Golden Nuggets: Looking into the future

ESPN had a 3 person panel rank the NFL teams on their 3 year future outlook. The rankings included everything from the roster, coaches, and front office. The 49ers came in at #13 in the rankings. They were 6 and 3 spots behind their NFC West rivals the Rams and the Seahawks respectively.

The Rams were ranked #7 and it is easy to see why. They have a young quarterback in Jared Goff, who progressed nicely last season. Todd Gurley looks to be a top running back, Aaron Donald is the top defensive player in the league, and Sean McVay looks to be a very good, young coach. The Seahawks, who came in at #10, is a different story. Yes, they still have Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, but other parts of the team are sorely lacking. They lost the Legion of Boom and Michael Bennett who were key components of their amazing defense for years. It seems that this ranking rests solely on Russell Wilson continuing to play at his elevated level. If he plays at a MVP caliber level, they can survive, but the front office has done him no favors with the talent around him.

Jimmy Garoppolo and Kyle Shanahan could help the 49ers ranking next year if they have a good season this year. The addition of Jimmy Garoppolo catapulted the 49ers to just outside the top 10. He is the key to the 49ers moving back up to the elite of the NFL and adding Kyle’s play calling could make the 49ers one of the most potent offenses in the league. The defense appears to be trending in the right direction with all the young talent it has amassed. It will be interesting to see how their performance this season affects their ranking next season.

49ers links

Had strong words | Richard Sherman on his former team (Durkee)

A great 1st draft for John Lynch | Ranking the 2017 draft class (Martin)

Of course he is | T.O. committed to the comeback (Williams)

If he stays out of trouble, he could be the best LB in the league | Foster in the Under-25 starting lineup (Fann)

Cornerback preview (Biderman)

McGlinchey’s contract situation (Biderman)

Expecting a big season from him | Jerick McKinnon (Almquist)