Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco 49ers

2016 Record: 2-14, Fourth Place in the NFC West

My, how much have the 49ers changed things in Santa Clara this offseason.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have completely stripped a boring and ineffective roster this offseason, parting ways with over 50 percent of last year’s group.

Lynch also engineered one of the most masterful trades of the NFL Draft, moving down from No. 2 overall and grabbing defensive end Solomon Thomas a spot later and picking up three picks from the Bears in the process.

All the while, Chicago could have stayed put and grabbed quarterback Mitchell Trubisky anyway.

Lynch also nabbed linebacker Reuben Foster, via a draft-day trade with the Seattle Seahawks, at the tail end of Round 1. Just think, the Niners may have a dynamic linebacker tandem once again with Foster and NaVorro Bowman.

San Francisco also made some notable offensive additions, signing a number of blue-chip players, including quarterback Brian Hoyer, fullback Kyle Jusczcyk and wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin.

With Shanahan installing a more prolific offense, it’s clear this rebuild is taking the right steps.

Strengths

The Niners don’t have many, but at least the front seven is looking pretty solid with Thomas, Foster, Bowman and last year’s standout, DeForest Buckner, in place. Adding running back Joe Williams should help alleviate the pressure on Carlos Hyde to perform solely on his own, which is exactly what the latter needs.

At best, the 49ers have a solid general manager proving himself and a clear vision what the team wants to do moving forward.

That’s the best news Niners fans have had in a while.

Weaknesses

San Francisco is still undergoing some major transitions within its secondary, and the cornerback group figures to be one question mark. Rashard Robinson suddenly emerges as the team’s No. 1 cornerback, and he’ll be paired with rookie Ahkello Witherspoon. The depth here isn’t great.

The 49ers offensive line, despite adding Pro Bowl center Jeremy Zuttah, is far from perfect. So this could be a problem for any offensive rhythm.

Despite the additions, the Niners still lack an elite-level offensive playmaker.

X-Factors

Gutting the roster means young, promising players have the chance to shine this season. But that doesn’t mean everyone will.

Hoyer is a stopgap option, and the 49ers aren’t going to pin their hopes on rookie QB C.J. Beathard anytime soon. So Hoyer it is.

But look for rookie tight end George Kittle to be a factor. Had he played in a more established collegiate program than Iowa, he might have been a household NFL Draft name.

Kittle could be soon.