The obvious import of the 49ers’ decision to dump quarterback Damon Huard is that the team believes rookie Nate Davis is ready to play in the NFL.
Coach Mike Singletary raved on Tuesday about the rookie’s poise.
“I think Nate came in and he has a composure about him — sometimes a
little too much,” Singletary said, per Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat. “That clock is ticking and I’m
saying, ‘Nate, let’s go! Let’s go!’ ” [Editor's note: We wonder if that gives Singletary flashbacks to last year's Monday nighter against the Cardinals.]
Saturday, Davis led the Niners on a 91-yard drive in the final two minutes of a preseason game against the Cowboys, delivering the winning touchdown (and, more importantly, helping the teams avoid an overtime period).
There were real questions regarding Davis’ abilities prior to the draft, which fueled a slide some believed would last until round seven, or beyond. But the Niners intervened in round five, and there’s already a vague sense that, before too long, he’ll be the starter.
While Davis did himself no favors with a sssslow time in the 40-yard dash, it’s possible that his free fall was influenced by factors unrelated to his ability. Some think that new Ball State coach Stan Parrish’s efforts to persuade Davis to stick around for another year might have caused some scouts to conclude that Davis wasn’t ready for the NFL.
Although Parrish publicly said all the right things (contrary to Pete Carroll’s handling of the Mark Sanchez situation), one source with knowledge of the situation believes that Parrish’s efforts to advance his own career might have indirectly caused some teams to conclude that Davis was the product of a Jeff Tedford-style system that churns out successful college quarterbacks who can’t adjust to the next level.
Per the source, Parrish backed off on the notion that he was directly responsible Davis’ success after getting an angry phone call from Davis’ father.
That said, Parrish’s online bio still emphasizes the fact that Parrish “tutored” Davis for three years. In contrast, Pete Carroll’s bio makes only generic reference to Carson Palmer, the first overall pick in 2003, and Matt Leinart, the tenth pick in 2006. (Carroll’s bio doesn’t even mention the fifth overall pick in 2009, Mark Sanchez.)
So keep an eye on Davis. Some think he might end up being the steal of the draft.
And stranger things have indeed happened. After all, Tom Brady was picked a round lower than Davis.
I followed him at Ball State, and I think he could very well end up being a solid QB in the NFL. The knock on him during the draft was that there is no way he is smart enough to be an NFL QB.
It’s nice to see a Bellaire QB make it to the NFL.
GO BIG REDS!!!!!
START THE ROOKIE!!! He’s better than what you got right now!!!
Not sure about a steal just yet, but he’s looked pretty good so far.
I’m a Ball State alum and was lucky enough to watch him play a few times. It was really frustrating to see his draft stock drop so much, especially because of a learning disability. I’m a Bears fan, but good for San Fran. He’s probably already better than Hill or Smith, and he’ll be great when he’s had more time to make the transition and learn the system.
Blah. JAMES Davis is looking more like the steal of the draft than Nate Davis.
I don’t wanna hear about no 3rd string rookie QB! Give me some vital information to improve my fantasy team! Like Pierre Thomas last year
What? Are you suggesting that the 49ers might have made a good decision?!?
As a life-long 49ers fan, I am thrilled that they have this guy. I hope that the organization will allow him to learn and develop within the same offense, unlike Alex Smith.
I’m not crazy enough to think this team is going to the Super Bowl this year, but I’m looking forward to a team that plays harder and surprises some teams.
How funny would it be if Nate Davis was an eventual All-Pro and Stafford and/or Sanchez sucked. lol
Nate Davis is the best QB for the Niners hands down. Hill is a journeyman who should be playing for the UFL Redwoods by next year and Alex Smith needs a change of scenery and a spread based offense to have any hope of success.
Whitlock thinks the only QB better than Nate Davis is Jeff George
Watching Nate Davis play at Ball State for three years and now watching his games on NFL Networks replay, he is the same QB. His poise, accuracy, allusiveness(not speed), decision making, and arm strength are all still there at the next level.
There is no doubt that he will be better than both qb’s ahead of him in time. However, it may take a year or so to get the playbook down completely. Until then, let the #1 pick have a little fun. Nate will be the starter on opening day next year for sure.
Those of us that have watched him play knew he had what it took to be succesful, now the doubters are seeing it as well.
I used to like this site, but now I can’t even read one posting that doesn’t at least take a veiled shot at The Eagles.
Wathced the game on NFL network live. This kid has all the tools to a SUCCESSFUL QB in this league.
One of the measure to determine if a guys has the tools is— can he throw the 20 yard out or comeback route from the left hash to his right with good velocity and accuracy. Nate Davis can do this. Way too many guys holding down starting QB positions and back-up position in the NFL can’t throw the 20 yard out on a rope. Neither of the others 49ers QB’s (Shuan Hill and bust Alex Smith) have that ability. Limits your passing game. Limits your playbook. Makes for a long and disappointing year for 49er fans.
Too many scouts see color and not talent level.
If developed properly Davis will be a very good NFL QB as he all the measure you look for. Coaching my friends. All he needs is proper coaching.
Florio, please check your sources on the following:
But the Niners intervened in round five, and there’s already a vague sense that, before too long, he’ll be the starter.
I know my team better than you do and read both Matt’s blogs every day from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat and the Sacramento Bee and have never even slightly sensed this statement.
Please don’t report crap like ESPN or this site will no longer flourish.
Otherwise, thanks for giving the 49ers some credit.
Give credit where credit is due Florio – All you had to do was go to your pal at the Sporting News War Room to realize the answer to this article’s headline back in April…
Nate Davis fell due to a report about him having a learning disability.
While having a learning problem in college is bad, in the pro’s it normally is the death of a career. College playbooks are a few pages whereas pro playbooks are a book.
Nate reminds me of a young Mcnabb. This kid is going places.
Per the source, Parrish backed off on the notion that he was directly responsible Davis’ success after getting an angry phone call from Davis’ father.
—————————————-
If true, that’s just a damn shame, his old man should have kicked his ass. This clown of a coach was 2-30-1 in 3 years as head coach at Kansas State….Yes, 2-30-1. So, it would not suprise me if he used this kid to up his resume. I’m not a niner fan, and i’ve barely heard of him, but shit like this makes me root for him……
Actually I think he partially slid because idiots like Florio were talking about Davis’ dyslexia like it was some kind of f’ing mental retadation.
And are you f’ing kidding me??? His 40 yard dash time. FORTY YARD DASH TIME FOR A QB???? Is the spread-option suddenly an in thing for the NFL? Why does his 40 time matter. At all. Ever.????
And Nate Davis WAS a steel. He was rock solid at Ball state. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the starting QB 2-3 years down the road (and they would be well advised to give him that much time to develop)
I’ve been waiting for a story of this nature to surface. I just had a feeling it was going to happen. He was expected to be the 3rd QB taken in the draft at one point. I think NFL network did a story on him and his learning disability, but how he keeps working. These are the type of guys ya want to see succeed and prove the doubters. He wont take the opportunities for granted. I hope he makes it to the top. Bravo to this young QB. Keep it up.
A steal would need to offset the complete and utter bust that is Alex Smith in my mind.
So far the “steal” is like robbing a house to steal the silverware because you left behind a dozen diamond rings for the owner to keep a week before.
Nate Davis will be the next solid NFL quarterback to come out of the MAC. I have seen many of his games and he was the straw that stirs the drink on a very good team.
“And stranger things have indeed happened. After all, Tom Brady was picked a round lower than Davis.”
And Tony Romo wasn’t drafted at all! But that doesn’t stop you from constantly bashing him, does it?
On the day of the draft, I went on the record to say that Davis, Coffee, and Crabtree were the future of the 49ers and they’d start a new Big 3. Well….2 out of 3 ain’t bad. I’m happy with Davis. Go Niners!!
and of course douchebag florio has to get a usc shot in there. do you write your articles to ensure that there will some vague reference to usc? let it go florio. i think pete carroll might want to take out a restraining order against you. i cant believe how much of a dink you can be…..blah blah….pete carroll…blah, blah…matt leinart,….blah, blah reggie bush….i mean for christ sake, you even took a shot at dwayne jarrett the other day. all i can say is….FIGHT ON- GO TROJANS- F*CK FLORIO AND HIS MOUNTAINEERS(WHAT A STUPID NAME)
Nice to see continuing positive NFL coverage, since PFT likes to hammer Favre to death, and its bread and butter is stories on bad guys like Pacman and Plaxico.
Although it’s interesting that “…one source with knowledge of the situation believes…” becomes “Some think…”
PFT- embellishing stories and sources since 2001…….
Here we go again.
Rush Limbaugh was right at the time about McNabb being overhyped by the liberal media.
Then after McNabb became a good QB he was criticized for not running the ball enough.
Crazy Liberal media!
Davis is a rookie and still has to prove himself. I hope he does. He sure doesn’t need liberals writing silly and unnecessary things about him.
There is enough pressure just being a rookie.
I just hate to see stupid stuff written about him as you did with Vick and McNabb.
Have patience with Davis and not overhype him with that Libral B.S.
I do think somewhere down the road Davis will be a good starting QB but lets not rush it. Shaun Hill deserves his shot this season.
Darth:
I read both Matts blogs everyday too. There is a large group of people calling for Davis to be the starter NOW. Florio is correct.
Thank you Florio for not mentioning Nate’s learning disability. It’s time we all move past that and realize the kid is a player.
Seriously? They’re proclaiming him ready for the NFL because he was able to drive down the field against a bunch of guys who will be flipping burgers in a couple of weeks?
Did anyone get a steal this draft ? Is Obama’s stimulus plan going to work ? What is the price of eggs in China ? Who shot JR ?
i liked him in college, but one of the biggest knocks on him coming was his low intelligence/aptitude level. Apparently he did very poor on the wonderlic?
i think what scared most teams off was his ability to grasp complex systems of the NFL.
i’m not knocking him, like i said i loved him in college. i hope he does well in SF and lands that starting role!
VoxVeritas – The difference between Brady and Romo is very, very simple. Brady wins when it counts (most of the time), Romo doesn’t (for now). So don’t go psycho on Florio for that, or you’d have to leave insulting comments on EVERY major NFL based website.
I’d say, Florio, that this is quite sterile conjecture. I hate the way the media will be ready to crown a king after a couple of minutes of good play in preseason. Why not revisit this in a few years, yeah? I love the kid, and hope he does well, becomes a starter, and succeeds some day. Until then, a couple of good quarters and a good camp doesn’t mean jack squat.
um Dallas didnt even have enough healthy players to run there base sub package when he did that lol. Dallas didnt even try to defend on that drive bcuz they didnt want to put anyone back in the game that was already taken out…
once again PFT anoiting some scrubb for excuting a drive against a bunch of guys that wont even be on the team come opening day.
nice work!
Nate has some skills and may produce at the NFL level, he is like this years version of Josh Johnson. As far as being the steal of the draft, early indications make a case that Sammie Stroughter may be the steal of the draft. He was a 7th round pick but is playing more like a 1st rounder.
Tony Romo went undrafted because he sucks.
Deal with it.
Bitch.
49ers got an absolute steal. Good for that valley boy.
And Tony Romo wasn’t drafted at all! But that doesn’t stop you from constantly bashing him, does it?
———————————————–
Maybe just maybe………Florio doesn’t have the man crush on Romo that you do…….After this little Valentines day note you left on this story, which i think was about a 49′s QB, a rookie trying to make the team, it’s kinda obvious you do……Too funny…..
“VoxVeritas – The difference between Brady and Romo is very, very simple.”
It’s not about Romo v. Brady, it’s about Romo v. this 49ers scrub and the 49er scrub being compared to Brady.
“Maybe just maybe………Florio doesn’t have the man crush on Romo that you do”
He’s got as many Super Bowl rings as McNabb, only for a lot less money and a lot less whining drama about his teammates.
Damon Huard has better numbers against better competition this preseason. They are keeping Davis for political reasons. Don’t wanna admit that they probably whiffed on a QB. Again.
He’s got as many Super Bowl rings as McNabb, only for a lot less money and a lot less whining drama about his teammates.
————————————–
Exactly…….The man crush lives on…….You realize you just made my point right?
Hill is a hard-nose player that is willing to give up his body to get the first down. But lets be honest here, he is a back up. Watching Nate Davis I see accuracy, ball speed, poise and good decision making. Not only in a drive against scrubs with scrubs, but in his wins at Ball State. One hick-up by Hill and Davis will have a chance to prove himself. Then and only then will we know if he was a steal.
Alex Smith = Bust
Crabtree, sign or get lost.