So how are we doing and what do we still need?
by R. Pursell

Quarterbacks: This is still a very young position. It’s no secret that things weren’t looking so hot for Alex Smith when he first took over the position. However, you can’t put the entire blame on his shoulders, as he was behind an injury depleted offensive line, no tight end, and receivers that were either inconsistent or injured. This is not to mention the suspect play calling of McCarthy. The good news is if you look at film of his last two starts compared to the others, you can see definite signs of improvement. He managed the game much better and looked more comfortable out there. I think if we provide him with more weapons as well as Norv Turner’s coaching he’ll thrive.


As for Ken Dorsey, I like him because of his dedication and work ethic but not as our primary backup. I think he’s perfect for the third spot and should compete with Jesse Palmer for it. Cody Pickett was thrust into the same injury ridden lineup that Smith was and looked like a high school quarterback. I understand he’s willing to give it his all but I’d much rather have a veteran to take over the second string spot and teach Smith the ins and outs. What better person to do that than Kerry Collins, if he came at the right price, who is used to Turner’s system from last season in Oakland. I also wouldn’t mind Doug Flutie, Jay Fielder or Shane Matthews. Do not draft a quarterback! We don’t need anymore youth.

Running Backs: This unit really came on at the end of last season and it had a lot to do with the O-line gelling together. Nolan should let Frank Gore and Kevan Barlow battle it out for the starting spot. Maurice Hicks is a great third back and has shown he can be an excellent change of pace. At fullback, I like Chris Hetherington and Terry Jackson but would like to add one via the draft to learn from them. Players that could fit the bill are Lawrence Vickers (Colorado) Matt Bernstein (Wisconsin) and Quadtrine Hill (Miami).

Receivers/Tight Ends: Our receivers struggled last year and our tight ends were absolutely nowhere to be found. However, maybe if the O-line gave Smith more time to throw, the receivers would have had more time to get open and make receptions. Nonetheless, Anaz Battle, despite injuries, gained some valuable experience and proved to be a complete receiver, especially where blocking downfield is concerned. He looks like a good fit for the second receiver spot. Getting rid of mouthy and inconsistent Brandon Llloyd for a third round pick this year, and a fourth rounder next, was a great move by Nolan. Then a few days later he went and signed Antonio Bryant, a 1000 yard receiver that could be entering his prime. That’s a nice little upgrade at the number one spot. There are constant rumors of the Niners interest in Javon Walker. If we were able to get him for a third rounder, that could be huge. Beyond Battle and Bryant, however, there aren’t too many with experience. Derrick Hamilton and Bryan Gilmore will probably battle it out for the third spot. If we can’t get Walker drafting someone here would be a good idea. Some prospects are Sinorice Moss (Miami), Maurice Stovall (Notre Dame), Demetrius Williams (Oregon) and Greg Jennings (Western Michigan).

At tight end, we were hurting last year…literally. As soon as Eric Johnson went down, we had nobody to pick up the slack. Johnson, when healthy, can be a great target as proved in 2004 when he had 82 receptions. We still need an upgrade here. I like Vernon Davis (Maryland). He is an animal and will without a doubt draw attention away from our other playmakers. He is versatile as well and can be used as an H-back in certain situations. If we go defense in the first round and miss out on Davis, other prospects I’d take a look at are Leonard Pope (Georgia), Joe Klopfenstein (Colorado), and Anthony Fasano (Notre Dame).

Offensive Line: Here’s another position that was affected by the injury bug. Once they started healing though, they started playing really well together. And that was without their leaders, Jeremy Newberry and Jonas Jennings. Youngsters Adam Snyder, Justin Smiley and David Bass looked great when thrust into action and by the end of the season, looked like they’ll remain starters for the future. This year, our line will include Jennings, Snyder, Bass, Smiley Eric Heitmann, Kwame Harris, newly signed Larry Allen and hopefully Newberry. That’s not a bad unit. The signing of Allen and the return of Jennings will definitely help give Smith time, especially if they both line up on the left side next to each other protecting Smith’s blind side. The team should consider a young center in the draft though because we really don’t know how much more we’ll be getting out of Newberry. Some prospects to look at are Chris Chester (Oklahoma), Ryan Cook (New Mexico) and Ryan Degory (Florida).