2012 NFL Season Preview: San Fransisco 49ers
By Editorial Staff
San Francisco 49ers
Front Office:
Owner: John York
GM: Trent Baalke
C+: Well this duo brought in Jim Harbaugh which in turn has brought some excitement to the fan base. It is not totally clear how Baalke will do since we do not know a lot about him yet. So far though I am a fan of his.
Coaching Staff
HC: Jim Harbaugh
OC: Greg Roman
DC: Vic Fangio
C+: I like this coaching staff. They are familiar with one another which will help to overcome their inexperience. I do believe this group will struggle transitioning from college to pro coaching. Fear not bay fans, while mud slides and earthquakes will still be a problem, scoring points on offense will soon not be.
QB: C-
Lets get one thing straight, Harbaugh did not want Alex Smith back, he had no other choice. With the lockout and a 2nd round QB who needs time to develop there was no other choice but let Alex Smith. Smith has tools to be a solid backup but so far has not shown the consistency or mechanics to be a productive starting QB. I do like Colin Kaepernick, but feel he needs at least 1-2 years to develop.
RB: B+
Frank Gore is a first half stud. Injuries usually wipe out or reduce his impact in later games. I do not think that will be as much of a problem this year. Either by law of averages or the past two drafts bringing depth to the running back position. Anthony Dixon and Kendall Hunter are both more than capable of spelling Gore from time to time. I like this three headed monster and believe the run game will keep the 49ers competitive.
WR/TE C
Vernon Davis is one of the best TE’s in football. Michael Crabtree is one of the most talented but certainly top 5 biggest tools in football. He cannot get out of his own way to success. The 49ers sorely lack depth at the WR position. In FA they need to address this or the passing game will limit this team’s playoff chances.
OL: B
This group has potential. In order to reach it the following things need to happen. Anthony Davis in year 2 will need to become more consistent and take the game more seriously. Chilo Rachal needs to finally take hold of the RG position and play with some fire. Eric Heitmann or David Baas need to stay healthy at C as well as Joe Staley at LT. This group has talent but not a lot of depth. Luck as well as a few people growing up would go a long ways.
DL: B
Justin Smith is a stud. He dominates the run and is a terror on passing downs. He has a non-stop motor and is physically very imposing. Aubrayro Franklin is a solid NT, who believes he is worth more than he really is. Those two forms 2/3 of a potent DL….LDE is a glaring hole.
LB: B
Patrick Willis is one of the best in the business. He has no weaknesses in his game. Takeo Spikes has one more season to complement him as well as teach NaVorro Bowman how to be a professional. Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, and Parys Haralson all are solid but this group finally got what it has been sorely lacking: a dominate pass rusher. Aldon Smith was one of my favorite prospects in this draft and the 49ers snagged him. He will be what Suggs should have been an every down terror.
DB: C-
Shawntae Spencer has talent and it shows up every other play. Nate Clements is okay but is priced way higher than his talent. Chris Culliver and Taylor Mays have ability…just need coaching to bring it out. Dashon Goldson is solid but not spectacular. This unit could be good if it is all replaced. More talent is needed Jim!!!!
2011 NFL Draft:
The 49ers could not pass on Aldon Smith. Their defense needed playmakers and he is one. Now they need to surround him with some talent in front of him and behind him…that sounds wrong. Anyways I like Colin Kaepernick and believe in a few years he will be special. Chris Culliver also has some talent and now needs to find a position that suits him best. Kendall Hunter was a huge steal. Okay first draft if you ask me, but could have been better. B
Offensive/ Defensive Sleepers
Kendall Hunter is not going to be a starter but will show he will be in the near future. His quickness, size, and game speed remind me a lot of Ray Rice. I can see this kid playing time increase over the season and end up with: 550 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving, and 4 TD’s.
Ahmad Brooks is only a pass rusher. He is nothing special vs. the run or in pass coverage. This limited him in the past but with new DC Vic Fangio and his pension for blitzing, I expect more playing time for Brooks. I can see 7-8 sacks for Brooks.
2012 Season Prediction:
This will be a team to keep an eye on in 2013 but for this season there are too many young players as well as holes at QB, WR, DL, and DB. It will be patched up better in year 2 of this regime.