF.  He may not have ideal size but he makes up for it with strength and hustle.  He will be a very nice compliment to Cousins down low in a division where there are some pretty good 4/5 combinations.  

6. Portland Trailblazers- Andre Drummond, PF/C UConn

The Blazers want a big to pair with Lamarcus Aldridge down low and they get one of the biggest bigs in the draft.  Drummond has the ability to become one of the leagues top Centers, the only question is will he have the drive to make it happen?  He's worth the risk to the Blazers because at the very least he will be an athletic big body.

7. Golden State Warriors- Arnett Moultrie, PF/C Mississippi St.

The Warriors get to keep their pick and would prefer to be able to fill their hole in the starting line-up at SF, but with Barnes gone that isn't happening.  Then it comes down to needing depth at guard and Forward.  They need a combo guard type who can back up both PG and SG with some energy.  That puts Dion Waiters and Austin Rivers on the short list.  While they got good starters down low in Lee and Bogut all they have behind them is the young and still unready Jeremy Tyler and the awful Andris Biedrins.  Moultrie can back up at both the 4 and the 5.  Bogut has had injury issues so the Warriors might want someone better suited to start at Center than Biedrins or Tyler.  Moultrie is an athletic big who rebounds very well.  He was a SF for a year in college so he has good ball handling skills and a face up game.  He has been labeled as a draft sleeper so taking him at No.7 wouldn't start a riot.  If Terrence Jones shows well in his pre draft work outs I will most likely put him here.  

8. Toronto Raptors- Damian Lillard, PG Weber St.

A lot of people have Jeremy Lamb going here but I don't think the Raptors will be comfortable moving Derozan to the SF position.  What they do need is a PG.  Lillard is lightning quick and a good scorer.  They need potent players like Lillard in Toronto especially because they are one of the least likely teams to attract a good offensive PG in free agency.  Lillard would add a dynamic aspect to the Raptors.

9. Detroit Pistons- John Henson, PF North Carolina

I am not convinced that this is the right move, but I am pretty convinced that this will be what the Pistons do.  Greg Monroe has been awesome at Center for Detroit but they need someone who can actually defend down low.  Henson is unbelievably skinny but can block shots with the best of them.  They hit on a defensive but skinny player before in Tayshaun Prince, maybe they'll do it again.  

10. New Orleans Hornets- Kendall Marshall, PG North Carolina

Marshall is a pure pass first PG who has the leadership to run a team.  The Hornets are thin at PG and with Lillard off the board Marshall is an easy selection if they decide they want a PG.  Marshall could develop in to a great team leader as the Hornets take a huge leap forward here in this draft.

11. Portland Trailblazers- Dion Waiters, PG/SG Syracuse

The Trailblazers already addressed their need at Center with Drummond and their other big need is at the point.  Both of the top PG's in the draft are gone so they will settle for a combo guard who can run the point as a back up.  Waiters is only 6'4" but he is a bulldog and a very good scorer.  He likes to get inside and is working on his game as a PG.  I think his versatility and toughness are two attributes that could help in Portland.  

12. Milwaukee Bucks- Tyler Zeller, PF/C North Carolina

After trading big for small and getting Monta Ellis for Andrew Bogut the Bucks need more big bodies. They have Larry Sanders, Ekpe Udoh, and Luc Richard Mbah Moute but those guys are more 4's than they are 5's.  Zeller can play the 5 and provide offense.  He has good moves in the post and a nice little jumper from 10 feet.  

13. Phoenix Suns- Jeremy Lamb, SG UConn

The Suns need a scorer at the 2 and they get a good one here at pick 13.  It looks like they have post players in Lopez and Morris as well as a good wing man in Jared Dudley.  Both PG's are off the board so they can not draft the eventual replacement for Steve Nash.  Lamb is a phenomenal shooter, especially from 3.  He is more than that though, he is a total scorer who will probably start right away.

14. Houston Rockets- Austin Rivers, SG Duke

The Rockets have committed so many top picks to post players that they need to spend picks on perimeter scorers.  Rivers is going to be a dynamic scorer and he'll even be able to handle some time at the point.  He'd probably be a top 5 pick next year, but since he came out this year it works to the Rockets advantage.  

15. Philadelphia 76ers- Perry Jones III, SF Baylor

Perry Jones has the abilities of a top 5 pick.  His motor has been questioned and people wonder whether or not he'll work hard enough to put it all together and realize his potential.  With the depth on the wings for the 76ers and the lack of options down low at this spot the 76ers could take Jones III and sit him behind Iguodala and Thad Young which should help his development.  This is one of the better equipped teams to deal with the potential bust of Perry Jones III.

16. Houston Rockets- Meyers Leonard, C Illinois 

The Rockets need a Center despite spending so many picks on post players.  Leonard is very, very big and has shown some raw abilities (especially on defense).  He has good athleticism for his size and has the strength to hold his own as a starter who can rebound and defend right away.  

17. Dallas Mavericks- Terrence Ross, SG/SF Washington

The Mavericks need help on the perimeter and especially help with 3 point shooting.  Ross will provide all of that and more.  At 6'7" he can play both the SG and SF and is one of the best 3 point shooters in this draft.  He is very similar to First Team all rookie SG Klay Thompson but with a little less game going at the rim.  Still a good comparison and a very good pick at 17.  

18. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jared Sullinger, PF Ohio St.  

The Wolves really, really need a SG but there just isn't one available who is a viable option.  Sullinger could easily be taken higher so the Wolves should take him just because he's here.  Stock piling talent is the name of the game for Minny.  Sully could be used in a draft day trade or used as a future trade option.  He would also be great if any of the Minny bigs go down.  

19. Orlando Magic- Terrence Jones, SF/PF Kentucky

The Magic may very well be losing Dwight Howard but if they want to keep him they need to add as much talent as possible to convince him to stay.  Jones is a tweener and fell this far because of his lack of a jump shot and the fact that he doesn't play with full intensity all the time.  He could be a good piece whether it's in addition to Dwight Howard or all the players they get in a trade.

20. Denver Nuggets- Marquis Teague, PG Kentucky

The Nuggets have no real needs right now.  They could just take the best available in Harkless, but they have so many players who can play the SF.  The most iffy spot on the bench is at PG.  Andre Miller is expected to return but he is incredibly old.  Teague gives them another PG option especially if Miller does not return.  If Andre does come back, they can groom Teague for the future.  

21. Boston Celtics- Moe Harkless, SF St. Johns

Boston needs a whole lot off the bench and Harkless is a heck of a value pick here.  He is an athletic SF who is a good defender.  He can find time on the court right away because of his athleticism.  Pierce and Allen are getting old so the Celtics need to take good young wing players.

22. Boston Celtics- Fab Melo, Center Syracuse

Melo should have been a lot higher of a pick but his commitment to being great was highly questionable in college and he appeared to have no motor.  He has re-committed himself this summer and is much better shape and looks focused.  Because of the Celtics dire need for a Center, they are going to take the chance and hop Doc Rivers can get him to play to his fullest.

23.  Atlanta Hawks- Tony Wroten Jr., PG Washington

Wroten is an intriguing PG prospect for a team that needs depth at the point.  Wroten is big (6'5") and has the ability and athleticism to attack the rim.  He has a terrible jump shot and has a reputation as a bad teammate, but the Hawks need PG help and Wroten Jr. has too much upside to pass up.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers- Quincy Miller- SF Baylor

Quincy Miller came in to his freshmen year as a potential top 10 pick, but after an ACL injury he never really got in to a rhythm.  He apparently hated the thought of learning so much that he entered the draft anyways.  This is a pure potential pick for the Cavs.  They already have Barnes so Miller doesn't have to start, but he could grow in to his game at the pro level.  He is worth a shot here based on his upside.  

25. Memphis Grizzlies- Evan Fournier, SG France

Chad Ford of ESPN reported that the Grizzlies are looking to stash a pick over seas this year.  Fournier is by far the best international prospect in a thin international class.  He has the ability to score and it looks like it'll be able to translate to the NBA.

26. Indiana Pacers- Doron Lamb, SG Kentucky

The Pacers are a solid team with few holes.  It looks like they may be losing the shooting of Leandro Barbosa during free agency.  Doron Lamb is one of the top 5 3-point shooters in this draft.  He is a good option to have coming off the bench for just his shooting.

27. Miami Heat- Draymond Green- PF/SF Michigan St. 

The Heat need players who are ready to contribute now.  Green is a do everything big man, yes he is a tweener but with his intangibles he is still worth it.  Green can shoot, rebound, and pass well and will give a champions effort on defense.  He is a guy who makes everyone around him better, he would be Miami's Glen Davis.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jeffrey Taylor, SF Vanderbilt

Taylor is an elite athlete who can defend and has good range on his jumper.  There is a very good chance that he moves up from this spot, but if he is there for the Thunder they will jump on him.

29. Chicago Bulls- John Jenkins, SG Vanderbilt

The Bulls need shooters and Jenkins may just be the best one in the draft.  He is a small SG but he has NBA range with a quick release and a surprising ability to finish at the rim.  He would be a very nice piece for this team to add.

30. Golden State Warriors- Royce White, SF/PF Iowa St.

White has the ability to go much higher than this.  He also has an anxiety disorder that leaves him deathly afraid of flying.  This means it will be hard for him to fly on road trips and may leave him losing sleep because he is scared.  This is what caused him to fall off the court.  On the court he is a do it all SF.  He can rebound very well and score inside.  At this late of a pick he is an amazing value for the Warriors.  The reward outweighs the risk by a mile on this one.  

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Rounding Out the 49ers Draft

The Rest of the Gold Helmets
By: Brian Sanchez


Day 3 of the NFL draft was all about adding depth for the San Francisco 49ers and I think they did an exceptional job of doing so.  They made some great value picks that should all make the team and make the 49ers now one of the deeper teams in the league.  All of the picks from today have their weaknesses, of course, or else they wouldn't be on the board.  But the 49ers did an exceptional job of picking a certain type of player and they all have strengths that outweigh the weaknesses.  The type of player the 49ers drafted was team leaders who were either incredibly fast or incredibly strong.  They were also nearly all team leaders or captains.  Let's take a look at the new gold helmets:

Round 4 (pick 117)-Joe Looney, OL Wake Forest
     The 6'3" 309 lb. linemen is a big time value pick for the 49ers.  This is a very physical, very strong interior linemen.  Every time someone is a good value pick it means they should have gone higher, and there are always reasons why.  Looney tore a ligament in his foot during the Senior Bowl and he may not even be ready to go by training camp of this year.  The 49ers are comfortable with all the options they have at RG this year (Kilgore and Boone) so they took Looney and project him to make an impact over time.  Other teams who needed linemen wanted them to play right away leaving Looney, who the 49ers traded up for, to be a back up as soon as he is healthy and possibly push for a starting role the year after.
     Looney is a very physical very strong who is known more for his ability to throw defenders around than anything else.  He does slide his feet well so he does project out to be a good pass blocker.  But that is not the most important role for an interior linemen, there job is to block the run.  Looney's good feet mean he will be a good pulling guard and when he did so in college he was very good at getting to the second level and hitting moving targets.  His one weakness is the fact that his upper body is disproportionally stronger than his lower body.  This laves him sitting to high in his crouch sometimes making him easy to bull rush.  This is not too much of a problem to have, nothing time in the weight room with a professional trainer can't fix.  He is expected to make a full recovery from the torn ligament in his foot and then he will hit the ground running.  Todd McShay said that if he would have had a healthy foot he would have goon in the late 2nd/early 3rd because of his run blocking ability.  

Round 5 (pick 165)-Darius Fleming, OLB Notre Dame
     This 6'1" 245 lb. OLB will have a chance to immediately become a back up behind Aldon Smith.  The 49ers only have one back up OLB right now and that is Parys Harralson, a player whom I don't think s anything special.  Larry Grant could play some OLB but he should be primarily used to give Patrick Willis and Novarro Bowman plenty of time off.  So, Fleming has a chance to make an impact.  He is a physical specimen at his height and is a natural pass rusher.  even though he is short at 6'1" he hot the bench press an eye opening 27 times.  He also ran a 4.77 40 yard dash which establishes just how athletic this guy is.  He was a 4-3 DE in college but will easily make the jump to a pass rushing 3-4 OLB for the 49ers.  He uses his strength to bull rush O-linemen effectively and uses his speed to be a great player in pursuit and his lateral quickness makes him a threat from sideline to sideline.  Also, with his size and speed he can make a definite impact on the special teams. This is an impressive player who made a lot of plays in college and he is actually an underrated cover OLB showing he can at least cover well enough to not be a liability.  And with his experience at DE there is no reason he could not be inserted in pass rush situations to do just that.  With his size and speed he can definitely be a playmaker for the 49ers and if he shows off enough in training camp he could see a good number of snaps in the regular season on defense and be a starter on special teams.  Keep track of Fleming, he had a 3rd round grade and only fell because 4-3 teams did not like him as a DE (and rightfully so as that is not his position) meaning he was another good value pick for the 49ers.

Round 6 (pick 180)-Trenton Robinson, FS Michigan St.

     I love this pick as much as I do the Fleming pick.  This could end up being one of the best picks in the draft.  I have seen Robinson ranked anywhere from the 4th best safety in the class to the 9th best, but either way, most had him going before the 6th round.  The on down side to Robinson is his size (5'10" 195 lb) which is not prototypical and considered undersized for a safety in the NFL.  Bill Polian likened him to a younger Bob Sanders which always evokes confidence.  The basic term to describe Robinson is: where goes the football, there goes Robinson.  He clocked in a 4.52 40 yard dash, which is second among all safeties.  While he is smaller his tackling only suffers a little as he is a decent tackler.  But he was not picked for his tackling (although he likes to play in the box to stop the run) he was picked for his playmaking and ability to intercept the ball.  Mel Kiper Jr. even said he was the best zone coverage safety in this draft.  Robinson excels at reading QB eyes and zipping over to the ball and cutting in front of WR's for an interception.  He seems to have no holes other than his size, which he is still effective with.  He has a sixth sense about where the ball is going and can cover slot receivers but probably not at the level of a CB.  He has plus coverage skills for a safety but just adequate for a CB.  The only reason anyone could see him in the 6th round is because of the size, and the 49ers already established they will take an undersized guy with Lemicahel James as long as he is super tough, and Robinson certainly is.  The 49ers needed depth at safety having only CJ Spillman and Colin Jones who are fantastic special teams players but not so much at safety.  Robinson can certainly see team on punt returns but leep an eye on him as he could become one of the top replacements at the safety position.

Round 6 (pick 199)-Jason Slowey, C Western Oregon
     Slowey represents more of a long term investment for the 49ers but why not take a shot at the end of the 6th round?  Slowey is coming out of Western Oregon which is a NCAA D-II program.  He is one of the best linemen in D-II, but he played LT.  at 6'3" 303 lbs he does not have the size to play at tackle.  The 49ers drafted him and already have changed his position (so clearly they did their homework) to center.  He has been noted by many as being one of the nastiest linemen in the draft.  That right there is music to the 49ers ears.  While he did not look like he could become a tackle at the NFL level many think he could soon be ready to play guard.  The only reason it will take him a while to be ready for SF is because they are moving him to center.  That takes more time than moving him to guard, but if he could do that easily he may well be the replacement for when Jonathan Goodwin is gone.  With Slowey now, the 49ers have good depth on the O-line.  Either Kilgore or Boone will start at RG.  Either way Boone is the top tackle replacement, and if he is the starting RG and needs to move tackle then Kilgore will take over at RG.  Looney is a back up at the guard position and they also have Mike Person out of Montana St. from last years draft who can pay either guard or tackle.  then you add in Slowey and there is no real need on the O-line anymore.

Round 7 (pick 237)-Cam Johnson, OLB/DE Virginia

     Cam Johnson is the reason why I think this is such a solid draft for the 49ers, he has a chance to be on the active roster.  For a team as good as the 49ers it was not expected that this many picks would actually make the team but I think at least 6 will.  Johnson is big (6'4" 270 lbs.) and athletic (4.8 40 yard dash).  He has spent time as both a 4-3 DE and a 3-4 OLB and I think he could play both in the NFL.  He does project more as a pass rushing OLB but he could sneak in for some snaps at DE in 3rd and long situations.  He has the speed to rush the edges but actually prefers to stunt and blitz right up the middle where he can feature a ferocious bull rush.  He has a good set of moves when he rushes and because he has such powerful legs he has a great burst off the line.  This is another guy that most would have seen going in the earlier rounds.  He is more of a workout warrior than anything else and Harbaugh usually loves that.  the film on Johnson is not consistent and that's what worried a lot of teams.  Johnson is a freakish physical athlete and Harbaugh likes to take those kind of guys and coach team up.  If he can coach Johnson up, this 7th rounder can be a very viable back up.  At the very least, Johnson too should be able to be a force on special teams.  

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Speed is the Key

Lamichael James the New 49er
By: Brian Sanchez

     Many were surprised by the 49ers second round pick and many question it.  Don't.  RB was a need despite the number of people they have at the position.  Just because you have a lot of players at one spot does not mean you are good to go.  I for one have been saying we need a RB for a while now.  Brandon Jacobs is only here for one year and he is not exactly the most dynamic playmaker anyone has ever seen.  They have Anthony Dixon who is not really a RB as much as he is just a special teams gunner now.  Kendall Hunter is the same build as James but he is not similar.  Hunter is not a very fast guy and certainly does not share the incredible vision that James has.  Then finally there is Gore and he is the unquestioned stud of the group, but the problem is, how much longer will he be able to stay healthy (something he has already struggled with).  James is a different kind of player...

     Everyone says James is quicker than he is fast but he clocked in with a 4.45 40 yard dash, which seems pretty fast to me.  I think one of the most interesting combine stats was his bench press.  At 5'9" 185 lbs James hit the bench press (225 lbs.) 15 times.  That is some serious strength.  He has exceptional vision on the field.  He hides behind O-linemen and patiently waits for a hole to open and then slips right through.  James can't run through anybody but he has a variety of hesitation moves and can quickly cut which means the bigger defenders can't go straight at him for the big hit or they will miss.  He is incredibly tough.  He has fought through injuries and put up big games with a lot of ailments.  Can he be an every down back?  Probably not, but the 49ers don't need him to be.  James is a very good pass catcher and will be dynamic in that area as well.  HC Jim Harbaugh has certainly seen enough of Lamichael James: while at Oregon in 2010 James went for 257 yards and 3 touchdowns against Harbaugh's Stanford Cardinal.  James was also quoted as in college saying he would love to play for a coach like Harbaugh.  Well, Lamichael here's your chance.  Look for James to get 5-10 touches a game and look for him to run the power-O and hide behind LG Mike Iupati and break off big runs.  With AJ Jenkins and Lamichael James the 49ers are clearly getting quicker on offense and I think it will serve them well.

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AJ Jenkins

Welcome to the 49ers
By: Brian Sanchez

Well, the 49ers took a WR, but it wasn't the one everyone was excited about.  They also took a Jenkins, but it wasn't Janoris the troubled CB from North Alabama.  It was AJ Jenkins WR Illinois.  He is a lot better than you may think.  Just because you haven't heard about him like you have Stephen Hill (who most fans wanted) but that doesn't make him any worse.  This is a good pick and I will stand by that, let's take a look at why I think that.
     First let's take a look at why people wanted Stephen Hill.  Most people were enamored with the fact that he had blazing speed.  I don't want to break your heart about Hills speed, but Jenkins ran a 4.37 40 yard dash.  Last time I checked that is a pretty darn good 40 time.  So Jenkins has the speed of Hill.  Hill is 6'4" and Jenkins is barely 6 feet tall.  But he is a much smoother athlete.  Stephen Hill may have better size but Jenkins is the more fluid athlete.
     Let's stop worrying about Stephen Hill.  The 49ers passed on him (and so did everyone else by the way).  Let's focus in on Jenkins and what he brings to the 49ers.  He is a do it all WR, which is a position of need for the 9ers.  The Randy Moss experiment will either be a failure or just for one year, so SF will need a deep threat sooner or later, and that's what Jenkins brings.  He is a very smooth, effortless runner who can blow past almost any corner.  He can line-up outside or inside which makes him a player that can start playing for the 49ers from day one.  He has also shown ability to return kicks and be pretty dynamic in that aspect which means they don't need to keep Ginn Jr. anymore.  He has soft hands and is very good with making spectacular catches.  He is an athletic WR even though he is shorter than most would prefer.  But here is what sets Jenkins apart from Stephen Hill, Jenkins is a good route runner.  AJ Jenkins has excelled an all routes and has the ability to go long but also run intermediaries as well.  Some people did not want a speed WR because Alex Smith wouldn't be able to take advantage of him.  But, Jenkins has shown the ability to separate from DB's on 5-7 yard routes.  He is a speed player but isn't a straight line speed guy only.  Stephen Hill is not a good route runner and may never become more than a guy who can just go deep in a straight line.  The fact that Jenkins is such a smooth athlete makes him tough to cover over the middle.  I'd expect him to become the No. 3 WR mid season and push to be a starter the year after.  Crabtree, Mannigham, Moss, Jenkins at WR with Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker at TE along with Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter at RB means there is no shortage of weapons and no excuse for this offense not to excel.

AJ Jenkins is a classic Jim Harbaugh/Trent Baalke pick.  He was an academic All-Big 10 selection in his senior year at Illinois.  He is smart on the field just like he is off of it.  In his post-draft confrence call with the media his personality exploded and everyone came away thinking he is a charismatic great guy.  He said he was so excited when he got the call that he doesn't even know who called him from the 49ers to tell him the news.  He can split out wide as a No. 2 or slide inside as a slot receiver either way he is versatile which seems to be a must on a Jim Harbaugh team.  He has had some questions about his strength, but that is not what he was drafted for.  Look for Jenkins to blossom mid season much like Aldon Smith did.  AJ Jenkins is a solid pick who is a better player than the people "projected" him to be.  Harbaugh may have found a gem again and it would again be someone that nobody thought it would be.  Funny note:  in the pre-draft process GM Trent Baalke said there was a particular player that they liked and thought would be available at 30.  Then, when the 49ers pick came, despite Courtney Upshaw, Cordy Glenn, Stephen Hill, and Coby Fleener being there, they turned in there card immediately and took AJ Jenkins.  Harbaugh said that last night Trent Baalke wrote a name on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope.  Today he opened it and on it was the name AJ Jenkins, meaning he was the guy all along.

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