49ers position breakdown

last updated: September 01, 2008 07:32:43 AM

POSITION BREAKDOWN

QUARTERBACKS: The 49ers are putting an awful lot of eggs in unproven J.T. O'Sullivan's basket. So far, he's been up to the challenge and his quick release is a perfect fit in Mike Martz's offense. If he falters, Alex Smith is waiting for redemption.

RUNNING BACKS: Don't expect Frank Gore to be a carbon copy of Marshall Faulk. Sure, Gore will be used more in the passing game, but there will be plenty of runs between the tackles, too. DeShaun Foster and Michael Robinson are versatile backups.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Very few of the team's receivers made it through training camp uninjured, making cohesion an issue going into the regular season. Still, with everyone healthy there is a sense that this is the deepest unit the 49ers have had in years. Rookie Josh Morgan was a star during the exhibition season and will push Bryant Johnson for playing time.

TIGHT ENDS: Look for the 49ers to run most of their offensive plays out of a two-tight end set featuring Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. Both are excellent athletes who create coverage problems for defenses.

OFFENSIVE LINE: The 49ers addressed their biggest concern -- tackle depth -- when they signed Barry Sims in the offseason. There are questions on the interior of the line with both David Baas (pectoral) and Adam Snyder (ankle) coming off injuries to start the season.

DEFENSIVE LINE: It should be one of the stoutest defensive lines the 49ers have had in years. But Ray McDonald is the only member who has the ability to get to the quarterback. Free-agent acquisition Justin Smith will split time between the defensive line and linebacker.

LINEBACKERS: The 49ers arguably have more talent at linebacker than they've ever had. Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes will make a formidable duo on the inside, Justin Smith has deceptive speed on the right and Manny Lawson (coming off an ACL tear) is one of the best coverage linebackers in the league.

SECONDARY: Walt Harris is the gray beard of the group, but the 34-year-old cornerback arguably has been the best-looking member of the secondary in the exhibition season.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The team's best unit in 2007 has looked shaky this summer, especially the kick and coverage teams. That shouldn't be an issue with players like Michael Robinson and Jeff Ulbrich leading the charge. Punter Andy Lee was one of the league's two best last year and Joe Nedney is as dependable as always.

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