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2005 Team Report: San Francisco 49ers
Quarterbacks
Starter: Tim Rattay
Starting QB: Tim Rattay has been named the starter to open the season. When on the field Rattay showed himself to be perfectly capable of performing well at times, but uneven on a game to game basis. Regardless of how well Rattay performs, we see it as highly unlikely that he'll remain the starter through the end of the year. For one thing, he's injury-prone himself. Second, the team will likely struggle mightily all year long. They may as well get rookie Alex Smith some reps to get him some much-needed experience to aid his development.
Backup QB: The new coaching staff appears intent on throwing rookie (and 1st overall pick) QB Alex Smith into the fire at some point, but Tim Rattay was named the starter for at least week one. Smith is a highly intelligent, gifted footballer who has an accurate arm. He is a good learner and listener and is mobile enough to avoid the pass rush. Smith will obviously struggle initially, as he not only needs seasoning, but the 49ers personnel simply doesn't match up against many of their scheduled opponents. Ideally Smith will process the lessons learned quickly, while not taking too much of a beating such that it significantly impairs his long-term potential. Ken Dorsey would currently be the favorite to round out the 49ers roster of quarterbacks given his performances in the final weeks of the 2004 season. Only one of his games would have satisfied anyone brave enough to start him, but there is potential for further development. Dorsey should not be drafted at this stage, but with Rattay's injury history and the decision regarding Alex Smith still to be made it remains possible that Ken Dorsey could see the field in 2005. If he fails to impress the coaching staff he could be cut. Cody Pickett will make the roster, but not as a quarterback. HC Mike Nolan didn't want to have to cut any of his 4 quarterbacks, so he is experimenting with Pickett on special teams coverage. As a QB, he has a nice arm with good footwork but makes poor decisions and doesn't concentrate properly.
Running Backs
Starter: Kevan Barlow
Starting RB: Entering the 2004 season hopes were high for Kevan Barlow to become an elite fantasy back. He even teased those who drafted him with a brilliant showing in week 2. Of course then came the disappointment. A new year brings a new coach, a new quarterback, and renewed optimism. It would be difficult for Barlow to live up to the hype generated prior to 2004, but this year offers the potential for exceeding his likely draft slot. All the reports so far suggest a far more positive season for Barlow and he has the potential to turn it around. The drafting of a capable QB will ease the pressure on Barlow, and it would be reasonable to expect a return to the form he showed in 2003. He also has the added motivation of a talented rookie behind him in Gore. Perhaps it's simply motivation, but HC Mike Nolan has hinted at a possible RBBC in San Fran this year. Backup RBs: This position will be almost certainly be given to Frank Gore. He has returned from torn knee ligaments in both of his legs and almost made 1000 yards last year before turning professional. He was heavily recruited coming out of high school and would have been drafted much higher had it not been for those 2 knee injuries. He gives the 49ers a credible alternative and if given the opportunity to start would be a capable runner. Maurice Hicks displayed last season that he was worthy of a roster spot (especially with his 34-139-1 game against Arizona). It remains to be seen whether he can keep his spot with a new coaching staff in place. Terry Jackson has recently signed a 2 year extension and should contribute in relief.
Fullback: Fred Beasley brings experience and leadership to a largely young 49ers roster. He has had little fantasy impact since the 1999 and 2000 seasons and last year he barely registered on the radar with only 9 carries and 10 receptions.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Brandon Lloyd, Arnaz Battle
Starting WRs: Brandon Lloyd needs to finally live up to his potential this season. He has made a few circus catches but failed to reel in other, more catchable balls. His haul of 6 touchdowns was impressive considering he only caught 43 balls in total, but he needs to develop consistency if he is to turn into the threat some have predicted. With the departure of Curtis Conway and Cedrick Wilson the onus will fall onto Lloyd and fellow 3rd year receiver Arnaz Battle. Arnaz Battle has clearly impressed the coaching staff enough to move him ahead of last year's 1st round choice, Rashaun Woods. Battle's form last year offered little insight into how he would perform if given a starting job, as he was restricted to only 8 receptions. Backup WRs: After being released by Kansas City, Johnnie Morton landed in San Franciso in mid-June. Given Morton's solid career, it's not unreasonable to think he could wrestle a starting spot away if either Lloyd or Battle fail to progress this year, but for now HC Mike Nolan has gone out of his way to paint Morton's signing as that of a veteran mentor. Time will tell. Last year’s No.1 pick, Rashaun Woods, must earn playing time under the new coaching regime; it's no guarantee. Woods was extremely disappointing in his rookie season. He suffered from nagging injuries, but that offers no plausible excuse for his lack of production. The one ray of light in his debut season was the final game against the Patriots where he caught 3 balls for 76 yards. Still, in 2005 training camp, Woods has been hit with the injury bug once again and hasn't seen much-needed playing time. It remains to be seen what his role will be, but he currently sits at just 4th on the depth chart. Rookies Rasheed Marshall survived a fierce training camp battle to make the final roster. P.J. Fleck was placed on injured reserve, and despite looking good early on, he'll miss the entire season.
Tight Ends
Starters: Eric Johnson
Eric Johnson made a stunning comeback from injury by leading the 49ers in yards and receptions. After missing the entire 2003 season, he moved into the upper echelon of fantasy tight ends. Particularly pleasing to Johnson owners were the 2 huge games posted back to back in weeks 4 and 5, where he posted at least 100 yards receiving and 10 receptions in each game. He also notched at least one reception in every game. Johnson offers whoever will be passing the ball a security blanket. Johnson is the most reliable weapon the 49ers possess at this stage. His draft slot however will be much higher than last year and if you are looking for value then this may not be your guy. News that he is suffering knee strains also casts a shadow on his durability, as he may not be ready to open the season. Aaron Walker leads the charge to be the No.2, but in two full seasons he has averaged about 1 catch every 2 games. Billy Bajema benefitted by fellow rookie Pat Estes' move to tackle. Place Kicker Joe Nedney : Former Titan Nedney is the primary candidate. He had solid years in 2000 with Carolina (89.5% FGs, 124 points) and in 2001 (71.4%, 94) and 2002 (80.6%, 111) with Tennessee. His weakness is bad luck after having suffered year-ending injuries in the final week of preseason in both 2003 &, 2004. Kirk Yliniemi was in the 49ers camps last year as an undrafted rookie from Oregon and showed some promise. He was a longshot again this year, and was released after the third preseason game. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Maurice Hicks, Derrick Johnson, Rasheed Marshall, Fred Amey, Arnaz Battle RB Maurice Hicks led the team in KRs last year (31 returns, 20.1 avg). Rookie CB Derrick Johnson had a big year returning kicks as a freshman at Washington. WR Arnaz Battle mostly returned punts last year but also contributed on KRs (13 returns, 19.8 avg). Last season, San Francisco's defensive generosity allowed the team to lead the NFL in the number of kick returns (84). WR Derrick Hamilton was not involved as a rookie last year but had strong credentials coming out of college. He'll now miss his chance to compete this year, after tearing a knee ligement. Punt Returners: Rasheed Marshall [r], Arnaz Battle, Fred Amey Battle was the primary PR last year (31 returns, 8.6 avg, 1 TD). He looked overly cautious at times and had 20 fair catches. Last year's backup, WR Cedrick Wilson, is now in Pittsburgh so the team will have to find someone to fill that role. One possibility is fifth round draft choice QB/WR Rasheed Marshall from West Virginia. The 49ers like his athleticism and hands. Rookie WR Fred Amey has also been handling punts during preseason. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Kwame Harris, RG Eric Heitmann, C Jeremy Newberry [inj], LG Justin Smiley, LT Jonas Jennings
The 49ers should have a solid offensive line this season, and there is a possibility of greatness down the road. Center Jeremy Newberry is the leader of this unit, and with young players such as Jonas Jennings, Kwame Harris, Justin Smiley, Eric Heitmann, Adam Snyder and David Baas getting better with experience, the pieces are in place for the 49ers offensive line to develop into a great unit for a long time to come. Newberry had knee surgery on June 1st, and has a 50-50 chance of playing this year. In his place, Eric Heitmann will shift to center, and rookie Adam Snyder will start at RG (Synder played tackle primarily in college). Expect Harris, Jennings and Smiley to get better as the season goes on and they get used to working with one another. New tackle Jonas Jennings comes over from the Bills and brings both experience and talent to the field. He'll be a great addition, and allows the team to shift Harris to the right side. Harris has All-World potential with his tremendous athletic ability, power, and size. If he can make improvements to his technique, he'll be outstanding. Team Defense Heading into '05 49ers defense is a mystery of Scooby Doo proportions. The unit was nothing short of dismal in '04 (finishing in the bottom third in nearly every category including dead last in points allowed). Change can always be expected when a unit performs so poorly, and there is plenty of that going around. Along with a new coaching staff, the Niners have jumped on the bandwagon with several other clubs who will use the 3-4 as their base defense this season. On paper they have talented personnel who would seem for the most part to be a good fit for the new scheme, however there are a lot of questions yet to be answered on the injury front with key players. The club hasn't been very active in free agency, and they lack depth at several positions with some guys on the roster that don't fit the new scheme. Star linebacker Julian Peterson is recovering from an Achilles injury and may not be cleared to play by the time camp opens, while ace corner Ahmed Plummer has spent the past 5 months rehabbing a neck injury that could be career threatening. Jamie Winborn (who is slated to start at OLB) has missed 24 games with injury over his 4 years and has never played a full season in the NFL. Free agency thus far has produced only Marques Douglas who is currently scheduled to be a backup at DE. If everyone gets healthy this group could surprise some people and be a middle of the pack defense. They have a long way to go, a lot to learn, and much to prove to say the least. Strangely enough with all the holes to fill defensively, the Niners used just 3 of their 11 draft picks on defense (and none before the 5th round). Defensive Line
Starters: DE Marques Douglas, DE Bryant Young, NT Anthony Adams
Starting DL: The DL is one area that is going to require some personnel adjustments before this club can become very successful in a 3-4 scheme. While they don't show up big in the box scores, the 3-4 scheme simply implodes if the front three can't get the job done and done well. Marques Douglas comes over from Baltimore where he was very effective as a starter in their discontinued 3-4 alignment for the past two seasons. Bryant Young is big enough at 290 to play 3-4 end, but the 33-year old has never been the same after suffering a nasty broken leg a few years back. That said Young should do a more than adequate job for the short term. In Anthony Adams, the Niners may have one long term piece of the puzzle in place. He could prove a good fit at nose tackle though even at 300 pounds he could use to bulk up a little for the long haul. On the other hand he might be a better fit at end if second year man Isaac Sopoaga steps in at NT. Backup DL: Isaac Sopoaga is a second year man who has the size and tools to make a good nose tackle in this scheme. He is light on experience but provides solid depth at the position. Travis Hall was cast off by Atlanta, but certainly is equipped to be a part of a better-than-average DL rotation.
Linebackers
Starters: OLB Julian Peterson, OLB Jamie Winborn, ILB Derek Smith, ILB Jeff Ulbrich
Starting LBs: There is sufficient talent among the four starters to make this the strength of a rebuilding defense. Unfortunately there are injury concerns already. Peterson (Achilles) is a Pro Bowl talent who should be a perfect fit at OLB in a 3-4, but he is still months away from being cleared to play and may not be 100% even when the season opens. Winborn has shown flashes of greatness over his 4 year career, but he has missed 24 games and has never played a full schedule. If healthy his skills should also fit the mold of a very good 3-4 OLB. Neither Derek Smith nor Jeff Ulbrich is a Pro-Bowl caliber player, but both are very solid contributors who should perform well on the inside. Smith is their most dependable LB both from performance and health perspectives. He's missed just two starts over the past 3 seasons and has led the club in tackles for 4 straight years. Ulbrich has had his share of struggles to stay healthy as well. While he's been inactive for just 5 games over his 4 years, he has missed several other starts and/or played injured often. Backup LBs: In Andre Carter and Saleem Rasheed the Niners potentially have a pair of quality backups. Unfortunately when it comes to Carter the injury story continues. He played in just 7 games last year because of a back injury, and there are concerns that he may still not be healthy enough by the time training camp opens. The club wants to convert him to rush specialist, but after playing his entire career at DE in a 4-3, it's hard to say how well he will fit into those plans if he ever does get healthy. In short the Niners might have good depth and then again they might not. One thing they don't have are players who were picked up with a 3-4 in mind.
Defensive Backs
Starters: FS Mike Rumph, LCB Ahmed Plummer, CB Shawntae Spencer, SS Tony Parrish
Starting DBs: There is some talent in the Niners secondary, but like the other positions there are plenty of questions to be answered and some potentially large holes to fill. Both Rumph and Plummer spent much of last season on IR. Plummer appears ready to start the season; a welcome development for a team in need of proven playmakers. Rumph, who simply can't handle himself in single coverage, has been moved to free safety where his skill set seems better suited. In Parrish the Niners have one of the leagues better strong safeties. He's an intimidating hitter as well as a play maker with 20 interceptions over the past 3 seasons. At safety, third year pro Dwaine Carpenter is a career backup type and special teams contributor (who was forced into the lineup at corner for 6 games last year due to all the injuries but has no starting experience at safety). With Rumph moving to safety, Shawntae Spencer begins the season as the starter opposite Ahmed Plummer. Backup DBs: The Niners are paper thin in the defensive backfield. The team acquired Willie Middlebrooks from Denver in a July trade, but he failed to make the final 53-man roster. The 49ers only have a collection of second and third year former undrafted free agents and a pair of rookie late round picks to fill in behind the starters. Keith Lewis showed some potential in limited action as a rookie last season but wouldn't make many contending teams' rosters.
Last modified: 2005-09-04 15:10:22
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