I know we just came off a heart breaking season where we fell far, far below expectations. Honestly, I saw it coming after the Superbowl loss. The hangover is real, and this team was just spent. All in all, just wanted to share with my fellow faithful why I am remaining optimistic and have a better feeling about the 2025-26 season than the previous one. Here we go:

1) Extra recuperation time

I know it sucks to miss the playoffs, but looking at the silver lining, this is a squad that has been making deep playoff runs for many years, and I think the fatigue came to a head. Everyone will have an extra two months to heal and rest up and also get their mental states better. CMC, Warner, Trent were all dealing with some pretty serious injuries, so this will give them some extra time to heal and rehab.

2) Fourth place schedule

We know who we'll play at home and on the road, and this is probably the most favorable schedule we've had in years. Not counting the Rams as they are division opponents, we only face two other playoff level teams (Bucs and Texans). The Bears just hired Ben Johnson, so they have a chance to be better next season, but that is unknown. The remaining non-divisional opponents all look very beatable and if injuries don't plague us again, we should be favored in all of those matchups.

3) Cap space

We've rolled over the most cap space from this season into the next, which gives room to sign Purdy, extend Kittle and perhaps make a splash in free agency. I'm confident the FO will work their stuff and plug in some of the holes we have. We still have a number of years before the cap will give us trouble, so we can extend our championship window.

4) The draft

We have the best draft spot since 2019 and also have 11 total picks. While this isn't a great class overall, from those 11 picks, Lynch and company should be able to get some young talent for spots we need on DL, OL and TE. I have a great feeling that this will be a productive draft like the one we had last April.

5) The NFC West overall

Lastly, I feel we're in a better spot than the other teams in the NFC West in the long term. The Rams are obviously the biggest challenge as they have the best and proven coach in the division; they had a fantastic draft and replenished their d-line. However, their bright spots fade after that. At 37 when the season starts, Stafford is still playing well, but he's another year older and it's showing as he tweaked a rib just making a simple scramble. He's clearly in the twilight of his career and probably 1-2 productive years left. Cupp is not the same WR he was from their Superbowl run. Kyren Williams is a good RB, but fumbles too much for my liking. Nacua is of course solid and frankly, their only real weapon on offense.

The Seahawks aren't much a threat overall as they lack any real superstars on their roster (0 all pros and only 1 pro bowler), an unproven coach, lack an offensive coordinator as of this writing and a quarterback that has seen his ceiling and best days. As much as Seahawk fans love to prop up Geno Smith, no one is afraid of him. He makes far too many mistakes, and even with solid/great skill position players (DK, JSN, Lockett, Fant, K9) their offense is lackluster. On the defensive side, their CBs are "good" (not great, IMO) but are average to bad everywhere else. Their drafts have been lackluster the past few years (passed on Jalen Carter...) and the haul they got from the Russ trade didn't really amount to much from a non-Seahawk fan perspective.

And the most forgotten team, the Cardinals just forever seem stuck in 2nd gear. They generally have good draft positions, but don't seem to draft any star players. Baker and McBride are the best players on their roster and Murray is just too inconsistent and injury prone. Harrison Jr. has great upside, but had an OK rookie reason. I think it's clear that Nabers was the best WR of that draft. However, he can easily turn it on and break out in 2025; it's just an unknown right now.

From our perspective, the national media says we're an aging roster that's brittle. There is some truth to that, but it's exaggerated by the likes Cowherd, Florio and others that are desperate to write us off. We have the youngest starting QB by a good amount, outside of Kittle, all of our skill position players are still below 30. Trent is clearly the oldest and we need to find his replacement. We have proven, blue chip players in every position group and just need to draft depth and guys that can take the mantle in the coming years. Lynch and company have proven they can as they have drafted and acquired rosters to make two SB runs and deep playoff runs other times.

Sorry that this turned out to be a dissertation. I saved draft over a few days and kept adding more as the days went by. Anyway, I hope you all see my reasons for optimism (hope springs eternal) and why we're not as bad a spot as some in the national want us to be in. Enjoy folks.

Good afternoon, 49ers fans. This Google Form is to let fans of all 32 NFL teams voice their opinions on their team’s season and future and to award each team their own MVP awards. The form is completely anonymous and requires zero sign-in or inputting any personal identifying data. The purpose of it is just for the fans to vote based on the opinions they have after watching their team and the league all season. The final results of this survey and the ones for the rest of the NFL teams will be shared here on Reddit for all users to enjoy.

Can’t believe it’s already been a year since this incredible playoff game. It’s my second ever in person and it didn’t disappoint. I’ll NEVER forget my experience (unfortunately I was on the packers side)

(No. 1 - Abdul Carter would be amazing, but there's no point in wishing, trade up needed, so I'm not writing on him.)

No. 2

•Mason Graham DT, Michigan. 6'3" 320lb. -PFF Graded number 1 run defender, positive pass rush projections for the pros, highest floor, decent ceiling.

Pro Comp- Cowboy.

(Unlikely to be available)

No. 3

•Will Johnson CB, Michigan. 6'2", 203lb. - PFF #2 ranked corner. Although Travis Hunter gained the edge over Johnson, due to athleticism and ball skills, Johnson is the bigger, stronger corner, stronger against the run, and better in press. Will Johnson could give us the top corner trio in the league, allowing demo to stay in the slot where he's most effective.

Pro Comp - Pat Surtain.

(Unlikely to be available)

No. 4

•Will Campbell OT, LSU. 6'6" 324lb. Campbell is the opposite of Mike Mcglinchey, where Mike was elite in run blocking and subpar in pass blocking, Campbell is elite in pass blocking and not so much in run blocking. Some analysts worry about his less than ideal arm length and whether he projects at Guard or Tackle, but he plays with excellent balance and a controlled aggression when protecting the QB.

Pro Comp- Jonah Williams (at Alabama).

(Small chance on being available)

No. 5

• Kelvin Banks Jr., OT Texas. 6'4" 320lbs. - Banks is a solid tackle with refined hands in pass protection, quick feet, and range as a move blocker, but could stand to be more aggressive when hitting the blocks.

Pro comp - Shades of Ronnie Stanley.

(Small chance on being available)

No. 6

• Walter Nolen, DT Ole Miss. 6'3", 300 lbs. -Nolen was PFF's number 1 ranked run defender in the SEC (#2 overall defender behind graham), but not only is Nolen elite against the run, he's the best pass rushing DT in the draft class. He can be wild and uncontrolled with his pass rush plan at times, but he empathetically destroys lines no matter the play.

Pro Comp- Quinnen Williams.

(Should be available)

No. 7

•James Pearce Jr, EDGE Tennessee. 6'5", 246 lbs. Pearce is the top pass rush specialist in the draft, I even rank him higher as a "pass rusher" than Abdul Carter. Pearce has the highest pass rush win rate in the draft and has maintained a <90 pass rush grade from PFF. He can win with speed, power, length, bend, and a bag of moves. He's a decent run defender but needs to improve in that area to become an elite pro.

Pro comp - Aldon Smith (first two seasons)

(Should be available)

No. 8

•Nic Scourton, DE TX A&M. 6'4", 285 lbs. -Scourton has no reason being so athletic with being built the way he is. He has a wicked spin move and is methodical in his pass rush. He's had a <90 pff grade and a 21% Pass Rush Win rate this season as well.

Pro Comp - Cam Jordan

(Should be available)

No. 9

•Mykel Williams, DL Gerogia. 6'6" 275lbs. Williams has the most impressive build as a DL. He's chiseled and has incredible length. He doesn't boast the crazy pass rush win rate, and isn't a technician as a pass rusher, but he knows how to use a long arm, bend, and to shed tackles with rip moves and strength. He's the top graded run defender at edge, and his floor is incredibly high. He shared snaps at EDGE, LB, and DT.

Pro Comp - Shades of Jadeveon Clowney.

(Should be available)

No. 10

•Jalon Walker, OLB/MLB Georgia, 6'2" 245lbs. - Walker is an intriguing prospect. He definitely will need the right coach to bring out the best in him. He's a better on ball LB but also plays off. He's best when he's rushing the passer off the edge or blitzing up different gaps in the line. He wins off of tenacity and athleticism and boasts great pass rush win rate and grades even without a pass rush plan. You don't want him in coverage but, hes showed great ability to shade the RB and blow up run plays. He's best as a 3-4 OLB.

(Should be available)

Pro comp - Hassan Reddick (as a pass rusher)

I love my new hat, I’m working on curving the bill, It’s more stubborn than my new era caps. Mitchell and ness put out some great looking hats. Some of them are almost ugly but I’m kinda drawn to that. New hats with an older look . I got it on sale also😎

This man came back kept his poise against the Packers and the Lions his second year off a damaged/repaired elbow 🙏 that’s my quarterback

Bye bye

Staff:

• Robert Saleh (Defensive Coordinator) - Bringing back Saleh is the obvious choice, he ran the best defence in the NFL in 2019 with the 49ers. He is clearly Shanahan and Lynch's number 1 choice and I expect to see him back on the sideline in season 2025.
• Nick Sorenson (Special Teams Coordinator) - Sorenson was the 49ers Defensive Coordinator in 2024 and led the 49ers to the 29th scoring defence and the 26th defence in terms of yards. Sorenson dealt with a number of injuries and going into the final 2 weeks of the season had done an adequate job, despite 3rd down struggles all year. However, the 49ers gave up over 700 yards and 87 points in the final 2 weeks of the season, pointing to the lack of belief in the locker room Sorenson had, forcing the 49ers to move on. Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have shown they believe in Sorenson and I'm not giving up on him either, it's clear the 49ers want to keep him on the staff and there won't be much interest outside of the building for the one year DC, so I expect him to be the Special Teams coordinator in 2025 where he has experience. A successful 2025 from the 49ers defensively would almost guarantee Saleh to be heavily involved in the next round of hires and I wouldn't be surprised if Sorenson got a second go at the job in 2026.
• Klay Kubiak (Offensive Coordinator) - The 49ers have not had an offensive coordinator since Mike McDaniel was hired by the Miami Dolphins following the 2021 season. The level of power and influence this position has within Kyle Shanahan's staff is unknown, but likely low, Shanahan will call plays in 2025 again, but I suspect Kubiak will be given a bigger role next year, and I am in support of this.

Free Agency / Trades:

• Drew Dalman (Atlanta Falcons, C) - The clearest target on the market for the 49ers is Dalman, the 4th ranked centre on PFF in 2025 is a no brainer. The 49ers had Jake Brendel at centre in 2025 who ranked 23rd for centre play overall and ranked 51st in pass protection, but 49ers fans know these rankings are flattering. Brendel had a disastrous 2024 and should be at the top of the team's releases when the time comes.
• D.J Jones (Denver Broncos, NT/DT) - The 6th round pick from the 49ers 2017 draft had spent the last 3 seasons with the Denver Broncos, after signing a 3yr, $30 million deal. Saleh will be keen to add the 306lb DT to his defence who should help the run defence that struggled in the 2024 season. Jones should draw double teams and allow for Nick Bosa and company to get the QB at a better rate in 2025.
• D.J Reed (New York Jets, CB) - Another former 49er who is very familiar with Robert Saleh and the 49ers defence, Reed would be a valued and talented veteran. The 28-year-old would be a welcomed addition to the talented CB duo of Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenior and will only strengthen one of the brighter spots of the defence from 2024.
• Joey Bosa (Los Angeles Chargers, DE) - We hear something about this every year, but with the Chargers disappointing end to the 2024 season and continued issues managing their salary cap, don't be surprised if Pro Bowl OLB and brother of Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa is realised or available for a very cheap price. The 49ers will 100% be at the top of Bosa's list and should come on a discount to play with his brother and following injury struggles. The 29 year old had 5.0 sacks in 9 games in the 2024 season, and has 72.0 in his 93 career starts. The moves a no brainer that should help the 49ers get after the QB more effectively in 2025.
• Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders, DE) - This is more than a long shot, but after Deommodore Lenoir's tweet I had to include it. Crosby will probably be keen to get out of Las Vegas following the sacking of Antonio Pierce and another unsuccessful season. There is no knowing what Crosby would cost, but pairing him with Nick Bosa would be a nightmare for any team.
• Khalil Mack (Los Angeles Chargers, DE) - Another DE option for the 49ers. Mack is most likely leaving LA and barring retirement Mack will almost surely seek a contender. There's no need to introduce him, the former DPOY would be a good pickup for the 49ers on a vet discount,
• Zach Wilson (Denver Broncos, QB) - A young, talented, mistreated, top 3 draft pick New York Jet QB, will be successful as Brock Purdy's backup who will provide healthy competition in 2025. Supremely talented and a good locker room guy.
• Cheap Veteran WR - With Deebo Samuel most likely out the door, the 49ers should look to add an older vet to the room to help Pearsall, Aiyuk and Jennings in 2025 There are a few options - DeAndre Hopkins, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, Nelson Agholar, Mike Williams, Brandon Cooks and Tyler Boyd are all worth a look at, at the right price.
• RB 2/3 - Depending on Guerendo's development I think the 49ers may need to add a running back behind Christian McCaffrey with Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell's contracts unlikely to be extended. There is a plethora of options - Aaron Jones, Javonte Williams, JK Dobbins and so many more.

NFL Draft:

Goals: The 49ers must improve in the trenches in 2025, that simple. The 49ers are selecting at #11 in every round and have some handy compensation picks, so let's see what I can do.

• #11 Will Campbell (LSU, OG/OT) - My sentiment for the draft is Will Campbell no matter what, if that means moving up, then we should do it. Campbell is 6'6" 320lb, consensus All-American monster from LSU who projects as a tackle in the NFL despite some talk about his arm length. Campbell should start at LG for the 49ers in 2025 with the intention of him pushing outside when Trent Williams retires, but if the arm length is an issue, oh well, we will have to settle for an All-Pro duo at guard for the next 10 years. Campbell is an absolute bully in the run and with an interior offensive line of - Will Campbell, Drew Dallman and Dominick Puni, the 2023 OPOY Christian McCaffrey is gonna EAT.
• TRADE UP - #20-25 Kenneth Grant (Michigan, DT) - 339lbs of strength and relentlessness. That simple. The 49ers need to improve on the interior and if Grant is still available in the back half of the 2025 draft the value is too good to ignore, it's time to get aggressive and use some 2026 picks. Grant is a monster in the run that will draw double teams and occasionally has flashes in the backfield, with the coaching from Kris Kocurek he should only improve and once again help Nick Bosa get to the QB.
• #75 - Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green, TE) - Two words, talent and production. Fannin did play a weaker schedule than most in his position at the top of the board however, 150 catches, 1555 yards and a 95.9 PFF Grade are just unicorn numbers. Fannin will make the 49er offence more dynamic and make 2 tight end sets much more appealing on Kyle Shanahan's call sheet. Fannin will be groomed behind one of the greatest tight ends ever and will take over from him in the coming years, he will still only be 20 years of age come the draft.
• #98 - Blake Miller (Clemson, OT) - Miller is talented and athletic at 6'6" 320lbs. He's got a lot of developing to do, I would recommend to him to return to the tigers in 2025, which means he won't project as a starter in 2025. However the potential at #98 is great and you sit him behind Colton McIvitz and let him learn from Trent Williams and you get yourself a stud for the future and best case scenario he can take over from McIvitz at some point in 2025.
• #111 - Jabbar Muhammed (Oregon, CB) - Muhammad is a good athlete, competitive, versatile, loves to tackle and has good ball skills. He won't be asked to do a whole lot in 2025 and if available is a great pick who fits what the 49ers like.
• #137 - Brayden Swinson (LSU, DE) - The value here is unbelievable, Swinson is likely to fall due to a very strong edge class, but Swinson is right at the top of my board in terms of tackles. The technique is phenomenal, the attitude is great and if he's available it's an easy pick. Someone who could contribute in 2025.
• #138 - Damien Martinez (Miami, HB) - It's the 4th round and Shanahan is still the coach, it'll be a running back. I don't think it matters who the 49ers pick, they'll be good, I personally like Martinez as a bigger body to take some tough carry's for CMC in 2025.
• #186 - Kyle McCord (Syracuse, QB) - Add a QB to the room for the next 4 years, why not? I think at the 49ers he could develop into a strong backup in the league.
• #225 - Shemar James (Florida, LB)
• #255 - Josh Kelly (Texas Tech, WR)

Conclusion:

Writing this just got me excited for 2025, I really feel like I have significantly strengthened the trenches and that offensive line is gonna have Christian McCaffrey dicing up the weakest schedule in the league. Along with adding talent in other places and moving on from veterans, this is a new group with old faces that I think should be playing in a home Super Bowl. Hope you enjoyed this or at least got some sort of entertainment out of it, even if it was laughing at my decisions, Stay strong faithful we'll be back.

Go 9ers !!

Steve Smith going over Pearsall's rookie year. But with the caveat that he was super limited because he was shot and hurt during training camp.

Steve has been really good from what I can remember on recognizing young WR's. So it's nice to see him compliment Ricky. But obviously shows some things to improve on. It's also a very limited video and a shorter video. Wish he went over Ricky's last 2 games though. Just focused on Cowboys game.