QB/CB Prospects at Pick 12, Jimmy G vs Darnold vs Watson
Feb 18, 2021
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Pro Football Focus analyst Jeff Deeney breaks down 49ers cornerbacks' grades and potential draft replacements. Evaluation of Jimmy Garoppolo's performance and potential upgrades like Sam Darnold and Deshaun Watson. Discussion on acquiring quarterbacks through trading, focusing on college QB prospects and draft strategies for the 49ers. Exploring trade scenarios and impact of free agent cornerbacks on team performance. Analyzing potential quarterback trade timing and impact on team dynamics, along with top QB prospects like Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance.
Evaluation of Jimmy Garoppolo's performance and future with the 49ers based on Pro Football Focus analysis.
Consideration of Jimmy Garoppolo's effectiveness, availability, and salary impacting potential upgrade decisions.
Exploration of quarterback trade options like Deshaun Watson and Sam Darnold, analyzing benefits and costs.
Discussion on potential draft picks for the 49ers at pick 12, focusing on cornerback prospects and defensive needs.
Deep dives
Evaluation of Jimmy Garoppolo's Performance
Jimmy Garoppolo's 2020 season evaluation by Pro Football Focus highlighted his struggles, particularly after sustaining an ankle injury that impacted his performance. Despite showing promise in previous seasons when healthy, his limited mobility and inconsistent accuracy in 2020 raised concerns about his overall effectiveness. Pro Football Focus emphasized that Garoppolo, when healthy, demonstrated qualities of a slightly above-average starting quarterback, prompting a debate on his potential future with the 49ers.
Considerations for Keeping or Moving on from Garoppolo
The podcast delved into the three key factors influencing the decision on Jimmy Garoppolo's future with the 49ers: his performance, availability due to injuries, and his significant salary. While acknowledging his abilities as a competent quarterback when fit, the discussion highlighted concerns about his injury history and the implications of his hefty contract on the team's cap space. The podcast suggested that the 49ers might seek to upgrade the quarterback position if feasible, considering various options available in the upcoming season.
Potential Quarterback Options and Trade Scenarios
The podcast explored various quarterback options for the 49ers, focusing on potential trades, including Deshaun Watson and Sam Darnold. Evaluating the impact of acquiring a high-caliber passer like Watson compared to the trade cost, the discussion emphasized the rarity of franchise quarterbacks like Watson becoming available in the NFL. The conversation also analyzed trade scenarios, considering player assets like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner as potential bargaining chips in acquiring an elite quarterback.
Projection on the Draft and Defensive Choices
Looking ahead to the NFL draft, the podcast addressed potential picks for the 49ers at the 12th spot, particularly assessing prospects like Patrick Surtain II and Caleb Farley as top cornerback options. Emphasizing the team's needs in the secondary and at pass rusher, the discussion hinted at the possibility of selecting an edge rusher to complement the defensive unit. While quarterback prospects were discussed, the likelihood of trading up for a signal-caller was considered alongside a strategic approach to addressing defensive requirements.
Insight into Future Roster Decisions
The podcast provided insights into critical roster decisions facing the 49ers, including evaluating free agent cornerbacks like Jason Verrett, Richard Sherman, and K'Waun Williams. Assessing the impact and potential retention of these defensive backs, the discussion focused on strategic moves to maintain defensive stability. Additionally, the podcast hinted at the team's future plans at quarterback, considering both short-term solutions and long-term aspirations for the franchise's success.
Analysis of College Quarterback Prospects
In-depth analysis of college quarterback prospects, including Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance, shed light on their potential fit with the 49ers. Evaluating the quarterbacks based on their skill sets and potential contributions to the team, the podcast highlighted the unique qualities each prospect brings to the table. Insight into the draft strategy emphasized the importance of considering future franchise quarterbacks while addressing immediate defensive needs in the upcoming draft.
Scenario for Week One Quarterback and Draft Selection
The podcast contemplated scenarios for the 49ers' opening week quarterback and first-round draft choice, projecting Jimmy Garoppolo as the likely starter due to existing circumstances. Speculation on potential draft picks focused on cornerbacks like Patrick Surtain II and Caleb Farley, or an edge rusher to bolster the team's defense. Considering trade possibilities and player evaluations, the podcast presented a comprehensive outlook on the team's strategic roster decisions for the upcoming season.
Pro Football Focus analyst Jeff Deeney joins the show to breakdown the grades of 49ers free agent cornerbacks and who could replace them in the draft. How does PFF see Jimmy Garoppolo, is Sam Darnold even an upgrade, and how big is the upgrade to Deshaun Watson?