Niner Noise » Nate Byham

San Francisco 49ers Release Tight End Nate Byham

Eric Melendez — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:51:34 +0000

Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers released tight end Nate Byham. The former 49ers sixth-round pick in 2010 had missed the last two weeks of training camp and all of last season after tearing his ACL in training camp. It was reported Byham missed the last two weeks of training camp because of aggravating his ACL injury.

In his rookie season in 2010, Byham started three games for the 49ers and recorded five receptions for 27 yards. Byham was fighting for a role as the No. 3 tight end on the roster behind Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. Also in the mix at tight end are Demarcus Dobbs, rookie Garrett Celek, Konrad Reuland and recently signed Joe Swayer. As of now, Dobbs is leading the position battle and has the best chance to make the team as the No. 3 tight end. Dobbs is a converted defensive lineman who will play both positions should he make the regular season roster.

49ers Sign Draft Pick Antony Dixon

Eric Melendez — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:51:32 +0000

Running back Anthony Dixon who was drafted out of Mississippi State signed a four-year deal with the 49ers. Dixon was drafted in the sixth-round at pick number 173 of this year’s draft. At 6-1, 235 pounds Dixon was one of the top power running backs available in the 2010 draft even though he slipped down to the sixth-round. He is expected to challenge current backup running back Glen Coffee who did not have an impressive year last season even when he started in replace of an injured Frank Gore. I envision Dixon being the short-yardage and goal-line running back as he beats defenders by running over them rather than making them miss. He does not have much speed as he posted 4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine this year.

Other than his power running and size Dixon also has experience. He started 40 of his 48 college games while at Mississippi State averaging 998.5 rushing yards per year. In his senior year he set the Bulldog’s single-season rushing record with 1,391 yards which ranked second in the SEC last season.

Getting Dixon signed this early in the off-season is a positive for him as he can enter training camp without missing any time because of not signing a contract. He is the third of eight draft picks to be signed by the 49ers. Others include seventh-round draft choice CB Phillip Adams and sixth-round draft choice WR Kyle Williams who both signed a four-year deal.

NFC West Power Structure

Eric Melendez — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:46:42 +0000

The San Francisco 49ers had a good draft filling holes that upgraded the offense and defense. But what about the rest of the NFC West? Did any team do anything for this upcoming season to change the dynamics of the power structure in the division? Let’s take a team by team look:

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have reined atop of the NFC West the last two years however that was with Kurt Warner under center. With Warner retired and Matt Leinart now the starting quarterback the offensive side of the football has been downgraded. Throw-in the trade of WR Anquan Boldin the Cardinals do not look as strong as recent years. With their first pick in the draft the Cardinals went with defensive lineman Dan Williams who will be a great D-lineman and most likely torment the Niners for years. Even with the pick the Cardinals lost DB Antrel Rolle and LB Karlos Dansby to free agency which weakened the D but made up for it somewhat by trading for DB Kerry Rhodes. Overall the Cardinals did not do enough to make up for the lost of some key players and with Leinart unproven and entering his first season as the full-time starter the Cardinals are not the favorites going into the season.

Seattle Seahawks

New head coach Pete Carroll had a great first-round in the NFL draft. They did have the sixth and fourteenth picks in the draft so you really can’t go wrong with any player drafted unless you are the Oakland Raiders. The Seahawks drafted the best offensive tackle in the draft, Russell Okung, and selected the best safety Earl Thomas. A trade for RB LenDale White also helps with the offense but the Seahawks still have Matt Hasselbeck as their quarterback who has the skills to win games and lead his team to the division title but his body is aging, he is 34, and has been unable to hold up through a full season the last two seasons missing 9 games to injuries.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams were the most talked about team during the draft because they had the number one pick. Some say that is a blessing, some say it is not especially when you need a quarterback. However even with the selection of QB Sam Bradford the Rams will not be contending anytime soon. They did well in the second round by selecting offensive tackle Rodger Saffold but he and Bradford are not going to turn the Rams into winners next season. Unless your name is Steven Jackson there is not much to be excited about on the team. Bradford will most likely start at the beginning of the season because the options for the Rams at quarterback are short and will most likely be handing off to Jackson on a majority of plays.

NFC West power structure:

San Francisco 49ers: Not being a homer here but the 49ers are currently the team most equip to win the division. They have an on-the-rise defense that pound the opponents offense and an upgraded offensive line to protect QB Alex Smith and RB Frank Gore. The key for the 49ers is Smith and how well he plays. He is surround by talent so there are no excuses this season.
Seattle Seahawks: The potential is there for the Seahawks and they know how to win the division. They do however have Pete Carroll in his first year as the Seahawks coach but that may not be a bad thing for the team. The passion he brings might translate onto the field with the players. The key to the Seahawks winning the division is Hasselbeck’s health. If Hasselbeck goes down during the season so will the Seahawks in the NFC West.
Arizona Cardinals: Too many key players from the last two seasons are now gone who helped the Cardinals win two straight division titles. The 49ers do not fear the Cardinals beating them twice last season and with Leinart as your quarterback the chances of winning the division are not great.
St. Louis Rams: The Rams are still the Lams even with Bradford. Bradford will not develop overnight which basically means the Rams have the same looking team as last year that finished 1-15.