San Francisco 49ers: Examining 5 Key Positional Battles

The preseason has finally arrived and nothing will brighten your day like seeing the best athletes in the world competing for millions of dollars, while the owners of our beloved franchises are upstairs, likely tallying just how much more richer they got in one afternoon. (That was a shot at the players association and the group of owners—including Goodell—for their childish antics if anyone didn't catch my sarcastic tone.)

Football action will begin tonight and nothing gets a fanbase buzzing like a couple of good preseason games. The preseason doesn't matter record-wise but it can definitely give not only the team momentum but the fanbase as well. 

The lockout, as expected, has proven to be difficult for all franchises, but more specifically affects squads with new staff (particularly head coach and offensive/defensive coordinators changes of course).

The 49ers are in this boat, after coming off a disappointing 2010 season with Mike Singletary at the coaching helm. With the arrival of Jim Harbaugh, 49er players and fans are optimistic that the franchise will finally end their playoff drought in 2011. 

Harbaugh has preached competition from day one and has stuck to his word as the first preseason game approaches. The 49ers have key positional battles and the opportunity to start (or increase in playing time) will likely come down to their performance in the preseason.

I will examine the key positional battles to watch for.    

Alex Smith vs. Colin Kaepernick

This isn't much of a competition heading into preseason despite Colin Kaepernick's progress in training camp. Alex Smith was brought back to start and is the more polished quarterback. 

Things will get interesting if Smith plays poorly to begin the season, which is possible considering his past performances. If the 49ers stumble out the gate (like last season's 0-5 start), it will likely cost Smith his starting job. The 49ers would then throw Kaepernick (ready or not) out there and hope for the best. 

As of right now though, Smithis the starting quarterback heading into preseason and likely the regular season. 

New Guy vs. Veterans

Aldon Smith has impressed many (Niner fans and coaches alike) during training camp. He has the all natural tools to be a dominant player in this league and could prove to be the steal of the 2011 draft. 

Despite the great training camp, Smith will have competition from two solid veterans. Both Ahmad Brooks and Parys Haralson are fighting to start at the two available OLB positions. Manny Lawson and Travis LaBoy (though he only played situational downs) departed to other teams, leaving the position(s) wide open. 

Coach Harbaugh may decide to opt for veteran experience over youth. Whether Aldon Smith starts at OLB to begin the season or not, I fully expect him to be placed in the starting lineup sometime during the season (likely midseason). 

Safeties Galore

The 49ers have acquired more safeties than they can count. They're looking to improve a very porous secondary that was often torched last season. 

They've acquired Donte Whitner and Madieu Williams, while surprisingly re-signing Dashon Goldson. Those three will compete with both Reggie Smith and C.J. Spillman.

There are rumblings that Reggie Smith, whose had a fantastic training camp according to sources, may have a serious injury, so re-signing Goldson proved to be a good move. 

I expect both Whitner and either Reggie Smith (if healthy) or Dashon Goldson to occupy the starting safety positions. 

Sopoaga vs. J.Francois

Issac Sopoaga has proven to be a solid contributor at defensive end for the 49ers. With Aubrayo Franklin's departure, Sopoaga will be expected to play tackle. 

The 49ers love Ricky Jean Francois' potential and may opt to start the youngster over Sopoaga. If that were to occur, Sopoaga would either retain his old starting position at left end or be asked to play situational downs.

It seems the 49ers are intent on pairing Justin Smith opposite Ray McDonald, who was recently re-signed and given a pay raise. 

I fully expect Sopoaga to start at tackle, but if he struggles, Ricky Francois will likely have his opportunity at more playing time. 

Carlos Rogers vs. Tarrell Brown

The cornerback limbo is baffling to me. I'm hearing reports that Carlos Rogers is competing for the second DB slot against Tarrell Brown.

Why isn't Carlos competing against Shawntae Spencer for lead corner? Rogers has proven to be an excellent cornerback, though he isn't much of a playmaker. Maybe as the preseason progresses, the depth chart will change, but for now, I can only question Harbaugh/Fangio's judgement.