In their place come concerns about experience, consistency, durability, and depth , which are compounded by the fact that their starting QB is already on the shelf. The defense has the potential to be one of the better in the league, but the 49ers offense is likely to suffer its ups and downs over the course of the season. Head coach Dennis Erickson will have his hands full pulling together all the young talent on the offensive side of the ball, and if he doesn’t get star linebacker Julian Peterson into camp soon, he may have some big problems to deal with on the defensive side.
Quarterbacks
After suffering through an injury-riddled season, incumbent starter Jeff Garcia signed with the Cleveland Browns, leaving the 49ers with a very inexperienced set of signal callers. New starter Tim Rattay has the only three starts on the staff, and while he looked promising in relief of Garcia last year, he’s likely to have his ups and downs this year, especially with the sudden lack of proven weapons around him.
Last year’s seventh-round draft pick Ken Dorsey is slated to be the backup, with Brandon Doman and this year’s seventh-rounder Cody Pickett battling for the No. 3 spot. The knock on Dorsey, who was hugely successful as a Miami Hurricane, coming out of college was that he didn’t have a strong enough arm and he wasn’t big enough to survive in the NFL. Since graduating, he has beefed up a little, but his arm strength is adequate at best. Rattay has been sidelined during training camp with a groin injury, so Dorsey could possibly be the opening-day starter should Rattay’s injury linger.
Running Backs
Kevan Barlow will be counted on to carry the majority of the load at running back this season with Garrison Hearst leaving for Denver. He’s a quick back with good power, but he has never been asked to take the brunt of the carries and must become a more consistent blocker if he is going to be counted on in a full-time role. Depth in the backfield is very thin with Jamal Robertson, who has only carried the ball 32 times during his career, penciled in at the backup halfback slot. Fullback Fred Beasley will probably be asked take a little of the load off Barlow. He is a great blocker and solid pass receiver, and could be used in an H-back role as well this year.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Not only did the 49ers lose their starting quarterback and running back, they also lost their No. 1 receiver when, after a controversial situation, Terrell Owens was allowed to join the Philadelphia Eagles. Sure, Owens drops a few passes and he can be a major pain in the butt, but it will be tough for the Niners to find that same type of production elsewhere. San Francisco also lost No. 2 receiver Tai Streets, which means Brandon Lloyd, who performed well in the slot last year, will be asked to move to the outside and start opposite this years first-round draft pick Rashaun Woods.
Woods was probably the most polished receiver in the draft, but throwing him into a starting role as a rookie could be asking a little much. He isn't the most athletic guy, but he does have good technique, body control and ball skills. He runs good, precise routes, and gets out of his breaks quickly. He also has great hands, and can be physical when needed. Most importantly, the guy catches just about everything thrown in his vicinity. Cedrick Wilson will move into the slot and veteran Curtis Conway will see spot duty as the fourth receiver.
Tight end Eric Johnson is returning from a collarbone injury that cost him the 2003 season, and if he can stay healthy, he should significantly help the passing game by taking some pressure off the young wideouts. He is a good receiver with the speed to stretch the middle of the field. Aaron Walker’s blocking ability makes him a nice complement to Johnson.
Offensive Line
The 49ers offensive line struggled in 2003, and little was done during the off-season to improve on this unit or to add depth. Second-round draft pick Justin Smiley was really the only significant addition, and the 49ers are hoping he can take the starting job from right guard Kyle Kosier. At left guard, Erich Heitmann should be more effective than he was in ’03 when he was hobbled by an ankle injury, and Jeremy Newberry will return at center.
