Back before the season started, the San Francisco 49ers were predicted to be in the "Suck for Luck" competition. There were quite a few reasons why.

1. New Head Coach.
2. Yet ANOTHER offensive scheme.
3. Limited training time because of the lock-out.
4. ALEX SMITH as the QB? Seriously?

And on and on and on. Then the season began. The 49ers started surprising everyone by winning! Yeah, we lost against the evil Cowboys, got beaten by the Ravens, and lost to the Cardinals. However, we found ways to win. Excuses were made by other fans and other teams. Those excuses were told to sit down and shut up during the playoffs when we beat the Saints at their own game. I won't go into the hard-fought Giants game other than it still hurts too much.

However, after we lost that game some 49ers fans started talking. "How do we get Luck?" Many elaborate plans were made here on Niners Nation for ways we could get Andrew Luck. After all, if we had Luck during the Giant game (slight pun intended) we would have won right? Maybe, maybe not. I see our needs as better pass protection and better WR play.

So, where does that leave our vaunted QB position? Smith may or may not become elite, but who will be our franchise QB?

Colin Kaepernick. Yes, that raw talent from the University of Nevada. There are three reasons why I think he will be the answer. One, he has the talent. Two, he is a very hard worker and is driving himself. Three, this little-known guy named Jim Harbaugh who seems to have a knack for making QB's the best they can be.

The same people who have been lauded for all the great draft-picks and FA acquisitions moved up in the draft to get Colin. He drove to SF on his own dime to talk to Coach Harbaugh right after he was drafted to learn what he could before the lockout was renewed. Also, he wasn't thrown to the wolves, giving him time to refine and learn his talent.

Do I think he is the starter next year? No. He needs another year or two to learn the NFL offense, refine his throwing. I would like to see Alex Smith signed for a two-year contract to allow Kaep to develop. Then watch out NFL!

I know the talk has been about getting P. Manning and trying to trade up for A. Luck. What are your thoughts on C. Kaepernick?