49ers Blog and Q&A

Question: What are the chances of signing Adalius Thomas and re-signing Eric Johnson?
-- Andrew, San Francisco

Answer: All signs point to Thomas becoming a very well-paid 49er. If he does get signed, it will be interesting to see where he plays. He's a natural pass rusher, but the 49ers' natural pass-rushing spot is already manned by Manny Lawson. As for Johnson, he'll shop around and see if he can find a starting role somewhere. One possible landing spot is with the Panthers, who recently cut their tight end. If he can't, he'll be back with the 49ers.
--Matt Barrows

Question: Hey Matt -- good call on Jim Hostler. You're the only guy I've seen that got it right. Here's another test. Who do you see the Niners picking up in free agency?
-- Kuharsky, Sacramento

Answer: When I look into my crystal ball, I see Adalius Thomas and a cornerback in the 49ers' future. Who is this cornerback? Too murky to tell. Check back later.
-- Matt Barrows

Question: Is it possible we can trade up for Calvin Johnson in this year's draft?
Gordon, B-town.

Answer: Possible, not probable. The 49ers would have to trade their first-, second-, third- and fourth-round picks just for a shot at Johnson, and that's figuring he drops to the Bucs at pick No. 4. My bet is he ends up a Raider at pick No. 1. That's way too expensive for a 49ers team that still has plenty of needs.
-- Matt Barrows

Question: Regardless of what the Niners do in free agency, and keeping in mind that we desparately need quality depth "everywhere" - here, in order, is my draft wish list on which I would appreciate your opinion (positions, not specific players): Two D-linemen, two linebackers, a wideout, safety, two corners, a running back and offensive tackle. This is 10. I know we have 11 picks, but I can't put a finger on that last position. What do you feel?
-- Sammy Moore, Jr., Sacramento

Answer: Nice list, but I would put wideout and cornerback right after defensive line. A giant hook might appear to snatch Antonio Bryant off the stage at any moment. If that's the case, the team's no. 2 wideout would be Bryan Gilmore, who had eight -- count 'em, eight -- catches last season. And at cornerback, Walt Harris is playing the last year of his contract. Who knows if he'll be back in 2008. The three positions in which the draft is the deepest are defensive end, wideout and guard. Maybe the 49ers will take two of each. Or maybe they'll use some of those extra third- and fourth-rounders to trade up and get two first rounders again.
-- Matt Barrows