NFL Free Agency: Grading All the Moves from Day One
By Eric Gamboa
49ers Free Agent Additions
We come to the last slide in this piece and naturally we end with the Niners. However, unlike the rest of the other slides, here we will cover all of the 49ers FA acquisitions as a group. After all, its less that they signed one superstar and more that they signed many, specific players.
Guys that fit precise roles within the schemes that will be employed by head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense and defensive coordinator’s Robert Saleh’s defense. In addition, many of the players signed are players that the coaches are already familiar with.
Thus, the players know the offense and defense.
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- 49ers bolster wide receiver room by grabbing Chris Conley
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- Low-risk free agents 49ers can still target before NFL Draft
- 49ers aren’t talking to this free agent (but they should)
They know how to play within the 49ers’ new schemes and can quickly jump into those positions and perform well. In the meantime, the team can draft younger players which they can develop while these FA players assist in their development.
So without further ado, these are your new 49ers as of the closing of March 9. Of the players listed, it should be noted that WR Pierre Garcon comes to the 49ers with highest PFF grade of any WR in free agency with a PFF grade of 85.8.
Even better, Garcon’s game is not reliant upon speed so it should age well.
- QB, Brian Hoyer
- WR, Pierre Garcon
- WR, Marquise Goodwin
- TE, Logan Paulson
- LB, Malcom Smith
Like previously stated, Lynch warned 49ers fans that this FA period was going to be different than in years past. In addition, since taking over Lynch has shined in front of the cameras, on radio, and has simply been a PR gem. Now, he is showing that he does in fact have the chops to be a GM. Luring in both system players, players with low-risk but high-upside and plug-and-play veterans. Lynch just may be what the 49ers need right now.
Here’s to you, Lynch, who so far has shown that he is not afraid to be smart and bold.
PFF grades provided courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
For more 49ers commentary, follow me on Twitter at @EricGamboa01 or on Facebook at @EricGamboaNinerNoise.
Next: 2017 NFL Scouting Combine: Whose Rising, Falling and Final Takeaways
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