San Francisco 49ers News & Rumors: Darnell Dockett Optimistic of Team's Future Despite 'Talent Drain'
Darnell Dockett, a new member of the San Francisco 49ers, is optimistic of the team's future despite its current "talent drain" situation after several key players left and announced retirement.
San Francisco's Patrick Willis, Chris Borland and Justin Smith bid goodbye to the team as they decided to step out of the game completely, noted NFL.com. Meanwhile, several 49ers moved to other teams or became a free agent: Frank Gore to Indianapolis Colts, Michael Crabtree to Oakland Raiders, Ray McDonald to free agency, Chris Culliver to Washington Redskins and Perrish Cox to Tennessee Titans.
Anthony Davis' decision on Friday to walk away from the game for a year, perhaps, ever more adds to the long list. The 25-year-old Davis reasoned that his body and his mind needed to heal, NFL reported.
Despite the exit, Dockett tries to brighten the scene by sending positive vibes via Twitter.
Although Dockett may be doing this to motivate the 49ers players, management and fans, his opinion would count for many football aficionados. Taylor Price of 49ers.com, wrote a list of why he should be taken seriously in the league, including the reason why he has more than 224,000 followers on Twitter who value his thoughts.
On top of the list is Dockett's legacy as an effective defensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals for 11 seasons, which his former team respectfully acknowledges. While playing with the Cardinals, he had Pro Bowl honors in three years in 2007, 2009 and 2010, making him the Cardinal's first defensive lineman to achieve that feat.
Another reason why Dockett's role in the 49ers is important is his vast knowledge of the NFC West. Four teams in the division reportedly tried to get him after he was cut by the Cardinals in February. Who would not let him in, especially with the 34-year-old player's know-how of dealing with superstars like Seattle Seahawks' Rusell Wilson and St. Louis Rams' Sam Bradford?
Moreover, his passion and drive to win is evident, which is enough motivating force for his other teammates to pick up.
Former teammate Calais Campbell praised Dockett on his Twitter account, with some Cardinals fans expressing how they miss him, too.
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