NFC WEST - SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

2006 PREVIEW

The Niners were one of the worst teams in the NFL last year, and they will be again this season. At least this club is heading in the right direction though.

The main reason for guarded optimism here is that the offensive line could potentially become a force to be reckoned with. Newcomer Larry Allen lines up at left guard and talented holdovers Jonas Jennings and Jeremy Newberry are both much healthier than they were last year. This should give quarterback Alex Smith a legitimate chance to display his varies abilities. Sure there are questions as to whether or not Frank Gore can be an every down running back, but the improved offensive line sure helps his cause. They also may have added a couple of receiving threats through the draft. First round pick Vernon Davis from Maryland is a lock to be the starting tight end from Day One, and two other draftees Brandon Williams (Wisconsin) and Michael Robinson (Penn State) may compete for a starting wide-out spot.

The San Francisco defense also added an immediate starter in the draft in linebacker Manny Dawson out of NC State, taken with their second pick of the first round. This unit also added some quality veteran free agents such as defensive backs Walter Harris and Chad Williams and linebacker T.J. Slaughter. Now there is only one direction for this defense to go after finishing 32 nd and last in the NFL last year, but at least it made some nice strides. The bottom line is that this team could surprise a few people if the offensive line improves as much as we expect and if the defense can make a few more stops than last year. However the 49ers will not win enough games to escape the cellar.

2006 Prediction: 4 th Place NFC West