By EJ Daniels

The 49ers have been one of the more solid rushing teams the last 4 seasons. Ranking in the top ten in PFF’ run blocking grade since 2017 with a second overall finish in 2020. The 49ers have been able to pretty much put any RB in the backfield and have success, rotating over 7 RBs in 2020. With Tevin Coleman and Jerrick McKinnon set to be FA the 49ers should continue to find value options at the RB positions. Here are three value RB targets for the 49ers:

Marlon Mack

The 2020 season was supposed to be Marlon Mack’s breakout year. If not for an injury that shortened his 2020 season he would be in the same realm as Aaron Jones. Mack has a solid PFF grading profile with seventy plus run grading that last three seasons.

Marlon Mack has the burst and one cut ability to play in this zone running system that Kyle Shanahan has employed during his tenure with the 49ers; plus experience playing behind a top five OL.

This move would be ideal for the Niners due to the fact that Mack would not command a hefty price tag. Mack would only command a one-year deal worth about 1.75 million guaranteed. Keeping up the niners philosophy of investing little resources in the RB position. If the Niners can get Mack at that price they could have a deadly one- two punch of Mostert and Mack who are both more than capable of being an RB 1; and Mack may be able to cash out on the open market next off season with a good showing in San Francisco      

Le’Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell was once undoubtly the best RB in the league. With the ability to run and catch out the backfield Bell’s skillset will be an asset for any team. This move makes plenty of sense for the niners for multiple reasons.

            Bell has recorded a seventy plus PFF run grade the last 3 reasons showing that he still can get it done on a per snap basis. His trademark patient running styles meshes well with the niners zone running scheme due to the fact the scheme is predicated on being patient with manipulating angles laterally and finding that one cut running alley.

Many may point to the fact that he hasn’t had a carry over 20 yards since his time in Pittsburgh. That can be attributed to first off, Bell suffering injuries at his time with Jets and most times playing through those injuries. Secondly, in Bell’s only full season with the Jets they were ranked as the 3rd worst run-blocking OL by PFF.

Once again, the niners should target Bell because they could get high end production for a small price tag. Bell would only command a two-year deal worth about five million dollars in guaranteed money.

While Bell has many productive seasons in the NFL he hasn’t hit the dreaded thirty years old mark which in todays in NFL is pretty much a death sentence. If the niners can get Bell at the right price tag this could be one of the steals of free agency.

Jamaal Williams

Jamaal Williams at twenty five , has shown the ability to be an above average runner, receiver, and pass blocker. He has posted PFF grades of at least 83.3 in all three categories even if they didn’t come all in one year.

            Williams has only seen five hundred plus snaps once in his career with yielding little wear on his body and has familiarity with working in a committee. One thing that should be intriguing to the Niners is his familiarity working in an outside zone system.

With Shanahan and Packers coach Matt Lafleur almost being joint at the hip in their early years in the NFL. The transition from the Packers to the Niners could be a smooth one for Williams

   Keeping up with the same thesis, the Niners have thrived off of relying on their outstanding run blocking and investing little resources at the RB position.

A potential deal for Williams would be a little less than what Le’Veon Bell would command at two years with four million in guarantees. Signing Williams will not only be the cheaper options but a sneaky option.

Signing Williams would not only solidify the RB two spot but yield high dividends that would give the Niners leverage if Raheem Mostert were to ever clamor again for more money.      

The post Three RB Targets For The San Francisco 49ers appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: EJ Daniels

The Ravens have one of the more complete rosters in the league and have few holes on both sides of the ball. Although, in the AFC divisional matchup with Bills showed that the Ravens are sorely lacking weapons. Whether Lamar Jackson needs to play better or their just devoid of playmakers, this passing game specifically must be addressed in some way this off ”“season.

 The 2021 Free agent class is filled WR/RBs that can help the Ravens offense be more explosive and efficient in the passing game, here are three free agents the Ravens should target:

ALLEN ROBINSON 

Arguably, the most underrated WR in the NFL today. Robinson would instantly make the Ravens passing attack more potent due to his uncanny ability in contested catch situations. In the last two seasons he’s been PFF’s second highest graded WR in contested catch situations posting a 93.9 grade. Also, catching the most contested passes since 2019 at forty-nine.

In addition, to his contested catch ability he’s been one of the most consistent WRs overall. Since 2018, he’s been PFF’s eleventh highest graded WR. While, this year recording one drop on one hundred and fifty-seven targets which was the least amount by any WR with a hundred plus targets.

Since Lamar Jackson has been in BLT he hasn’t had that dominant WR who can lineup in the slot and on the outside. Since Jackson isn’t the most accurate QB (ranks 32^nd out of 34 QBs in lowest percentage of accurate passes from a clean pocket since 2018) why not give him a top WR that can not only separate but give him room error in different situations? One of the things that has been seen across the league is that, giving a QB WRs who can separate and win against single coverage can make an astronomical difference in a QBs confidence and completion % i.e. (Josh Allen to Stefon Diggs)

            Bringing in Robinson would help Baltimore’s incumbent pieces fall into place. Allowing WR Hollywood Brown to move to more of a WR two role allowing him to not have to see number one CBs week in week and out, encouraging Lamar Jackson to take more deep shots against one on one coverage with his four- three speed. Also, would let Mark Andrews go back into being that dominant big slot that he was two years ago when he led all TEs in TDs (10) and yards (698) from the slot

            The X factor will be OC Greg Roman. One of his biggest criticism has been his lack of creativity in his passing concepts and structures. Getting Allen Robinson would certainly make his criticisms diminish, given Robison’s ability to win against single coverage from the slot and outside.   

KENNY GOLLADAY

If the Ravens miss out on Robinson, Golladay needs to be their next call. At twenty-seven years of age, Golladay has been one of the most consistent WRs the past three seasons. Posting above average grades for PFF and also being dominant in contested catch situations. His fifty-three contested catches since 2018 is second among all WRs. Golladay posted a 93.0 grade on contested targets in 2019 and also recorded the most contested TDs catches with nine.

Where he adds value is his downfield ability. Golladay recorded six hundred and twenty-eight yards on twenty plus yard passes in 2019, while also recording the highest average depth of reception at fourteen yards. Golladay tied for the league lead in catches of twenty yards or more (16) and was second in deep TD catches with five.

Giving Lamar Jackson a weapon that can not only win in contested catch situations, but also win by creating separation downfield is invaluable.

Golladay can produce from any area on the football field which is not only hard to find in this league but also hard to replace. The deep threats of Hollywood Brown and Golladay could be dangerous off the play action with Mark Andrews being able to dominate underneath, similar to how the Chiefs use Travis Kelce

Golladay does come with his issues. Playing in only five games this season battling through nagging hamstring and groin issues. In addition, Golladay has put enough on tape to give optimism to the Ravens that he deserves franchise WR money. If Golladay can stay healthy he could be the prized gem of this free agency class.

JAMES CONNER

This one is more of a longshot, but the prospects are intriguing. There hasn’t been a team that has ran the ball more the past three seasons than the Baltimore Ravens. Since the Ravens employ a run first approach why not double down on your strength and get yourself a solid RB to pair with JK Dobbins?

James Conner has been one of the more consistent backs the past three seasons only recording a PFF grade under seventy once in his career. At 6’1 233 Conner is the type of bruising compliment that would make the Ravens rushing attack more potent. Imagine a triple option read with Lamar Jackson, J.K. Dobbins, and James Connor.

One of the biggest concerns about Conner is his injury history. The beauty of this move is that Conner wouldn’t have to be the bell cow back but you would still get high end production and an immediate upgrade over Mark Ingram with Conner only being twenty-five. Keeping him preserved for a playoff stretch, or still having a lead back if anything were to happen to J.K Dobbins.

His price tag also makes him an attractive option. He could command a contract worth ten million dollars in guaranteed money over three years. Given the Ravens cap situation that maybe a small price to pay to keep the core and strength of the team intact

The post Wide Receiver and Running Back Free Agents Targets for the Baltimore Ravens appeared first on Pro Football Mania.