2006 San Francisco 49ers Preview

The San Francisco 49ers have nearly turned over their entire roster since head coach Mike Nolan took over last season, but whether that fact translates into more wins for the Niners in 2006 than it did last season, remains to be seen. One thing for sure, I certainly don’t envy Nolan and the task ahead of him. Here is my 2006 preview on the San Francisco 49ers.

Quarterback
All I can say about the San Francisco 49ers is that, they had better pray that No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Alex Smith, suddenly transforms into a quarterback that actually has a clue or the Niners will be looking at starting another quarterback search all over again in another year or two – which doesn’t bode well for a young team looking to build from the ground up.
Smith struggled immensely last season in his seven starts, but I have to give him the benefit of the doubt because much of the time, the young man was running for his life.

Smith should benefit immediately from the addition of new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who is one of the game’s best offensive coordinators. If Smith can’t succeed – or show improvement this season under Turner’s tutelage, the Niners could be in big trouble.

The 49ers wisely acquired veteran Trent Dilfer in a trade, but this is clearly Smith’s team – and he will be given every chance to succeed over the next couple of seasons.

I will say that if San Francisco fans are expecting Smith to turn into the next Joe Montana – it’s not going to happen.

Running Backs
Frank Gore had an impressive rookie season last year, but is coming off of two shoulder surgeries that required four months of rehabilitation. Gore can be downright explosive at times, but like many of the Niners young players, need to become more consistent. The Niners also have a young man that I believe is as elusive as any back in the league in youngster, Maurice Hicks, who averaged 5.2 yards last season on only 59 rushes. Another young player, fullback Chris Hetherington is now the starter and appears to have a promising future in the league. With no veteran running back, the Niners could be at a loss for leadership. However, if you’re going to go “young” I guess this is how you do it.

Wide Receiver/Tight End
I firmly believe that if recently retired, Hall of Fame bound wide receiver, Jerry Rice, were presently on this team, he would instantly become the Niners best receiver.

Arnaz Battle and Antonio Bryant are both undeniably talented. However, both players have their own respective issues that have kept them from becoming clear-cut No. 1 wide receivers.

San Fran’s best receiver could be first round draft pick, tight end Vernon Davis, who the Niners picked up after Davis wowed every player personnel guy in the league at the NFL combine.

The team’s other tight end, Eric Johnson, is a solid receiver who will also help Smith immensely – if he’s healthy.

Offensive Line
The 49ers offensive line is about as bad as it gets in professional football – and I’m not sure if they’ll be any better in ’06 than they were last season.

San Francisco signed aging veteran, free agent guard, Larry Allen and will also have left tackle Jonas Jennings, back in 2006 after missing 13 games with a shoulder injury.

Another young player, Eric Heitmann, will start at center along with Justin Smiley at right guard and Kwame Harris at right tackle.

All I know is that if this group doesn’t grow up in a hurry, it wouldn’t matter if the Niners had Montana under center, Roger Craig at running back and Rice split out wide.

Defensive Line
Nose tackle Bryant Young and ends, Anthony Adams and Marques Douglas combine to form a line that is solid but certainly not spectacular. Young is aging and Adams and Douglas are limited players. San Francisco had better get some stellar play from their linebackers because this group isn’t going to stop many people up front this year.

Linebackers
Speaking of linebackers, the Niners went out and grabbed the talented Manny Lawson with their second, first round draft pick this year. Brandon Moore, team co-MVP Derek Smith and Jeff Ulbrich, will combine with Lawson to give the Niners a linebacking group that has the potential to be very good. Hopefully, they won’t be asked to do too much because of their weak defensive line.

Defensive Backs
Speaking of weak, San Francisco’s secondary is downright dreadful. Cornerback Shawntae Spencer and strong safety Tony Parrish are two young players who appear as if they will have solid futures in the league, but beyond those two, San Francisco is holding their collective breath that. An underachieving Mike Adams will start at free safety and veteran Walt Harris at the other corner.

If the Niners can’t stop other teams from throwing at will, it’s going to be a long winter by the Bay.

Special Teams
The Niners special teams aren’t half bad. Kicker, Joe Nedney is very solid and punter Andy Lee is going to have a lengthy career in the league if he continues to punt like he did last season. Long-snapper Brian Jennings is a Pro Bowler, but the Niners desperately need one of their young players to step forward and grab either of the Niners’ return positions by the throat.
Coaching
I’m not sure if Nolan is the right man for this rebuilding project or not. Personally, I don’t think so. However, Nolan’s decision to bring Turner aboard was a move that should pay immediate dividends in 2006.

In Nolan’s defense, I will say that, being given anything short of three seasons, would be an injustice to Nolan.