The 49ers seemed to have a good offseason with new head coach Kyle Shanahan and new general manager John Lynch drafting well and signing some good veterans. For a team without a quarterback though the 49ers will once again be out of the playoff picture and probably won't even compete to make it. The upcoming season will be about getting the young guys time while learning Shanahan's new offensive scheme.
Arrivals/Departures:
Arrivals: Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin, Aldrick Robinson, Brian Hoyer, Matt Barkley, Kyle Juszczyk, Logan Paulsen, Malcolm Smith, Jeremy Zuttah, Tim Hightower, Robbie Gould, Garry Gilliam
Departures: Antoine Bethea, Marcus Martin, Michael Wilhoite, Tramaine Brock, Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert, Gerald Hodges, Phil Dawson
Offence:
The quarterback position will be a battle in training camp between former Bears quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley who both showed flashes when they started last year. The job will likely go to journeyman Brian Hoyer because he will do a better job at using the young guys more effectively. Carlos Hyde seems to have all the skill put he just can't put it together as he is yet to record an 1000 yard season and he does not really fit in Shanahan's new system so his time in the Bay Area may be limited. Tim Hightower will backup Hyde fitting into the scheme better with the highest paid fullback in Kyle Juszczyk also there to run and block.
Pierre Garcon was brought in to be the number one receiver coming off an 1000 yard season with the Redskins and he will be the biggest offensive threat this team has through the air. He will start alongside Jeremy Kerley and former Olympic sprinter Marquise Goodwin who will mainly work outside of the slot. Bruce Ellington and Aaron Burbridge will also be used at the wide receiver position. Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek will compete for time at tight end but neither of them are very good options at the position. Joe Staley remains the leader of the offensive line but the rest of the line needs work as it is full of aging lineman. Veterans Zane Beadles, Jeremy Zuttah and Garry Gilliam will start with former first round pick Joshua Garnett.
Defence:
The defensive line is stacked with future talent as the 49ers selected three with three first round picks over the last couple of drafts. Solomon Thomas will be the rookie this year and should contribute right away out of Stanford in the passing and rushing games. DeForest Buckner had an OK rookie season but not good enough to believe he can turn into a pro bowler as his career goes on. The defensive tackles will be former first rounder Arik Armstead and Earl Mitchell. NaVorro Bowman is still an elite linebacker even after only playing four games last season but retirement could be in the near future for the often injured star.
Ahmad Brooks and former Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith will start with Bowman while Elvis Dumervil will specialize in passing third down situations so he can get to the quarterback. Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold and Brock Coyle all provide good depth at the linebacker position. In the secondary the 49ers are betting on draft picks from the last two drafts at cornerback to make the secondary respectable. Rashard Robinson and Dontae Johnson are the projected starters but Ahkello Witherspoon or K'Waun Williams could start too. The safety spots will once again go to Eric Reid and Jimmie Ward who are both average safeties.
Special Teams:
Long time kicker Phil Dawson is now gone so the 49ers brought in former Bear and Giant Robbie Gould to be the kicker. Average punter Bradley Pinion will return to punt while Jeremy Kerley comes back in the return game to return punts and kickoffs.
Starters:
Offence
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Defence
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Jeremy Kerley
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Solomon Thomas
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Pierre Garcon
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Earl Mitchell
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Marquise Goodwin
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DeForest Buckner
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Joe Staley
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Arik Armstead
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Zane Beadles
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Ahmad Brooks
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Jeremy Zuttah
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NaVorro Bowman
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Josh Garnett
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Malcolm Smith
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Garry Gilliam
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Dontae Johnson
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Vance McDonald
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Eric Reid
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Brian Hoyer
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Jimmie Ward
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Carlos Hyde
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Rashard Robinson
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3. Solomon Thomas
31. Reuben Foster
66. Ahkello Witherspoon
104. CJ Beathard
121. Joe Williams
146. George Kittle
177. Trent Taylor
198. DJ Jones
202. Pita Taumoepenu
229. Adrian Colbert
Top 10 Players:
10. Zane Beadles
9. Malcolm Smith
8. DeForest Buckner
7. Solomon Thomas
6. Eric Reid
5. Ahmad Brooks
4. Pierre Garcon
3. Carlos Hyde
2. Joe Staley
1. NaVorro Bowman
Season Prediction: 4-12 (3rd in NFC West)
Last Year: 2-14
Photo credit for Pierre Garcon goes to https://www.thescore.com. Carlos Hyde goes to http://www.foxsports.com/. NaVorro Bowman goes to http://www.49ers.com/. Solomon Thomas goes to http://www.panthers.com/.
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