Golden Nuggets: Upgrades Throughout the Roster

The last few seasons have been rough for the San Francisco 49ers. That led them to this offseason where they decided to hire a new general manager and head coach combo to bring a sense of stability to the team. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have seemed to revitalize the 49ers reputation around the league. They have made quite a few changes on and around the team that were necessary.

John and Kyle are in year 1 of trying to improve their roster. They have upgraded a few positions in just potential compared to last year. One of those positions is linebacker. The pick of Reuben Foster alone in the draft is a major upgrade in potential compared to any actual production from Nick Bellore, Gerald Hodges, or Michael Wilhoite. The addition of Malcolm Smith adds experience to the unit. Another upgraded position is the running back position. Carlos Hyde is the incumbent, but the addition of rookie Joe Williams and veteran Tim Hightower will mean split carries and forces Hyde to play well or lose his starting job. There is also good speed options with Kapri Bibbs and Matt Breida.

The 49ers are not expected to have a good season record wise, but the moves done this offseason seem to point them toward the right way. With Lynch and Shanahan on the 1st year of 6 year deals, they have time to work on their roster and hopefully that leads the 49ers back to top tier of the NFL.

49ers Links

Less Fewer chances for him this season | Armstead on Passing Downs (Whitefield)

Build on Momentum (Williams)

Going to be a huge part of the offense | Play Action (Barrows)

Looking for a big year | Solomon Thomas’ Rookie Year (Martin)

The speed needed to open a defense | Goodwin’s Speed (Biderman)

Many improved | Improved Positions (Biderman)

Need big years | Fighting for Their Careers (Cohn)

Important Dates (49ers Staff)

Tired himself out | Played Too Much (Biderman)

Heard nothing but great things | Players Impressed with Kyle (Fann)

49ers Video

49ers Live (49ers Video)