Re: Il Lato Giusto Della Baia - Nebbia fitta sulla baia. Ma fitta fitta eh!

[Jeremy]

Interessante anche l'idea di avere solo due QB nel roster, più uno un practice squad. Tanto in caso di estrema emergenza possiamo usare Battle o Robinson...

[klawde]

Interessante anche l'idea di avere solo due QB nel roster, più uno un practice squad. Tanto in caso di estrema emergenza possiamo usare Battle o Robinson..

sperando che non ce ne sia bisogno. 

Cmq Battle nei vari camp causa anche assenze di Leile e Jackson si sta rivelando il miglior ricevitore prendendo tutto quello che gli passa vicino.

Piuttosto a me inizia ad interessare la questione Maxwell: riuscira' a ritagliarsi un posto a roster dopo la recente e fruttouosa campagna europea? I mezzi fisici ed atletici li avrebbe tutti.

[Jeremy]

Piuttosto a me inizia ad interessare la questione Maxwell: riuscira' a ritagliarsi un posto a roster dopo la recente e fruttouosa campagna europea? I mezzi fisici ed atletici li avrebbe tutti.

Credo dipenda da quanti WR Nolan vuole avere a roster; l'anno scorso erano cinque e se rimane quel numero ci sono poche possibilità perché Jackson, Lelie, Battle ed Hill sono sicuri (salvo infortuni...  ) e sarei abbastanza sorpreso da un eventuale taglio di Williams. Se invece ci fosse un altro posto Maxwell avrebbe buone possibilità, dovrebbe battare la non irresistibile concorrenza di Gilmore e Jacobs. La chiave potrebbe essere proprio mettere a roster solo due QB liberando così un posto per un'altra posizione.
In alternativa Maxwell potrebbe rimanere nella practice squad ma è probabile che qualche squadra prima o poi lo chiami.

[Angyair]

Ed ecco il momento per l'analisi del nostro reparto più amato da Mike, la Defensive Line:

Every time I sit down to write about the defensive line, there are two words that I have a difficult time avoiding.

The 49ers' defensive line is all about dirty work.

That is how you can sum up what coach Mike Nolan, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky and line coach Jim Tomsula expect from this unit.

They're not looking for Bryant Young or Ronald Fields or Marques Douglas or Aubrayo Franklin to fill the stat sheet. The coaching staff wants them to be smart, stout and, above all, team players.

* * *

This position group will probably be the most difficult to evaluate from afar this summer because so much of what the 49ers are looking for will be stuff that we will not be able to recognize on a down-to-down basis during the exhibition season.

So, if a defensive lineman breaks through to make a tackle behind the line of scrimmage, is it a good play? Not necessarily. Perhaps the player shirked his responsibilities for personal glory? That kind of stuff will not fly.

* * *

Currently, the 49ers have six players with NFL game experience: Young, Fields, Douglas, Franklin, Sam Rayburn and Isaac Sopoaga. They have two other players who were draft picks from this season: third-round defensive end Ray McDonald and fourth-round nose tackle Joe Cohen.

Nolan said he expects to keep from five to seven defensive linemen on the 53-man roster. The reason they can keep fewer players here is twofold: 1) The 49ers are making the full-time switch to a 3-4 defense, so they require fewer defensive linemen; and 2) They have several outside linebackers who can also play on the line.

* * *

During the last week of OTAs, I went to the ultimate source to ask him about some of the newcomers. Here is what Bryant Young had to say:

"Joe Cohen, Ray McDonald and Sam Rayburn, those guys are really going to help us. Ray and Joe understand what winning's about, coming from Florida. I think they'll make a huge contribution. I feel good about those two guys. And Sam has experience, being in the playoffs and the Super Bowl. He can help."

* * *

There is no question Cohen and Rayburn fit into the mold of the kind of dirty-work player the 49ers covet. While I don't see McDonald being one of those blue-collar guys, I think he can serve a vital role for the 49ers as a pass-rusher from right defensive end.

In nickel situations, the 49ers could get a little pass-rush with McDonald on the right side and B.Y. at left end. (Of course, the bulk of their pass rush will be expected to come from outside linebackers Tully Banta-Cain and Manny Lawson.)

* * *

The main question about the defensive line will be how it'll hold up in the run game. Franklin, the starting nose tackle will be asked to serve as a 334-pound anchor in the middle of the line. If he can regularly tie up the center and a guard, he'll be doing his job. That way, he'll ensure that the linebackers don't have to weed through a lot of traffic to make tackles.

The most interesting competition will be at the backup nose position between Sopoaga and Cohen.

Sopoaga is in for a fight to win a job. The team tried to light a fire under him last season when they deactivated him for the game against the Bears. That move seemed to work, as his play in the second half of the season was better than early on. Sopoaga is entering the final year of his contract, so the onus is on him to prove to the team he fits into their long-term plans.

It's not going to come easy for Sopoaga. He has to beat out a player that Nolan and personnel chief Scot McCloughan liked enough to select in the fourth round. Sopoaga, of course, is a holdover from the previous regime.

* * *

Fields, Douglas and McDonald lined up at right defensive end during the offseason program. The club really likes Fields, a third-year who has the versatility at 321 pounds to line up at nose tackle, too. This is why I expect the club to release either Cohen or Sopoaga. Fields can play end and nose, so there is no need for a third nose tackle on the roster.

Douglas is a solid pro who sets a good example. Plus, he and Franklin are the only linemen who have played in an NFL 3-4 scheme. (It certainly doesn't hurt that both of them played for the Ravens when Nolan was defensive coordinator.)

* * *

It sure looks as if left defensive end is pretty well set.

B.Y. will be a starter. I assume Rayburn will be his backup. Rayburn's play is a key, because the 49ers would like for Young to play just a little more than 50 percent of the snaps. This will keep him fresh and probably more productive late in the season. Rayburn fits what the team envisions from their defensive linemen (see dirty work).

* * *

Melvin Oliver would've been in a battle for a job, but he'll get to start anew next year because of the season-ending ACL injury he sustained in OTAs.

* * *

With so few roster spots available, it does not bode well for the chances of some of the undrafted guys. That is why such players as Darius Sanders and Zach Anderson are probably competing for jobs on the practice squad rather than the active roster.

[Angyair]

Si prosegue con i TE:

There was the play in the opener against the Cardinals. There was also the play against the Packers. In both instances, tight end Vernon Davis showed his rare combination of size and speed to get into the end zone after catching short passes.

But it didn't always look so easy for Davis as a rookie. He missed eight starts with a broken leg; he dropped a few passes; he wasn't a big factor during long stretches; and he had a memorable unsportsmanlike penalty that nearly proved costly in a game the 49ers ultimately won in Seattle.

Through it all, the most consistent part of Davis' game was the area that a lot of self-appointed analysts questioned after he decided to declare for the '06 NFL draft. Davis proved to be a willing and very effective blocker.

* * *

As I recently wrote, Davis was the MVP of the OTAs. He looked like a much-improved player throughout the recently completed offseason program.

A year ago, he was never much of a factor even on the practice field. But during the OTAs, there were times when Alex Smith and Davis would hook up on several passes in succession.

One of the priorities for new offensive coordinator Jim Hostler is to find ways to get the ball in Davis' hands. Watching the club go through these non-contact practices, you can tell it is a point of emphasis. The 49ers must find a way to regularly utilize Davis' extraordinary talents.

The difference from a year ago was stark. Last year, he did not catch the ball naturally. It looked as if he had meat hooks for hands. This year, he seems to be catching the ball with more ease.

* * *

Davis plays with a chip on his shoulder. Coach Mike Nolan had a couple talks with him last season about his on-field comportment. There were little issues throughout the season, but his worst infraction was a penalty for using a pylon as a prop during a TD celebration against the Seahawks. As a result, the 49ers kicked off from the 15-yard line. Davis seems to be a team player and well-liked in the locker room, but it's fair to wonder how he will handle success.

* * *

Delanie Walker should get more of an opportunity to make an impact this season. He played well in the second half of some exhibition games a year ago. Like Davis, he is tough to bring down once he gets the ball in his hands. But he sustained a right shoulder separation in the final tuneup game. That knocked him out for a while, and he ultimately required offseason surgery.

Walker got on the field for just 23 plays the entire season, catching two passes for 30 yards. Certainly, the presence of Walker gives Hostler some options. Like last season, the 49ers have two tight ends who can be legitimate offensive threats. But, a year ago, that never really materialized, as Davis and Eric Johnson were rarely used together. (Johnson has since moved on to play for the Saints.)

Both Walker and Davis are versatile. They can line up just about anywhere, including the backfield, slot and wide.

* * *

Walker did not get a lot of work in the offseason program because he spent a good portion of the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery. He should be ready to go without any restrictions when training camp opens late next month.

* * *

Billy Bajema is a blocking specialist. He played 25 percent of the offensive snaps for the 49ers last season, but he saw only one pass attempt come his way (it fell incomplete). Bajema was a big part of the success the 49ers enjoyed in the run game last season. He has proved his worth to the club. A year ago, the 49ers kept four tight ends. They'll keep only three tight ends this season, and Bajema will be one of them.

* * *

Undrafted rookie Zach Herold should get plenty of opportunities to show the 49ers his stuff in training camp and the exhibition season. If he shows enough, he can win a spot on the practice squad.

[Angyair]

Ecco intanto alcune previsioni di alcuni magazine USA riguardo la stagione dei 49ers:


The Sporting News: They have the 49ers winning the West with a 10-6 record. TSN has the Seahawks finishing in second place with a 10-6 record, too. They project the 49ers losing to the Cowboys in an NFC divisional playoff game. TSN has the Patriots beating the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.

Street and Smith's: The 49ers are projected to finish third in the West, behind the first-place Seahawks and second-place Rams. This publication has the Patriots beating the Saints in the Super Bowl.

Athlon: The 49ers are predicted to finish second behind the Seahawks. They do not have the 49ers selected as a wild-card team. Athlon also has the Patriots defeating the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.


Quindi Cowboys NFC CHAMPIONS!

[Angyair]

Voci di ritiro per Larry Allen: sembra che il buon vecchio Larry stia pensando a ritirarsi in anticipo rispetto alla scadenza del suo contratto, sarebbe un colpo duro da assorbire, anche se già negli OTA i 49ers hanno lavorato senza di lui e preparato "un piano B" anche perchè l'anno scorso aveva saltato 5 partite e comunque era in scadenza. Speriamo in un "one more year".

[cecaro]

Ecco intanto alcune previsioni di alcuni magazine USA riguardo la stagione dei 49ers:


The Sporting News: They have the 49ers winning the West with a 10-6 record. TSN has the Seahawks finishing in second place with a 10-6 record, too. They project the 49ers losing to the Cowboys in an NFC divisional playoff game. TSN has the Patriots beating the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.

Street and Smith's: The 49ers are projected to finish third in the West, behind the first-place Seahawks and second-place Rams. This publication has the Patriots beating the Saints in the Super Bowl.

Athlon: The 49ers are predicted to finish second behind the Seahawks. They do not have the 49ers selected as a wild-card team. Athlon also has the Patriots defeating the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.
Quindi Cowboys NFC CHAMPIONS!

Di solito io prendo i primi due più Lindy's, appena arrivano getto TSN direttamente nella spazzatura, non vorrei mai leggere una cosa del genere. :gazza:

[Jeremy]

Ecco intanto alcune previsioni di alcuni magazine USA riguardo la stagione dei 49ers:


The Sporting News: They have the 49ers winning the West with a 10-6 record. TSN has the Seahawks finishing in second place with a 10-6 record, too. They project the 49ers losing to the Cowboys in an NFC divisional playoff game. TSN has the Patriots beating the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.

Giammai!!
Meglio non farli i playoffs se dobbiamo perdere con quelli là...

Per quello che riguarda Larry Allen spero anche io che ci ripensi però la sua assenza agli OTA qualche dubbio lo aveva posto.

[Jeremy]

Finora la notizia del presunto ritiro di Larry Allen non ha fortunatamente trovato conferma però c'è un'altra notizia abbastanza tragica... (link). :sbadat:

[cecaro]

Finora la notizia del presunto ritiro di Larry Allen non ha fortunatamente trovato conferma però c'è un'altra notizia abbastanza tragica... (link). :sbadat:

Fuck! In punto di morte rimpiangeremo di esserci perse tutte queste cose.

[Angyair]

E' il turno dei DB, un reparto di questa qualità e profondità non l'avevamo da tanti anni a questa parte, speriamo di farlo fruttare a dovere:


This is the best the 49ers' secondary has looked in a while. The cornerbacks, in particular, have been a problem area for more than a decade. It briefly looked as if Ahmed Plummer and Jason Webster could be a pretty good tandem in the early part of this century, but that never materialized.

I don't think the 49ers' cornerback situation has been this good since 1994, when they moved Merton Hanks to safety after a handful of games to start Deion Sanders alongside Eric Davis.

* * *

Nate Clements has been to one Pro Bowl in his six-year career, and is considered a pretty good cornerback who has played in the obscurity of Buffalo. (I originally wrote Clements has never played in a Pro Bowl, and that was wrong. He played in the February 2005 game.) The 49ers spent big money to sign him, though not nearly as big as the reported eight-year, $80 million contract. The deal is actually seven years for $64 million - still not chump change.

Clements is expected to be the team's top cornerback. He'll line up on the left side. On occasion, he might even shadow the opponent's top receiver for the entire game. Clements has good size and speed. He's a physical corner who can help in run support. He made a strong impression during the offseason program with his work ethic and personality. Clements already seems to be one of the team's more popular players.

* * *

Walt Harris is likely to start on the right side after having an exceptional first season with the club. Harris had the best season of his career a year ago. With eight interceptions, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 17 passes broken up and one sack to go along with 71 tackles.

He was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team, but didn't play too long before sustaining a broken hand. The injury has since healed, and he took part in the team's offseason program. He works hard to condition himself in the offseason, so I wouldn't expect a big drop off in his play.

* * *

The 49ers signed cornerback Shawntae Spencer to a contract extension early last season. The deal was a five-year extension for $20 million, including $8.5 million guaranteed. He is signed through 2012, so there is no question he fits into the team's plans.

Spencer is likely to win the job at the team's third cornerback, and he should be ready to play more when needed during the season. He had an up-and-down season last year, probably due to the fact he battled some injuries. He pulled his right hamstring in training camp and appeared tentative when he came back to the lineup at the start of the regular season. Then, he missed three games after sustaining a right ankle sprain in November.

It's been a while since the 49ers have had a No. 3 cornerback who is as talented as Spencer. After all, just think back two seasons when Bruce Thornton started 11 games and could not make the squad a year later.

* * *

The team lost B.J. Tucker to a torn left pec muscle during OTAs, but the 49ers still look to have good depth with a couple young players, Marcus Hudson and Tarell Brown, showing some good things in the offseason.

Marcus Hudson made a lot of plays in the offseason camps after having a rough rookie season. Hudson initially lined up at safety in training camp as a rookie but was moved to cornerback midway through camp.

He played all 16 games, mostly on special teams. On his first play from scrimmage, Hudson made a mental error when he was forced onto the field against the Chargers after starter Sammy Davis had the wind knocked out of him. Hudson decided to play press coverage against the Chargers' Vincent Jackson despite having no deep help. His first play resulted in a 33-yard TD. Later in the year, his delay-of-game penalty in the closing seconds against the Rams (he did not get off the pile in a timely fashion) also proved costly.

But enough about last year. Hudson is big (6-2, 198) and he showed dramatic improvement in his coverage skills. He had a knack for making plays on the ball during the OTAs.

* * *

Brown might turn out to be a bargain as a fifth-round pick. He was a highly productive player at Texas. His speed, agility, physical attributes and his college play probably would've made him a second-round pick. But concerns about his character dropped him to the fifth round, where the 49ers selected him. (The Giants were going to take Brown with their selection two spots after the 49ers.)

The 49ers said they did all their homework on Brown, and they believe he is not a character risk. As I've written previously, he made a very favorable impression on me when I spoke to him about some of the tragedies he has dealt with in his life. He was 9 years old when his mother was murdered. And a week before the combine, his father died of a heart attack.

* * *

The young guys will have to fend off veteran Donald Strickland, a San Francisco native, who is physical and competitive cornerback who came to the team in the middle of last season. He'll get a chance with a full training camp to prove he can help the team this season. He is recovering from a knee injury, but should be ready to go at the start of camp. Undrafted rookie Sammy Joseph's best chance is to be awarded a spot on the practice squad.

* * *

The starting safety spots appear set for the season. Free-agent pickup Michael Lewis will start at strong safety after landing a six-year, $30 million deal that included $9.8 million in guaranteed bonuses.

Free safety will be handled by Mark Roman, the recipient of a three-year, $4.5 million extension at the end of last season that included $2 million guaranteed.

Lewis, who fell out of favor with the Eagles last season as they phased him out of the lineup, is known as a big hitter who will play one of the linebacker spots in the nickel coverage. He said he is determined to show his critics that he is an all-around safety, and that he is not a liability in pass defense.

Roman generally played well last season but the club would like to see him make more big plays. The best play of his season was when he duped Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck into believing he was playing one coverage and then doubled-back to make a crucial second-half interception in the end zone in the 49ers' victory in Seattle. With better cornerbacks in front of him, Roman should have more opportunities to make plays on the ball this season as a center-fielder.

* * *

Keith Lewis did everything asked of him last season. The 49ers had been reluctant in the past to try him as an every-down safety because he was so valuable on every unit of special teams. But last season he proved his worth at safety after he was promoted to take Mike Adams' spot in the secondary.

Lewis was scheduled to be a restricted free agent. Instead, he signed a three-year, $2.935 million extension with the 49ers that included a $650,000 signing bonus. Although the club might not view him as a starter, he is still a very important part of the team. If there's an injury or someone is not playing effectively, I don't think the 49ers would hesitate to call on Lewis to bring his aggressive, hard-hitting style to the lineup.

* * *

Rookie Dashon Goldson made a favorable impression in the OTAs. Coach Mike Nolan commented that the club knows Goldson is a physical player whose best attributes are shown when the pads come on. But he didn't wait until training camp to start turning heads. Goldson stood out in the non-contact practices with his coverage skills, which seemed to come as a pleasant surprise to the staff.

* * *

Vickiel Vaughn made it to the final week of 49ers OTAs after the conclusion of the NFL Europa season. He missed more than a month this spring with a broken hand. He spent last season on injured reserve after undergoing surgery in August on a torn tendon in his right ring finger. Jermaine Hardy also played in NFL Europa this spring. The club is already starting to look at undrafted rookie Jake Patten as a potential practice-squad player.

[Angyair]

Da una chat con KC Joner su ESPN.com:



Nick (Cincy): KC, what have you found after researching the number of dropped balls by WRs around the league? What player seems to have the best hands in the NFL? Is TJ Houshmandzadeh near the top?

SportsNation KC Joyner: (4:18 PM ET ) Nick, Housh surprisingly wasn't anywhere near the #1 spot last year. In fact, he was 6.7 percentage points away from it. The surprising #1 receiver in that category? Arnaz Battle.

:paper:

[Angyair]

Si continua con i runningbacks, tra i quali Robinson sembra aver fatto buoni progressi ed ormai dovrebbe essersi assicurato il posto di backup:

Frank Gore set a club-record in rushing attempts (312) and yards (1,695) last season. He led the NFC in rushing as was named to his first Pro Bowl. (Hold on, let me double-check that fact - yep, it was his first Pro Bowl.)

He said after the season that his goal was to rush for 2,200 yards this season, which would break the NFL record. To which, coach Mike Nolan responded, "Go get 'em, Frank. I'm all for it."

In reality, Nolan probably should not be all for it. Running backs are a lot like pitchers in baseball. You don't want to burn them out too early in their careers. The 49ers have Gore signed through the 2011 season, and they would like to make sure he lasts at least three more seasons.

* * *

Gore is fantastic. There's very little in his game to pick apart (other than his seven fumbles, six of which were lost). He has the toughness and mentality that Nolan and personnel chief Scot McCloughan want to see from their roster. The 49ers are going to rely heavily on Gore, but one of the issues facing the team this season is finding someone to help with the heavy lifting.

Gore made it through last season without any injuries. Remember, when the 49ers ripped off the Jets in that trade that sent Kevan Barlow away for a fourth-round draft pick, some questioned the move because of Gore's history of injuries.

Gore made it through last season strong. He had 130 yards rushing or more in six of the final eight games of the season. But the fact remains that last year was his first injury-free season since his senior year of high school.

Nolan said he'd like to get Gore 20 to 25 touches a game. So we're talking from 320 to 400 touches for the season. You figure 55 to 75 of those touches will come on receptions out of the backfield.

Rather than trying to get Gore a rushing record, the 49ers' interests would be better-served in finding a capable No. 2. As it stands now, I'd make Michael Robinson a slight favorite ahead of Maurice Hicks and rookie Thomas Clayton.

* * *

Robinson made the full-time conversion last season to running back after having a great senior season as a quarterback at Penn State. He was promoted to the short-yardage back after Gore had some fumble problems on the goal line, and Robinson had two impressive short-yardage touchdowns against the Eagles.

But Robinson's inexperience in reading his blocks and making decisive, split-second decisions on hitting the holes looked like a major factor in his lack of production in that situation. Robinson made first downs on just one of 10 third- or fourth-down rushing attempts before breaking off a 33-yarder on a fake punt against the Seahawks.

Still, with a full year of experience and an offseason to study up on the position, I think Robinson has a chance to be pretty good. It might be goofy to make this observation because, of course, the practices were non-contact, but Robinson appeared to look more decisive with the ball in his hands at the workouts I witnessed.

* * *

Hicks carried only 29 times last season and averaged 2.8 yards a carry, but in the past he has fared well when given the opportunity to get the ball in his hands a few times a break a sweat. However, it's been a while. He carried 34 times for 139 yards in one of the team's two wins over the Cardinals in '04.

That seems like ancient history, though. It came under the previous regime. He did have 109 yards on 10 carries in a victory over the Rams toward the end of the '05 year. His most carries last season was nine, as he gained just 20 yards against the Lions.

It's uncertain how or if Hicks fits into the future of the club. He rejected a contract extension proposal early last season. Hicks hoped to land a better deal in free agency, but he got no nibbles as a restricted free agent. Clubs around the league knew the 49ers had so much cap room that it wouldn't cause them much angst to match any offer that Hicks received (the Steelers made that miscalculation with punter Andy Lee). So Hicks returns to the 49ers with a non-guaranteed, one-year, $850,000 deal. He has added value to the team because of his success last season on kickoff returns.

* * *

Clayton was a highly recruited prep star out of Alexandria, Va., who never produced at the college level. He appeared in four games at Florida State as a freshman before transferring to Kansas State, where he rushed for 637 yards in his best season.

Still, McCloughan clearly likes him. The 49ers selected him in the sixth round of the draft. When asked afterward about whether Clayton was best-suited as a third-down, change-of-pace back, McCloughan said he did not think it was a stretch to think of Clayton as an every-down back in the future.

Clayton is an impressive-looking guy. Let's just say that it's obvious he knows the way to the weight room.

* * *

Obviously, Gore and Robinson are going to be on the roster. Then, it could come down to Hicks vs. Clayton for one roster spot. Personally, I think both can make, and then the 49ers would need to keep only one "true" fullback. After all, Robinson is not shy about contact, so he could play fullback. The team could also get a few snaps per game out of tight ends Billy Bajema and Delanie Walker at that position.

* * *

Fullback Moran Norris had a really good season a year ago. He and Gore are best buddies, and rightfully so. Although Norris touched the ball just seven times all season (two rushes and five receptions), he was a big reason the 49ers' run game was so good.

He was inactive for the first two games of the regular season, then supplanted Chris Hetherington in the starting lineup. Hetherington did not play another down of offense the rest of the season. Norris was every bit as good a lead-blocker as Fred Beasley in his best days.

* * *

There is a spot for Zak Keasey on the roster, if he can prove that he can be more valuable to the team than a third halfback. He has to be a dynamo on special teams during the exhibition season, while also convincing the staff that he would be a much-better option at fullback than Robinson, Bajema and Walker.

* * *

The 49ers converted undrafted college linebacker Steve Dildine (Washington State) to fullback during the offseason.

[Angyair]

Ed ora il reparto che ha visto forse i maggiori cambiamenti in questa off-season e quello da cui ci si aspettano i maggiori progressi. I dubbi sulla depth chart e su chi verrà tenuto a roster alla fine sono tanti, la competizione al training camp sarà dura e molto interessante da seguire, sperando che, alla fine, tutto ciò aiuti a rivitalizzare un reparto che dall'addio a Owens si è fatto notare quasi esclusivamente per cose negative:


Although receiver Darrell Jackson did not get on the practice field during the offseason workouts due to a lingering turf-toe injury (hyper-extended big toe), the 49ers do not seem overly concerned.

They checked him out before pulling the trigger on the draft-day trade. The 49ers inserted workout bonuses into his contract to make sure he would be around in the offseason so they could monitor his rehabilitation.

He sustained the injury in a late-season game against the Cardinals. He missed the final three regular-season games and did not start nor did he have a catch in the playoff opener. He played extensively in the playoff loss to the Bears, but the decision to receive a painkiller shot in his toe ultimately made the condition worse.

Jackson did not start treating the injury until he came to the 49ers in the deal for a fourth-round draft pick. He is the most accomplished of the 49ers' receivers with 6,445 yards in seven NFL seasons. Last season, he averaged 15.2 yards but also tied for second in the league with 11 dropped passes.

I expect Jackson to get regular days off during training camp. If he holds up, I think he'll start at split end. That's because I think Arnaz Battle is the better fit of the two players at flanker.

* * *

Battle played a big role in the 49ers' run game with his downfield blocking. Offensive coordinator Jim Hostler explains that the positions (flanker or "Z" and split end or "X") is based almost entirely on which player fits better in the run game.

The flanker is generally on the strong side, the side that sees most of the running plays. Therefore, the flanker is expected to be the better blocker.

* * *

Battle is not a superstar, and he might never be considered one. But he is a very good all-around football player who plays a key role on this team. He has developed into a clutch receiver. He had an impressive 23 catches on third downs, tying for 17th in the league. Heck, he had four third-down receptions while playing with a broken hand in the 49ers' victory at Detroit.

A week later, Battle was put into an awkward situation. When Brandon Williams, the regular punt returner, violated team rules in the St. Louis hotel the night before the game, Nolan did not suit up Williams. He had Battle returning punts, and he fumbled one with his bandaged hand. Battle is a stand-up guy. He took responsibility for the fumble and never blamed it on his broken hand.

Although the 49ers brought in three new players to challenge for starting jobs, I think Battle will ultimately return to a starting role.

* * *

OK, now I shift to Ashley Lelie. But, first, let me discuss the dynamics that have to be considered:

Recently, a reader quizzed me about Michael Lewis and Keith Lewis. I wrote pretty forcefully that Michael Lewis would be the starting strong safety. I pointed to the recent contracts that both players signed. Michael signed a deal that pays him $9.8 million guaranteed, while Keith collected $650,000 guaranteed to sign. The reader said it was stupid to have one player starting over another for "salary-cap reasons."

While I agree that the better player should play, the amount of money that a team spends on a player is a window into the team's thought process. Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan would not have OK'd the large paycheck for Michael Lewis if they weren't in agreement and 100-percent sure that he would be their starter. Something disastrous would have to happen for Michael Lewis to be anything but a starter.

To take it a step further, if a guy like Michael Lewis does not end up starting, it does not reflect well on Nolan and McCloughan. To a lesser degree, that is also the case with Lelie.

* * *

Lelie has already received a $2 million signing bonus as part of his two-year contract with the 49ers. There have been a few people who have suggested Lelie is in danger of getting cut during training camp, based entirely on a quad injury that kept him off the practice field during the offseason work.

Granted, a lot can happen in training camp, but I think it's highly unlikely Lelie will somewhere other than with the 49ers when the regular season begins.

Lelie certainly did not distinguish himself in the offseason. He sustained a quad strain on one of the first routes he ran in the first minicamp. He aggravated the injury during the first practice of OTAs. But he should be ready to go when training camp opens, and he'll be given every opportunity to make a contribution to the club this season.

Good organizations do not make a habit of handing over $2 million signing bonuses and then kicking the player to the curb before they play a game. Owners do not like throwing away millions of dollars. And, therefore, people who regularly make those kinds of decisions do not last long in the NFL.

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Rookie Jason Hill was shifted to the flanker spot during the OTAs after Nolan originally said Hill would compete with Lelie for the starting job at split end. Hill is a talented player, but I'm not sure you can expect much production out of him as a rookie.

His roster spot is not in question. But unless he picks up things a lot faster than expected in training camp and the exhibition season, I think it'll be a weekly battle for him to convince the decision-makers that he should be suiting up on game days.

The problem is that if Battle, Jackson and Lelie are on the team, they're going to be on the field. Also, Brandon Williams should be returning punts, so there are four wide receivers right there who you can expect to be in uniform.

But - if Lelie's injury problems prevent him from being the deep threat the club envisioned when they signed him, Hill's speed would then enable him to become a factor.

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Last year, Williams never seemed to get much involved in the offense. But after switching to No. 81 (not that it matters), Williams started looking like a wide receiver this offseason.

He was more of a presence on the practice field during the offseason workouts than he was at any time during his rookie season. He is little and shifty and seems to be best-suited to playing the slot. If gets on the field for a handful of plays a game, it should also help him in the return game. He played just four snaps from scrimmage last season.

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Bryan Gilmore is not someone to be overlooked when it comes to the fight for a roster spot. Gilmore is a favorite of receivers coach Jerry Sullivan, who has tutored him at stops in Arizona and Miami.

Gilmore is a determined blocker, has good speed and is a force on special teams. But as the No. 3 receiver, he did not have the kind of production you'd expect from a wideout who played nearly 55 percent of a team's offensive snaps. He had just one reception in the second half of the season. (That one catch was a biggie, as he caught a 14-yard pass in OT on a third-and-8 play against the Broncos in the season finale. Two plays later, Joe Nedney kicked the winning field goal.)

* * *

Taylor Jacobs came to the 49ers in a training-camp trade with the Redskins for Mike Rumph. He played in eight games and caught four passes. He is a lot more comfortable with the 49ers' offense and surroundings now. Backup quarterback Trent Dilfer singled out Jacobs as a player he thought had a strong offseason.

Looking at Jacobs gives us a good barometer of how the 49ers have improved their receiving corps. Jacobs made the team last year. He might not make the team this year. But even if he does, he would be capable of being much more productive now that he's been around and has a better understanding of the system.

* * *

As the Hamburg Sea Devils prepared for the NFL Europa championship game, I spoke at length with Marcus Maxwell on the phone. I asked him what kind of feedback he had been receiving from the 49ers. He told me he had not talked to anyone on the coaching staff or front office since he went overseas. That surprised me. I figured the staff would be checking in with him regularly.

It made me question just how much Maxwell's exceptional season with the Sea Devils would help him when training camp began. My feeling is that it will have no impact whatsoever, from the 49ers' standpoint, on his quest for a roster spot. In other words, what happened in Europe will stay in Europe. The 49ers need to see him perform on American soil against NFL players.

But that does not mean Maxwell's play in Europe was a waste of time - anything but. The benefit of Maxwell playing in Europe could manifest itself in a more meaningful way. Perhaps, Maxwell will be more sharp and confident during this training camp than he has been since he joined the team as a seventh-round draft pick in 2005. The onus is on him to prove he is capable of the same great things in the NFL.

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Like Maxwell, C.J. Brewer spent last season on the 49ers' practice squad. Like Maxwell, Brewer agreed to play this spring in Europe.

But Brewer was denied admission into the league because when he went in for his physical, he was told the MRI machine showed he does not have an ACL in his left knee. Brewer was adamant that he does have an ACL. He offered to get a second opinion. But the league told him that it was too late to do anything about it.

Brewer made the most of the situation by working out daily at the team's practice facility in Santa Clara. It'll be interesting in training camp to compare Maxwell to Brewer. One went to Europe and got valuable game experience, while the other worked with the coaching staff and his 49ers teammates.

Brewer opened some eyes on the practice squad a year ago with numerous acrobatic catches after being an undrafted rookie from Wyoming. He could return to the practice squad for another season.

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The 10th receiver on the squad is undrafted rookie Dominique Zeigler of Baylor. At 6-2, 181, he can stand to get stronger. His best hope will be to catch a few passes in the exhibition season and get some work on the practice squad.