Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Final 32-team breakdown ahead of the 2018 draft

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) A detailed view of the pick is in for the #1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) A detailed view of the pick is in for the #1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers. 13. team. 42. . . Previous:

At this point, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could probably hang 50 points on the 1985 Bears. Seriously, there’s that much hype.

Regardless, the 49ers have been one of the hotter storylines around the NFL this offseason, which is a main reason why they climb substantially in our NFL power rankings.

And, no, it’s not just because we’re a Niners-specific site.

General manager John Lynch made smart, if not splashy, moves in free agency. Fans will love how former Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon will operate in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. And those same fans will put any lingering resentment aside after their former nemesis, long-time Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, makes a game-changing interception in a 49ers uniform.

If there is a major concern, it’s with second-year linebacker Reuben Foster. His off-field transgressions could lead to a six-game suspension this season, and last year proved just how valuable he is to San Francisco’s defense.

Good thing the Niners own the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming draft. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Lynch target another linebacker early. Roquan Smith, anyone?