Oz, Ft Lauderdale FL

Sando - with many of the positions solidified for the Cardinals what training camp battle do you see being the fiercest in terms of starting and playing time? RB, Safety (between Rolle and Johnson),Right Guard?

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

The one I'm most curious about is one we don't hear much about: Leinart vs. St. Pierre. The Cardinals told St. Pierre they would let him compete for the No. 2 QB job. I'm thinking there's no advantage for the organization to relegate Leinart to No. 3 status, but if St. Pierre vastly out plays him in the preseason, then what?

Pete (Richmond)

Alot of talk on the blog about Branch being a bust. Do you think it likely that they cut him next season, provided Deon Butler progresses well enough?

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

I think Branch played well enough late last season to keep his spot this season provided he is healthy. But if he struggles this season or suffers more injury problems, I think he's in danger at that point.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

I still don't see it with the Niners. Do they really think that Shaun Hill is the answer at QB?

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

They have not named him the starter, so it's tough to say they think he is the answer for the long term. But if you look at how he played in key situations last season, he was mostly efficient. His production on third down stood out in particular.

Christopher Phoenix, AZ

What kind of production do you see Beanie having in the passing game?

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

My initial feel would be not so much. We'll see how he factors on third down.

TripleH49er, (Marin County, Calif)

No matter who started, Mike, will the 49ers wind up 6 and 10, and who do you hold accountable?

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

It's really on Scot McCloughan and the personnel people at this point. The 49ers have conducted themselves in a manner that says they think their personnel is pretty good. They finally have coaches who plan to use the personnel the way the personnel people -- McCloughan -- envisioned that personnel would be used.

Jason Fort Washington ,md

Mike, Jason here again question , Should the niners use thier draft choices for a elite pass rusher or just sit on it and wait for for next yr's draft.

Mike Sando

  (12:10 PM)

Is Julius Peppers the elite pass rusher? If so, I think the 49ers should proceed very cautiously on that front. They would need to make sure he fit the scheme and fit the personality profile Mike Singletary prefers.

Mark Bulger

Umm, who are these guys that I'm throwing the ball to? And who are these guys protecting me?

Mike Sando

  (12:11 PM)

And who is the person spelling your first name? The Rams had better run the ball effectively.

Xander (Philly)

Do you envy Kevin Seifert who has to cover Brett Favre 24 hrs a day?

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

Not at all. I tease him about it -- gently. Those are the sorts of soap-opera stories that do not interest me in the least.

cantgetwrite, Columbia, SC

Thanks for the hard work. My question is whether or not you see the 49ers as a team over .500 no matter who is at quarterback. They believe in their personnel, do you?

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

I see them as an 8-8 team right now.

james (tx) [via mobile]

a mike, if the 49ers get the # 1 pick in the draft n its a real shot, do they trade down n accqurie more picks or just take sam bradford? I think I could be the gm over there

Mike Sando

  (12:13 PM)

You cannot know the answer to that question without first knowing how well Shaun Hill or Alex Smith will perform this season. We could be talking about a contract extension for one of them, depending how things go.

Alex (Scottsdale AZ)

Singletary gets fired in favor or Shanny or Holmgren after this year if_______?

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

the team implodes and wins fewer than four games. I think it's tough to pull the plug on a first-year coach with a revamped staff. The 49ers should not do that unless things unravel completely.

Perry(taunton,mass)

Mike Sando can you make some sense for me? explain to me why tyson jackson is a better pick than Aaron curry.

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

I can't make that case. It comes down to scheme and the Chiefs' belief in what Jackson can do for them within their scheme.

kc oakland

Think the Niners can take a shot at someone like Simeon Rice to improve the pass rush?

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

Simeon Rice would not improve anyone's pass rush at this stage, in my view. The Broncos were desperate enough to give him a try a while back. Did not work. Might as well call Pat Swilling.

Turner (Boise)

Mike, you've been around a good chunk of the league. Seattle has always been a tough place to get players it come to. How have the stadium and the practice facilites (all new) changed that perception?

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

The facilities will help. I do not know how much they helped this past offseason. T.J. Houshmandzadeh connected with Jim Mora and Matt Hasselbeck. I think those things were more important this offseason. It's still a long flight to the Northwest for a lot of these guys. Money is still the most important factor.

Paul (Albany, OR)

So Mike, please help. The Rams let go of their leading tackler from last year. They draft the Ohio State linebacker instead of the USC linebacker. They trade their # TWO pick from just what 3 years ago to the Bengals. They are projected to have another top two draft pick next year. This does not even mention totally wasting the PRIME years of a great running back like Steven Jackson. What in the world is this team doing???

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

Starting over. This is a case of taking steps back in the short term in hopes of taking more steps forward in the future. I do think it's fair to question whether they've gone too far, too fast in some cases. You can bet they will try to get their money's worth from Steven Jackson this season.

Sigmund (Austin, TX)

Mike, Will the 49ers really keep one of their two most talented WRs off the field by having Crabtree and Morgan line up at the same spot?

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

That is a good problem to have. Experience tells me these things work themselves out. I don't see it as a big crisis. It's the sort of "problem" the 49ers want to have.

Lee (Carlisle, PA) [via mobile]

Hey Mike, when do you think the niners will finally give the starting job to Hill? He was very effecient and was great at managing the game too. As long as you have the right pieces around him that's Playoffs and even Super Bowl! There's no "I" in team! Your thoughts, Thanks!

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

I think the 49ers will wait until a couple games into the exhibition season, unless Alex Smith is unable to compete for whatever reason (injuries being the No. 1 possibility). I liked what Mike Singletary said about the situation recently. He said the team will know which player deserves to start, and that Singletary will only affirm that with his decision.

Sean (TR NJ)

Are there any big moves for the teams in this division to still make in FA or do the rosters look like they are for now untill after preseason?

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

Rosters are pretty much set in terms of players likely to make contributions during the 2009 season.

Aaron Mn [via mobile]

Hey Mike can you please answer this why is marc bulger getting so much heat and trade talks back in the culter drama? He has had no one to throw to dreadful OL jackson constantly hurt you can't judge a QB In that situation can you?

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

I think that was a lot of speculation and not based in what was likely to happen. Bulger's contract tied the Rams' hands this offseason.

Alex (Scottsdale AZ)

Boldin for Peppers, good idea or bad idea?

Mike Sando

  (12:26 PM)

I might like that move if I were the Cardinals. Peppers and Dockett on the same defensive line? Wow.

HawkFiend, Seattle WA

Mike, in your humble opinion, what do you think is the next need that the Seahawks would need to address if you had that power?

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

A big-time pass rusher on the outside and a playmaking safety would help. Depth at RB is another potential concern. What if Julius Jones suffered a serious injury in training camp? Would this team be prepared to ride T.J. Duckett and Justin Forsett for 16 games?

irwin ia

how do you have the rams doing this year

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

I think I had them at 6-10 after looking at their schedule. Last year they looked like a 6-win team that underachieved its way to 2-14. After remaking the roster, they could be a 4-win team that gets more from its talent. Not sure if that is as clear written out as it is in my mind.

Aaron Mn [via mobile]

Hey mike givin the rebuilding mode the rams are in i do believe they are a better team then last yr what do you think?

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

The team has direction and I think that helps a great deal in terms of getting more consistent performance from the players. However, the talent throughout the roster is not good.

Alex (Scottsdale AZ)

Now that the Rams released Pisa, how would he fit in Arizona and would he be good insurance in case Dansby walks after this year?

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

Tinoisamoa strikes me as too small for most teams that run 3-4 variations. I could be wrong on that. The Patriots were one of the teams reportedly with some interest in him. I just see him fitting better with a team that doesn't value size at the position.

Lee (Carlisle, PA) [via mobile]

Hey Mike, you got me wondering. You keep saying you see the niners going 8-8 right now. How do you see them doing if S.Hill is the starter or if A. Smith is the starter? Might help people if you break it down like that! Love your blog, Thanks!

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

Thanks. Good idea. I wasn't differentiating in my mind. The assumption would be that they would start Smith only if he were to prove himself as being at least as good as Hill. In that case, at least in theory, there wouldn't be a big difference between the two. Smith has much more to prove this offseason. Right now, before he has had a chance to prove himself, I think the 49ers might be a a few games worse with Smith.

Milky (Fresno, CA)

Any idea when we'll start seeing rookies sign their big deals? Any insight on how much Crabtree will make compared to Heyward-Bey?

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

Most of those deals get done in the last week of July. Crabtree should get pretty close to what Heyward-Bey gets given that both are receivers in the same general range. I take pride in understanding at least in general how veteran contracts work, but the rookie deals are tricky to evaluate and trickier to explain.

Scott (new orleans, La)

What are the chances undrafted free agent Boone could be a quality Tackle? And how long would it take him to get on the field?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

I think he would get on the field as a rookie on in an emergency, worst-case-scenario situation. That is not a knock on Boone. I haven't even seen him play. I just know NFL teams do not anticipate plugging in a free-agent rookies into the starting lineup.

Alex (Scottsdale AZ)

Given first year receiver struggles and the QB situation in SF, what kind of numbers do you see from Crabtree in his rookie campaign?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

I could see him catching 50 passes as a rookie. Donnie Avery was in that range last season even though it was a horrible situation in St. Louis.

Aaron Mn [via mobile]

hey mike i remember a few years back steven jackson made the bold prediction of 2500 combined yards from scrimmage with the improvements to the OL better fullback and blocking TE with the west coast offense is that possible if he stays healthy?

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

That level of output would surprise me some. I think 2,000 combined yards would be a more realistic goal for him. If I had to make a prediction, I might set 1,750 yards as the over-under, halfway between 1,500 and 2,000.

Paul (Albany, OR)

So with this makeover of the Rams being a multi year process, did they pick up extra draft picks for next year? This year seemed to be a "normal" amount. Wouldn't they get deeper by picking up extra picks one of these years? Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

Yes, the Rams would be better off in theory adding more picks. It's just hard to trade out of the second overall spot when there aren't teams wanting to assume the contracts associated with those very top picks.

Alex (Scottsdale AZ)

What team in the NFC West has the best backfield? Coffee/Gore, Jones/Duckett, Jackson, or Wells/Hightower?

Mike Sando

  (12:40 PM)

I would rank the 49ers' backfield atop the list. Gore and Jackson are comparable. Even if you gave Jackson the edge, Glen Coffee would seemingly push the 49ers back into the lead based on where the 49ers drafted him. I really do think Gore is terrific, too.

Jeff seattle, wa

mike i was wondering if the seahawks plan on using Justin Forsett a little more in their offense, he showed glimpses of being something special, also wondering who the projected starters at WR are gonna be, TJ will be for sure, but there is burleson, branch, obamanu, taylor, and now butler in the mix, whats your insight?

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

I think Forsett will get a chance to play running back during the regular season some. Seattle cut him last season only out of necessity. The team simply needed the roster spot after injuries affected other positions. At receiver, I would think Houshmandzadeh and Branch would have to be on the field somehow. I tend to think injuries will make the decision for Seattle at that position. My top five at WR in Seattle would be Houshmandzadeh, Branch, Burleson, Butler and probably Ben Obomanu, depending on what Courtney Taylor shows this summer.

Doug (NJ)

i know its an often asked question but whats the latest on anquan boldin?

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

Good timing. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, just put out the following statement: "Reports that Anquan Boldin is seeking a contract worth $10 million per year are inaccurate. We recently made a proposal to the Cards for less."

Zibra ( San Bernardino, CA. )

Sando, i noticed a lack of seahawk questions so i am throwing this one out. With the RB's that seattle has what are the chances that Moore makes the team over Forsett? more than a 50% chance or less? I really dont like the way they are going into the season at RB, boy i do wish Weaver was still there. I know i would feel a little better was a good 3rd down back coming out of the backfield.

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

I haven't seen enough from Devin Moore to say he's got a 50 percent chance of beating out Forsett. I do think there were some questions about how well Forsett would fit into the zone scheme. I probably should have taken that into consideration when saying Forsett might have a chance at getting some playing time this coming season. That comment had more to do with the concept of the Seahawks' third RB probably being in position to get some carries. The comment had less to do with who might become the third RB. I still think Forsett would be the favorite, though.

kl (philly)

and as an eagle fan, i can assure you that rosenhaus is completely trustworthy!!! (NOT)

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

Ha. I'm always in favor of an agent going on the record with what he says, though. If he publicly says his client is not asking for $10 million per season, that is helpful.

Plunge (Seattle)

Mike, How ya doing buddy? Mike Holmgren was recently on the radio discussing his future and he was asked about a future in Seattle. He mentioned how Tod Leiweke (Seahawks CEO) was great for the Seahawks and Seattle was lucky to have him, but he made no reference at all of Ruskell. There has been rumblings in Seattle that Ruskell and Holmgren aren't huge fans of each other, especially after the Hutchinson fiasco. Is there actual bad blood there in your opinion or are the Seahawk fans and local media just imagining a possible fued?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Any forced marriage is going to feature some tension, most likely, and this one was no different. The situation was vastly improved over what existed previously and Holmgren is on the record saying as much. But the reality was that Holmgren had a hard time not being the GM. At the same time, Ruskell wanted to do things his way, but he obviously had to take into account Holmgren when making major personnel decisions. Holmgren repeatedly praising Leiweke without mentioning Ruskell borders on bad form. The omission is so obvious. I think the classiest thing Holmgren could do would be to lay low. It's only May and he's already on the radio speculating about a possible return to the Seahawks at some point in the future. I think he would demand more discipline than that from his players, no?

Justin (Tri-Cities, Wa)

Mike, what are your thoughts on players demanding to be traded?

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

There is a time and place for that sort of thing. In general, I think players should protect their interests in ways that do not detract from the team.

Scott (new orleans, La)

Where will edge land?

Mike Sando

  (1:00 PM)

His agent, a guy named Drew Rosenhaus, just said Edgerrin James will take his time in finding the right fit. In other words, not a lot of great options right now. I think he'll have to accept a diminished role somewhere.

Mike Sando

  (1:02 PM)

Thanks for dropping by. See you on the NFC West blog. You're also invited to stay in touch through My Facebook page and ESPN.com's NFC West Twitter account.