2007 Outlook:

Perhaps no other team in the NFL improved as much this offseason as the San Francisco 49ers. Not only did they net big free agents, they also netted some great prospects in the draft. The Niners are now filled with a ton of young talent on both sides of the football. The football world now knows how great of a running back Frank Gore has become and they'll soon learn the true potential of the 49ers' other young studs, such as QB Alex Smith, TE Vernon Davis, and LB Manny Lawson. Behind this young nucleus, the San Francisco 49ers will be looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

2007 Draft Review:

With 7 picks in the first 4 rounds, the 49ers were able to load up on talent in this year's draft. The highlight of the draft class is definitely the two first round selections. ILB Patrick Willis from Mississippi will have the opportunity to team up with last year's first round pick, OLB Manny Lawson, to form a strong linebacking corp for years to come. The Niners grabbed their left tackle of the future at the end of round 1 with Joe Staley. WR Jason Hill is a speedster (4.34 40-yard dash) and DT Ray McDonald appears to be a great fit for San Francisco's 3-4 defense. Draft Grade: A

Key Acquisition:

After selecting Patrick Willis and Joe Staley on the first day of the draft, how could the second day be any better? The trade for former Seattle wide receiver Darrell Jackson on draft day 2 could possibly have done that. Jackson is a legitimate number 1 wide receiver and he'll bring a veteran presence and playoff experience to this young squad.

Key Departure:

If the 49ers wide receivers unit should somehow fail them this season, then the critics will quickly jump to the decision not to bring back WR Antonio Bryant. While he is not a franchise-type wideout, Bryant did lead the team in receiving yards and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns during '06.

Offensive Preview:

San Francisco is loaded on the offensive side of the ball. The young core of QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, and OT Joe Staley has the talent to develop into a unit that can make this team perennial playoff contenders. The additions of Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie will give Smith two talented receiving targets this year. The future is bright for the San Francisco 49ers behind this dynamic offense.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

This team will go as far as the defense allows them to go. In 2006, they were ranked 27th overall, 26th against the pass and 19th against the run. Luckily for Niners fans, help is on the way in 2007 through free agency. They signed the top available cornerback, Nate Clements, who will help bolster the secondary along with new arrival Michael Lewis. Linebacker Tully Banta-Cain will beef up the pass attack as well. There was also a strong focus on defense in the draft with ILB Patrick Willis, three defensive linemen, and two new additions to the secondary.

Season Prediction:

The pieces are all in place for a break through season for the San Francisco 49ers. They have a great blend of young talent and experienced veterans on both sides of the ball. Expect this offense to be one of the best in the league while the defense should definitely improve on its 2006 performance to become a solid unit ranked in the middle of the pack.

Projected Finish

10 Wins, 6 Losses (1st in the NFC West)