Expectations are high for Niners’ Franklin

By Danny Dabiri  |   Thursday, June 21, 2007  |  Comments( 3 )

San Francisco 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers signed nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin to a three year, $6 million contract in early March with the expectation that he could be the man in the middle for the defense. The 49ers ranked 19th in rushing defense last season, allowing 121.0 yards per game on the ground.

Coach Mike Nolan has ties to Franklin from his days in Baltimore as the Ravens' D-coordinator. And it's evident that Nolan has the utmost confidence that Franklin, a fifth-round pick in 2003, can solidify the middle and help improve the team's rush defense.

Last year, Franklin saw playing time as the primary backup to Ravens starting defensive tackle Kelly Gregg. San Francisco defensive end Marques Douglas was a teammate of Franklin's in Baltimore, and the former shared his thoughts on the latter in a Q & A session on the 49ers' official Web site.

"I think he's finally going to get a chance to step out and prove that he can be a full time starter in this league. He was behind some good people in Baltimore and whenever you're behind good people you have to sit there patiently and know that your time is going to come," said Douglas.

"Now his time has come. He's going to have to really understand that he's no longer a back up. His role has changed and it's that of a starter. When you're a starter there's a whole different level of expectations right at the front," he continued.

Franklin's patience should pay off this season, and his performance will be a critical factor in determining whether the Niners' 3-4 defense will be successful. If Franklin can clog the middle and absorb blockers, he will open rushing lanes for the team's explosive blitzing linebackers.

The recent addition of D-lineman Sam Rayburn, who was signed to a one-year deal for the minimum salary of $595,000, should provide some depth at nose tackle, too, and he's also expected to back up veteran Bryant Young at left DE.

Despite picking up Rayburn, the team has lofty expectations for Franklin, who is determined to take full advantage of his new opportunity.
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