The first task is to win the Division. With the addition of Crabtree, Coffee, Pasco (especially from this weekends minicamp input) perhaps Sheets, and the FA signings, the 9ers have added the Offensive weapons to put points on the board, but more importantly sustain drives (third down conversions) and keep the opposing O off of the field (particularily Arizona). They had a top 10 D at the end of the year and I look for even better things there. Seattle has the recievers they lacked last year and they got their replacement for Peterson, but they still have an often injured QB and the 9ers have matched up with them lately, so they look good there. The Rams made some significant upgrades but they need too much and they will still be the Rams. So, best case the 9ers split with Arizona and sweep Seattle and the Rams. The NfC West all play pretty much the same opponents for the rest of their schedule and it would be expected that the 9ers would do as well or better than the other teams against these common opponents. So it would follow that in this scenario the 9ers would win the Division. If we split with Seattle then winning the division will be more challenging. Remember, we were a win against Arizona away from winning it last year and this is a much better looking team going into this year.

In what league? Not the NFL, nor against good offensive teams. We got buzz sawed every time.

We also still have no added weapons to help with 3rd down. In fact, we lost Strickland.

So I grade the Niners a C (being optimistic) since they have the same holes on defense as they did last year — weak at safety (Goldson has a history of injuries even in college), nose tackle (Balmer has not proved himself and may not be a nose in a 3-4), and MOST IMPORTANTLY they are in need of one more pass rusher.

I do think they offense (if Raye is decent) could be better. If Marvel works out, and they let Hill be the starter early on I think they can hold their own on offense against most teams.

They are still a C team. Everyone in their division had a nice draft. So I don’t see them making the playoffs until they learn their lesson and fill in the holes they have in the defense.

FreeAgent moves have been solid if not stunning. Marvel Smith might be the biggest move if he can stay healthy! If Smith stays healthy, the OL could have a really good year. Re-Signing Moran Norris is another really big FA Signing. I think Gore missed Norris more than he admits. Other than that, The free agents have been filling out the 2nd string kind of moves. I give it a B+

Now the Draft had a VERY surprising first day! Crabtree is a wonderful surprise that we can thank the RAY-DUHS across the bay for years to come! If the kid lives up to his hype, he could be a very special player. I believe he is the best receiver on the roster day one. I hope he can make our pedestrian QB’s look a little better. Coffee was a nice surprise on day 2. He could be the answer for backing up Frank. Time will tell. And for a sleeper draft pick that might prove to be a High Reward low risk pick is Ricky Jean-Francois. That Kid might be a steal!! Hopefully he can keep his head on straight! Alex Boone is another if he can get his head straight, could be a winner pickups!! B+

Overall I give the new staff a B so far and I am excited to see the team in pre season !!

It could be that I’m too optimistic, but I think people are being too critical of our Current situation. I do think we could be a top 10 defense this year. The realists might think otherwise.

But when you consider the overall improvement of the defense, both personnel and scheme wise, we are getting better. Hopefully with an improved offense with less 3 and outs, the defense will be better rested and make plays. Its difficult for any defense to get off the field when your offense can’t sustain drives.