San Francisco 49ers Roster 2018 49ers Roster

49ers Looking to Build On Last Year's Run

The San Francisco 49ers have not enjoyed much success in the past few seasons; ever since ownership has changed hands, there has been a slow decline. Last year, the experimental pairing of coach Kyle Shannahan and general manager John Lynch began. With the tandem now one year in, the future looks bright for the 49ers.

The negative culture and philosophy that had manifested in the locker room had been difficult to shake. Shannahan and Lynch have initiated the process of purging the team of negative debris produced over time. The offense promises to look spectacular with the signing of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Tom Brady's former protege. Garoppolo demonstrated what he could do in a "loaner period" with the squad after being acquired via trade in October 2017. Essentially a short-term rental last year, as the starting QB he went on a thrilling 5-game winning streak to finish the season. He managed to develop a cosmic chemistry with nimble wideout Marquis Goodwin which proved to be problematic for opposing defenses. In addition to Goodwin, the Niners have a slew of receiving talent, from veteran flanker Pierre Garcon to tight end George Kittle. Draft pick Dante Pettis excites the coaching staff with his superb route running and excellent punt returning skills. With his lack of physicality, it's almost certain he'll start his career in the slot. The ground game underwent a major change in the offseason. Carlos Hyde, the power running workhorse, is now Clevland's starting halfback. Replacing him in the backfield is the big play threat, Jerick McKinnon. Formally of the Minnesota Vikings, McKinnon is a far cry from Hyde's power style; speed is most definitely his game. He adds the gift of receiving out of the backfield; his ability to do so is kind of reminiscent of Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. Highly respected offensive tackle Joe Staley once again directs the talented offensive line, looking to steamroll the competition. The offense promises to be exciting if nothing else.

With their combination of athleticism and experience, the defense seeks to imitate the success of years past. Safety Eric Reid and pass rusher Aaron Lynch have departed, for better or for worse. Human torpedo Reuben Foster leads the squad from his inside linebacker position, seeking to devour anyone foolish enough to come across the middle. Former Seahawk Malcolm Butler finally has a chance to prove his 5-year contract wasn't a mistake. Butler began and ended the 2017 campaign on the injured reserve with a torn pectoral. Richard Sherman legitimizes an up and coming secondary with experience at the highest level. Promising cornerback Ahkello Whitherspoon couldn't have asked the organization for a better gift than Sherman. Whitherspoon showed flashes of brilliance in coverage; Sherman's knowledge could be what Whitherspoon needs to reach the next level. The defensive backfield only managed to collect ten interceptions; that number must improve to increase the likelihood of more team victories. Safties Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt hope to provide the proper support to assist the corners in accomplishing that feat. Similarly, addressing the lack of quarterback pressure is paramount to this team's improvement. Solomon Thomas only managed three sacks in his highly anticipated debut last season, falling way below expectations. The extracurricular work in the offseason, combined with training camp is expected to bring significant progression for the 3rd overall pick. Contributions from Arik Armstead, Eli Harold, and DeForest Buckner will tilt numbers in a positive direction. They should be able to continue climbing the ranks, bypassing their previous ranking of 24th.