Upgrade or Downgrade: Making the Call on 49ers Offseason Additions
The San Francisco 49ers' offseason has been an eventful one, to say the least. From the surprise retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland to the departure of beloved head coach Jim Harbaugh, we're seeing an evolution of some sorts.
Every team has to eventually go through this type of change, but the 49ers' transformation seems forced. Whatever the reason, we shouldn't expect the same 49ers team from the last few years.
Free agency was just the start.
With some new faces in town, it's hard not to compare them to the players whom they'll eventually replace. As always with the 49ers, the draft will be the main source of talent, but the front office was more aggressive than usual in free agency this offseason.
Let's get started!
Darnell Dockett, DE/DT
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Replacing: Ray McDonald (DE/DT)
Now, if Dockett were brought in to replace Justin "Cowboy" Smith, this would be an obvious downgrade. Smith not only brings the production, but he also serves as the heart of this defense. Though, it might not matter if Smith decides to hang up his boots for good, which he is still considering, per Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group.
In reality, Dockett is here to replace Ray McDonald.
McDonald was no slouch in red and gold, but Dockett has had the better career. Not to mention, I haven't seen a drastic drop-off in production since his days as an All-Pro with the Arizona Cardinals.
The 49ers aren't getting an All-Pro version of Dockett, but at age 33, he can still bring a lot to the table.
Ruling: Upgrade
Erik Pears, OL
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Replacing: Mike Iupati (OG)
In all honesty, this signing didn't make much sense. If the 49ers truly believe that Erik Pears is a starting lineman, then we might as well say our early goodbyes to Colin Kaepernick. All of those improvements that fans are anticipating from Kaepernick might not matter if the offensive line has another underwhelming season.
The 49ers still return four of their five starters from last year, but the departure of Mike Iupati is a huge loss for the running game. Signing Pears doesn't remedy the issue, but as a depth guy, you can do worse.
A few internal candidates could step into the starting lineup, but I have my reservations. The top candidate should be 2014 third-round pick Brandon Thomas; however, he's coming off a serious injury. If Thomas were healthy, he could have been a second-round selection.
Thomas has the most talent, but he has zero on-field experience. The 49ers could go with the safer option in Pears.
Other candidates include Joe Looney, Marcus Martin and Daniel Kilgore. Martin and Kilgore started at center last year, but each player can fill in at guard, as well.
Ruling: Downgrade
Shareece Wright, DB
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Replacing: Perrish Cox (DB) or Chris Culliver (DB)
This was another head-scratcher signing by general manager Trent Baalke. The 49ers signed Shareece Wright to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, yet he may not start over second-year corner Dontae Johnson.
Wright fits what the 49ers want to do on defense, but his performance last year left a lot to be desired. As many fans have come to find out, Wright drew the most pass interference flags of any defensive player last season, according to NFL Penalties.
Nevertheless, I will give Baalke the benefit of the doubt. I said the same thing about Antoine Bethea last year, as he was coming off a terrible season with the Indianapolis Colts, but he turned in an Pro Bowl season for the 49ers.
Baalke has some history with finding secondary gems in free agency, but the money in Wright's deal threw everyone off, including me. Since I have to classify this as an upgrade or downgrade, I'll go with the latter, but it wound't surprise me if Wright ultimately lived up to this deal.
Ruling: Downgrade
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Reggie Bush, RB
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Replacing: Carlos Hyde (RB)
No, that is not a typo. Reggie Bush will not be replacing Frank Gore at running back—instead, expect him to fill a role similar to the one Carlos Hyde played last season. Hyde showed a lot of promise in 2014, but he wasn't the ideal complement alongside a bruiser like Gore.
Gore and Hyde play a similar style of football to one another. A true complement to a downhill runner like Gore or Hyde is a guy like Bush.
Now, Bush isn't the same home run threat that we all loved from his days with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, but he still brings a lot to the table as a situational player.
If everyone can stay healthy, the 49ers should have a potent three-headed monster with Hyde, Bush and Kendall Hunter. The 49ers just need the offensive line to get it together this season.
Ruling: Upgrade
Torrey Smith, WR
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Replacing: Michael Crabtree (WR)
The signing of Torrey Smith was a brilliant move by Baalke. Despite his history in free agency, Baalke decided to go against the grain and sign a premier deep threat at receiver in Smith.
With this signing, the 49ers are free to use their first-round selection on other needs, including the defensive line or secondary. Granted, fans wouldn't mind adding another receiver via the draft, especially with 34-year-old Anquan Boldin's advanced age and the inevitable departure of Michael Crabtree.
Regardless of what happens in the draft, Smith will be put to good use opposite Boldin this season.
Smith's speed will finally open up this 49ers offense. We should see favorable coverages with safeties now having to account for Smith. This should open up space for tight end Vernon Davis down the seam and Boldin over the middle.
The 49ers slightly overpaid for Smith's services, but if his presence hastens Kaepernick's development, the money was well spent.
Ruling: Upgrade
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