Randy Moss and Michael Crabtree caught back-to-back passes Thursday, and rather than go their separate ways on the 49ers’ practice field, they exchanged insights – and a smile.
That’s just one example of their developing bond.
“They have a great relationship,” safety Donte Whitner said. “Whenever you’re doing something where you need a partner, they’re always together.”
“Both work extremely hard but have a lot of fun at the same time. It’s nice,” quarterback Alex Smith added.
Moss, a 13-year veteran coming off his 2011 hiatus, is concluding his second week in the 49ers’ offseason program.
Thursday marked the media’s first access to view on-field workouts, and Moss did not disappoint. That goes for how he interacted with teammates such as Crabtree, as well as the long-striding, sure-handed form that’s helped him tally the second-most touchdown catches in NFL history behind Jerry Rice.
“A lot of times we run with chains on our back, we’re running 60-yard sprints, so you can see that he can really run,” Whitner said of Moss, wo declined interview requests. “A lot of times he’s leading in the sprints. I don’t think he’s lost a step at all.”
Added Smith: “It’s tough to tell he missed a year of football. I can’t see any rust.”
Crabtree looked smooth and showed no signs of the foot and neck injuries that marred his previous three offseasons. The 49ers’ veterans will turn over the practice field Friday through Sunday to rookies and first-year players for their initial minicamp.
Among those new arrivals is wide receiver A.J. Jenkins, who said: “I want Randy Moss to teach me everything, from the playbook to how to get ready.”
– Although Jenkins remains unsigned, the 49ers signed their other six draft picks to four-year deals: running back LaMichael James, offensive linemen Joe Looney and Jason Slowey, linebackers Darius Fleming and Cam Johnson and safety Trenton Robinson. Financial terms were not disclosed.
– Safety Dashon Goldson, who hasn’t signed his $6.2 million tender as the 49ers’ franchise player, is expected to join the offseason workouts Monday or Tuesday.
– Smith said he worked on his throwing mechanics earlier this offseason with pitching coach Tom House, who came recommended by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. House, a former major league pitcher, recently worked with Giants pitcher Barry Zito. “Just trying to get to a healthier throwing motion as far as my entire body,” Smith said.
– Alex Boone is excited about his possible conversion from backup tackle to starting right guard, where he lined up with the first unit Thursday. Boone said he’ll need to increase his weight from 303 pounds to 325 pounds, which he plans to do by “keep lifting, keep eating right.”
– Daniel Kilgore served as the first-string center in place of Jonathan Goodwin, who’s been training at his South Carolina home. Another potential backup at center is Slowey, who said that’s where he’ll be initially groomed.
– Absent from Thursday afternoon’s on-field drills were Goldson, Goodwin, running backs Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs and Rock Cartwright, wide receiver Mario Manningham, cornerback Carlos Rogers, long snapper Brian Jennings, kicker David Akers, punter Andy Lee and all rookies.
