San Fransisco 49ers: Fixing the QB Situation in the Bay Area

The 49ers have not smelled the playoffs since 2002 when Jeff Garcia was the quarterback. As a 49ers fan, it is sad to see the team in such dismay despite the long and rich tradition this franchise once stood for. Jed York, the Niners majority owner, has done a terrible job filling in for the legendary Eddie D.

Since Mooch, there has not been any consistency coming from our coaching staff. We've had a billion offensive coordinators, and the good ones won't dare enter San Fran. knowing that they could be fired at any moment. The NFC West has been an open division for almost three seasons now; yet the Niners find themselves on the outside looking in.

Despite having talent at key positions, the Niners have not been able to put it together. 

The Niners have hired Jim Harbaugh, the brother of Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, away from several suitors in the hopes of finally making the playoffs this season. Jim, not only followed the same pathway of the legendary Bill Walsh (going from Stanford to the Niners), but he hopes to also bring back the West Coast offense to it's roots. It was said that Walsh created the West Coast offense, and we all know it's been a success, as he has several championships to prove this.

It will be a nostalgic for some fans to see the Niners run the West Coast offense, after having so much success in the past. Hall of Fame greats like Montana, Young and Rice would love to see the Niners return to relevancy with an offense that made them legends. 

Before the Niners even think about a return to the playoffs, they must fix the QB situation. Both Smith's (Troy and Alex) are not the answers at the quarterback position. Fans are getting impatient as the Niners continue to give Alex Smith, former No. 1 overall pick, several chances to turn his career around.

He has failed countless times and a couple of head coaches have suffered due to his inconsistencies. Alex Smith isn't a horrible player, but he is not a starting QB in this league. His psyche is damaged beyond repair and he seems destined to be a decent backup in this league. There are reports of Harbaugh and Alex Smith having discussions despite Smith becoming a free agent after the current CBA expires on March 4. Having Alex return will only derail his career, but with the upcoming CBA issues, it will be difficult to incorporate a new QB.

Hopefully the issues between the players and the owners will dissolve before the March 4, but if it doesn't, then bringing in Alex as a backup would be the safe move. 

But, like most fans, we all want the Niners to trade for a veteran QB or go after a young signal caller in the upcoming draft. I will address not only who I believe are the best veteran options (at the QB position) out there, but also who in the draft the Niners should take a good hard look at. 

Donovan McNabb

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines against play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Donovan is technically under contract with the Redskins, and could still possibly be starting in Washington next season, but I doubt it. He had a down year last season with the Redskins and many believe that he has lost a step. McNabb has gotten older, but I still believe he can be a good quarterback if he is in the right system and has talent around him. Luckily, the Niners have talent at several key positions on offense.

They have a huge vertical threat in Vernon Davis (who I believe is the best tight end in the league) and a true No. 1 receiver in Crabtree. They have an elite running back in Frank Gore, who has become a huge threat not only on the ground, but through the air as well. The offensive line is young and talented. Hopefully the offensive line meshes better this year after playing together all of last season. 

Also, the Niners will be implementing the West Coast offense this season, a system that McNabb has thrived in his career. Having a veteran signal caller like McNabb should not only help the offense remain consistent throughout the season, but also bring a sense of stability to the quarterback position. We wouldn't need McNabb to carry us offensively because Harbaugh wants to pound the ball with Gore.

McNabb would just be asked to manage the game and make the right throws when needed. Having McNabb would also allow the Niners to develop a young QB. If we throw a young QB in the fire day one, we could have another Alex Smith, but allowing him to learn from the sidelines with a clipboard, might be the best option. That philosophy has worked for several teams, including the current Super Bowl Champions and Donovan's beloved Eagles (Kolb developed nicely, and you could even say Vick learned a lot from McNabb).

Hopefully the Redskins cut McNabb, but if they don't, we might have to give up a fourth or fifth round pick for services. 

Kevin Kolb

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Like McNabb, Kolb has experience playing in the West Coast offense. Kolb is 26-years-old and could possibly be the franchise quarterback the Niners have sorely been looking for. The Niners would have to give up several high picks to acquire Kolb, but he could be well worth the price. Kolb doesn't have the cannon arm, but is very accurate, especially with the short and intermediate throws. That style is perfect for the West Coast offense, which requires the quarterback to make a lot of throws ranging from quick to medium slants, screens, three step/five stop drops, etc.

The quarterback doesn't necessarily need to have a huge arm, but Kolb's arm strength is sufficient enough to run the West Coast. Kolb would be a nice fit, for the right price. If we have to give up a first rounder, I think the Niners should look elsewhere. I wouldn't mind if the Niners gave up two second round picks, that way we're still able to use our first round pick on a DB. 

Kyle Orton

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos runs out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Pet

Like Kolb, Kyle Orton doesn't have a huge arm. It didn't look like that last season where Orton and Brandon Lloyd hooked up on many deep passes. Was this the result of McDaniel's, or has Orton matured since his days with the Bears?

That is something many teams are questioning. Also, Denver might be asking for too much in return for Orton's services. It is rumored that their asking for two second round picks. Orton is 28-years-old and could be entering his prime. Before last season, Orton was pretty ordinary and you have to wonder if his breakout performance last season was because of McDaniels presence.

I would give up a third and fourth round pick for his services and nothing more.  

Christian Ponder

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up before a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

I believe Christian Ponder out of Florida State will be a franchise QB in this league. He has the skill set and mentality to be a top QB in this league. Many analysts don't believe this yet, as there are several questions about the health of his shoulder and his arm strength. I also have doubts about the health of his shoulder, but I believe his arm strength is vastly underrated.

He might under throw his receivers at times, but he does not have a weak arm. He is very accurate, especially in the short and intermediate throws. The West Coast offense requires the quarterback to be somewhat mobile, and Ponder has shown that he can make plays with his feet, if necessary. Ponder is very intelligent, something the West Coast requires you to be, as you have to react to how the defense is playing you.

Also, the West Coast has so many formations; the quarterback must be able to do things such as make audibles at the line of scrimmage or identify the hot reads and Ponder is definitely capable. He has all the intangibles in terms of leadership, and I firmly believe that he would be the best fit for the West Coast out of all the top QB prospects in this year's draft.

I do believe that Ponder will have to sit a year or two before he'll be ready, so acquiring a veteran QB will be a must if the Niners decide that the Florida State product is the answer at QB long-term. 

Pat Devlin

Devlin somewhat reminds me of Joe Flacco. He has a huge arm and is pretty accurate. Flacco was a lot more polished and a bit taller coming out of college, but Devlin has a lot of upside. He's obviously not polished enough to start day one, but could be a good quarterback after a few years on the bench.

Harbaugh will have to work with him and a veteran quarterback must be present to teach him the ropes for a few years. We could also draft Devlin with a third or fourth round pick, so it would be a low risk acquisition.