{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
San Francisco remains a good team looking to make the next step up.
Key Additions: Champ Bailey from TOK, Darrell Green from BEI.
Key Departures: Perrish Cox {5}; Chris Hinton {5, to ROM}; Woody Peoples {6}.
Rookies To Watch: Tom Rathman.
QB
Drew Brees‘ {15} lock on the starting QB spot is quite firm. He’s backed up by the capable Bobby Hebert {1}, who was impressive in spot duty in Year II, and John Brodie.
RB / WR / TE
After some searching, the Sea Lions have found their starting RB in Frank Gore {11}. They go into Year II a little thin here, with only Devonta Freeman and Tuffy Leemans as actual RB backups along with highly-touted rookie FB, Tom Rathman.
Jerry Rice {13} is clearly the top receiver, but both Terrell Owens {6} and Marques Colston {7} are formidable as well, and the addition of Michael Crabtree {7}–here in a reserve role perhaps more suited to him–should help as well.
Jimmy Graham {4} and newcomer Vernon Davis will split most of the time at TE.
OL
Willie Roaf {4} and Joe Staley {2} are among the better pairs of Ts in the league, flanking Randy Cross and LeCharles Bentley {4}. All 4 of them have struggled with injuries, which is an ongoing concern. Ray Wietecha {8} returns at C.
DL
Charles Haley {13} and Justin Smith {7} will provide the edge in San Francisco’s 3-4, with Bryant Young {13} starting in the middle. Louie Kelcher {9} joins from AAA, allowing them to move in to a 4 man front when needed as well.
LB
A wealth of options at LB triggered the move to a 3-4, with Ken Norton, Jr. {9} and Rickey Jackson {3} on the outside and Sam Mills {2} and Jessie Tuggle anchoring the defense.
DB
San Francisco has struggled at CB, and they addressed that in the off-season, picking up Champ Bailey {4} and Darrell Green {6} to step into starting roles. That allows Ronnie Lott {7} to move back to his more natural position at S, where he’ll be joined by Eric Reid {5}.
ST
The kicking game remains unchanged, with Ray Wersching {1} and Thomas Morstead {1} returning. Joe Arenas {3} will handle the bulk of the returns, although Green will help out on punts as well.
