Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the San Francisco 49ers.
2015 in a nutshell: The league’s worst offense scores just 14.9 points per game as the 49ers finish 5-11, posting a losing record for the first time since 2010.
Why 2016 could be different: They’ve brought in the “guru” of all “gurus,” Chip Kelly, to revamp the offense. They’re also getting Colin Kaepernick, Anthony Davis and Carlos Hyde back.
Major additions: Veteran guard Zane Beadles, as well as top picks DeForest Buckner and Joshua Garnett.
Major losses: Veteran receiver Anquan Boldin, as well as guard Alex Boone.
Breakout watch: Top 2014 pick Jimmie Ward made a lot of progress in his second season and should have a chance to become a shutdown corner in 2016. He and Buckner are the future of that defense.
Position to watch: Kaepernick is fighting with notable bust Blaine Gabbert for the starting quarterback job, and it’s not going well. He missed most of the offseason while recovering from multiple surgeries and has now been dealing with what the team calls “arm fatigue.” Gabbert may enter the regular season as the starter, but Kaep should eventually have a shot.
Prediction: Too many questions on both sides of the ball, and Seattle and Arizona are too good. This is a five-win team, again.
