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.

Brandon Williams vs. Bryan Gilmore vs. Derrick Hamilton vs. Jason McAddley vs. Marcus Maxwell
Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle are clearly separated from the field at WR and will be the #1 and #2 wide receivers, respectively. After that? It’s a convoluted swamp of unknowns. Brandon Williams was drafted in the 3rd round and has the tools to contribute immediately. Bryan Gilmore has been with Jerry Sullivan in 2 previous stops and seems to have some favor within the coaching staff. Jason McAddley developed a bit of a rapport with Alex Smith last season and made a couple big plays. Derrick Hamilton, though seemingly in a bit of trouble with the basketball fiasco, was extremely impressive in last year’s preseason prior to his injury. And Marcus Maxwell is a physical specimen who should continue to make strides in his 2nd year. I have absolutely no idea what to make of this group (and I left out Rasheed Marshall and Otis Amey, both of whom I suspect will be cut), but someone has to emerge just based on simple odds: you have 5 chances to find 1 guy.

My prediction: Brandon Williams steps up and fills the role, and we thank the football gods every day we have two dynamic TEs.

Brandon Moore vs. Corey Smith vs. Parys Haralson
After the departure of Julian Peterson and Andre Carter via free agency, the 49ers linebacking corps got a lot younger in a hurry. 1st round pick Manny Lawson seems all but assured of starting at one OLB spot, and Derek Smith and Jeff Ulbrich are entrenched inside. Brandon Moore was one of the most impressive players on defense last season in my opinion, and has earned a chance to be a starter in my view; the problem is, his play last season came from inside while Ulbrich recovered from his broken arm. Corey Smith was a monster in last year’s preseason, but didn’t get a ton of playing time last season. Parys Haralson is undersized and may not be able to hold up against the run, but he is a great pass rusher and will see action in some capacity this season. Even more than the CB position, this spot is the biggest question mark on the defensive side of the football as I see it.

My prediction: Brandon Moore wins the job outright and has a solid season playing in a variety of spots, while Haralson and Smith both receive plenty of spot duty to rush the passer.

Cody Pickett vs. The Game of Football
I’m unbelievably intrigued to see what exactly lies ahead for Cody Pickett, which is why he gets the nod in this article ahead of the possible showdown at punter between Andy Lee, Tom Rouen, and Tom Malone. Is he a quarterback? A special teamer? A wide receiver? A safety? Does anyone have any idea what’s going on here? The coaching staff seems convinced of his ability to contribute in some capacity, but the chances of it being at QB obviously appear slim at this point. I honestly hope there is room for Pickett on the 53-man roster somewhere, because he seems so willing to do anything to make a contribution, but roster spots are at a premium and he may be left on the outside looking in.

My prediction: Pickett will make the final roster as a special teamer and appear in 2 or 3 trick plays offensively during the course of the season.

Other battles to look for:

Larry Allen vs. Isaac Sopoaga—the weight room contests between these two could be the stuff of legend

Mike Adams vs. Chad Williams—the only reason this did not get mentioned more in depth is because Mike Adams will dominate this competition: it’s his contract year.

Jeremy Newberry vs. Injury—as of right now, he is the backup to Eric Heitmann at C, but if he can stay healthy enough to practice full-time, that could change quickly

Delanie Walker vs. The F-Back Position—can he make a contribution this season? I believe in rare spots, yes. I don’t think he’ll see much playing time, but he will make a play or two and make us excited about the possibilities that lie down the line