How are those second year players coming along?

[Forge]

We always have the rookie thread, but then after that, we sort of just forget about it after the season. So let's go back to the players we were all so hopeful about last year and see how they're doing. Are they growing and getting better? Stagnant? No longer on the team? Granted, an additional 4 games over the rookie season still isn't the greatest sample size ever, but in some instances the shine can certainly begin to dull. 

49ers

Solomon Thomas, DL  (RD 1)

Frankly? Pretty disappointed so far. Part of that is on our DC. Thomas as a pass rusher has not grown on the edge, and he's one of the problems with why we can't get to the quarterback. That being said, he's actually a solid pass rusher from the interior. When he's lined up on the interior, he has over a 20% win rate against offensive linemen, considerably higher than even Buckner. But we refuse to consistently put him on the interior, instead favoring Armstead, the least useful pass rusher out of the main three defensive linemen. Thomas has largely only played about half the defensive snaps for the 49ers this year and hasn't been massively productive when on the field. He has yet to generate a sack, and has a couple of random tackles. This is completely unacceptable for a guy who was a top 3 pick last year. While he will always have some nominal usefulness because he holds up well against the run and does have some versatility on the line along with some pass rushing potential that is simply not being used by the 49ers at this point in time. That being said, I'm concerned. 

Reuben Foster, LB (RD 1,)

Foster looked like a stud last year at linebacker, and because he's only played two games this year, there really isn't anything that is dissuading me of that notion. Obviously, I have concerns about him. His off the field issues along with potential health concerns, so longevity may be a question, but his on the field production should be fine. Has struggled a bit with missed tackles, particularly in week 3, but that could also be rust (and to be fair, the entire team has been a disaster in this regard). I still see a guy who can be a multiple pro bowler and possibly even an all pro once or twice in his career. 

Akhello Witherspoon, CB (Rd 3)

Spoon got off to a slow start last year, but eventually moved into the starting lineup and performed pretty well. Unfortunately, so far this year, he's taken a pretty considerable step back, including being benched in one game. Far too early to really know what's going on here - it's possible that this is just the standards up and downs of a young corner, particularly given the frequency with which this happens at the position. But it's very fair to say that he has been a pretty solid disappointment so far this year. PFF jokes aside, he's grading out as one of the worst corners in football (bottom 5), and if it continues, you certainly can't go into next season just assuring him of a starting spot. 

CJ Beathard, QB (Rd 3)

I hated the pick when it was made, but in truth, there's simply not enough data here to know what the team really has. He struggled last year when inserted into the lineup, but hard to hold that against him when he was probably an overdrafted third rounder playing with one of the worst supporting casts in football. This preseason, he looked completely miserable and 49er fans were calling for a competition with Nick Mullens. That being said, in his first game this year against the Chargers, he looked rather competent. Not great or anything, but he definitely looked serviceable and like a guy that you could trust to be your back up quarterback. Still a long way to go this year and we will have the entire year to evaluate him given that he's going to be the starter. He's incredibly tough, and he's certainly easy to like, I just wish I liked his arm more than I do. He has major accuracy consistency issues, not to mention not a great long ball for the most part, and has some significant touch issues (tends to float a lot of passes in my opinion). But again, not looking for a stud. A competent back up quarterback is certainly worth a third rounder and we should have a really good feel on whether or not he is that by the end of the season. And of course, there's still hope that he can surprise everyone and be more than that. 

Joe Williams, RB (Rd 4)

Oof, this one was bad. Complete and total bust. Williams never even got a regular season carry and was cut at the start of this season. He was pretty much outperformed by UDFA Matt Breida (no shame there, that kid is legit), but then couldn't separate himself from the pack this preseason when both McKinnon and Breida were out with injuries. I'm not even sure that he's on another team's practice squad. 

George Kittle, TE (Rd 5)

So far, this is an absolute steal. Kittle is in that area where Ertz was 2 years ago, when you could see a top 5 TE lurking, but he hadn't quite made it yet. Kittle probably isn't a top 5 tight end at this point (well, for the season he probably is, but when you list off your top 5, he's probably not in it). The only thing preventing Kittle from being a top 3 or 5 tight end right now is that he continues the long standing tradition of 49er tight ends having suspect hands. Everything else he's got working for him. Currently PFF's #1 rated tight end overall, and he's pretty much earned it. He's made quite a few big plays, and his numbers would look even more impressive if he hadn't dropped a perfectly place 80 yard bomb in week one against Minnesota. Kittle is the real deal, but with some notable flaws, we will see how high the ceiling gets. 

Trent Taylor, WR (Rd 5)

Taylor had a really nice season last year as a slot receiver and third down weapon. This year he's struggled to adjust to teams being more aggressive at the line, and has had a lot of issues getting a clean release. So far has has managed only 9 catches through 4 games, including getting blanked against Detroit (This would put him on pace for 20 fewer receptions than last year). Taylor was always going to be a niche role player in the offense, so his upside was limited. The problem for Taylor is that there are multiple receivers on this roster who can take his place as the slot receiver, including 7th round pick this year Richie James, who is far more athletic overall. Taylor is a solid pick for where he was drafted, but his role in the offense will always be limited and at some point, may even become fluid if he continues to struggle getting off the line. 

DJ Jones, NT (Rd 6)

Jones played very few snaps as a rookie, but did make the roster. After a preseason where he completely beasted it, the team has made it a point to get him on the field slightly more this year, and he's performed well enough, though at this point he's still playing the back up / rotational role to Earl Mitchell. The team is slowly assimilating him into the defense, and I suspect next year Mitchell will be gone and Jones will be given the chance to take on the role. He seems like he could be a competent starter for us at nose tackle in the coming years, though obviously given his position, his stats are never going to be all that sexy. 

Pita Taumoepenu, LB (Rd 6)

Pita has yet to make an impact in either of his two seasons, and he's once again on the PS to start this season. He was always going to be a bit of a long term project, so the fact that he's at least managed to hang around the team for both years is something of a win. That being said I haven't seen anything that makes me think that he's going to be anything more than a special teams contributor and depth piece if he makes the roster, and I imagine that next year is his make or break year with continuing to hang around. 

Adrian Colbert, S (Rd 7)

Colbert came out of nowhere last season after injuries to our safeties to get the start and actually played very well. And then this year happened, and well...maybe there's a reason he was a 7th round pick. Colbert has been pretty bad throughout the season, battled some injuries, and now seems to have potentially lost his starting spot to rookie DJ Reed. Colbert is very productive on special teams for the most part, and at least there is some known upside at the safety position that shows he can play well, so even if he remains a back up, I don't think a 7th round pick for that type of player is all that bad. Seems to be a fairly solid pick at this point even though he has struggled this season. 

Notable Undrafted Free agents

Obviously, most of the UDFA class is gone, but the 49ers did acquire a few notable players. 

Matt Breida leads the league in yards per carry and is top 5 in rushing yards at the current point in time. He's one of the highest rated running backs per PFF, and he has played very well this year. The problem with Breida is going to be health. He's had shoulder injuries dating back to college, and he's already suffered to shoulder injuries this year along with a hyper extended knee. He doesn't have the body to hold up as an every down back, unfortunately, which obviously is going to limit him. That being said, for an undrafted free agent, the dude is a stud. 

Eric Magnunson is nothing special, however he made the roster as a UDFA, and continues to serve a depth function as he plays all over the line and is the primary back up at Center and Guard for the most part (at least while Garnett is hurt). 

Kendrick Bourne is a depth wide receiver. He's had some nice moments and flashed a time or two. Nothing special, but as a wide receiver 4/5 he's serviceable and that's a pretty good grab for an undrafted free agent. 

[Breesus mode]

Lattimore has bounced back extremely well after a rough week one and is playing like he did last year. Kamara is unstoppable, Marcus Williams is playing pretty well, and Ramcyzk is playing very well for us so far this year.

[Jimmy Austin]

OJ Howard - Was looking good until that MCL sprain. 

Justin Evans - Is solid but its not helping him that Mike Smith is the DC. 

Chris Godwin - On his way to being a star. 

Kendell Beckwith - Solid player but has been injured a lot. 

[Hunter2_1]

Derek Rivers (DE) - Healthy scratch all 4 games

Antonio Garcia (OT) - Waived, claimed by Jets, waived again. Believe he had a long term health issue

Deatrich Wise Jnr (DE) - A 3 down starter on the end, usually flashes and is one of the more consistent players on our team

Conor McDermott (OT) - Not with us anymore

 

Overall - ....D?

[Forge]

8 minutes ago, Hunter2_1 said:

Derek Rivers (DE) - Healthy scratch all 4 games

Antonio Garcia (OT) - Waived, claimed by Jets, waived again. Believe he had a long term health issue

Deatrich Wise Jnr (DE) - A 3 down starter on the end, usually flashes and is one of the more consistent players on our team

Conor McDermott (OT) - Not with us anymore

 

Overall - ....D?

Really surprised by Rivers. I had high hopes for him as a prospect. 

[Vladimir L]

Josh Allen for the Redskin a straight up baller

Ryan Anderson fans hate him but his play on the field has been solid

Monte Nicholson guy seems to be our solution at safety

 

redskin

[KhanYouDigIt]

Fournette always hurt

Cam Robinson on IR

Smoot has been inactive every game I think

Dede Westbrook is good

Blair Brown is a backup

Jalen Myrick got cut.

 

pretty bad

[oakdb36]

Gareon Conley, CB - It's basically his rookie season and he's developing nicely. Had his 1st pick 6 this week. Tied for 4th in the league in PDef with 7.

Obi Melifonwu, S - Waived in pre season and currently on IR. Not sure if they'll give him another shot next year.

Eddie Vanderdoes, DT - On PUP.

David Sharpe, OT - Waived, on the Texans active roster now.

Marquel Lee, LB - Starting MLB. Average.

Shalom Luani, S - Traded to Seattle before the season.

Jylan Ware, OT - Waived, out of the league.

Elijah Hood, RB - Waived, claimed by Carolina.

Treyvon Hester, DT - Waived, on Eagles PS.

 

Terrible class. 

[Calvert28]

54 minutes ago, Hunter2_1 said:

Derek Rivers (DE) - Healthy scratch all 4 games

Antonio Garcia (OT) - Waived, claimed by Jets, waived again. Believe he had a long term health issue

Deatrich Wise Jnr (DE) - A 3 down starter on the end, usually flashes and is one of the more consistent players on our team

Conor McDermott (OT) - Not with us anymore

 

Overall - ....D?

I wanted the Cowboys to get Garcia so badly. I feel bad for him. 

[NJerseypaint]

Jamal Adams is a bad man.

Marcus Maye has been injured, just had his first game back last week.

ArDarius Stewart is lord knows where.

Chad Hansen got dropped, picked up by NE, and dropped again.

Jordan Leggett is great when he's not injured.

Dylan Donahue is teamless.

Elijah McGuire is injured.

Jeremy Clark is on the practice squad.

Derrick Jones is trending upward but hasn't shown anything crazy in game yet.

[TitanSlim]

1 minute ago, NJerseypaint said:

Jamal Adams is a bad man.

Marcus Maye has been injured, just had his first game back last week.

ArDarius Stewart is lord knows where.

Chad Hansen got dropped, picked up by NE, and dropped again.

Jordan Leggett is great when he's not injured.

Dylan Donahue is teamless.

Elijah McGuire is injured.

Jeremy Clark is on the practice squad.

Derrick Jones is trending upward but hasn't shown anything crazy in game yet.

Funny enough, the Titans just picked him up for the practice squad today.

[Malfatron]

• Round 2, pick 1 (#33 overall, from Browns): CB Kevin King, Washington   - He's injured again. But he may be good. Still have hopes for him
• Round 2, pick 29 (#61): S Josh Jones, NC State   - coming along. Still fairly raw. May be good
• Round 3, pick 29 (#93): DT Montravius Adams, Auburn  --sucks
• Round 4, pick 1 (#108, from Browns): OLB Vince Biegel, Wisconsin   --> Nothing special
• Round 4, pick 27 (#134): RB Jamaal Williams, BYU   --> Triple threat
• Round 5, pick 31 (#175, from Broncos): WR DeAngelo Yancey, Purdue    ---> Sucks
• Round 5, pick 38 (#182, compensatory pick): RB Aaron Jones, UTEP   --> Stud. MM needs to use him more.
• Round 6, pick 28 (#212): OL Kofi Amichia, USF   --> Who?
• Round 7, pick 20 (#238, from Broncos): RB Devante Mays, Utah State   ---> Sucks
• Round 7, pick 29 (#247): WR Malachi Dupre, LSU  ---> Who?

[ET80]

- Deshaun Watson has put up some big numbers following the week one matchup vs NE, but there's something lacking from his rookie season. It's not the knee, he doesn't look any worse for wear when moving. He's holding onto the ball longer than usual and making some questionable decisions out there. This being said, he's still heads and shoulders the best QB in Texans history, and is getting better every week.

- Zach Cunningham has been frustrating to watch this season. He's getting to the ball, but is missing a TON of tackles. He's in position in coverage, but can't get his head around to play the ball and is giving up a ton of yardage in the passing game. It's a real letdown following such a strong rookie season.

- Don'ta Foreman is on PUP while he rehabs his Achilles injury sustained last season. Not sure if he returns this season.

- Julie'n Davenport has been exactly what you'd expect from a mid round project from a small school, asked to switch from LT to RT no more than 20 minutes into the first game of the season. It's been a disaster, as he's either getting beat off the edge or is committing a penalty.

- Carlos Watkins has yet to be activated this season, a surprise given the lack of depth on the DL and his strong 2nd half last season. He might be a guy who never develops beyond where he is now, so he's depth at most.

- Treston Decoud was cut during the preseason. He's currently on the Cowboys PS.

- Kyle Fuller was also cut during the preseason. He's currently on the Texans PS. 

- UDFA Dylan Cole was looking like a major contributor early on at ILB (outplaying the aforementioned Cunningham, actually) but suffered a dislocated wrist vs the Giants and is on IR. He had season ending surgery last week and will get ready for next season.

[AFlaccoSeagulls]

RAVENS

Marlon Humphrey (CB): Starting CB for us and looks like his rookie year was no fluke, unlike other CB's...

Tyus Bowser (OLB): Averaging 5 snaps per game on defense, so, uh, yeah. That's something? Not sure how to grade Bowser because he simply doesn't get any PT despite producing when he does.

Chris Wormley (DT): Rotational DT who doesn't do anything.

Tim Williams (OLB): An absolute stud in the making. Probably our best pass rusher. His combination of speed, acceleration, bend and arsenal of moves is amazing. He just needs more playing time. He's currently at like 25% of snaps and that should increase moving forward.

Nico Siragusa (OG): I think he's not even on the team anymore.

Jermaine Eluemunor (OG): Cut.

Chuck Clark (S): A fairly good dime S for us. Showed some potential last year and has been mainly used on Special Teams.

[vikingsrule]

RB Dalvin Cook - Looked like a star as a rookie but tore his ACL a few games in. Cook has been useful as a receiver this year but has really struggled running the ball, where Murray might be a better option. I hope that knee injury isn't holding him back still.

C Pat Elflein - Grades out as a below average starter. Not sure if he's a better Guard or Center, need a big year from him.

DT Jaleel Johnson - Tweener as a backup NT and UT, not sure where his future is but hasn't stood out in any way.

LB Ben Gedeon - OLB in base, solid more of a run defender. Could get more of a full time look next year if Barr walks.

WR Rodney Adams - Cut

OG Danny Isidora - Developmental backup. Could start at some point and has flashed solid upside.

TE Bucky Hodges - Cut

WR Stacey Coley - Cut

DE Ifeadi Odinigbo - Had a nice preseason Picked up on the Browns final roster but was waived.

LB Elijah Lee - Cut

 

The Vikings didn't have a first round pick as a result of the Bradford trade. The Bradford trade was a complete bust, a bad decision that cost the Vikes a potential starter.

Overall, this class deserves a D. Cook is good but needs time to recover. Elflein needs to improve and solidify his spot, I don't think he's there yet. Gedeon and Johnson look like role players at best.