Niners Now, the Official Blog of the San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers took little time in replacing recently fired head coach Jamez Poor on Tuesday, as they announced the inking of a three-year contract with ex-Broncos head coach Dan Allen.

The 49ers, who have fallen on poor times in recent seasons, said they are hoping to improve on their 4-12 finish in 2017.

Allen, who finished his tenure in Denver with a 37-59 record, isn't worried that past disappointments will overshadow his tenure with San Francisco.

"My time in Denver didn't go the way I wanted, and that's something I'll always regret," Allen said. "This opportunity with the '9ers is a fresh start -- a chance to build upon past successes and learn from past mistakes. We've got a very talented, veteran group here and the hope is to compete immediately."

Among the positions that may see an overhaul this offseason is under center, where former-Broncos draft pick Brock Osweiler resides as a possible starter. Allen was one of the key figures in sending Osweiler packing several years back when Purdue alumnus Justin Zumwalt was established as the starting quarterback in Denver.

Stay tuned for more offseason news!

It didn't take long for the Allen regime to shake up San Francisco.

Within hours of taking over as head coach and general manager for the 49ers, Dan Allen made it clear that things would change to return a struggling franchise to better times.

The first step forward was the jettison of several under-performing players, including running back LaRod Stephens-Howling and punter Andy Lee. Next, struggling offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb was informed that the '9ers would not be offering him a new contract.

Further moves were made via trade, with tight end Dustin Keller headed to Seattle, linebacker Cassius Blassingame headed to Buffalo and defensive end Marcus Warren sent to Minnesota in return for veteran defensive end Brian Robison, defensive front seven depth in end Vinny Curry and 'backer Joseph Kisseberth and several draft picks.

Allen nabbed several players he cultivated in his days with Denver in free agency, including tight end Jake Mckinley, cornerback Cassius Vaughn, defensive tackle Letroy Guion and cornerback Tamani Taylor. Other acquisitions included starting right guard Amini Silatolu and young quarterback Tevyn Davis.

All seemed to quiet down on Sunday as draft night was only hours away, only for news of Allen spinning a couple more deals, shipping out quarterbacks Daniel Zagzebski and Sam Aiken along with receiver Eddie Boswell for veteran outside 'backer K.J. Wright and draft considerations.

2018 NFL Draft
2nd Round, Pick 3 - Wyoming DT Ricky Richardson 6'4" 345 lbs
A pure nose tackle, Richardson is very smart and mature for his age. While a bit raw on technique, he plays with intensity and utilizes his strength and size to swallow up blockers. Richardson should serve a rotational role as a run-stopping tackle in his rookie season, although Allen has said he plans to utilize the big-bodied tackle in a "few surprise ways."
2nd Round, Pick 22 - Ohio OT Justin Roth 6'7" 216 lbs
Roth is one of the more athletic tackles you'll come across, as he's a converted tight end. This doesn't mean he's disadvantaged when it comes to blocking at the professional level -- Roth managed a solid 28 bench reps at the NFL Combine in February -- and it's his athleticism that attracted the attention of San Francisco's scouts. Roth is expected to serve as a swing tackle in his first season.
3rd Round, Pick 9 - Washington CB DeVaunte Hall 5'11" 195 lbs
With a 4.34 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, it's no wonder Hall was drafted higher than some expected. While Hall's coverage skills are a bit suspect at this point in his career, he has experience as both a returner and gunner on special teams that will help get time on the field right away.
4th Round, Pick 7 - Purdue P Charlie Trimble 5'11" 187 lbs
The first kicker or punter taken in the draft, Trimble is known for having a booming leg. With the release of veteran punter Andy Lee, Allen looks to have gone out and found the best available replacement in Trimble.
4th Round, Pick 32 - Towson State DT Cedric Chance 6'2" 297 lbs
While the first tackle San Fran selected filled more of a nose-tackle role in his college years, Chance made a name for himself at lesser known Towson St. University by getting to the quarterback -- registering 22 sacks from the interior line in his three years as a starter. Allen has stated that Chance will see time as a rotational rusher in three-front sets as a rookie.
6th Round, Pick 7 - Whitworth DT Tyler Nichol 6'2" 309 lbs
Another small school pick, Nichol may not be too quick, but he's extremely balanced in both pass-rushing and run-stopping abilities. All indications poin to Nichol possibly spending his rookie season on the practice squad as he becomes more accustomed to the professional level.
7th Round, Pick 19 - Troy HB Kendall Kearse 5'10" 244 lbs
A plodding goal line back in his time at Troy, Kearse scored 14 touchdowns as a redshirt senior. With the addition of Ahmad Bradshaw, Kearse likely has an uphill battle to a roster spot.


Key Additions:
DE Brian Robison, HB Ahmad Bradshaw, DT Letroy Guion, QB Tevyn Davis, CB Cassius Vaughn, TE Jake Mckinley, OG Amini Silatolu, OLB K.J. Wright, WR Eddie Royal
Key Departures:
TE Dustin Keller (trade-SEA), OLB Cassius Blassingame (trade-BUF), DE Marcus Warren (trade-BUF), QB Daniel Zagzebski (trade-GB), OLB Moise Fokou (FA), OLB Parys Haralson (FA)