Calling in the Calvary: Part II

By: Doug Rohr

Follow on Twitter: @d_rohr

Earlier this week, I covered the offensive players. Today, we focus on the defensive players currently on the NFI/PUP/suspended lists...

NaVorro Bowman

Forming the backbone of the defense alongside Patrick Willis, Bowman put together a remarkable 2013 season. Week after week, he was as clutch as they come and provided some unforgettable 49er moments. Bowman played until the whistle on every play including the play that tore his ACL and MCL against Seattle in the NFC Championship game. Since that grisly injury occurred, Bowman has been recovering to be able to hear that whistle once again.

Potential Return

Bowman has not yet been cleared to practice but he has been partaking in running drills. Last week, he was able to run full at sprint for the first time during his rehab stint and posted a 4.5 40-time, which is .2 seconds faster than what he posted at the Combine in 2010. He is making great strides to returning to the field sooner rather than later. The 49ers have until week 11 to activate him from the PUP list and then 21 days to evaluate when they want to bring him on board the 53-man roster. I am not a betting man but, if I were, I would think that Bowman might return just in enough time to have Seahawk drumstick on Thanksgiving.

Immediately Impacts…

While many of us are ready to welcome Bowman back with open arms, one 49er that will not share that same feeling will be Nick Moody. Even with all of the injuries at the inside linebacker position, Moody has been relegated to special teams. Recording zero snaps on defense and holding a negative special teams grade according to Pro Football Focus, it would seem that Moody’s days are numbered and he is simply keeping Bowman’s roster spot warm. With Willis and Bowman returning, either Borland or Wilhoite can fill in for Moody on special teams.

Moody’s only saving grace could be the fact that he still has 3 more years left on his rookie contract. The next man on the list if Moody is spared would be Michael Wilhoite. While he has been overshadowed by rookie Chris Borland, Wilhoite is still serviceable and can provide special teams contribuation if needed. However, I don’t see this happening so I won’t entertain it for very long.

Potential Role

Once Bowman is added to the roster, I can see him splitting some time with Borland until he is back to the NaVorro we know and love. This should take about 3 drives…

Bowman will quickly reclaim his starting position at inside linebacker.

Potentially Impacts…

While the immediate impact of Bowman’s return will more than likely result in the release of Nick Moody, Borland’s emergence in NaVorro’s absence will place Michael Wilhoite back on special teams detail. What makes things even trickier is that Wilhoite’s contract is due at the end of the year. Following the conclusion of the season, he will become a restricted free agent. This means that the 49ers can tender him to a one year deal similar to what Demarcus Dobbs received this year. Wilhoite could be paid $1.3 million for the 2015 season. With the emergence of Borland, I cannot see $1.3 million being justified on a 4th string inside linebacker and, mainly, a special teams player. With Bowman and Willis out, Borland flourished and made Wilhoite expendable. It’s possible they ink a much smaller deal to have him stay in San Francisco but I think the ball is truly in Wilhoite’s court.

Aldon Smith

One of the most important cogs of the 49er defense, the All-Pro pass rusher out of Missouri has been sorely missed this year. However, the difference between Aldon and every other person on this list is the reason why he's not on the field. Following a weapons charge, DUI, and multitude of other issues, Aldon was suspended for nine games in violation of the personal conduct and substance abuse policies.

Potential Return

Following the announcement of suspension, the 49ers and their fans marked November 10th on their calendars as Aldon’s return date. Things were all well and fine until Pro Football Talk released a report that it was possible that “there’s a chance that [Aldon’s] suspension will be lifted a game or two early.” Multiple media outlets then began to jump on the report and either confirm or duplicate it. After week 8 and 9 passed, we entered into the preparation for New Orleans and still nothing. While having Aldon’s pass rush against a proficient passer like Drew Brees would increase the 49ers’ chances of walking away with a victory, we all will have to wait until New York to see 99 back on the field.

Immediately Impacts…

As much as I hate to say it and vehemently disagree with it, Aldon’s return will immediately impact the playing time of Aaron Lynch and Dan Skuta. Although my game plan would consist of Lynch replacing Ahmad Brooks at left outside linebacker, I believe that the 49ers will feel obligated to continue to play Brooks even after Aldon’s return. It really is no secret that Brooks has looked horrible this year and has been outplayed by both individuals filling in for Aldon. If it were my call, Brooks would be splitting time with the two men that fill the void opposite…and let the best man win. Brooks may play a little bit differently if he knows his job is on the line. Without his job on the line, these are the numbers that can be compared…

Ahmad Brooks

PFF grade: -8.9, 417 snaps, 173 rush attempts, 3 sacks, 2 QB hits, 7 hurries, 5 missed tackles

Dan Skuta

PFF grade: 4.6, 257 snaps, 68 rush attempts, 2 sacks, 1 QB hit, 4 hurries, 2 missed tackles

Aaron Lynch

PFF grade: 7.0, 224 snaps, 140 rush attempts, 2 sacks, 4 QB hits, 13 hurries, 0 missed tackles

I would continue to sing the praises of Lynch and Skuta but the good people of Pro Football Focus and Mr. @49ers_Stats have already carried the tune for me.

Potential Role

Aldon’s ‘potential role’ is not in question and it’s already well established. The right outside linebacker position is his until he and the team decide to part ways and, if the front office is as smart as we think they are, that will not be occurring anytime soon.

Potentially Impacts…

While the immediate impact will fall on Lynch and Skuta’s snap counts, the potential impact will fall on the doorstep of Mr. Ahmad Brooks. Jay Glazer reported that Brooks was being shopped at the trade deadline and the 49ers were considering shipping him to the Browns. Now, to what degree of certainty his source was that advised him of this information, I do not know. However, Glazer does have a pretty track record when it comes to NFL reporting. With that being said, if the rumor is true, Brooks may be wearing out his welcome even sooner than many 49ers fans were aware. If this is the case, you might see him include in a Draft day trade or maybe even one before. If Lynch continues to play at the same level he has over the last 8 games, Brooks being sent out of town may be more of a reality than we even assumed. Even if the option of sending Brooks to another team presents itself, the 49ers will have to weigh the value they will be receiving in return against the $3 million dead money hole they will dig themselves into.

Glenn Dorsey

A first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft has not nearly lived up the expectations of his draft spot. Dorsey signed a fairly modest 2 year, $7 million deal at the start of the 2013 season. Following the pre-season injury to Ian Williams, the starting position at the interior of the defensive line was his to lose. He certainly did not disappoint and played himself into a contract extension even after he tore his left triceps in training camp. Dorsey was place on the injured reserve list with the designation to return.

Potential Return

Glenn Dorsey will literally be returning to the 49ers’ roster any day now. According to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Dorsey’s availability for Sunday’s game in New Orleans is “50/50.” This would lead one to believe that, even if he was unable to travel or play in the game at the Superdome, Dorsey’s return would take place at the Meadowlands in New York the week thereafter. Regardless, Glenn Dorsey will be on the playing field in no time.

Immediately Impacts…

For starters, Demarcus Dobbs was already cut to potentially make room for Dorsey should he return. Looking forward; while Dorsey did play very well last year, Ian Williams has played out of his mind in 2014. While a number of people have noticed that Williams has played ‘well,’ few are really wrapping their minds about how well he is actually playing. In almost half the snaps, Williams has found himself ranked in Pro Football Focus’s top 10 defensive/nose tackles. Not only that but he has averaged .059 rating per snap which would rank him fourth in the entire NFL at his position. Even Kevin Lynch of San Francisco Gate has taken notice to the play of Ian Williams and tweeted Thursday…

“Not sure why any offense would [run] anything less than 3 receivers against the #49ers. With 2 WR’s or less, Ian Williams is in, and he’s so good”

With this being said, even if Dorsey immediately returned to his 2013 form, I still do not see that as being enough to greatly impact the already limited snap count of Williams.

Potential Role

Dorsey will be a great depth addition and provide Williams with a breather if required. As talented as he is, Williams has proved to be an excellent football player in the middle of the defensive line.

Potentially Impacts…

With Ian Williams proving to be worth every penny of his current deal, I would not be surprised if he were to receive a contract extension this offseason like Dorsey did this past preseason. I also would not be surprised if that extension contained a few dollars. Unfortunately, the difference between Dorsey’s salary and the dead money hit the 49ers would take if he were to be traded or released is under $1 million. So, while not surprised about anything else mentioned, I would be quite surprised if Dorsey was not still on the roster in 2015. Unfortunate for Dorsey as his playing time will be limited but fortunate for the 49ers as they have two very good options at the nose tackle position.

Kaleb Ramsey

Ramsey is another draft pick that could be considered a 49ers’ stash. While he was a defensive standout when on the field, Ramsey struggled to do so and battled a myriad of injuries during his six collegiate seasons at Boston College. While a ‘myriad’ may sound like an over exaggeration, let’s run through the list...

Concussion, hip injury, left shoulder surgery, bilateral leg injuries, left plantar fasciitis injury, left calf tear, hamstring injury, and a right calf injury that prevented him from fully participating at the Combine.

After being selected in the 7th round in the 2014 NFL Draft, Ramsey was promptly placed on the PUP list for an undisclosed injury.

Potential Return

While nothing has been stated to date, it is safe to assume that Ramsey will be placed on season ending IR and attempt to make the 49ers’ roster next season. Even if he were to be activated to the PUP list, he would be a long shot to make the active roster due to the depth on the defensive line.

Immediately Impacts…

Ramsey being placed on season ending IR would not impact anyone put himself. It will allow him to fully heal and prepare him for the battle he will undergo in order to make the 49ers’ deep defensive roster in 2015.

Potential Role

Out of the all of the NFI/PUP players available to return, Ramsey is by far the most mystifying player to me. As much as I hope that he is able to perform at a high level and provide an additional boost on the defensive line, Ramsey’s extensive injury history mentioned above and the fact that he will be entering his rookie season at 26 years old. Sadly, it seems as if the odds are already stacked against him in regards to making a significant impact in the NFL. However, should he stay healthy, Ramsey would be a handle for opposing linemen. Boosting a 36 rep on the bench press at the Combine, Ramsey not only bested all other defensive linemen but tied for 2nd amongst all 2014 participants. He could also provide some versatility up front with the frame to play on the edge in a 3-man front or inside in a 4-man. However, talent is not the issue…

Potentially Impacts…

Once Ramsey is finally able to participate in drills and display any semblance of a skill set to the decision makers in Santa Clara, he could make a potential impact on a few players. Let’s get things clear; Ramsey will be actively fighting for a 53-man and maybe even a practice squad spot. Depending on how he performs, he could be battling Lawrence Okoye and even Mike Purcell, both of which are currently on the practice squad, for a job. What will make things even more difficult is that the only defensive lineman that has an expiring contract is Tony Jerod-Eddie. What makes things even worse for Ramsey is that Jerod-Eddie is an exclusive rights free agent. This means that Jerod-Eddie can be tendered by the 49ers at the veteran minimum salary. Based upon his play, I think this is a no-brainer. Sadly, I just do not see a spot for Ramsey on the squad next year and his age and injury history will not help his case.

Keith Reaser

Just like Kaleb Ramsey, Reaser was a limited participant at the Combine. After tearing his left ACL in his senior year at Florida Atlantic, Reaser’s recovery was halted when he had to be re-evaluated and it was determined that his body was rejecting his first surgery. A second surgery occurred on February 27th. Prior to the injury, the fifth year senior would have been a sure fire draft pick due to his coverage skills, return ability, and ridiculous speed. Some scouts had his 40 speed clocked as fast as 4.32 prior to his ACL tear.

Potential Return

Also like Kaleb Ramsey, Reaser will not make an impact until 2015 season. There has not been any mention of Reaser’s return or anything leaked stating what the 49ers intend on doing with Reaser’s current status. That being said, I anticipate him being placed on season ending IR and looking forward to training camp.

Immediately Impacts…

Reaser will not have an immediate impact to anyone on the 2014 roster while on the injured reserve list.

Potential Role

Based upon his size (5’10”, 189) and knack of always being around the ball (5 INTs, 19 passes defended in 35 college games), Reaser’s best fit may be as a nickel corner. However, with Ed Donatell helping at the next level, the sky is the limit for the blazing fast pass defender out of Florida Atlantic. Jared Allen, former FAU assistant coach, was contacted by 49ers senior reporter Taylor Price following the Draft. It is not surprising that Allen only had kind words to say about Reaser but the words he used seemed to stand out. Allen stated that Reaser’s skill set could allow him to play on either side of the ball and he played with a healthy chip on his shoulder. He will have an uphill battle but it sounds as if he has the intangibles and mentality to climb that hill.

Potentially Impacts…

Reaser may not make a huge impact on any decisions that the 49ers’ front office makes in the off-season but it most certainly could work the other way around. As it stands, cornerbacks Chris Cook, Perrish Cox, and Chris Culliver all have expiring contracts and I do not see all of them getting a deal done to return to the team next year. Out of the three listed, Cox is the only one to even consider re-signing as he continues to produce and put together the greatest season of his career. With limited snaps, Cook has proved to be a solid role player but nothing more than what was expected of him when he signed. On the other hand, Culliver’s play has been inconsistent to say the least and has not been able to reproduce the excellence he flashed in the 2012 regular season. Sad to say but he is more than likely playing himself out of San Francisco and leaving the door wide open for Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser to carry the torch.