49ers’ moves are definitely worth watching.
The 49ers had a lot of hype going into the 2018 NFL season. The organization finally found what they hope to be their franchise quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo and paid him handsomely to be just that. Jimmy G took over as the Niners QB late last season after they acquired him from the New England Patriots.
Will Jimmy smile in ’19? (photo, WEEI.com)
Garoppolo finished the year on fire, winning the teams remaining five games and giving 49ers faithful something to look forward to going into the 2019 season. However, tragedy struck the team in Week 3 as Jimmy G went down for the season, suffering the dreaded torn ACL injury.
The latest reports indicate that Garoppolo is ahead of schedule in the recovery process and should be ready to roll in Week 1. With that said, what does Jimmy G have around him? Where will the organization focus in the upcoming draft?
Let’s go down the list quickly.
The Niners look pretty good at running back with young Matt Breida leading the way, newly signed Tevin Coleman backing him up, along with Jerick McKinnon, who missed the entire 2018 season.
The wide receivers aren’t what you’d call an elite group. Luckily, tight end phenom George Kittle makes up for that deficiency. He has quickly become a top-five TE in the league, and he’s just getting started. Other than Kittle, Jimmy G will have to rely on mid-level WRs, like newcomer Jordan Matthews and Marquise Goodwin. Plus the 49ers like what they’ve seen out of sophomore Dante Pettis, who is likely to get an increased role in the offense
San Fran has a better than average offensive line with veteran Joe Staley leading the way.
The pocket is going to collapse occasionally, and Garoppolo will be more aware of fast, strong defenders looking to put him on the sideline for another season.
The defense could be the downfall of this team–in particular the secondary. The team made one viable acquisition signing in Jason Verrett to help out the defensive backs. Guys like Jimmie Ward plays his heart out every snap, but simply can’t keep up with the big boys in the NFL. The 49ers defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, will have to come up with some exciting schemes and gameplans, so the secondary doesn’t get exposed.
A great way to do that is by rushing the passer effectively. You don’t always need a sack. Sometimes a player needs to disrupt the play.
Nick Bosa (photo, NJ.com)
Which brings us to the upcoming NFL Draft. We know the 49ers aren’t interested in Kyler Murray, who may not be there anyway. Nick Bosa, brother of Chargers Joey Bosa, is expected to be a very high draft pick–as high as possibly #2 overall–and the Niners who have that 2nd pick thanks to another unwatchable 49ers season (winning just four games).
The masses are saying that Nick Bosa–or at least a dominant defensive end–will be the 49ers selection. I agree. The key to improving the secondary–other than more training or making a trade– is to get a Pro-Bowl type of defensive line that will pressure the opposing quarterback. A guy like Nick Bosa brings intensity and skill to match that could ignite a very talented front seven.
The addition of former Kansas City Chiefs DE/LB Dee Ford will bring athleticism, wisdom, and hunger to a young team that needs leadership. Other than Ford, other players to watch for are Deforest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Solomon Thomas. If the 49ers draft Nick Bosa and he’s as advertised, the 49ers could be among the league leaders in sacks–if they get the right coaching and have cohesiveness.
Whether it be Quinnen Williams, Josh Allen, or Nick Bosa, the 49ers will be getting a very high potential player. Hopefully, they make the right call, sitting in a spot where they can likely have any player they want outside of Kyler Murray. Defense still wins championships.
If GM John Lynch knows what’s good for him and the team, they’ll take as close to a sure thing as there is with the second overall selection.
I’m not sure the 49ers are a playoff contender yet. I see holes at defensive back and wide receiver positions. Coaching will have to counter those deficiencies. Right now, though, the 49ers arrow is pointing up. They have money to spend to become contenders.
