49ers ramblings

Don Banks from SI.com has us taking DT Amobi Okoye w/ our first round pick (11th overall) in his latest mock (2/16). I have to agree - he does seem like a very intriguing prospect. He's got youth (he's only 19), ability, character (from what I heard on a KNBR interview, he's mature beyond his years and very personable) and smarts (again, he's graduating college at age 19).

My only concern is his fit in Nolan's defensive scheme. It's well-known that he wants to run the 3-4 since he saw success w/ it from his Ravens days. I mean, he even hired Greg Manusky from the Chargers to be D-Coordinator because of his experience running it. Anyways, Okoye's measurements (6-1, 315) aren't those of a typical nose tackle in the 3-4. From what I know, you need a strong, stout-ass dude to take on a double team from the O-line (the ideal guy would be Haloti Ngata of the Ravens who goes 6-4, 340). In a 3-4, the DT and two DE's main purpose would be to 'occupy' the blockers rather than straight pass rush, leaving the linebackers to do their thing.

But who knows...the 9ers may be forced to run the 4-3 until the 'ideal' nose tackle is found. Nolan won't force the change and will set up the D to our strengths. So maybe Okoye will be the best fit. This much is certain: Nolan and McCloughan will take the best football player available regardless of need to shore up our young talent.