NFL power rankings: Stacking up all 32 teams amid 2018 training camp
By Peter Panacy
Previous: . San Francisco 49ers. 13. team. 42. .
Just think, Jimmy Garoppolo helped carry the 49ers to a five-game win streak on a very limited knowledge of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s complex offense.
San Francisco 49ers
Just think what Jimmy G can do with a full offseason’s work.
A big part of that projection falls upon rookie wide receiver Dante Pettis, who some may have viewed as a reach at No. 44 overall in the NFL Draft. For many other teams, perhaps, but not with Shanahan.
In camp, Pettis has been flashing some amazing skill and abilities, particularly with his excellent route running. This is where Shanahan’s offense takes a massive leap, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Niners offense emerge as a top-10 unit in 2018.
San Francisco still has plenty of defensive questions, particularly in the pass rush. But linebacker Reuben Foster will only be suspended two games after a turbulent offseason that involved two arrests. And the secondary gained All-Pro experience with the free-agent pickup of Richard Sherman.
The Niners are a young, up-and-coming squad right now, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see them legitimately contending for an NFC West title.