49ers Off-season

Our goal this off season was to continue to build upon our youth, who surprised with a 7-9 record despite having the 2nd worst rated roster by expert scout service, DaddyLeagues Inc. We also want to compliment that youth with proven veterans to create competition at every position and build a culture of professionalism and accountability. The days of moral victories will be behind us.

Trades

First, let’s revisit the two trades made last off season, as they pertain to how we went about building our team this year. We traded two 49ers legends in NaVarro Bowman and Joe Staley. In return, we moved up from the 2nd round to the 1st, picked up an extra 3rd this year, and a 2nd and 3rd next season.

After the off-season, we mad the difficult choice to part with promising rookie quarterback, C.J. Beathard in return for 2nd round pick in next season's draft. We had received reliable information that a quarterback we have had interest in for a long time was going to be available in free agency and wanted to capitalize on Beathard’s value. It was a difficult choice, but one we think will make us better in the long run.

Resignings

We retained Carlos Hyde, Aaron Lynch, and Garret Reynolds, as well as several young players to provide depth. We did not resign Jerry Hughes or Darrell Revis. They gave us incredible leadership in their lone season on the team, but we had young players read to step into those roles.

Free agency

In free agency we had a plan to improve on the offensive line and at quarterback. We wanted to use the rest of our cap space to improve across the board. We were able to sign outstanding left tackle Nate Solder to a huge deal to shore up our offensive line. We also gave big money to Akiem Hicks, to be the run stuffing defensive tackle we lacked last season.

As mentioned before, we have been targeting former number one overall pick, Sam Bradford for a long time. He fits our West Coast system perfectly and is exactly the steady influence at the position we need to propel us to the playoffs. We signed Bradford for 2 seasons and very well could keep him longer.

We picked up veteran offensive lineman Matt Slauson and free safety Corey Graham to help us in those respective areas. We expect both to start.

Draft

With two first round picks, we drafted wide receiver Iran Bodiford out of Michigan State and defensive end Shon Clarke out of Florida. Both players will be day one starters and look to be every bit as good as advertised. Bodiford will be Bradford's favorite target right of the bat. (B-Ford Fusion?) Clarke will add to a defensive line that just picked up arguably the best d-lineman in free agency and has spent first round picks on the position each of the past 4 drafts.

Free safety Stanley Barnett out of Ohio was picked in the 3rd round and should get ample playing time as the 3rd safety this season. Richey Battle will serve as a pass rush specialist throughout the season at both OLB and DE.

Overview

The 49ers lost very little talent outside of aging veterans Revis and Hughes. We brought in Sam Bradford to man down the QB position and Nate Solder to protect his blindside. The young defense got better with the additions of Hicks, Clarke, Barnett, and Battle. Bodiford will be exciting on offense and in the return game. We resisted the urge to move up in the draft and preserved our 6 top 100 picks in next season’s draft. The 49ers are ready to roll in season 37!