Five San Francisco 49ers Most Impacted By Brian Westbrook's Signing

It may have taken awhile, but Brian Westbrook is no longer a free agent after signing a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers lost Glen Coffee to retirement a year after he entered the league, and finding an effective backup to Frank Gore became imperative.

All the rumors and question can finally fall to the wayside.

The 49ers have clearly established their identity as a run-heavy team. The carries will definitely be there for both Gore and Westbrook.

The question now is, who will be most heavily impacted by the arrival of Westbrook?

Alex Smith

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 15: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

If Westbrook did one thing well the entire time he was in Philadelphia, it was with bubble screens and checkdowns. Westbrook's quickness and sure hands allow him to catch the ball and quickly take it to the hole.

When Westbrook is in the game, Alex Smith knows he has a capable back for a checkdown option if he starts to feel the heat. 

Anthony Davis

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SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 02: Anthony Davis #76 works out during the San Francisco 49ers training camp at their training complex on August 2, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

If only one of either Mike Iupati or Davis is impacted, it would be Davis. This is simply because Westbrook is more of an outside runner; although he has proven capable of running directly at a defense, he is at his best in open space.

Davis will get to use his brute strength in the run game to hold down the perimeter and allow Westbrook room to bounce outside for a big gain.

Jimmy Raye

Offensive line guru and 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has the pleasure of working with two great young offensive linemen. Now, he also gets to work with two great veteran running backs.

More weapons in the running game is more than Raye could have ever asked for. He now gets to work with packages that may even have both Frank Gore and Westbrook in the game at the same time.

Mike Singletary

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SEATTLE , WA - DECEMBER 06: Head Coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers watches a play against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 6, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

It's exactly the system he wanted: two great running backs to take the pressure off the quarterback and allow him to simply be a game manager.

Singletary has always wanted to have a run-heavy offense. Now, with two very capable backs, he finally has his wish. The one-year deal ensures that the team will be getting the most out of Westbrook with the lowest possibility of a financial setback should he become injured.

Frank Gore

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SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 02: Frank Gore #21 works out during the San Francisco 49ers training camp at their training complex on August 2, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Many have worried that Frank Gore may suffer from sore legs this coming season without a viable backup. Gore now has the pleasure not only of running behind two road-grading rookies on the offensive line, but also being spelled by Brian Westbrook.

Westbrook's quickness is great to spell the battering ram style that Gore tends to employ more frequently. Furthermore, Gore's legs won't be sore since he won't be carrying the weight of the world every time he carries the ball. That can get exhausting.

Injury Prone

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 26: Brian Westbrook #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles is escorted off the field after getting hit during the first quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field October 26, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Wi

It may not be all sunshine for Westbrook in San Francisco. He hasn't proven to be the most durable running back over his career, and has suffered several concussions recently.

With head trauma's long-term effects coming to light as of late, who knows how many shots to the head Westbrook can withstand before he hangs up the cleats for good.

Westbrook may not get a chance to impact any of these guys if he can't stay healthy. What do you think his impact will be?