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2008 Team Report: San Francisco 49ers

Quarterbacks

Starter: J.T. O'Sullivan
Backup(s): Shaun Hill, Alex Smith

Starting QB: Talk about not counting your chickens before they're hatched. This offseason, the 49ers had a QB competition under new OC Mike Martz. But most pundits, ourselves included, viewed that competition as being a two-man race between former 1st overall pick Alex Smith and last year's surprising late season starter Shaun Hill. Yet, methodically as the preseason wore on, Smith and Hill failed to gain their new coach's confidence while J.T. O'Sullivan did everything that was asked of him. What started off as a surprising push early in camp has turned into the Week One starter's job. O'Sullivan played under Martz in Detroit and clearly learned the nuances of the offense; his understanding of the playbook was essential.

Backup QB: The starting job was there for the taking, but Alex Smith couldn't close the deal. As the former No. 1 draft pick of the 2005 Draft, he has failed to live up to the expectations of franchise savior since Day 1. This was his first chance to run an explosive offense with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz in town. Unfortunately he was a turnover machine in preseason game action and doesn't look capable of running an NFL offense at a high level. Shaun Hill impressed when starting for the injured pair of Alex Smith and Trent Dilfer at the end of the 2007 season, and was rewarded with a contract extension. Those wise enough to treat those performances with a grain of salt avoided the early preseason hype that surrounded Hill. He's been clearly the odd man out in a 3-horse race, and now stands as the team's emergency QB at best. As compared to Alex Smith, Hill has the faster release, which could prove essential down the line if Smith or Hill need to step in for O'Sullivan.

Running Backs

Starter: Frank Gore
Backup(s): DeShaun Foster, Michael Robinson
Fullback(s): Zak Keasey

Starting RB: Frank Gore still finished as a top-10 fantasy back despite playing for one of the poorer offenses in the league in 2007. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz has promised that the impressive Gore will be the centerpiece of his offense in San Francisco and likened him to former Rams star Marshall Faulk. Gore is excellent in pass protection, a very good receiver and one of the better runners in the league. If the 49ers can just improve the passing game, then Gore will do the rest. He has proven durable in his NFL career to date and handled over 300 touches in each of the last two seasons. At 25, he should be at his peak and will see the field often. Gore has the potential to be an elite back but currently lacks the touchdown totals required to reach that level. At the very least, he should be a reliable first-round pick in most drafts.

Backup RBs: DeShaun Foster was signed at barely above the veteran minimum salary in free agency to upgrade the backup role. He has demonstrated durability and the ability to handle a load in his last three seasons in Carolina. Foster isn't a threat for the goal-line touches, nor is he as good of a receiver as Gore. He should be the handcuff to Gore or a fantasy option if Gore should go down. Michael Robinson is in the mix for action as well after having his contract extended until 2012. Given the range of options Martz likes to use in his offense, the versatile Robinson should see the field occasionally. He has demonstrated the ability to take the full load for a game or two, but barring an injury to Gore or Foster, his role will be limited.

Fullback: Keasey is a converted linebacker who only had two carries last year.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson
Backups: Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, Josh Morgan [R]

Starting WRs: Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson are penciled in as the starting duo, but both are far from certain to finish the season in those roles. Bruce is approaching his 36th birthday and after spending 14 years with the Rams, he faces a tough challenge to re-establish himself with a new franchise. Reuniting with his former coach and offensive coordinator will help significantly since Bruce played his best football under Martz's tutelage. On the other side, Johnson never established himself in Arizona as anything more than a No. 3 -- a disappointing return for a first-round pick. While he has a fresh start in San Francisco, he missed the majority of camp with minor injuries and is now behind the 8-ball when it comes to mastering the new offense. If he doesn't adapt quickly, he will face a future on the bench. Overall, Johnson has an excellent chance to be a productive fantasy option, but the onus will be on him to produce.

Backup WRs: Odds are that one player from this group will be in for a good fantasy season. The most promising option is rookie Josh Morgan. Morgan, considered a possible practice squad player after the April draft, capitalized on the absence of the veteran receivers for most of camp and showed 49ers brass what he's capable of. Morgan has adjusted to the offense well, and shown unnatural quickness and precision in running his routes. As the season looms, Morgan is quite possibly in line for a starting spot. Arnaz Battle is well suited to a slot role. WR3s in the Martz system can produce excellent stats; witness Shaun McDonald in Detroit last year. Battle won't let anyone down, just don't expect quality fantasy production. Jason Hill is the wild card among the group. He has the potential to be a force in the league, but didn't do much in his rookie season.

Tight Ends

Starters: Vernon Davis
Backups: Delanie Walker, Billy Bajema

Vernon Davis led all 49er receivers in receptions with 52 in 2007 (Frank Gore had 53), despite missing two games. Davis has all of the physical tools necessary to be an elite TE - wide receiver speed and the strength and power to run over defenses. His ability as a blocker will also keep him on the field for most plays. That said, so far he has disappointed those who expected him to be an elite receiving tight end by now after being drafted sixth overall in 2006. He makes far too many mistakes, has had injury problems in his two seasons and lacks maturity. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz believes these are all issues that can be addressed and will be looking to utilize Davis in a way that should please fantasy owners. Backing Davis up is Delanie Walker, who is capable in all areas and would do a good, but not great job if something were to happen to Davis (and to Billy Bajema, who is primarily a blocker).

Place Kicker

Joe Nedney : Despite having a highly accurate year (89.5% on field goals), Nedney scored only 73 points in 2007, and the 49ers ranked 32nd in kicker scoring. It was a big drop off from 2006 when he was 29 of 35 (82.9%) on field goals and added 29 PATs. That added up to an eighth place finish in kicker scoring for San Francisco. In 2005, Nedney was voted co-MVP by the 49ers, after he scored the bulk of their points. He still has the range to hit long field goals, with at least one 50+ yarder every year he's played since 1998. Nedney played in all 16 games each of the last two years. That is noteworthy considering his track record, including several year ending injuries. After eleven years in the league, his age is starting to show with a decline in kickoff distance.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Allen Rossum; Michael Robinson; Josh Morgan

After five successful years with Atlanta, DB Allen Rossum has become the journeyman return specialist solution. Last year he stopped at Pittsburgh (38 kickoff returns, 23.3 avg. 1 TD). He'll take over on kickoff returns for the departed Maurice Hicks and on punt returns for the not-re-signed Michael Lewis. Numerous others have limited experience and could serve as backups. RB Michael Robinson was a backup the last two years (2 returns, 25.5 avg. in 2007). Sixth round draft pick WR Josh Morgan out of Virginia Tech will hope to improve his chances of making the final roster with a strong showing on special teams: He did not have significant return work in college.

Punt Returners: Allen Rossum; Nate Clements; Arnaz Battle

Allen Rossum handled the majority of punt returns for the Steelers last year (36 returns, 6.4 avg., 8 fair catches). After an impressive 12.4 yard average in 2004, his numbers have declined the last three years. CB Nate Clements was the Bills' leading punt returner in 2004, but was demoted to backup in 2005. He served as a backup for the 49ers last year (7 returns, 16.4 avg.). Arnaz Battle was the team's primary PR in 2004 (31 returns, 8.6 avg., 1 TD), and a backup in 2006 (6 returns, 15.0 avg.). San Francisco has ranked 12th and 11th in fantasy returns the last two years.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Joe Staley, LG Adam Snyder, C Eric Heitmann, RG Tony Wragge, RT Jonas Jennings
Key Backups: OT Barry Sims, OG Chilo Rachal [R], OG David Baas, C Cody Wallace

Commentary coming soon.

Team Defense

The 49ers weren't a very good NFL or fantasy defense last season. They finished in the bottom half of the league in points and total yardage while contributing very little big-play value. In standard scoring leagues, they finished 31st overall among D/STs. Head Coach Mike Nolan again tried to go back to a base 3-4 front after reworking his defensive line and linebacker units prior to last season, but injuries and average play again kept the defense from reaching its potential. The Niners made a big splash during the '08 free agent period, signing DE Justin Smith to a monster contract. The team hopes Smith will pair with OLB Manny Lawson to form a duo of pass rushers that can line up anywhere on the field, but very little suggests Smith is an impact pass rusher at this point in his career. An improved pass-rush and potential multiple-front look might help to further improve the big-play prospects of linebacker Patrick Willis, and cornerbacks Nate Clements and Walt Harris. Willis exploded onto the NFL scene last season with over 130 solo tackles and 4.5 sacks. Despite the big names and contracts, this defense isn't likely to be improved enough to have an impact in fantasy leagues. If they go undrafted, however, it's worth monitoring the progress of the front seven, particularly the pass rush from Lawson and Smith. Should San Francisco get off to a hot start, they could become a good situational play during the bye weeks.

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Justin Smith, DE Isaac Sopoaga, DT Aubrayo Franklin
Backups: DE Ray McDonald, DE/NT Kentwan Balmer [R], DE/NT Ronald Fields

Starting DL: Former Bengal Justin Smith was one of the more coveted free agents in the admittedly lackluster class of 2008. He signed a 6-year, $45mm contract, continuing a string of recent high profile signings on defense by SF (CB Nate Clements and SS Michael Lewis in 2007). While not a flashy addition, it was a critically needed one. The DL was badly in need of reinforcements, with both starting DEs departing (49ers institution Bryant Young retired and Marques Douglas left in free agency). Smith never quite lived up to the expectations of being the fourth overall pick in the 2001 draft, but he is a very good, if not great player. Just 2 sacks in 2007 looks like an aberration (he averaged nearly 7 sacks per season his first six years in CIN). He is a powerful DE that plays the run well (important with Steven Jackson and Frank Gore in the division), is rarely on the ground, has a motor that never quits, and will help teammates around him make plays. Smith is a good enough athlete to stand up as 3-4 OLB at times. He turns 29 this season, slightly older than the ideal age for a free agent, but is still in his prime. Sopoaga has good size at 6'2" 325, even for a 3-4 DE (previously a NT). Far from a sack artist (averaging one a season in his three years), he should help against the run and eat blockers. Sopoaga could be shunted back inside, contingent on the development of rookie 1st round NT/DE Kentwan Balmer. Franklin was in BAL with Nolan, and is a human fireplug (6'1" 335).

Backup DL: McDonald might have been drafted higher than his 3rd round (2007) pedigree, but he slipped due to injuries to both knees at Florida. He has pretty good size for a 3-4 DE at a listed 6'3" 280. McDonald suited up in just nine games, failing to make an impact with just 3 tackles in his rookie season. He could contribute in a situational role as a nickle rusher. Rookie Balmer was the third best DT from the class of 2008. While there may have been a dropoff after consensus top two interior DL Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis, he is actually a better fit size-wise (a hulking 6'5" 295) for HC Mike Nolan's 3-4 scheme. Balmer has the athleticism and positional flexibility to give the defense scheme versatility. He can play inside in the 3-4 or 4-3, and outside in the 3-4, and his future may be as the successor to Bryant Young at DE. Balmer will be used in a rotation and could quickly push fellow converted DT Sopoaga for more playing time. Fields also has good size (6'2" 320) and can play inside or outside.

Linebackers

Starters: ILB Patrick Willis, ILB Jeff Ulbrich, OLB Manny Lawson, OLB Parys Haralson
Backups: ILB Dontarrious Thomas, OLB Tully Banta-Cain, ILB Takeo Spikes, OLB Roderick Green

Starting LBs: Defensive rookie of the Year Willis came with high expectations as the consensus top LB in the class of 2007, yet exceeded them with an NFL leading 174 tackles (135 solos), flashing playmaking ability with 4 sacks and 2 FFs. Tackles are not an official stat, but by any measure, Willis had one of the most dominant tackling performances in NFL history (with Hardy Nickerson and Ray Lewis). Incredibly, he put up these numbers for the ages with a mid-season hand fracture/cast. Coupling his incendiary talent with the tackle opportunities created by a league worst offense (13.7 PPG) led to a perfect storm for the 49ers sensation. A phenomenal athlete, Willis was All State in basketball as well as being Tennessee's Mr. Football. He clocked a surreal 4.3 at his Ole Miss pro day, which 6'2" 240 humans aren't supposed to do. The complete package, Willis has a constellation of exemplary intangibles. He looks like a serial Pro Bowler and may already be the best LB in the game. Ulbrich gets first crack lining up next to Willis. Prized 2006 1st rounder Lawson followed up an underwhelming 2.5 sack rookie season by tearing his ACL after just two games in 2007. The former college bookend to Mario Williams is another gifted athlete (competed on a high level with the N.C. State track team in the jumps and hurdles). Lawson's smarts should help in his transition from 4-3 DE to 3-4 OLB. Haralson is third in Tennessee history with 46.5 TFL (behind only the late Reggie White and Leonard Little).

Backup LBs: Ulbrich has to play lights out to hold onto a job, as he has two proven veterans ready to step into a starting role if the opportunity presents itself. Dontarrious Thomas has the versatility to have played inside and outside both in MIN and extending back to his Auburn days (where he starred with ARI ILB Karlos Dansby). He never quite lived up to his college promise and 2nd round pedigree with the Vikings, but to be fair, he was behind some talented LBs on the depth chart (MLB E.J. Henderson is a borderline Pro Bowler and WLB Chad Greenway was a mid-1st rounder). He is a physical specimen that didn't always play as fast as his tremendous athleticism suggested he should have, calling his instincts and football smarts into question. Takeo Spikes signed midway through camp and, while no longer a dominant playmaker, is smart and would add stability to the inside if need be. Former Patriot Banta-Cain was a free agent disappointment in 2007 (just 3.5 sacks).

Defensive Backs

Starters: SS Michael Lewis, FS Mark Roman, CB Nate Clements, CB Walt Harris
Backups: SS Keith Lewis, FS Dashon Goldson, CB Shawntae Spencer, CB/S Reggie Smith [R], CB Tarell Brown, CB Donald Strickland

Starting DBs: Ex-PHI SS Lewis led all DBs with 105 tackles in 2007 (adding 1.5 sacks, 2 INTs and 1 FF). His best season was in 2005, when he tied 1st among DBs with 93 solos (he also made the Pro Bowl in 2004). Lewis fell out of favor with the Eagles, losing his starting job the following season, reportedly over coverage deficiencies. He landed on his feet in SF, signing a contract with $10 mil. guaranteed. Lewis has outstanding size at 6'1" 225, the athleticism to stone ball carriers in run support and is still in his prime at 28. Roman is a journeyman with previous stints in CIN and GB before SF. His best attribute is probably his veteran experience (31), though he lacks playmaking ability (just 7 sacks, 5 INTs and 4 FFs combined in eight seasons). Former BUF CB Clements hit the jackpot in 2007, signing a reported 8-year, $80mm contract with $22mm guaranteed, making him the highest paid defender in league history (since eclipsed by Dwight Freeney). He too has excellent size at 6'0", 215 pounds and has been a rock in terms of durability (no missed starts in seven seasons). One of the more complete CBs in the NFL, Clements added instant credibility to the SF secondary. Sturdy in run support (92 tackles tied 3rd among CBs in 2007), he is also a playmaker (averaging nearly 4 INTs and 2+ FFs in his seven seasons, with 5 return TDs in that time). Harris is another journeyman who enjoyed a renaissance with the 49ers but is in the twilight of his career (34 in 2008).

Backup DBs: Keith Lewis did some great work at SS in 2006, but his role became marginalized with the acquisition of Michael Lewis. He is still an important reserve with proven ability to fill in at a high level if pressed into action as a starter for any length of time. Goldson was a 4th round rookie in 2007 who has good size for a FS at 6'2" 210, and has a reputation as a hard hitter. He could have the talent to eventually succeed Roman. Former 2nd rounder Spencer looked like an ascendant player in 2005 (80+ tackles, 4 INTs with a return TD and 19 PD), but was outplayed by the venerable Walt Harris and pushed to a nickle CB role the past two seasons. Smith is a prized rookie that at one time was thought to be a possible 1st rounder before pedestrian 40 times relegated him to the 3rd round. Some scouts were concerned he might be a tweener without a true pro position (lacking the speed to play CB and the physical nature to thrive at S), but the 49ers thought he was great value and intend to try him initially at CB. It is a distinct possibility that S could be Smith's most natural NFL position. Hudson has the size (6'2" 200) and athleticism to play S or CB.

Last modified: 2008-09-01 08:02:45