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Kevan Barlow vs. Frank Gore
After two consecutive disappointing seasons, Kevan Barlow is clearly at the end of his rope. BUT, Mike Nolan has been nothing but complimentary regarding Barlow and his play last season. I too felt like Barlow ran hard last year and was particularly good in the open field but was hindered by the patchwork and inexperienced offensive line. However, Frank Gore didn’t seem to experience those problems running behind the same line, and there in lies the current dilemma. Gore was tremendously impressive as a rookie, displaying quickness, burst, power, and most importantly, health. Barlow has the advantage in the “other” aspects of the game, i.e. blitz pickup, passing game, etc., but another full offseason can only help Gore’s development in those areas. This competition could go down to the wire.

My prediction: Barlow wins the starting job and gets a slightly larger majority of the carries this season, while Gore plays a significant role as the complimentary back.

Walt Harris vs. Every CB on the roster not named Shawntae Spencer
Spencer appears firmly entrenched as the #1 CB on the roster; Walt Harris is currently penciled in as the #2 CB starting on the opposite side. But with a plethora of legitimate options available, will Harris be able to hold onto the job? Mike Rumph, while rumored to be on the cutting block, showed flashes in his second year at CB, but that was sadly wiped out by 2 years of injuries. Bruce Thornton was brought in during the middle of last season and started out with a bang before struggling a bit down the stretch. Derrick Johnson impressed when given the opportunity and seemed to make plays every time he was out there. And Sammy Davis was acquired from the San Diego Chargers in the Rashaun Woods trade; Davis has been a starter and has valuable experience, despite being a disappointment with the Chargers. Harris is a consistent performer, but he is getting older and has definitely lost a step. He won’t make many critical mistakes, but I don’t see him making many big plays either.

My prediction: Harris will maintain the #2 job through the preseason and the beginning of the season, but Derrick Johnson will continue to shine and eventually take over that spot.

With Training Camp just days away, we thought we’d get everyone fired up for this season. We present you the 2005 highlights. Yes there were some highlights.

Ashley Lelie is still wanting a trade, and the Niners are still one of the teams on the list. Yesterday John Clayton reported that the Broncos are still trying to find a suitor for their disgruntled wide receiver. Reports are Shanahan would like to get a running back in exchange for Lelie. The Broncos would like a running back, a tight end, or a 1st or 2nd round draft pick. There were rumors yesterday that Chris Brown of the Titans wanted to be traded and that Denver was a possibility, but the Titans declined Brown’s trade request.

We already know the Niners will not give up a 1st or 2nd rounder, and that Eric Johnson will not be traded. So that leaves only the possibility of Kevan Barlow as tradebait, and I don’t see the Niners going into the season with Gore, Hicks and Robinson. But on the other hand Antonio Bryant is the only receiver on the roster that has had a productive season, and with Battle as the No. 2 you have to take into consideration the problems he has had with his knee. So until Lelie arrives in Bronco camp or he is traded, we’ll continue to hear the Lelie to San Francisco talk.