San Francisco 49ers: 5 Stars in the Making

The San Francisco 49ers have surprised many through the first quarter of the season. Jim Harbaugh has truly changed the culture in San Francisco.

A decade drought that has prevented this city from a playoff berth may soon come to an end. The 49ers sit atop the NFC West, holding a 3-1 record and supreme confidence heading into their Sunday match against a young but feisty Tampa Bay team.

The 49ers are regaining respect, albeit slowly, especially after their come-from-behind win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. 

Despite the praise this 49er squad has received over the last several days, casual fans (and even those who are quite knowledgeable) are still very much unfamiliar with the talent assembled on this team.

Alex Smith is known more than anything for his lackluster performances, but Harbaugh has him playing efficient football this season. The quarterback position has been quite a nuisance for the 49ers in years past, and this season we're witnessing a different Alex Smith. 

In addition to Smith's improvement, a number of other young players have stepped up and contributed to the 49ers surprising early season success. 

Ray McDonald, DE

McDonald has been a force the last couple of games. McDonald is one of the many reasons why this 49er defensive line hasn't missed a beat with the offseason departure of Aubrayo Franklin.

The 49ers moved Isaac Sopoaga from end to tackle, thereby inserting McDonald into the starting lineup. 

He leads the team with 2.5 sacks and has generated pressure consistently from the edge and at times inside.

49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula is finally getting the recognition he deserves. The 49ers showed how much they valued Tomsula last season by making him interim coach after firing Mike Singletary. He was a leftover from the staff last season because of his success and his strong relationship with the players. 

Reggie Smith, S

Reggie Smith suffered a scary injury in the offseason, but has been able to play in every game thus far.

Smith was a potential breakout player candidate in the offseason after having a phenomenal training camp. 

Smith played solid football in both the Cincinnati Bengals and Eagles games. The 49ers secondary didn't perform well against the Eagles—not many back ends play well against Michael Vick and co.—but I thought Smith put himself in situations to make plays. He nearly picked off (and should have picked off) a Michael Vick pass and was solid playing the run. 

The 49ers are in desperate need of a playmaker in the secondary, and Smith can fill that role. 

Aldon Smith, OLB

Another Smith performed well in last Sunday's win against the Eagles. Smith flashed an array of pass rush moves and displayed his versatility by playing multiple positions against the Eagles. He racked up 1.5 sacks and 4 tackles. 

As I predicted during the offseason, Aldon Smith will likely play in situational downs to start the season. The 49ers were in a nickel defense in more than half of their snaps. This allowed Aldon to play more because he was primarily used to rush the quarterback and not drop back in coverage.

At Missouri, he played end, so there will be an adjustment period in his switch to outside linebacker.

Until Aldon becomes comfortable dropping back in coverage, the 49ers can move him around on that defensive line. In Sunday's defeat of the Eagles, Aldon played inside at tackle for a bit and spent a considerable amount of time at end

His length and speed off the edge will be his greatest assets in getting to the quarterback. The 49ers have long needed a speed rusher off the edge, and I think they've found it in Aldon. They drafted him for this purpose, and with a bit of seasoning, Aldon has the potential to be one of the greats.  

Kendall Hunter, RB

Hunter has looked like a draft-day steal for this 49er front office. I expected big things out of Kendall Hunter prior to the start of the season, and he hasn't disappointed.

Frank Gore will still get majority of the carries, but I love the versatility Hunter brings to the table. He's a very good pass catcher and a surprisingly solid blocker for his short frame.

Hunter brings an exciting element to this 49er offense that they've been looking for the last couple of seasons. Every time Hunter has the ball in his hands, I expect a big play. 

Some fans still aren't sure if Hunter can be a full-time back in this league, but I'm not one of those fans. Hunter reminds me of LeSean McCoy of the Eagles. He has the agility and short-burst quickness to become a dangerous weapon in the air and on the ground. 

NaVorro Bowman, ILB

Bowman is the player I am the most excited about. His production has been remarkable in the early portion of the season.

Bowman played well at the end of last season, but fans were unsure if he could fill in for the departed Takeo Spikes. Those uncertainties can be discarded because Bowman has far exceeded the expectations of Trent Baalke, the 49ers general manager. 

Bowman has recorded 36 tackles (30 individual), currently leaving him in the top 10 in tackles. His athleticism, paired with stud linebacker Patrick Willis, has given the 49ers a formidable duo at inside linebacker.

They are the 'Men in Red.'