NFL Power Ranking Preseason Edition: NFC only gets better
. . . San Francisco 49ers. 22. team. 42
The Jimmy G hype train has gone across the country, and San Francisco looks to have found their franchise quarterback. It’s been a small sample size in San Francisco and New England, but Garroppolo has been excellent whenever he’s touched the field.
After going 0-9 to start the season last year the 49ers won their last five games thanks to the addition of Garoppolo. They locked him into one of the largest contracts in NFL history and a core is starting to come together.
San Francisco sees something special in running back Jerick McKinnon, something in his seven career rushing touchdowns to pay him $18 million guaranteed over four years. It’s a big investment for someone who started seven games in four years with Minnesota.
The same can be said about wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, who has eight career touchdowns in five years yet got more than $10 million in guaranteed money.
Those two moves coupled with drafting tackle Mike McGlinchey in the first round point towards the organization building around their young quarterback, similar to Philadelphia and Chicago.
On defense, there are three first round picks on the defensive line, all of whom need to step up. Linebacker Reuben Foster will be back after offseason domestic violence allegations that were dismissed, but he’ll miss the first two games after the league suspended him.
Cornerback Akhello Witherspoon is drawing high praise in camp, and Richard Sherman is right there beside him as the grizzled vet. Things are finally coming back together in the Bay Area, but it’s not enough for them to push through the West.