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Earlier this week, Andy Benoit of Football Outsiders put together an article for ESPN looking at the biggest remaining issue for each team (Insider protected). In looking at the 49ers, Benoit pointed to nose tackle as the biggest red flag on the team. He was a little off-base in pointing to nose tackle because he believes Glenn Dorsey is meant more for a Ricky Jean Francois utility role, and Ian Williams is likely ending up in the starting nose tackle role.
Matt Maiocco wrote about the 49ers defensive position battles and he looked at Glenn Dorsey as the apparent starter. We'll find out a lot more in training camp, but it still remains a question mark, even if Dorsey is locked in as the starter. The 49ers are looking at two guys without the experience Isaac Sopoaga brought to the table. Some may be pleased for a change, and others may be questioning what will happen.
Given all that, I was curious what people thought was the biggest concern for the 49ers heading into training camp. Free safety is an easy one given that rookie Eric Reid is the likely starter. He could prove great, but anytime you slot in a rookie, questions arise.
Aside from that, the questions seem to be as much about depth as anything else. Will Mario Manningham be healthy for the start of the season, and if not, who if anybody will emerge in his place? Will the 49ers use their defensive line and outside linebacker depth as more than window-dressing? What do we make of the cornerback position in its entirety? Does Phil Dawson have another good year in his leg? Will Vance McDonald be able to secure that No. 2 tight end role?
These are just some of the many questions, but which is the biggest? I think Eric Reid and the free safety position are the obvious big ones. After that, I think it's a question of which outside linebacker will emerge behind Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks.
What do you think?