Where 49ers stand in post-free agency NFL power rankings

The San Francisco 49ers are still hovering around the middle of the pack in analysts’ latest NFL power rankings after free agency opened last week.

If there’s one good bit of news, it’s the San Francisco 49ers‘ 4-12 finish from 2018 doesn’t seem to be carrying too much weight in experts’ latest takes in NFL power rankings.

The Niners made a number of moves upon the opening of NFL free agency, bringing aboard EDGE Dee Ford via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, while also signing linebacker Kwon Alexander and running back Tevin Coleman. Cornerback Jason Verrett and wide receiver Jordan Matthews should spark some serious competition at positions that were major question marks a year ago, too.

So, how did San Francisco’s free agency moves affect its standings according to the experts?

Let’s take a look.

Elliot Harrison, NFL.com: 20 (+2)

"The 49ers should consider wrapping newly signed RB Tevin Coleman in cellophane until September. Maybe they could hang him up on the wall in the package like those Starting Lineup figurines. (I still have a Roger Craig Starting Lineup figure, in the package.) We saw what happened to San Francisco’s prized free-agent skill player of last year. Moving away from the offense … opponents might struggle to move the ball freely against this Niners defense. Shocking that GM John Lynch would go all out on that side of the ball, considering his past. First, Lynch brought LBKwon Alexander into the building. Then he traded for Chiefs pass rusher Dee Ford. The coolest add:Jason Verrett. The former Chargers corner has but one asterisk, which is a difficulty staying healthy. This could be an example of a minor move that packs a wallop toward a playoff push."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 22 (-2)

"The trade to land Dee Ford from the Chiefs gives them a heck of a defensive front and Kwon Alexander will improve the linebacker group. But it’s about the return of Jimmy Garoppolo for this team."

Nate Davis, USA Today Sports: 20 (-4)

"So many parts to integrate into offense, including returns of QB Jimmy Garoppolo and RB Jerick McKinnon, with open question remaining at receiver."

It’s interesting to see only Harrison gave the Niners a boost in NFL power rankings, especially considering Ford helped address arguably San Francisco’s top offseason need, the pass rush.

That said, perhaps the 49ers’ stock value would have increased if the team would have landed a high-profile free agent, such as former Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas, who eventually signed a lucrative deal with the Baltimore Ravens instead.

While not overly discussed, the Niners are taking chances on some injured players, namely Alexander and Verrett. Matthews, meanwhile, has just over 582 receiving yards the past two seasons combined.

Yet these can be the kinds of moves that turn a middle-of-the-pack team into a true playoff contender. Not saying that’s what will happen here, but under-radar signings can be just as critical as the high-profile ones.

And remember, many of those splashy NFL free agency moves end up being cap casualties two or three years into the deals.

Perhaps the 49ers avoided that this offseason.