2007 NFC West Preview: San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco ‘49ers are at the end of the dreaded rebuilding phase that has alienated fans long accustomed to winning. The 1980’s and ‘90’s are but a distant memory for the team that has posted four consecutive losing seasons. The ‘49ers quietly finished the season at 7-9 and are poised to take the NFC West by storm. San Francisco was anything but quiet in the offseason when they signed shut-down corner Nate Clements (Buffalo) to an eight-year, $80 million contract with $22 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid NFL defensive player in history. Coach Mike Nolan has the entire team swigging the kool-aid as a few have been quoted as being content only with a Super Bowl berth.

Can the pedigreed Mike Nolan return a storied franchise back to promise? Time indeed will tell.

Quarterback: Alex Smith proved to many people last season that he is much more than just a “Wonderlic Warrior.” Although Smith has certainly struggled to adapt to the NFL and a pro-style offense, actually having an offense has helped tremendously. If Darrel Jackson can hold onto the ball in sunny California and Vernon Davis can stay on the field this promises to be an exciting year for the ‘49ers. I fully expect Smith to take a big step in his development this season as he enters his third season with the team.
Fantasy Impact: Alex Smith will make it to the waiver-wire in just about every draft that doesn’t include ‘49ers homers. I would be reluctant to take him as my backup quarterback in all but the deepest of leagues. He is only 23 though and if he is not already protected in your keeper league now is the time.

Running Back: Gore is a true workhorse back that posted incredible numbers for the 2006 season. On just over three hundred carries Gore rushed for nearly 1700 yards. He also led his team in receptions (61) to account for another 485 yards. At this point in his career he seems to have beaten the injury bug that dogged him throughout his college days. When healthy, Gore relegated Willis McGahee to backup duty in Miami and some have suggested he was the primary reason Clinton Portis declared early for the NFL draft. Former Penn State QB Michael Robinson and Maurice Hicks are capable backups for Gore and Nolan has publicly stated that both will be more involved in the running game this year. Still, this is no three-headed monster. Gore will get the ball early and often on the ground and through the air as long as he is healthy.
Fantasy Impact: Gore is as talented as they come. The only knock on him is that he is running on two bad wheels that may eventually go flat. The risk/reward is rather large but don’t be intimidated by his injury history. Gore isn’t the only running back to have ACL surgery. He will be selected in the first round no question, but if you do draft him you might want to return to the RB pool frequently.

Wide Receiver: Gone are Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle, last year’s former starters and frequent malcontents. Hello Darrel Jackson and Ashlie Lelie, new receivers with a new set of problems. Jackson may have led the Seahawks in receiving for many of his seasons with the club but he has dropped many catchable balls in his time. Lelie is with his third team in five years and just hasn’t been able to capitalize on his talent thus far. Third-round speedster Jason Hill (Washington State) is also expected to compete for a starting gig. Remember, Hill ran a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He was only the second fasted receiver over all.
Fantasy Impact: The receiver corps has many more questions than answers. I love the upside of Jason Hill. He could and should beat out Lelie in training camp for the flanker position. With his speed and catching ability Hill could easily be the steal of the draft in the later rounds. Keep an eye his development.

Tight End: Supposedly Alex Smith’s safety valve, Vernon Davis sprung a leak last year when he broke his leg and was only able to play in ten games. Barring injury, this should be a break out year for Davis. Training room warrior Eric Johnson departed for New Orleans.
Fantasy Impact: Click Clack (I think you’d better not tank my team again). Seriously Davis is a freak of an athlete who should dominate at his position. He will be drafted after the big four (Gates, Gonzalez, Shockey, and Heap) but not far after so if you want him grab him when these guys start coming off the board.

Offensive Line: Pro-Bowler Larry Allen returns for possibly his last season at left guard. Eric Heitmann returns as a strong second year center. Right guard is up for grabs with incumbent Justin Smiley in open competition with David Baas and Tony Wragge. The ‘49ers drafted first round tackle Joe Staley who will be behind starters Jonas Jennings, Kwame Harris and Adam Snyder. The offensive line is strong and deep.

Defensive Line: The defensive line has more depth than in seasons past. This is important in that Nolan’s switch to the 3-4 requires big body DL to eat up space against blockers and big bodies tire quickly. Bryant Young, Marques Douglas, Ronald Fields, Melvin Oliver and Ray McDonald are all in the defensive end rotation. Aubrayo Franklin will start at nose tackle and rotate with Isaac Sopoaga and rookie Joe Cohen.

Linebacker: Two first round picks in consecutive years will share the field barring setbacks. 2006 first rounder Manny Lawson (North Carolina State) showed much promise in his rookie season and will look to build on that with an improved cast. 2007 first rounder Patrick Willis (University of Mississippi) is projected to start at inside linebacker. Brandon Moore will start again at inside linebacker after leading the team in tackles with 114.

Secondary: Secondary was an area of concern for the forty-niners, and they reacted by signing standout Nate Clements (Buffalo). The other corner is Walt Harris, a shut down presence in his own right who recorded eight interceptions last season and was elected to the Pro-Bowl. Both Shawntae Spencer and rookie Tarell Brown give the team much needed depth at corner. Free agent Michael Lewis (Philadelphia) will pair with Mark Roman to form a strong and steady safety presence.

The ‘49ers have a lot of promise for such a young team and look to be the team to beat this year in the NFC West. If all the pieces come together it is not a stretch to believe that they might find themselves deep in the playoffs this season.