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San Francisco 49ers: Breaking Down Strongest, Weakest Positions in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback

Was there ever any doubt? When discussing the weaknesses of the 49ers, it’s impossible not to point to the quarterback position as a major weakness. At the most important position in all of professional sports, the 49ers have a disgruntled former-superstar and an average backup that they’re trying to convince themselves can become a franchise starter.

Colin Kaepernick may or may not want to be here. A trade request from his agents doesn’t suggest he’s anxious to play 2016 with the 49ers. Even if he were healthy, he might not be the tailor-made quarterback for Chip Kelly’s system that everyone assumes.

Blaine Gabbert is certainly doing and saying all of the right things. In fact, 49ers players think he is “taking control” in practices, according to CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. As encouraging as it is to see Gabbert acting like a leader, he’s still not the player that you want to rally the franchise around. He can step in and control a game. He’s a high-level backup. But a starter for an entire season? No thanks.

Chip Kelly made Nick Foles and Sam Bradford look productive in Philadelphia. That’s likely led to a bit of ego-inflation from the 49ers head coach. He seems to make mediocre quarterbacks look decent. That’s not the type of credential you want your head coach hanging his hat on. If anything, ask him to make an average quarterback great.

The team drafted Jeff Driskel in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and he possesses the framework that will excite fans for his development.

So, entering 2016, the 49ers have an unhappy quarterback, a mediocre one and a rookie they’re trying to develop. The stories surrounding those three will generate plenty of reads in 2016 but they’re unlikely to generate a ton of wins. Without a doubt, the 49ers weakest position moving forward is the quarterback group.

The team will need Chip Kelly to work his magic for at least one more year because there isn’t a savior coming through the doors. The starter will either be Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert and each offer a fair amount of worry.

Next: Final Thoughts