NFL power rankings: Who is biggest threat to Patriots?
By Brad Weiss
San Francisco 49ers
, NFC West
The San Francisco 49ers were beaten pretty soundly by the Denver Broncos this past week, as new quarterback Brian Hoyer had a rough go of it. Luckily for 49ers fans, it is only the preseason, but it could be a small sampling of the year ahead. New head coach Kyle Shanahan is in for a long season in his first year at the helm of the 49ers, but there are some bright spots on the roster.
One such bright spot is Solomon Thomas, the team’s top pick from this past April’s NFL Draft. Thomas has been better than advertised during his first Summer with the team, and should be an impact player at the next level. Fellow first round pick, Reuben Foster, will also play a key role in his first season with the team, giving the 49ers two nice building blocks on the defensive side of the ball.
While Hoyer looked bad this past weekend, his backup, C.J. Beathard, did not. He has looked very good in limited action this preseason, and should lock up the backup job, making his selection in the third round a great one. Running back Carlos Hyde will be the workhorse in the backfield once again in San Francisco, as they look to turn around the franchise.
San Francisco should show some signs of life this season, but they are at least two years away from being a true contender in the NFC West. If they do struggle in 2017, they will have a top draft pick, where they can shore up the quarterback position. Be patient 49ers fans, the team has the right people in place to turn this thing around.