Are the Niners better of worse than their Super Bowl team after the draft?

Originally posted by Luckycharms:
Are Kinlaw, Aiyuk, and Trent better than Buck, Sanders, and Staley. Probably not, atleast not yet but that doesn't mean our team will be worse. You never know how guys will progress. We have a lot of young talent. We have young guys like Deebo, Warner, Mcglinchey, Bosa, Kwon, Greenlaw who can be pro bowl or even all pro next year. They not only have the talent but have shown a progression to where it wouldn't surprise anyone see them reach that level. There's even more young guys we have who could get there too (Witherspoon, E-Man, DJ, Moestert, Brunskill etc) but let's not even use them as examples.

There's so many variables that go into whether or not we are a better team, it's not as simple as lose 2 studs and draft 2 question marks = not as good.
- If multiple of our young guys take the next step we could easily be better
- If Jimmy goes from a top 10-12 QB to a top 5-8 QB
- If we finally have some injury luck. Do I even need to remind you the amount of good players missed significant time last year for us?

Anyway there several other ways we could end up a better team. I personally think we will end up being a better overall team because we have sooo many YOUNG players that I think are between very good and superstar. We are also getting some injured guys back ( Hurd, Taylor, DJ, Richburg, McKinnon ). Lastly and most importantly I think Jimmy will take the next step in becoming a better QB.

But even if all these things happen and we are a better team, it doesn't necessarily mean we will win the super bowl. You need a little luck too, the best overall team doesn't always end up winning the super bowl. Just ask Eli Manning.

Good post.

The key is the amount of improvement we see from the young guys, like Greenlaw, Moseley, Mclginchey, etc. If the majority take a step up, it will make up for losses in other areas.

The pivot point is Buckner versus Kinlaw. It is not rocket science to say the Kinlaw will have to have a near ROY performance to replace Buckner. However, he has the package that should allow him to play at something like 75% of Buckner.

I loved Staley, however, it is just folly to think he would come back at anything close to what he was two years ago. Assuming Williams can still play at something close to what he has in the past means he is an upgrade. Though he did not play last season, the time off to allow him to regain his full health should add another year or two to his time in SF. Net - large gain.

Losing Sanders is not as big a deal as some think. Last season he played like the wily veteran he is, however, he did not have the burst he once had. Also, like all veterans as they age, they become more vulnerable to injury. We will never know how much his injuries held him back last season but he clearly was not the player he once was.

Then there is Jimmy. With Williams sealing the left side, along with an upgrade from Person, and more time with Deebo and the rest, I expect a step up.

SUMMARY: Slight overall downgrade going into the season with improvement during the season. It all comes down to injuries but this roster is capable of going back to the SB.

In addition (undrafted), more prospects for the secondary...any help is welcomed. Our slow ass secondary is desperate af

CB DeMarkus Acy, Missouri / Sherman speed, he'll fit right in

Source: Peter Baugh, The Athletic
Measurables: 6-2, 195lb
Notes: All-SEC corner in 2018 and was a team captain. He didn't receive a Combine invite

S Jared Mayden, Alabama / ANOTHER SLOW ASS

Source: Tom Pelissero, NFL Network
Measurables: 6-0, 205lb
Notes: Recorded 59 tackles, one for a loss, four interceptions, and three passes defensed as a senior in 2019.
Contract: Includes $50,000 guaranteed, including $40,000 guaranteed base salary, and $10,000 signing bonus, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

S Ronnell Perkins, Missouri / Versatile (hybrid safety / LB role) NOT SLOW!!
Source: Peter Baugh, The Athletic
Measurables: 6-0,
Notes: Recorded 105 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, a sack, two interceptions, a touchdown, seven passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in four seasons with the Tigers

More.... https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-undrafted-free-agent-signing-tracker-san-franciscos-2020-deals

It may be a push. Losing Buck, but gaining Trent Williams. Plus it's Jimmy's 2nd year in Kyle's offense, with new weapons.

The largest factor is going to be HEALTH. The players who were injured last year and couldn't play in the Super Bowl were players who provided quality depth. Having said that, the return of those particular players make us better. If Kinlaw can come in and improve our run defense (11 teams + Chiefs rushed for more yards than we did last year) and make teams more one dimensional, that alone is an improvement. There seems to be an indication that Jimmy Gangsta will spend more time standing up in the pocket and if he looks more like the cat who won 5-6 games in a row at the end of 2017, #6 is in the bag. An added bonus is that Lynch seems to find diamonds amongst the UDFA's. So that lends to more improvement on the team. Therefore, can't say it's better or worse, but, the trend looks to be upward

I can't say Kinlaw and Aiyuk will replace Buck and Sanders because they are unproven rookies. So at those two positions, I'd have to go with they got worse. Brunskill replacing Person is an improvement although Brunskill only had limited playing time.

There are many positions on the team that I think should get better through player development. Guys like Warner, Bosa, Deebo, Kittle, Moseley, McGlinch, and Jimmy should naturally progress. Not always a given, but those are the ones that should have an upward trajectory in development so that the net difference is an improved 2020 team.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Right. I'm not dismissing WHY more talent wasn't had, just the end result of the off season compared to our Superbowl team. Checks and balances.

And like an example you noted in Brunskill, he was here last year so we didn't add talent above him, only behind. In fact, we lost Person, a cheaper player than Compton, well versed in the system and who can play both G and C.

So, in checks and balances, talent was not added. Like Williams for Staley; that's a wash on talent. If TW was added TO an OL with Staley still on it, then you're talking a talent upgrade!

We cut Person, and if he's cheaper and more versatile then why would we do that? Obviously Shanahan thinks Compton is at the very least as good if not better.

Originally posted by thl408:
I can't say Kinlaw and Aiyuk will replace Buck and Sanders because they are unproven rookies. So at those two positions, I'd have to go with they got worse. Brunskill replacing Person is an improvement although Brunskill only had limited playing time.

There are many positions on the team that I think should get better through player development. Guys like Warner, Bosa, Deebo, Kittle, Moseley, McGlinch, and Jimmy should naturally progress. Not always a given, but those are the ones that should have an upward trajectory in development so that the net difference is an improved 2020 team.

AGree.
Also the coaches should be improved. Keep in mind Andy Reid is a long time Coaching veteran with decades of HC experience, Kyle's only about 3 years old in the head coaching department. Saleh, Kocurek, Benton, etc... the coaches will get better and the players too - that synergy should also be (as you said) a net improvement given the overall circumstances.

Originally posted by thl408:

I can't say Kinlaw and Aiyuk will replace Buck and Sanders because they are unproven rookies. So at those two positions, I'd have to go with they got worse. Brunskill replacing Person is an improvement although Brunskill only had limited playing time.

There are many positions on the team that I think should get better through player development. Guys like Warner, Bosa, Deebo, Kittle, Moseley, McGlinch, and Jimmy should naturally progress. Not always a given, but those are the ones that should have an upward trajectory in development so that the net difference is an improved 2020 team.

This is a very good post. If Aiyuk has a Deebo type impact as opposed to a Pettis type impact then we are in very good shape.

Right now worst only because we are replacing key role players with rookies. We need to see them play to get a really idea how this teams talent compares to last years

A lot of our guys like Bosa, Mosley, Warner, greenlaw, Deebo, Mcglichey, mostert, jimmy, etc. should only get better. A lot of them it was their first year as starters so you would expect them to improve (although not always the case like Pettis and Witherspoon). That and the additions will make us better than last year. It also depends on injuries. We all know what happened last year but can Armstead and ward also stay healthy? Or was last year a fluke? If we have half the injuries we did last year and the young guys can keep getting better, then yes we will be better. If they take a step back like Witherspoon and Pettis did and if we cant stay healthy then no.

Bosa was a rookie and dominated, what will the future bring? Armstead broke through, Warner and Greenlaw were rookies, Ward was finally healthy and Tartt was solid. The D is in good hands and Coach will take care of the offense.

I think you answered your own question...just look at the players coming back and the new additions. Buckner & Sanders were the two big losses...but with Kinlaw & Aiyuk I think our braintrust filled those holes. Breida was expendable...in part because he got in Coach's doghouse, but also because of the remaining depth of talent. Now, they've added two more good RB's as UDFA's. The OL depth is better now than it's been in quite some time. Still concerned about the C position...Garland's done a decent job, but he's not a real starter. Richburg's been good when healthy, but he's had two serious injuries & counting. I really think he's a little undersized. One thing I like about the OL additions is the new guys play with attitude...Compton, Williams & McKivitz have it for sure. Would love to have a big C who brings it, as well. Also like the new TE, Woerner. He's already an excellent blocker, but is anxious to learn more from Kittle, whom he admires greatly. He can catch the ball, just wasn't asked to do it much at GA. Could also have value as an H-back. Jimmy now has a big, physical WR in Jennings. I think this kid can be a steal. The RB and WR competition should be fun to watch. Overall, I think you have to be excited about this coming season. Lynch & Coach have done a lot to make the roster as strong as they could. Chances are, there'll be more moves before the season starts. Jed has to feel very good about what they've done so far and for what the future holds.

Originally posted by Jiks:
I'd say slightly worse. The problem is teams like Seattle and LAR stayed the same and AZ got a lot better. So the division got better and we took a step back. Though I like Kinlaw and Aiyuk they are no Defo or Sanders for a few years.

What in't being mentioned is that the teams we'll play (if indeed there is a season) will play harder against the 49ers as NFC champions. Other teams will play us as their own Super Bowl. If Niners are a better team, it may not show in the record.

Originally posted by Kalen49ers:

We cut Person, and if he's cheaper and more versatile then why would we do that? Obviously Shanahan thinks Compton is at the very least as good if not better.

The reason Person fell off was apparently he had some injuries last year; neck I believe. He was never a 'great' player to begin with so when he fell he fell hard. But he was solid the previous year. We don't know if Brunskill is going to be a great and steady 16 game starter. He could be like Skule and look solid for a couple games and then progressively get worse. Or he could be the next great G. Who knows. The concern I have is he has zero high quality challengers and if he doesn't pan out, Jimmy is in big trouble. Again.

Originally posted by NYniner85:
I wouldn't say they're better. I mean it's pretty freaking hard to be better following a super bowl.

That said they got younger and cheaper. They have young guys who will improve.

SF was one of the most injured teams last yr as well.

Agree

Add to that, we'll have 3 injured guys coming back to compete - McK, Taylor, Hurd

And, IMO, TW might be a slight upgrade to Staley