San Francisco 49ers: Grades for Offseason Moves by Position

Although the San Francisco 49ers made a deep playoff run last year, head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke are determined to make the team better. 

This offseason, they added weapons on offense while re-signing their starting quarterback, outside linebacker, cornerback and safety.

The 49ers made their mark on free agency and plan to make further improvements in the draft.

Here are the grades by position for the 49ers' offseason moves.  

Quarterback

After Alex Smith battled back against the Bountygate Saints, he earned a new contract. The 49ers gave him a three-year, $24 million deal with $9 million guaranteed.   

No, he didn't take them to the promised land, but Smith guided them to their best season since 1997. He managed the game while throwing only five interceptions against 17 touchdowns.

The 49ers also added Josh Johnson, who played his college ball at the University of San Diego with Harbaugh. Johnson will add depth to the position and compete with Colin Kaepernick for the backup spot.

Although the 49ers didn't land Peyton Manning, they kept their starting quarterback without having to break the bank.

Final Grade: A- 

Running Back

Only two months after beating the 49ers at Candlestick Park, Brandon Jacobs signed with the team he took down in the NFC Championship Game. 

The veteran running back signed a one-year contract and will look to back up Frank Gore and come in on goal-line sets.

Jacobs rushed for 571 yards while averaging only 3.8 yards per game to go along with seven touchdowns.

The 49ers also added longtime Washington Redskins running back/returner Rock Cartwright to add some stability to the turnover-prone return game.

Jacobs could be a great fit in the 49ers' run-first offense, which now has the makings of a three-headed monster: Gore, Kendall Hunter and Jacobs.

Final Grade: B+

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Adding depth at wide receiver has been the 49ers' main mission this offseason after a lack of production in 2011.

They signed Mario Manningham after he won a Super Bowl, and Randy Moss after he was out of football.

Manningham should add solid production after an injury-filled season in 2011, while Moss may be the biggest question mark. If he returns to top form, the 49ers could look like geniuses, but if Moss continues to underwhelm, they may need to find production elsewhere.

They also re-signed Ted Ginn and Brett Swain for another year. 

The 49ers may look to add a wide receiver like Stephen Hill or a tight end like Coby Fleener during the upcoming draft.  Even without those picks, they have improved their receiving core, taking pressure off Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.

Final Grade: B+  

Offensive Line

Just because the 49ers didn't add anyone on the offensive line doesn't mean they don't have needs. CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco has reported the team will probably try to add depth and not a starter in the draft.

That leaves Daniel Kilgore and Alex Boone to fight it out for the right guard spot vacated by Adam Synder.  

The 49ers line needs to improve in the passing game after it gave up 44 sacks last year. That was tied for seventh worst in the NFL. 

Overall, the 49ers should be better on the line, giving Smith more time to throw the ball.

Offensive Line: No Grade 

Defensive Line

After a loud season on the defensive line with Justin Smith making the Pro Bowl, the 49ers have stayed quiet this offseason.

They did re-sign Will Tukuafu, who missed most of the season with injury.

As with the offensive line, the 49ers will probably look to add a bit of depth during the draft.

Though they didn't go out and find a stud on the line, the 49ers should be happy with their front three.

Defensive Line: No Grade  

Linebacker

Hard work is rewarded in the NFL, and the 49ers rewarded Ahmad Brooks with a new contract. After recording 50 tackles and seven sacks, the five-year veteran was given a six-year, $37 million contract extension.

The 49ers have major talent at linebacker with Pro Bowlers Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman and rookie sensation Aldon Smith. Re-signing Brooks just secures the defense. 

Because of their 3-4 scheme, they will probably grab another linebacker in the late rounds of the draft to add some depth.

Overall, money well spent.

Final Grade: A  

Secondary

Last year, the 49ers finished fourth in the league in total defense, but 16th in passing defense at 231 yards per game. 

It's an area where the 49ers need to improve, and so far, they have kept many of the key pieces. Pro Bowlers Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson are back, Rogers with a new contract and Goldson with the franchise tag.

They also added cornerback Parrish Cox and safety C.J. Spillman to round out the secondary.

The 49ers will probably try to add another corner and safety in the draft, after they released Shawntae Spencer.

Final Grade: B+

Overall Grade

The 49ers made the moves that were needed this offseason. They also didn't overspend to get new free agents.

They were a good team in 2011 and can improve with the pieces they added.

The offense will be more productive this year with the addition of Brandon Jacobs, as well as Randy Moss and Mario Manningham.

On the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers locked up impact players like Ahmad Brooks, Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson, while adding overall depth.

With the draft only two weeks away, the 49ers are in good position to finish a very successful offseason.

Overall Grade: A-