Why Vernon Davis Will Be San Francisco 49ers' Most Improved Starter in 2015

The San Francisco 49ers' 8-8 season in 2014 left a bad taste for a franchise that was coming off three consecutive NFC Championship appearances. With a new head coach, and hopefully fewer distractions, the 49ers are hoping to get back to their winning ways.  

If the 49ers have any chance at returning to the top of the NFC, tight end Vernon Davis will have to play a big role. Much like Colin Kaepernick and this 49ers offense, Davis was a huge disappointment in 2014. 

Luckily for Davis, I see a huge rebound year for the tight end. Remember, this is an All-Pro tight end who was well on his way to Canton prior to last season. 

Davis' age (31) is concerning, but that didn't stop other great tight ends, like Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez, later in their careers. 

Here are a few reasons why Davis will be the most improved starter in 2015. 

Presence of Torrey Smith 

The addition of Torrey Smith should pay big dividends in 2015. We should see major improvement in the running game as well as increased production from the quarterback position. 

However, it is Davis who will see the most improvement with Smith playing out wide. 

Smith brings a vertical element that the 49ers have craved the last few seasons. How does this help Davis?

Well, having a deep threat like Smith opens up the passing attack in two ways. First, we should see more space for fellow receiver Anquan Boldin in the middle of the field. Boldin could have a field day in single coverage outside or in the slot. 

Secondly, Smith's presence should open up the seam for Davis. Teams with versatile safeties like the Seattle Seahawks usually have success in slowing Davis down.

Smith's ability to go deep will give Davis the freedom to make plays up the seam, which should help the former Maryland Terp improve upon his paltry 9.4 yards per reception from 2014. 

Health 

Davis simply wasn't healthy for much of last season.

Now, none of us can predict health. Honestly, a football team's health really comes down to luck. The 49ers had some injury luck in the early parts of the Jim Harbaugh era, but it's all come crashing down the last two seasons.

Davis' injuries in particular were concerning, especially his back injury. What makes Davis unique is his speed, and back injuries play a factor in slowing you down. Considering Davis is also over 30 years of age, his lack of speed in 2014 could have been due to Father Time. 

For the sake of my argument, I don't believe Father Time was a factor here, but we can't rule out the possibility. 

Other injuries and ailments did slow Davis down as well, but it's the back injury that should concern the 49ers front office. If the back injury is behind him, the front office and coaching staff should be able to fairly evaluate Davis in 2015.

Contract Year

Just like fans know when a player is on the last year of his deal, NFL players definitely understand the significance of an expiring deal. Davis played his hand a little too early last offseason during his mini holdout, which may have played a part in his down season last year. 

His contract dispute/holdout prior to the start of the season certainly didn't endear Davis to 49ers fans. I'm all for players getting as much as money as they can in this brutal league, but with two years left on his deal, holding out didn't make much sense.

Regardless, Davis seems comfortable playing out his contract, which could benefit the 49ers in 2015.