5 Reasons the San Francisco 49ers Will Be Even Better in 2012

The dust has somewhat settled after a surprisingly hectic free-agency period. Mario Williams in Buffalo? Peyton Manning in Denver? Randy Moss in San Fran?

What a period for the NFL, and in this case, the NFC West. 

The division has grown stronger, but the 49ers are still ahead of the pack. Their surprising (and in some cases, shocking) additions have no doubt resulted from the 49ers' success last season.

When the team's rookie head coach and maligned former overall No. 1 selection––Alex Smith––led it to the NFC Championship Game, attention wasn't hard to come by.

While there were many in-season doubters, some critics still remain and firmly believe the Niners could struggle after their magical 2011-2012 season.  

I'm here to douse those doubters with this prediction: The 49ers will come back stronger than ever. 

Upgrades at Receiver

The additions of Mario Manningham and Randy Moss should aid Alex Smith in year two of Greg Roman's West Coast offense. 

Moss is the real mystery in this equation. His most recent performances with the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings left a lot to be desired, but Jim Harbaugh still believes the future Hall of Famer can contribute this season.

Should we doubt Harbaugh after last season? The simple answer is, no.

The loss of Josh Morgan hurt, but if these two additions work out, the Niners will be in good position to repeat their success. 

No Lockout

The Niners didn't miss a beat despite the lockout last season, but who says they can't improve in certain areas?

While the team experienced a plethora of success last season, certain areas must be addressed if the Niners intend to contend this season. 

Their red-zone offense was atrocious, in addition to their third-down conversion rates. These problems have been well-documented over the last several years, but with a full offseason program, the Niners should be able to focus on issues of this nature. 

I also expect Alex Smith to improve, though he made large strides last season under the tutelage of Harbaugh. Expect Smith to challenge for a Pro Bowl slot as well (no sarcasm). 

11 for All

With the re-signing of Carlos Rogers, the Niners return their full starting lineup on the defensive side of the ball. 

Despite the newly developed turnover prowess of the Niners secondary, its performance at times proved shaky.

The strength of the Niners defense lies in its defensive line and linebacker corps, but improved secondary production should make an already scary defense unstoppable. 

Also, the addition of Perrish Cox should help, but his impact could be felt in another area...

Upgraded Return Game

The return of Tedd Ginn was a sigh of relief for many Niners fans, but the addition of Perrish Cox could take this unit over the top. 

Cox's presence should shift Ginn from his services as a punt returner and allow him to focus some of his attention on developing as a receiver. 

The Niners had the best special teams unit in the league last season, and the addition of Cox doesn't weaken that statement. 

Consistency with Protection

Both Adam Snyder and Chilo Rachal will not return to the 49ers this season, which means second-year guard Daniel Kilgore should receive the nod at right guard. 

Kilgore has shown flashes of potential, though only in a few preseason games. His lack of involvement last season was puzzling, but the talent is there.

I predict that Kilgore and Mike Iupati will form one of the nastier duos at guard. Expect Kilgore to have a breakout year in the upcoming season. 

If that happens, the Niners offensive line should improve in keeping Alex Smith upright.