Addition of Smith brings stability to 49ers’ O-line

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Tuesday, March 31, 2009  |  Comments( 1 )

San Francisco 49ers
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The recent acquisition of tackle Marvel Smith brings a sense of security along the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line. Teaming with Joe Staley, Smith will provide the 49ers with two bookend tackles who will give the quarterback ample protection.

Although Smith has been injury prone over the past two seasons, his arrival significantly upgrades San Francisco’s offensive line. Having spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith also brings a winning mentality. Head coach Mike Singletary and company desperately need winners to help break a streak of six consecutive losing seasons.

Smith is known around the league as a nasty competitor who plays with a mean streak. He possesses excellent size (6-foot-5, 321 pounds) and is extremely strong at the point of attack. Smith is vulnerable at times against opposing speed rushers because of a slight lack of quickness. However, Staley will likely stay put anchoring the left side of the line, while Smith will patrol the right side.

Regardless of whether Shaun Hill or Alex Smith is under center, Smith will be expected to keep his signal-caller protected. In addition, he’ll be counted on to open holes on the ground for Frank Gore and the 49ers’ running backs. Smith, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, features the ability to pull along the offensive line and should help improve San Francisco’s rushing attack.

Previous to Smith’s arrival in the Bay Area, Adam Snyder had been penciled in as the 49ers’ starter at right tackle. The move allows him to revert back to a jack-of-all-trades role, something he’s thrived in during his tenure in San Francisco. Snyder is a valuable backup thanks to his versatility, having the ability to play both guard and tackle.

With the free-agent market severely picked over at this point, Smith was one of the most coveted players still on the market. Not only does he shore up the 49ers in the trenches, but it allows San Francisco to focus on selecting the best player available in the draft, regardless of position.

The team can now turn its attention to a player such as defensive tackle B.J. Raji from Boston College or USC linebacker Brian Cushing. However, Cushing may be a reach with the No. 10 overall pick. In addition, Missouri wideout Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin from Florida would help boost an average group of wide receivers.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To ...
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