The NFL's Future Powerhouses (pt 2)

The San Francisco 49ers

Another team which will be more than competitive in the near future is the San Francisco 49ers. While surprising to few that I added the 9ers to this article, I will not only explain why the 49ers are on the path to success, but also why they will stay there. Their record last season (8-8) was no mistake, their schedule was difficult, they played well, and they found an identity towards the end of the season. Two seasons ago the struggling 49ers were the laughing stock of the NFC West (believe it or not the Rams were respectable!). They lacked offense (more specifically a QB), defense, and their coach (now Denver Bronco’s defensive coordinator Mike Nolan) seemed more interested in battling to wear suits on the sidelines of games than fixing the whimpering 9ers. This all began to change when Nolan was relieved of his duties and defensive assistant Mike Singletary was elevated to the head coaching position.

Singletary’s reign began on a sour note as San Fran was thrashed by the Leonard Weaver led Seahawks (34-14) during his debut, however his passionate actions of sending, then “bust” Vernon Davis to the showers early, as well as exposing his posterior to the team during half time (in order to show them “what was being kicked”) seemed to rejuvenate the once proud franchise. The 9ers began playing with a passion and newfound fire on defense under Mike’s no nonsense style finishing the season 5-4 under Singletary after a 2-5 start. This success carried over to toe 09-10 season as the 9ers started out hot (3-1) only to struggle with offensive identity and injuries to key players (Joe Staley, Nate Clements, and Frank Gore, etc.) and finish an improved but mediocre 8-8. This places Singletary’s record at a successful 13-12 in SF (successful compared to his predecessors) allowing me to consider his coaching future bright (for both wins and classic audio/video clips). While coaching can’t be counted on as what has the 49ers on this list, it is an integral piece.

The 49ers history of poor play can be traced back many years to the departures of WR Terrell Owens, RB Garrison Hearst, and QB Jeff Garcia (essentially removing the integral pieces of what was an already scotch taped together franchise). This decline took the Niners from their annual 9-7 record towards a bevy of top 10 draft picks. The Niners drafted many players chalk full of talent and potential, and it is that potential which is now beginning to be realized and turning this franchise around. Defensively San Francisco is built for upside and long term success. They are lead by all-world MLB and Ole Miss Alumni Pattrick Willis who in 3 short seasons has become the NFL’s standard for linebackers. He is flanked by athletic freak Manny Lawson (Mario William’s bookend at NC State, 6’5” 275lbs and runs a 4.45), and the surprisingly effective Parys Haralson (15.5 sacks in 4 seasons) and is complimented by former Bengals and Bills stalwart Takeo Spikes. Also, don’t’ sleep on Ahmad Brooks at OLB either, this former Virginia Cavalier was heralded as a first round pick until a slew of injuries derailed his senior season and he fell in the draft; he flashed his potential this past season spelling Haralson and Lawson racking up 21 tackles, 6 sacks, and a whopping 5 forced fumbles.

This imposing linebacking core is made even better by the MASSIVE (yet athletic) defensive line trio of DE Justin Smith (285 lbs), Nose Tackle Aubrayo Franklin (317 lbs), and DE Isaac Sopoaga (330 lbs). All three are under the age of 30 and all three are improving with every game, especially Franklin, who is being considered by many scouts around the league as a potentially top tier NT in the NFL (now of only potential 1st round bust Kentwan Balmer (DE) could get on track this team’s line would be absolutely loaded with young talent!). The Niners are also chalk full of secondary talent as Shawntee Spencer continues to impress alongside (over paid but) talented Nate Clements while Longhorn Tarrell Brown continues to develop (40 tkl 2 INT, actually sent Clements to the bench this last season because of his strong play during practice and in nickel packages). Lastly, the 49ers also have a potentially top notch playmaker at free safety in Dashon Goldson. At 26 Goldson finally passed the oft burned Mark Roman for the top spot on the depth chart and all he did was register 94 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions (I realize most were in 1 game but what a showing of talent that was!). All of these pieces work together to form a solid defensive squad that stops the run, pressures the QB, and (through solid drafting and development) will soon be able to shut down the pass as well.

While the 49ers have shown some serious upside on the defensive side of the ball, they have equally impressive prospects on offense as well. Their offensive line is strong across the board and has shown flashes of dominance in the run game. While Frank Gore has already shown that he is a top level RB in the NFL, he is helped out by players like Joe Staley at LT, who is already establishing himself as a top tier blindside protector at only 26 years old. Staley is further supported by the 49ers depth in veterans Adam Snyder (G), David Baas (G), and 2nd year USC Alum Chilo Rachal (G) who has shown serious promise (and inconsistency) during his starts at RG. This, along with the presence of grey-beards Eric Heitmann, and Barry Sims (who filled in admirably for an injured Staley this past season) allows the Niners to keep their path even when injuries to the OL strike.

While the 9ers have upside in many facets of their team, the 49ers are built for serious success at their skill positions. Their Firstly, 2nd year wide out Josh Morgan and rookie sensation Michael Crabtree have the 49ers set at the WR position for years to come. On top of that, young reserves Brandon Jones and Jason Hill are no slouches either. Furthermore, former mega bust Vernon Davis (TE), emerged this year in a big way under Singletary’s tutelage. While Vernon has always been a physical marvel (6’3.5 255 lbs, 4.38 in the 40 yd dash/42” vertical leap) his attitude and work ethic had made him little more than a circus freak. However, Singletary’s hard-nosed approach to teaching, and a rejuvenated interest for football (along with the responsibility of being named captain of the team) led to Vernon’s emergence as one of the top TE’s in the NFL this past season (78 rec, 965 yds, league leading 13tds for TEs). 

While all of these pieces make for a very talented offense, it was the resurfacing and rediscovery of former number 1 overall draft choice Alex Smith (QB) which has carried this team from future potential to NFC West favorites in the upcoming seasons. Smith’s unique combination of arm strength and mobility allowed the 49ers to jump start their 2009 season after their Shaun Hill lead offense stalled mid way through the season. Written off as a lost cause, Smith restarted his career throwing for an incredible 2350yds and 18tds with during only 10 starts. The potential of this team is incredible, and as long as their young talent continues to buy in to Mike Singletary’s hard-nosed program there is no telling the ceiling of their future.


Gore/Smith Photo Credit- Kyle Terada, US Presswire
Willis/Staley Photo Credit- By Paul Sakuma, AP