Jan 6, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA;Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) catches an 18 yard touchdown pass over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) during the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at M

We all heard the saying, “there’s no “I” in team.” And while many sports are individually based such as golf, the game of football is not. Football is a team sport, where many individuals need to come together, to achieve a common goal, winning. And although that is easier said than done, the 49ers find themselves showered with Pro Bowl talent, making life easier for all players involved to get a win. The Niners consistently find top tier talent either via the draft or free-agency, and with the addition of this year’s free-agent splash WR Anquan Boldin, he only further validates my stance.

When the 49ers traded away their sixth-round draft pick, in exchange for Boldin’s services, I could not believe my eyes. The trade was clearly lopsided, as the Niners received the better end of the deal. Widely considered as a top wide receiver in this league, Boldin was voted by his peers as one of the best, as he was ranked No. 93 on NFL Network’s Top 100 players of 2013. A player that possesses some of the best hands in football, Boldin will only help bolster a young wide receivers unit. And no player will benefit more than WR Michael Crabtree.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham (24) attempts to tackle San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in Crabtree’s career, he will no longer be the focal point of the defense. No longer can defenses shift their focus toward his side of the field, as Boldin is smart enough to break his route to find an open seam. Aside from his football IQ, Boldin has the route running down to a science. He runs precise routes, quick breaks, while earning the quarterback’s trust. This was evident in the Super Bowl, where QB Joe Flacco threw hail mary after hail mary, knowing Boldin would be in the vicinity. This bodes well for Crabtree, as he now has a dependable and smart player capable of holding his own.

I’m not saying that WR Randy Moss or WR Mario Manningham did not hold their own. They sure earned their stripes and played great ball last season. However, both of those players are no where near Boldin’s talent level, leaving Boldin to be an upgrade at the position.

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) carries the ball after a catch as New England Patriots defensive back Marquice Cole (23) defends in the third quarter of the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

And while Boldin is a rock, he will be mostly counted on in red-zone opportunities. You remember the days when QB Jeff Garcia and WR Terrell Owens would get inside the 20-yard line, and Garcia would just lob it up to Owens for a sure fire touchdown. It was automatic. I believe Boldin and Kaepernick will revive this type of threat, allowing Crabtree to work the underneath routes. Sure Kaepernick and Crabtree can make the same type of connection, but who would you rather have on a lob? I believe Boldin is the better fit, as he is stronger and more physical.

Whether the Niners utilize Boldin in red-zone opportunities or for moving the chains, one thing is clear, the defensive backs better bring their lunch pails to work, as Boldin will be taking them to school.

Dec 19, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Adam Snyder (68) celebrates on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated Pittsburgh 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers clearly needed depth along the offensive line. It just so happens that recently released G Adam Snyder was available. A move the Arizona Cardinals made in an effort to improve the interior of their line, they let Snyder walk after drafting arguably the best guard in the draft in G Jonathan Cooper in the first-round (No. 8). Snyder looking for a potential fit, opted to return to his roots by signing with the Niners on a two-year contract.

A move that was not surprising to me, as I predicted on my website last week, that Snyder would be back in red and gold. The move makes sense for a Niners’ team on the brink of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. For one, Snyder is very versatile and would provide great depth at both guard and tackle. How many guards do you know in this league have the skill-set to play tackle? Not very many, and although Snyder struggled some last year, he does hold his own. The entire Cardinals line was just terrible, and using Snyder as a scape-goat is ridiculous.

Another reason why Snyder makes sense, is due to the team’s chemistry. Snyder is already familiar with the coaching staff, players, and area, making the transition almost seamless. He was usually seen on his off-days hanging out with T Joe Staley and G Alex Boone, so having a friend back on the team, raises morale.

With Snyder back in the mix, look for him to fight for a starting spot with Boone, as training camp is right around the corner.

Oct 20, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; LSU Tigers safety Eric Reid (1) celebrates a victory against the Texas A

With the San Francisco 49ers set to open their rookie minicamp on May 10-12, it will be the first time these rookies will floss their red and gold apparel. And although many of these rookies will be positioning themselves to make the practice squad, players such as FS Eric Reid will have the tough task of filling the void left by All-Pro FS Dashon Goldson. Unlike last year’s first-round pick WR A.J. Jenkins, Reid will not have the luxury of learning behind a star studded depth chart, instead he will be thrown to the wolves. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, back in 2000 the Niners had two rookie starters in CB Ahmed Plummer and CB Jason Webster. Both of those players proved to be solid starters for the next five years, and despite making rookie mistakes had little to no mental lapses. And I see the same qualities in Reid.

November 26, 2011; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Cornellius Carradine (91) defends Florida Gators quarterback Jacoby Brissett (17) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Another player worth noting is DE Tank Carradine. This sleeping giant was a draft day steal in the second-round, and has the “wow” factor the 49ers were looking for. He has a rare blend of speed and strength to be a three down player in this league. He has an array of pass rush moves that range from a brute bull-rush to a violent swim move. Do not be surprised if Carradine bites into DE Ray McDonald’s playing time, as he is a more gifted physical specimen.

Whether these rookies will be added to the practice squad or 53-man roster, one thing is for sure, these rookies will need to grasp the Niners complex playbook, if they hope to have any chance of playing in an NFL game.