The Perfect Offseason: Position by Position

Now that this tragedy of a season is over, it’s time to look forward to some offseason soap opera. I have a feeling we’re going to experience some very good highs this year. Keep in mind that, while most of this is a very good possibility, it’s not neccessarily what is going to happen. More my idea of a perfect offseason and a player evaluation.

Offensive Coordinator- It bears mentioning, now that Hostler is gone. Of course my favorite pick of the current candidates would be Cam Cameron, given his experience in San Diego and a premier running back like Tomlinson. I think he could build an offense around Gore that would take Gore near the same level. My close second is Billick. Billick is a lousy head coaching candidate, but I think the strength of his personality would offset Nolan nicely as an OC. I like his experience and he would not pull any punches when it came to telling Nolan what the best move for the offense would be. My third choice is Dennis Green. He hasn’t been mentioned as a candidate, and he may not be. But there have been whispers, and I can’t say I would hate it. Fourth (and almost in the third bracket with Green) is Mike Martz. Granted, I have a hatred for Martz which is connected to his St. Louis days, but he’s not a terrible candidate. He is, however, a bit of a gamble for our already beaten up QB’s. It’s not likely that we would run all that often, which is how we’re currently built, and it’s not the best choice for RB Frank Gore. Not to mention we don’t have the receivers needed for a Martz offense, which is easily remedied. The only person that should be ixnayed from contention altogether is Chan Gailey, who is completely outclassed by the former.

O-line Coach- Admittedly I don’t know a lot about this specific field and who’s available. But with Warhop on the hot-seat, Hudson Houck is a great plug in name.

Quarterback- The next word you’re looking for is controversy. There is only one player this year that performed at all in the Qb position and it is Shaun Hill. I heard someone once say that he is a solid Qb, but he will not take us to a Super Bowl. I disagree. Shaun Hill has had plenty of time to secure the mental aspects of the game in his head sitting behind others for six years. And even now with limited experience, an underperforming offensive line, and a terrible set of wide receivers, he makes great decisions and has boosted this team’s offense to levels unseen since Garcia left. Nolan needs to be careful, Shaun Hill will want the start and will likely go elsewhere if he doesn’t get it here. Although I think Shaun Hill deserves to be the starter of this football team at some point next season, look for Alex Smith with his huge paycheck and injury excuses to win the position battle in training camp. Expect Trent Dilfer, Chris Weinke, and possibly Drew Olsen to be cut. Expect the Niners to draft a late round QB “diamond in the rough” as a pupil for the future and also as a safety guy in case the worst happens.

Wide Reciever- This is one area in which we need help. Serious help. Maybe even draft help. If it were up to me, the only receivers to remain on the roster from our current crop would be Arnaz Battle, although Jackson stepped things up when Shaun Hill stepped in (as did many players). Lelie is a waste of money and Hill is yet undetermined. The problem with my theory is the unavailability of a big play receiver in free agency. If I were Nolan, I’d seriously consider giving Antonio Bryant a call. (Even at that point, Bryant is not the big play receiver that we need, and is a great number two, at best.) Keep your eye on the Chad Johnson trade whispers in Cincinnati. While my colleagues all deny it as impossible, but I live here, and it is definitely being talked about.

Tight End- This is one position that needs no work whatsoever. Sixth pick Vernon Davis is blossoming nicely under Shaun Hill and second Tight End Delanie Walker is a great compliment. Davis must work on being smarter about learning when the play is over. If not, look for him to continue fumbling and eventually be injured.

Running Backs- We all know that Frank had a rough year, but he will be back along with his rushing title promises. Two things Frank needs to do is get a little faster and work on his catching ability. I believe Maurice Hicks will be retained, and although his kick returns have improved, I think he will be stripped of those duties. Hicks should be cut, but likely he will play backup to Gore. Michael Robinson will remain our third down back.

Offensive Line- I’ll lump this one together, because thats what crap does. This is a screaming need for upgrade on offense. Worse than the recivers, these guys allowed a franchise high sacks in 07. I’d retain Larry Allen, because I believe he can be productive again, and hes just so big and strong that he’d be hard to replace. The rest, save the center position, and Staley are disposable and/or backup guys. We need to hit free agency hard in this category.

Defensive Line- We lost a great tackle in Bryant Young. One we’re not ever going to see the likes of again in terms of work ethic and pride in his game. Nonetheless, a replacement must be found. Marques Douglas will have a career year next year. Another area to address in the draft. Look for Issac Sopoaga to have increased duties if he is retained.

Linebacker/ Defensive End- Patrick Willis is a godsend. By the time he is done, he will be the greatest player to ever play the game at his position. This franchise, at all costs, should allow him to retire as a 49er. Derek Smith needs to go. His age/salary/terrible play have all compounded to make him too cumbersome to keep as a viable option at even backup. I wish Nolan would give Moore a little more playing time, but he won’t. Manny Lawson could possibly lead the team in sacks next year, barring injury. Jeff Ulbrich is a solid plug in and should be retained at least for special teams duties. Roderick green should be kept, but I fear he will not be. Banta-Cain should be released or traded if any value can be drummed up. Scotty Mac claims that we will not hit Free Agency as hard as last year. Thats a lie. I took that to mean we won’t be paying any one player eighty million again. Expect the addition of Lance Briggs, or maybe Suggs if he is not tagged, potentially making this one of the most feared LB corps in all of football.

Cornerback- I would address this position in the draft as early as the best player is available. Walt Harris wont play forever, and we need a good compliment to Nate Clements, who earned his salary this year. Despite his fading into the backround, I still like Spencer in Nickel situations.

Strong Safety- I like both the Lewis’, but I’d start Keith over Michael any day.

Free Safety- I like Roman right where he’s at, but we’re unusually thin at safety.

Punter- Andy Lee should be a Niner until he decides that it is time to retire. Bar none the best player at that position in the NFL.

Kicker- Joe Nedney is solid, but not as solid as he used to be. I think it’s high time to bring in some competition for him to give him the kick he needs. Of course, the ever present name during the offseason and training camp is Kirk Yliniemi, but I think we’re going to need a little stiffer competition than that.

Kick Returner- Maurice Hicks should be stripped. I like Arnaz Battle, but Michael Robinson would be an intriguing option to try out.

Punt Returner- Nate Clements. Im scared of injury, but he is adept at it.