San Francisco 49ers' Positional Rankings

1. Place Kicker & Punter 

Sometimes it’s sad to say the kicking unit is the best on the team, but this might not be so bad. Look for Kicker Joe Nedney to nail the long ones and come up in the clutch and Pro-Bowl Punter Andy Lee will become the defense’s best friend by "Coffin Kicking" all season long.

2. Linebackers

This line backer crew is one of the best in the NFL (It might be because Patrick Willis is two people). If you don't believe me just watch a few running plays. These guys will get to the ball.

3. Secondary

The secondary is only as good as the pass rush. Just ask all the teams last year that played the Giants in the playoffs.

However, with former Pro-Bowlers Nate Clements, Walt Harris, and Michael Lewis on the field at once, opposing offenses will have trouble passing and running, as long as the Niners' offense can stay on the field for at least 29 minutes a game.

4. Running Backs

To have an outstanding running back like Frank Gore on the unit and be ranked as the fourth best on the team says something. Look for Gore to be a look-a-like Marshall Faulk, at least if the QB's can get him the ball. The addition of Deshawn Foster boosts the running game during Gore's breaks. Something he hasn't had thus far in his career. 

5. Offensive Line

This underrated unit will soon show the NFL how good they can be. They moved second year player Joe Staley to left tackle after an impressive rookie season and the moved oft-injured Jonas Jennings to right tackle. If he can stay away from the trainer’s table he's still a very good pass and run blocker.

The unit also had an addition by subtraction this off season by the retirement of "Future Hall a Famer" Larry Allen. The man is an absolute juggernaut for the first three quarters. He just didn't have the stamina to play four quarters last year. The unit is very capable of being great.

6. Tight Ends

Vernon Davis had a decent sophomore season, and is primed to burst this season under Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz. Davis is also a good blocker. Back-Up Tight End Delanie Walker is impressive at running routes and catching the ball and it's been said he might line up a few times in the slot this year.   

7. Wide Receivers

The addition of Isaac Bruce brought experience, consistency, and reliability, something the team has lacked at the position since the arrival of Head Coach Mike Nolan. The signing of Bryant Johnson, also, brought explosiveness and a down field threat.

Arnaz Battle has been the leader at the position for the last few years and is a very good possesion receiver but he definitely couldn't do it himself. Rookie Josh Morgan has looked great during the preseason but that was the preseason.

Jason Hill still needs to prove he can be relied upon. Overall this unit is greatly improved from last season but it’s yet to be seen how that will translate on Sundays.  

8. Defensive Line

Much improved as far as depth is concerned and the arrival of free-agent acquisition Justin Smith is sure to improve this unit. First round draft pick Kentwan Balmer has yet to make an immediate splash so far.

Nose Tackle Aubrayo Franklin appears to have all the physical assets but is often hampered by injury. Isaac Sopoaga is big and strong and has stints of brilliance but has not been able to be consistent. This unit has a lot to prove.

9. Quarterbacks

I just heard someone say, "If you have three good quarterbacks then you have none." Definitely, at least, two of the quarterbacks are capable but have not shown that they could win consistently. J.T. O'Sullivan will make his first start of his career against the Cardinals to open the season.

Unless O'Sullivan is spectacular expect to see Alex Smith get one more chance. Prior to the start of the season this unit is by far the weakest of the team. If they can surprise and be decent to average expect the Niners' to contend.

Special Teams were not ranked due to them changing dramatically season to season. However, under Nolan the Niners' have had a very good special teams unit.