LBs will need to carry defenseScouts Inc.
Related Video:
Smith understands the pressure that comes with his new contract
As another NFL season approaches, Scouts Inc. breaks down every roster and offers position-by-position breakdowns.
San Francisco 49ers Training Camp
Site: 49ers Complex
Location: Santa Clara, Calif.
Start date: July 29 (rookies and vets)
2004 Record: 2-14
Expanded NFL Training Camp Coverage
Quarterbacks
Head coach Mike Nolan has yet to name his starter, as the first overall pick in this year's draft Alex Smith and last year's starter Tim Rattay are expected to compete for the job.
Smith's inexperience and the fact that he played in a wide open offense that simplified his reads, are reasons for concern, but he still has the edge in this competition for three reasons. The first is new offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy's West Coast scheme is far different than the offense San Francisco ran last year. As a result, both quarterbacks are learning a new scheme. The second is Rattay missed seven games with injuries last year.
Stability at the quarterback position is important and Rattay's injuries raise concerns about his ability to stay healthy over a 16-game season. The third is Smith has more natural ability than Rattay. He's taller than Rattay, so he can see the entire field from inside the pocket and is more of a threat to run when nothing is available downfield.
Ken Dorsey and Cody Pickett will compete for the No. 3 role. Dorsey did an admirable job of filling in for Ratty last year and is a leader on the field, but Pickett has a little more upside because of his superior size and arm strength, so don't count him out.
Running backs
The 49ers probably felt comfortable making Garrison Hearst a cap casualty last year because his backup Kevan Barlow actually led the team in rushing in 2003. Unfortunately, Barlow finished last year with a career low 3.4 average yards per carry, and the former coaching staff even demoted him for a game.
However, it's important to note that inconsistent offensive line play, and the lack of a passing attack to keep defenses honest, hindered him. The good news is Barlow has the size, burst and lateral mobility to bounce back with a strong season, if he's more decisive hitting the hole and gets more support.
If he can stay healthy, look for 2005 third-round pick Frank Gore to push Maurice Hicks for playing time and eventually become Barlow's backup. Two significant knee injuries obviously raise concerns about Gore's durability, and he has lost some of his explosiveness. However, he reads his blocks well, runs low to the ground and can bounce runs outside after starting inside.
While Hicks probably has better initial quickness than Gore, he's an undersized change-of-pace back who lacks breakaway speed and drops some passes he should catch. Terry Jackson is a versatile backup who should continue to provide depth at running back, as well as fullback, while making his biggest contributions on special teams.
Fullbacks
Fred Beasley is one of the best in the league. He is a powerful between-the-tackles runner who can pick up the tough yards in short-yardage situations and is a reliable possession receiver, but his biggest strength is his lead blocking. Beasley plays with a mean steak, explodes into his blocks and is relentless once in position.
San Francisco doesn't have a prototypical backup fullback, but Jackson and Steve Bush, who is more of an H-Back than a true fullback, provide adequate depth. Bush's biggest strength is his blocking and Jackson's biggest strength is his versatility. He is obviously an effective runner and catches the ball well. With that said, there would be a substantial drop off in talent should Beasley miss an extended period of time.
Wide Receivers
With Cedrick Wilson departing through free agency, the 49ers did well to sign Johnnie Morton, who played for receivers' coach Jerry Sullivan for five years while the two were in Detroit. Morton should have little problem getting comfortable with the scheme and should provide some much-needed veteran leadership.
MortonThe problem is he doesn't have the natural ability to consistently draw the coverage away from other receivers. That means his younger counterparts need to make significant strides for San Francisco to improve a pass offense that finished 19th in the league last year.
The receiver whose progress will be monitored the closest will be 2004 first-round pick Rashaun Woods. Woods doesn't have ideal speed and is coming off a disappointing season, but has the quickness, strength and hands to develop into a quality No. 2.
Ideally, he progresses to the point that he can push Brandon Lloyd for playing time. Although Lloyd is an adequate starter who flashes the ability to make the spectacular catch downfield, and is dangerous after the catch, lacks ideal size and physical corners will push him around at times. He's more effective working out of the slot consequently.
There isn't great depth here either, so it's important that Morton and Lloyd stay healthy. Keep an eye on 2005 fifth-round pick Rasheed Marshall. Marshall is a developmental prospect who played quarterback in college. He's obviously raw but has the quickness and athletic ability to develop into a playmaker. Keeping that in mind, San Francisco may finds ways to get the ball in his hands.
Tight End
After sustaining a season-ending collarbone injury during the 2003 season, Eric Johnson bounced back to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards last year. He is a reliable possession receiver who knows how to get open and rarely drops passes he should catch.
With so many questions remaining at receiver, look for him to play a big role in the passing game once again. However, Johnson isn't a dominant drive blocker and lacks great speed, so he isn't going to make many big plays.
Backup Aaron Walker doesn't have the lower body strength to drive defenders off the ball or the speed to consistently work the seam, but provides good depth. He does a good job of sustaining his blocks once in position and has good hands. 2005 seventh-round picks Billy Bajema and Patrick Estes will compete with Doug Zeigler for the No. 3 role.
While Bajema and Ziegler have the natural ability develop into productive situational receivers, Estes has the potential to develop into an effective blocker. Considering both Johnson and Walker are better receivers, they are blockers Estes could have the edge heading into training camp.
Offensive line
Kwame Harris tends to lose his balance when forced to redirect quickly, and needs to learn to use his hands to ride edge rushers past the pocket. He isn't a great fit at left tackle, where he has to protect the quarterback's blindside, as a result. However, Harris has the size, quick first step and tenacity to develop into an excellent starting right tackle. That's why signing free agent Jonas Jennings should improve this line significantly. Jennings has the size, footwork and long arms to start at left tackle, allowing Harris to move to the right side.
Justin Smiley and Eric Heitmann are projected to start at guard at this point. Smiley plays with a mean streak, locks onto the defender's frame and does a good job of sustaining his blocks. Heitmann rarely takes false steps and has the initial quickness to beat defenders to the point of attack. They are adequate starters but they aren't great drive blockers, and that could open the door for 2005 third-round pick Adam Snyder, who has excellent size.
Jeremy Newberry underwent two knee surgeries and was slowed by back problems, causing him to miss the final 15 games of the season last year. Although he's expected to make a full recovery and is a quality starter, there are no guarantees he'll be able to stay healthy. The good news is 2005 second-round pick Adam Baas should provide excellent depth behind Newberry. Baas has the natural ability and intangibles to quickly develop into an every-down center.
Related Video:
Smith understands the pressure that comes with his new contract
As another NFL season approaches, Scouts Inc. breaks down every roster and offers position-by-position breakdowns.
San Francisco 49ers Training Camp
Site: 49ers Complex
Location: Santa Clara, Calif.
Start date: July 29 (rookies and vets)
2004 Record: 2-14
Expanded NFL Training Camp Coverage
Quarterbacks
Head coach Mike Nolan has yet to name his starter, as the first overall pick in this year's draft Alex Smith and last year's starter Tim Rattay are expected to compete for the job.
Smith's inexperience and the fact that he played in a wide open offense that simplified his reads, are reasons for concern, but he still has the edge in this competition for three reasons. The first is new offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy's West Coast scheme is far different than the offense San Francisco ran last year. As a result, both quarterbacks are learning a new scheme. The second is Rattay missed seven games with injuries last year.
Stability at the quarterback position is important and Rattay's injuries raise concerns about his ability to stay healthy over a 16-game season. The third is Smith has more natural ability than Rattay. He's taller than Rattay, so he can see the entire field from inside the pocket and is more of a threat to run when nothing is available downfield.
Ken Dorsey and Cody Pickett will compete for the No. 3 role. Dorsey did an admirable job of filling in for Ratty last year and is a leader on the field, but Pickett has a little more upside because of his superior size and arm strength, so don't count him out.
Running backs
The 49ers probably felt comfortable making Garrison Hearst a cap casualty last year because his backup Kevan Barlow actually led the team in rushing in 2003. Unfortunately, Barlow finished last year with a career low 3.4 average yards per carry, and the former coaching staff even demoted him for a game.
However, it's important to note that inconsistent offensive line play, and the lack of a passing attack to keep defenses honest, hindered him. The good news is Barlow has the size, burst and lateral mobility to bounce back with a strong season, if he's more decisive hitting the hole and gets more support.
If he can stay healthy, look for 2005 third-round pick Frank Gore to push Maurice Hicks for playing time and eventually become Barlow's backup. Two significant knee injuries obviously raise concerns about Gore's durability, and he has lost some of his explosiveness. However, he reads his blocks well, runs low to the ground and can bounce runs outside after starting inside.
While Hicks probably has better initial quickness than Gore, he's an undersized change-of-pace back who lacks breakaway speed and drops some passes he should catch. Terry Jackson is a versatile backup who should continue to provide depth at running back, as well as fullback, while making his biggest contributions on special teams.
Fullbacks
Fred Beasley is one of the best in the league. He is a powerful between-the-tackles runner who can pick up the tough yards in short-yardage situations and is a reliable possession receiver, but his biggest strength is his lead blocking. Beasley plays with a mean steak, explodes into his blocks and is relentless once in position.
San Francisco doesn't have a prototypical backup fullback, but Jackson and Steve Bush, who is more of an H-Back than a true fullback, provide adequate depth. Bush's biggest strength is his blocking and Jackson's biggest strength is his versatility. He is obviously an effective runner and catches the ball well. With that said, there would be a substantial drop off in talent should Beasley miss an extended period of time.
Wide Receivers
With Cedrick Wilson departing through free agency, the 49ers did well to sign Johnnie Morton, who played for receivers' coach Jerry Sullivan for five years while the two were in Detroit. Morton should have little problem getting comfortable with the scheme and should provide some much-needed veteran leadership.
MortonThe problem is he doesn't have the natural ability to consistently draw the coverage away from other receivers. That means his younger counterparts need to make significant strides for San Francisco to improve a pass offense that finished 19th in the league last year.
The receiver whose progress will be monitored the closest will be 2004 first-round pick Rashaun Woods. Woods doesn't have ideal speed and is coming off a disappointing season, but has the quickness, strength and hands to develop into a quality No. 2.
Ideally, he progresses to the point that he can push Brandon Lloyd for playing time. Although Lloyd is an adequate starter who flashes the ability to make the spectacular catch downfield, and is dangerous after the catch, lacks ideal size and physical corners will push him around at times. He's more effective working out of the slot consequently.
There isn't great depth here either, so it's important that Morton and Lloyd stay healthy. Keep an eye on 2005 fifth-round pick Rasheed Marshall. Marshall is a developmental prospect who played quarterback in college. He's obviously raw but has the quickness and athletic ability to develop into a playmaker. Keeping that in mind, San Francisco may finds ways to get the ball in his hands.
Tight End
After sustaining a season-ending collarbone injury during the 2003 season, Eric Johnson bounced back to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards last year. He is a reliable possession receiver who knows how to get open and rarely drops passes he should catch.
With so many questions remaining at receiver, look for him to play a big role in the passing game once again. However, Johnson isn't a dominant drive blocker and lacks great speed, so he isn't going to make many big plays.
Backup Aaron Walker doesn't have the lower body strength to drive defenders off the ball or the speed to consistently work the seam, but provides good depth. He does a good job of sustaining his blocks once in position and has good hands. 2005 seventh-round picks Billy Bajema and Patrick Estes will compete with Doug Zeigler for the No. 3 role.
While Bajema and Ziegler have the natural ability develop into productive situational receivers, Estes has the potential to develop into an effective blocker. Considering both Johnson and Walker are better receivers, they are blockers Estes could have the edge heading into training camp.
Offensive line
Kwame Harris tends to lose his balance when forced to redirect quickly, and needs to learn to use his hands to ride edge rushers past the pocket. He isn't a great fit at left tackle, where he has to protect the quarterback's blindside, as a result. However, Harris has the size, quick first step and tenacity to develop into an excellent starting right tackle. That's why signing free agent Jonas Jennings should improve this line significantly. Jennings has the size, footwork and long arms to start at left tackle, allowing Harris to move to the right side.
Justin Smiley and Eric Heitmann are projected to start at guard at this point. Smiley plays with a mean streak, locks onto the defender's frame and does a good job of sustaining his blocks. Heitmann rarely takes false steps and has the initial quickness to beat defenders to the point of attack. They are adequate starters but they aren't great drive blockers, and that could open the door for 2005 third-round pick Adam Snyder, who has excellent size.
Jeremy Newberry underwent two knee surgeries and was slowed by back problems, causing him to miss the final 15 games of the season last year. Although he's expected to make a full recovery and is a quality starter, there are no guarantees he'll be able to stay healthy. The good news is 2005 second-round pick Adam Baas should provide excellent depth behind Newberry. Baas has the natural ability and intangibles to quickly develop into an every-down center.