Predicting Award Winners for the San Francisco 49ers 2012 Season

With training camp looming, players both old and young will prepare for what should be an exciting 2012 NFL season. 

After the headache of the lockout last season, players—well, at least the young ones—will find training camp refreshing. That should be the case for this San Francisco 49ers squad, who boasts one of the youngest teams in the NFL. 

The 49ers have a capable veteran core, but a part of their success last season was brought on by the quick development of the 2011 draftees, despite the nauseating lockout, in addition to a first-year head coach. 

As I have stated in previous articles, the 49ers' success in 2012 will depend on how certain players progress. 

With that, I decided to take a crack at possible 49ers awards for the upcoming season. 

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jason Slowey

This may seem like a surprising selection, but the small-school standout was impressive on tape. 

While his footwork in pass protection may need some work, he is a punishing inside blocker with excellent athleticism. This should serve him well at either tackle/guard, though I feel the rookie will make the most impact at center. 

Jonathan Goodwin, current starting center for the 49ers, is up there in age, and after last season's performance, Jim Harbaugh could make a switch at center. 

Slowey is still raw, but I believe the former Western Oregon product could flourish with some seasoning.

A.J. Jenkins or LaMichael James would have been the normal selections, but I really feel Slowey will have the opportunity to start next season. I can't say the same thing for Jenkins or James. 

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Cam Johnson (LB)

The 49ers went with offense in most of their draft picks in 2012, but I felt they got a steal in Cam Johnson during the seventh round of the draft. 

Johnson will likely be a backup, but I suspect he'll have a solid role in certain packages. Though Aldon Smith and Ahamd Brooks have both starting outside linebacker positions on lockdown, I can envision Johnson playing 10-15 snaps a game. 

Haralson will likely take the majority of the snaps behind Aldon or Brooks, but don't be surprised if the 49ers come out with packages involving three or four OLBs. 

In a 3-4 defense, this may seem weird, but Jim Harbaugh and that 49ers coaching staff has already proven to be one of the more creative groups in the league. 

Offensive Player of the Year: Michael Crabtree (WR)

This may be the year where Crabtree puts everything together. Fans and analysts alike have criticized Crabtree, a former first-round pick, for his diva-like behavior. 2012 may mark a new beginning for the former Texas Tech product. 

Alex Smith will likely improve, and with the addition of Randy Moss, the 49ers will have significantly improved their wide receiver corps. 

The 49ers' passing game may resemble a real unit, and if so, this could be a scary offense for opposing defenses to deal with it on Sundays. 

Look for Crabtree to break the 1000-yard barrier this season. 

Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis (MLB)

Patrick Willis has been the team's DPOY since entering the league in 2007. In addition, Willis also received Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for his play in 2011. 

While he missed some time with an injury, Willis still showed enough last season to be considered a national DPOY award candidate. 

Willis has made incredible improvements in coverage to go along with his excellent sideline-to-sideline/downhill run defense. 

With a healthy season next year, Willis could be in the running for DPOY award for the league. 

Most Improved Player: Randy Moss (WR)

Count me as a believer. Moss could be deadly in the 49ers' passing attack. 

While his stats this season may not be on par with previous record-breaking years, Moss should become a weapon in all facets for the 49ers in 2012. 

Even if Moss doesn't get the ball, he should flourish as the team's designated deep man. This should open up lanes for Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Frank Gore and the running game, etc. 

If Moss keeps his head on straight, he could be the missing piece for this 49ers offense in 2012. 

Most Valuable Player: Justin Smith (DE)

How could Justin Smith be considered for the MVP but not for the DPOY award? It's simple. The DPOY, especially in a national perspective, usually goes to the player with the more flashy stats. 

This is not to say the players with the flashy stats are more important, but just that the more dull players tend to be left out of discussions. 

Justin Smith may be considered in that category, but 49ers fans will be the first to tell you that the distinction shouldn't be attached to the hulking Smith. 

Smith is the prototypical 3-4 defensive end, and in 2011, it was likely his best season to date. While Smith has played at a high level in previous seasons, his play last year was more noticeable likely because of the 49ers' success. 

He has the strength of an ox, and his bull-rush is one of the most complete rushing moves in the league. 

Smith's stats will likely never reach the level of a DeMarcus Ware or Jared Allen, but his impact on the game should never be questioned.