Upgrades

[RiderOnTheStorm]

So apart from the obvious upgrade at the QB spot, what other areas on the team have been upgraded over the offseason?

IMHO the FB spot has been upgraded with the signing of ex 49er Fred Beasley. Though he might be slightly past his best, he does represent an improvement over the previous incumbent.

Also the recruiting of Dom Capers as the new DC signifies a significant upgrade at the position. Though his HC record is nothing special, the guy knows how to run a defense.

 

[Heart of a Fin]

i think will allen will do good on our defence.i also think derek hagan will turn out to be a good recever..

 

[Dolfan1000]

I would say overall depth is a huge improvement, specifically at WR, OL and in the secondary.

 

[Riftur]

The whole team was upgraded with the signing of mularkey (dont know how to spell it) and capers. Everyone should benefit from that.

 

[rafael]

IMO there are upgrades at QB, WR (depth), the secondary, OL (depth at least, but maybe more when the starting five are solidified), TE (depth), LB (depth), DL (depth) and defensive coordinator.

There are downgrades at RB (depth) and possibly offensive coordinator.

edit: i forgot to mention the upgrade at FB. That was one of my favorite acquisitions.

 

[Kdawg954]

Yea I think we are fairly strong at LB as well . . . I thought Spragan is a fine fit for the OLB spot and we have been hearing nothing but good things about him. Add Pope, Hodge, Newman to the mix and I think we are pretty good at LB. The Secondary also is real deep, maybe not with great players, but we have good solid guys back there in case of injury. Both Lines are extremely improved, I mean we have a team now that can make a push to do some great things this year. If we have any sort of holes, I would guess possibly backup RB sticks out the most (I like Morris, but I would be worried if Ronnie goes down), also I think WR is a position maybe to look at, only for injury purposes tho, I mean if Chambers or Booker goes down, we need some of these youngsters to step up . . but I mean I'm reaching, but it just shows you how far this team as come in one year, amazing.

 

[Aussiefinfan54]

overall depth particularly at offensive line i think is the biggest upgrade

 

[C-HUCKS]

I think the defensive secondary is huge upgrade from last year.

 

[ih8brady]

OC, DC, and if Beasely can return to old form, our backfield will be terrific. Also #3 WR will be better with Campbell/Hagan(my $ is on Hagan). The depth in secondary will pay dividends as well.

 

[The Goat]

Thre have been numerous upgrades, but I think that the Beasley acquisition is probably the most overlooked. Fred Beasley is probably a little past his prime, but he won't turn 32 until after the season starts, and he's still one of the best lead blockers in the game. Plus, he probably has a little something to prove to the Niners, who let him go very unceremoniously. Garrison Hearst credited Beasley as one of the main reasons he had a 1,500 yard season a few years back; he used to just bury people at the line. Here's a great stat about him.

From late in the 2002 season:

The Niners rank fourth in the NFL in rushing, and with Beasley as the lead blocker this season, San Francisco’s backfield has carried the ball 137 times for 716 yards, an average of 5.2 yards a carry. When Beasley is not leading the way, the 49ers have run the ball 66 times for 232 yards, a 3.5 average.

With a full season of Houck, the addition of Shelton, and Beasley leading the way, this could be a FUN season for Ronnie Brown.