Category Archives: Player-by-player reviews

The 49ers – or most of them, anyway – stepped on the practice field Monday and Tuesday for the first time in preparation of the 2010 season.   Yesterday, we provided looks at the 49ers’ offensive players. Today, we look … Continue reading →

The 49ers went through two days of practices – aka, organized team activities – Monday and Tuesday in Santa Clara. These workouts took place without pads, and the plays were certainly not run at game speed.   So, please, keep … Continue reading →

With two scheduled draft picks within the first 16 or 17 slots, the 49ers are expected to emerge from April 22 with a starting offensive lineman.   The 49ers’ offensive line is almost assuredly going to receive some help in … Continue reading →

Alex Smith should’ve known what he was getting into when the 49ers made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft.   People around these parts grew up with Joe Montana. Even Steve Young did not get overwhelming … Continue reading →

The 49ers have five players under contract who will be fighting for roster spots/playing time at wide receiver next season. They will unquestionably add some players to the competition – such as a draft pick with return ability and/or some … Continue reading →

A lot of people talk about how difficult it is for NFL teams to scout, evaluate, draft and develop quarterbacks. What’s even more difficult, it seems, is finding quality defensive linemen in the draft.   In the 2008 draft, there … Continue reading →

Dynamic pass-rushers are difficult to find. Look around the NFL, and you’ll discover only 14 players recorded 10 or more sacks in 2009. The last time the 49ers had a double-digit sack artist was 2002 when Andre Carter had 12.5. … Continue reading →

The 49ers were very good in all areas of special-teams coverage last season. But their returns were awful.   Coach Mike Singletary said he places a lot of importance on special teams. And, he added, “some of the things we’ll do … Continue reading →

When the staff here at Instant 49ers ranked the 49ers’ offseason priorities, inside linebacker rolled in at No. 11. That is to say that it’s a need, all right. But it ranks behind offensive tackle and return specialist, and ahead … Continue reading →

A year ago, the 49ers spent a sixth-round draft pick on a blocking tight end. But Bear Pascoe struggled in camp, and the 49ers’ coaches were not impressed with the way he competed. When the final cuts arrived, the 49ers … Continue reading →

Shawntae Spencer started every game at right cornerback. Dashon Goldson started every game at free safety. The 49ers can look at those players and pencil them into the starting lineup in 2010 and beyond.   Strong safety Michael Lewis will … Continue reading →

Today we begin a position-by-position breakdown of the 49ers with a look at the running backs.   A year ago, the 49ers were definitely in the market for a running back in the draft. Coach Mike Singletary and GM Scot … Continue reading →

There were a lot of plays to dissect from the 49ers’ 20-17 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday, but we’ll go behind the scenes to pay particular attention to two critical third-down pass plays late in the game.   Third-and-4 … Continue reading →