Veteran Tiger could be more valuable than cub for Niners

By Anthony Bialy  |   Monday, April 07, 2008  |  Comments( 4 )

San Francisco 49ers
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The Niners should think about adding an old Tiger if the new one they want isn’t around or is just too much of a luxury to acquire. Quentin Groves would be a good fit in San Francisco, but, if circumstances prevent the pairing, it’s conceivable that the franchise could go for a different Auburn product, one with exactly infinity percent more NFL experience. Namely, Takeo Spikes would be a welcome addition to a team that could use a dash of both fiery play and leadership.

Groves is tempting. Listed as 6’3” and 254 pounds on Auburn’s site, it’s unsurprising that he served as a defensive end for the Tigers. He’d be converted to a pass-rushing linebacker in San Francisco’s 3-4 scheme, as he was stellar in pursuing the quarterback in college with 26 sacks; however, if he doesn’t land in the squad’s lap, the rumors of Spikes relocating to the Bay Area should take on renewed vigor.

Currently a free agent, Spikes is an inch shorter and officially 12 pounds lighter than his fellow War Eagle compatriot. But he compensates for any bulk issues with a cocktail of exceptional strength and an astounding nose for the play’s direction. Spikes does look the part, but more importantly he simply competes as a football player should with a nose for the ball and a fondness for intensely crushing the outer shell of unfortunate ball carriers.

It is true that he only has 22.5 sacks over parts of 10 seasons, but that’s more due to the fact that he’s been more often used in coverage or held back to lay in wait than a lack of aptitude for taking down quarterbacks. If given the assignment, one senses that Spikes would be eagerly willing to work on bulking up so he could be used as that fourth pass rusher come September.

More pressingly, injuries are also a concern with Spikes, as since 2005 he has sustained a brutal torn Achilles tendon as well as a hamstring pull and a rotator cuff tear, the latter of which prematurely ended his last season. It’s questionable whether it’s worth gambling on the hope that he’s done being bitten by snakes after three tough seasons, but the best thing is Spikes’ favor is. . Spikes.

It’s an amazing coincidence that the name “Takeo” is Japanese for “great warrior,” as his ferocity and dedication are qualities admired by fans not just of his team but of the game. He’s played both on the strong and weak sides during his career, a testament to his versatility as much as it is to his willingness to do what’s necessary to help his team; there’s no indication that things would change if he joined the Niners.

The best thing about signing Spikes over drafting Groves would be what the Niners could do with the pick instead. It’s not that Groves would be a bad choice at all, but the fact is he might be property of a team that drafts 28th or earlier. On top of that, San Francisco has a somewhat lengthy list of other needs they could address with on the draft’s first day, particularly in a wide receiver corps that’s as shallow as an American Idol contestant.

While Groves should be a welcome addition, Spikes is a viable alternative. If they can’t or don’t add the Auburn rookie, a cagey veteran who’s still available would be an ideal fallback. Betting against Spikes is like betting against the stock market: no matter how many current negatives are on the list, it’s a long-term losing proposition.
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