10 Areas of Hope, Concern for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016

The San Francisco 49ers approach the 2016 NFL season with more than a few variables on the table. As is so often the case, something good must be accompanied by something bad. So Niner Noise takes a look at a combination of hopeful aspects while paying attention to why they may be of concern this season.

2016 promises to be a very interesting year for the San Francisco 49ers — a team going through a major overhaul and transition.

There exists a “ying” and a “yang” to nearly every facet of life and, without delving into life’s philosophies, it’s possible to apply the same principle to life at the NFL level. The Niners have a lot of reasons for hope entering the upcoming season. But, for every positive thought, there is an offsetting reason for concern.

Look no further than former head coach Jim Tomsula’s brief stint last year. Players loved him, the front office loved him and fans felt he might be able to emerge as the hidden gem no one around the league knew about.

And yet there was the concern about his inexperience. The latter part proved to be the decisive factor.

So what are these topics and areas entering 2016?

In this slideshow, we break down 10 subjects in which there is room for hope but are also marked with substantial worry.

One may consider these X-factors of sorts. Which way they turn will ultimately decide the fate of the Niners after 16 weeks of competition are in the books.

Next: Youth at Wide Receiver