49ers Begin 1st Day of OTA’s, without some key players

Typically the first day of OTA’s is like the first day of MLB Spring Training, it’s highly insignificant. Players  go through the basics, getting back into the swing of things. Today was no different for most of the 49ers, besides a few notable defensive stars. Outside linebacker, Manny Lawson (contract dispute), Cornerbacks, Shawntae Spencer and Nate Clements, Defensive End, Kentwan Balmer (rehabbing from labrum surgery), and Nose Tackle, Aubrayo Franklin (has yet to sign his tender) were absent from practice on the defensive side of the ball. Patrick Willis was in attendance but did not practice as he recovers from a minor bursa sac surgery on his knee. On the offensive side, all were in attendance besides RB Michael Robinson and rookie WR Jared Perry (due to travel issues).

Most importantly, seventh-round draft pick, CB Phillip Adams, was the first of eight 49er rookies to sign. It was announced after practice that Adams signed a four-year contract.

Thanks to CSN’s Matt Maiocco for this information.

You can tweet him @MaioccoCSN or read his blog: http://www.csnbayarea.com/pages/maiocco_blog. It will undoubtedly be added to blog roll.

49ers add CB Will James

The 49ers have signed cornerback Will James, formerly of the Detroit Lions to a one-year contract.

James had 73 tackles and two interceptions last year for Detroit.  He has 326 career tackles and 8 career interceptions.

After looking at his stats, it seems like James’ biggest issue is staying healthy. He played only 5 games in 2003, 2 games in 2005, 3 games on 2006 and 8 games in 2008. In the season’s he has played a majority of the games. He has upwards of 30 tackles and at least an interception.

James will compete with two other candidates at nickel corner, Karl Paymah and Keith Smith. Smith is a former teammate of James on the Lions.

With these three corners competing for the nickel corner spot, it does not bode well for Dre Bly or Walt Harris for a spot on the 53-man roster. Bly (32) is younger and healthier than Harris(35) who is still recovering from a torn ACL.

Nickel Corner will another interesting position battle during the offseason, along with Pass-Rush Outside Linebacker, Slot Receiver, 2nd-String RB, Left Guard and Right Tackle.

I think that Karl Paymah and Will James have the best chance. Despite being with the team longer, Smith failed to make a big impact during his time last year. Paymah (27) is younger and James is more experienced than Smith (30).

Dre’ Bly wouldn’t hurt to have either  on your depth chart. He was good last year (29 tackles and 3 interceptions) and he’s still not a dinosaur (32).

It will interesting to see what direction the 49ers go in after they didn’t draft a corner until the 7th round. It remains to be seen where Phillip Adams will play, if he does this year.

49ers ink Willis until 2016

I just heard via twitter and SF49ers.com that the Niners have extended Pat Willis until 2016. That is a good move by the 49ers. Willis has been a perennial Pro Bowler and single-handedly catapulted the 49ers into the top of the NFC defensive rankings. Not only is he a great player but he is a great guy. He is a very hard-worker, a player that will work tirelessly to be the best he can possibly be. You’ve got to love that.

I just finished watching the press conference on SF49ers.com and one thing that Pat said was that he wants to bring Super Bowl #6 to San Francisco. I love that attitude from the team’s bonified leader. I hope he imparts that attitude to the rest of the team and we begin to expect that every year. That is the attitude a winning, playoff team must have and the 49ers haven’t been that in nearly a decade.

One more point in regards to extending 49ers stars. I would expect that Vernon Davis, depending on if he can return to the Pro Bowl form, will be next to get extended. Dashon Goldson, Alex Smith and Manny Lawson are also candidates depending on how they play this year. Willis’ extension could be great incentive for Goldson, Smith and Lawson to have career years in 2010. If they have career years in 2010, watch out NFC.