ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Aimery from Venice, Calif., writes: With the Chiefs' trade for Matt Cassel, it seems that Matt Stafford or Mark Sanchez will available at pick #10. Do you think the 49ers will pick a qb if he is there at 10 (most likely Sanchez)?

Mike Sando: I do think the 49ers would consider a quarterback there. I think Sanchez would be a good possibility if he were available at that point.

In his latest mock draft, NFL Draft Scout's Rob Rang projects Sanchez as the 49ers' choice with that 10th pick, offering this explanation:

While it appears unlikely that San Francisco will be able to sign Kurt Warner as a free agent, it does again prove that the 49ers are not entirely comfortable with current quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Alex Smith. Sanchez has the combination of arm strength, accuracy and leadership that no current San Francisco signal-caller can boast.

The 49ers learned hard lessons with Smith. If they could do it over again, they wouldn't rush him onto the field so quickly. They would have handled him more carefully. The next quarterback they select early should benefit from the organization's experience with Smith.

The 49ers didn't declare a starting quarterback last offseason until deep into the exhibition season. They are promising another competition this summer unless the team can land Warner or another established veteran.

---

Alan from parts unknown writes: Do you think the Cardinals will add any big piece to the team such as a running back or offensive lineman or maybe even a great pass rusher via trade? Do you think warner will end up somewhere else?

Mike Sando: I do not expect the Cardinals to make those moves. That has not been their approach so far. Some of that could depend on what course the team chooses to take with Anquan Boldin. Right now, we're seeing no action on that front.

I do expect Warner to re-sign with Arizona.

---

Kevin from Union City writes: If the 49ers are able to sign Kurt Warner away from the Cardinals could this be the first of many things to fall for this House of Cards?

Recent history has shown us that when the 49ers have a good player visit he comes out a Niner (Nate Clements, Justin Smith with his famous helicopter ride). Would the Cards be sitting ducks next year?

Mike Sando: The Cardinals will have a hard enough time repeating as division champions if Warner does return. Remember, this was a 9-7 team. Everyone starts fresh each season. The Cardinals will not pick up where they left off in the playoffs. They will be a new team, just like everyone else, and they still have to prove themselves over the long haul.

Warner keeps saying he wants to sign with the Cardinals. I take that to mean he'll sign with the Cardinals -- eventually.

---

Lou from Wallingford writes: What is your opinion of the Brandon Jones signing and where do you see him being used by the 49ers? Does he have starter potential or is he more of a depth guy?

Mike Sando: Jones has starting potential in San Francisco because the 49ers do not have established receivers beyond Isaac Bruce, who might retire. I do not see Jones as a front-line starter, but he gives the 49ers a guy who could play extensively if needed.

Here's a peek into the Scouts Inc. file on Jones heading into the 2008 season:

Jones has yet to have a breakout season. He has ideal size to go along with above-average athleticism and average speed. He looks like he has lost a step since his knee injury in 2005 and teams do not appear very worried about his ability to go deep. He lacks a burst of speed coming out of his break and he struggles to separate from defenders. He looks like a one-gear type of receiver who can't add that little extra when he needs to run under the deep ball. He shows good body control and hand-eye coordination when he has to adjust to the ball and catch it outside his frame. He has soft, natural hands, but is not real aggressive when blocking or when going up for the ball in a crowd. He really needs to show something this camp because he should be healthy by now.

Jones did up his production to 41 receptions in 2008, a career high by 14. He has 112 catches for 1,380 yards in 51 regular-season games. His yards per catch average has fallen from 14.2 to 11.8 to 11.0 over the last three seasons.

---

Richard from Oregon writes: Hey Mike. I've been wondering if Seattle might consider Igor Olshansky. I thought he might make a decent DT in the 4-3. Otherwise Raji at 4? Crabtree scares me.

Mike Sando: Signing the defensive tackle, Colin Cole, tells me the Seahawks are probably done with the defensive line in free agency (in terms of starting-caliber players). I could still see them taking Michael Crabtree with that fourth choice. Imagine the rotation at receiver if that happened.

---

Brad from Davis, Calif., writes: Hey Mike, now that the Chiefs have acquired Cassel to be the QB, do you think that the 49ers would be interested in trading for Tyler Thigpen? He is young, did fairly well last year, and could be that development project that they need. Also, I know the 49ers value their draft picks, so what do you think would be appropriate compensation? Thanks so much.

Mike Sando: You're welcome. Alex Smith looks like the developmental project to me, assuming he reworks his contract. I'm bad at forecasting what a player should return by trade -- a fourth-rounder for Randy Moss, much more for Roy Williams, etc. In most cases, I wouldn't part with more than a middle-round pick for a quarterback unless I really thought he could win the starting job.

---

Pat from Columbus writes: What goes on in free agent visits to a city? Is it just a meeting between the GM and player/agent or what?

Mike Sando: That depends on the level of free agent. A front-line players gets the red-carpet treatment. He'll arrive by private jet, meet the head coach and top brass, tour the facility, tour the stadium (sometimes complete with a video presentation on the scoreboard screens), dine at fancy restaurants, etc. They all undergo physical examinations. Some meet with key players, who serve as recruiters.

---

Kevin from San Diego writes: Great job on the blog, look forward to it everyday... In regards to the zone blocking scheme in Seattle, who calls the line assignments? Is still the center? It seems we had a hard time adjusting t
o it earlier in the season but started to smooth things out towards the end, though still in process. But bigger concern, is Spencer the right center for that scheme and if not, can he be moved to another position, maybe guard, and be effective? What's the ideal lineman in that scheme, maybe will give us hints as to whether Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe are the right guys to draft... Thanks.

Mike Sando: You're welcome. The center would still make the line calls, to my knowledge, but the calls might be less extensive. I do not know how much line calls would change from a man blocking scheme to a zone blocking scheme. It's a good question. I'll ask Greg Knapp, the offensive coordinator, when I get a chance.

---

Mark from Seattle writes: Hey Mike! miss you at the tribune. but do you think the Hawks are going to try to keep Leonard Weaver? because I see him to be pro bowl fullback next year and the years to come

Mike Sando: They aren't making much of an effort. If someone pays Weaver anything substantial, I do not see the Seahawks being in play.

---

Ian from San Francisco writes: Hey Sando, Thanks for keeping us updated during the offseason. Why is it that the Bears could trump up some ridiculous phantom tampering charges against the Niners and get a free draft pick out of it (along with the whole "roger goodell reprimands 49ers" circus), but when dan snyder blatantly has dinner with Haynesworth's agent before free agency begins (don't forget, snyder is kinda like their gm) and pretty much acts like he has Haynesworth locked up, nobody says anything???

Mike Sando: Some people are saying some things. We'll probably hear more when the owners and team executives hold their annual meetings beginning March 23.