2012 Team Outlook: San Francisco
QB Josh Johnson, CIN - Not Draft Worthy
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Johnson spent a disappointing three years in Tampa, but there's hope for him in San Francisco. He re-unites with his college coach, which should make for a smooth transition and could give him a leg up on last year's second-rounder Colin Kaepernick. The two highly athletic young QBs will fight it out for the second chair this season, but each seems destined to do more than carry a clipboard in the long run.
Update (8/9): Kaepernick, not Johnson, was the first QB off the bench in the 49ers' preseason opener.
UPDATE (8-19): Earlier in the week 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Kaepernick has "emerged" as the No. 2 quarterback, according to CSNBayarea.com. That bore out in Saturday's preseason game as the second-year player took over for starter Alex Smith. Though Kaepernick's 4 of 8 for 19 yards outing was hardly stellar, look for him to remain ahead of Johnson the 49ers depth chart.
QB Alex Smith, --- - Quality Backup
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When San Francisco's courtship of Peyton Manning didn't pan out, they turned around and negotiated a three-year agreement with Alex Smith. As long as Smith can swallow his pride, he's in excellent position to build on the momentum of his impressive 2011 run. New and better receivers (plus a year's worth of experience in Harbaugh's system) should equate to strong numbers for a QB who is no longer just a fantasy punchline.
QB Colin Kaepernick, --- - Dynasty Only
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When the 49ers drafted the power-armed Kaepernick in the second-round of the 2011 draft, imagining the ex-Nevada star opening as the 2012 starter was no stretch, not the way Alex Smith had been playing. Then Smith messed up those fanciful plans but turning in a credible season while directing San Francisco to a division title and an NFC Championship game appearance. That means for now the 6-foot-4 Kaepernick is a clipboard carrier battling Josh Johnson for the No. 2 slot. He remains an interesting dynasty option for those with patience and a potential waiver wire pickup should Smith suffer an injury.
UPDATE (8-19): Earlier in the week 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Kaepernick has "emerged" as the No. 2 quarterback, according to CSNBayarea.com. That bore out in Saturday's preseason game as the second-year player took over for starter Alex Smith. Though Kaepernick's 4 of 8 for 19 yards outing was hardly stellar, look for him to remain ahead of Josh Johnson the 49ers depth chart.
RB Frank Gore, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Last year, for only the second time in his NFL career, Frank Gore appeared in all 16 regular season games. While his receiving totals took a major hit in Harbaugh's offense, his rushing numbers were as strong as ever. Brandon Jacobs and LaMichael James will almost certainly cut into Gore's playing time, but he remains a top-20 running back.
RB Anthony Dixon, --- - Not Draft Worthy
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Buried on the tailback depth chart, Dixon has been moved to fullback where he has a good chance to see some action, but a poor chance of being a fantasy contributor.
RB Kendall Hunter, --- - Bust (overvalued)
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As a rookie, Hunter spelled Gore seamlessly, limiting his mileage down the stretch and keeping the veteran back fresh for the playoffs. Hunter was apprenticing well and was starting to look like the heir apparent. Now he has to hold off LaMichael James just to stay in the mix. He should make it past final cuts, but it'll be a season-long fight to carve himself a niche within the packed 49er backfield.
Update (8/7): 49ers.com reports coach Jim Harbaugh praised Hunter as a training camp standout. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman went a step further, saying, "I've never seen Kendall Hunter have a bad day or a bad snap where he wasn't totally tuned into footbal. Kendall's becoming more of a well-rounded football player. We're really glad we have him. He gets better every day."
RB Brandon Jacobs, --- - Gamble (high risk)
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After just two seasons the 49ers seem ready to move on from Anthony Dixon, who was drafted to be the team's short-yardage bruiser. Brandon Jacobs will now compete with him for that role, though neither is assured of a roster spot come September. Jacobs turns 30 this summer and will have a tough time staying relevant in a crowded backfield.
RB LaMichael James, --- - Dynasty Only
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Oregon's all-time leading rusher was deemed too small by many NFL scouts. So was Darren Sproles, a player to whom James has been favorably compared. Selected in the second round, James represents a sizeable investment and will be given plenty of chances to prove himself as a change of pace, third-down type who could make a big splash when Frank Gore gets injured.
WR Michael Crabtree, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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The 49ers made receiver a position of priority this offseason. The new additions, rather than stealing valuable looks from Crabtree, will help occupy defenses and free him up. A three-wide set with Crabtree, Mario Manningham and Randy Moss could be devastating.
WR Ted Ginn Jr., --- - Deep-league Only
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A kick returner and underperforming wideout, Ginn Jr. isn't worth drafting in standard fantasy leagues.
WR A.J. Jenkins, --- - Dynasty Only
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Jenkins is a high-profile rookie who will tempt owners on fantasy draft day. Just keep in mind who he's competing with. He's got all the upside in the world, but is unlikely to step in and shine from day one. Expect him to play a part-time role unless there's an injury to one of the big three veterans.
WR Mario Manningham, --- - Quality Backup
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A much safer bet than Randy Moss to make a smooth transition in San Francisco, Manningham offers steady hands and reliable productivity. It was a surprise the Giants didn't cough up the cash to keep him. The 49ers lucked out with a low-cost upgrade at wideout and fantasy owners will have the chance to do the same.
WR Randy Moss, --- - Gamble (high risk)
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It would be foolish at this point to call him over the hill. With Moss it seems always and only to be a simple matter of motivation. If he wants it, he can still be an impact receiver in the NFL. But will he have the drive to work himself back into shape, develop chemistry with a new QB and play second-fiddle to Michael Crabtree? The odds seem mighty long.
TE Vernon Davis, --- - Stud (low risk)
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Davis dominated down the stretch last season, but people are starting to wonder if there are enough footballs to go around now in San Francisco. We say yes. This offensive philosophy leans heavily on the TE and teams now have to play Davis straight up. They can't afford to double him or blanket him with a corner the way they did at the start of last season. Against linebackers and strong safeties – especially ones who have to keep half an eye on Frank Gore in the backfield – Davis will continue to excel.
TE Bruce Miller, --- - Not Draft Worthy
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A pure blocking fullback in the old school mold, Miller started eight games for the 49ers last season averaging 11 total yards per game. He is a fantasy non-entity.
TE Delanie Walker, --- - Not Draft Worthy
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The versatile Walker flashed some fantasy potential in 2011 with three TDs in the first six weeks. It's not a feat he's likely to replicate. Unless Vernon Davis gets injured between now and then, there's no reason to look Walker's way on fake draft day.
PK David Akers, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Playing stellar ball for a high-scoring yet conservative offense, Akers swung a lot of fantasy championships last season. He'll be much higher on draft boards this season and rightfully so after breaking Jerry Rice's single season scoring record.
San Francisco - Stud (low risk)
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A year ago they finished among the top ten in sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, total yardage and points per game. They return essentially the same squad in 2012 and there's no reason they can't continue their defensive dominance.