49ers may lose out on Bush, but can address other areas

By Mike Boyko  |   Wednesday, December 28, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

San Francisco 49ers
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With the San Francisco 49ers 24-20 victory over the St. Louis Rams this past weekend, they earned their third win of the year. However, on the downside of that victory it knocked them a step backwards in the race towards obtaining the No.1 overall draft pick in next April's draft. That No.1 overall pick would likely land Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, and would give the 49ers offense an explosive weapon that could help matters in a big way.

However, while it's true that the 49ers could use a shot in the arm from a phenom of a running back in Bush, but there are too many other areas where this team needs improvement and quality depth other than at the running back position.

The San Francisco offense is currently ranked dead last in the league in total yards, and a player like Bush would help out, but without quality blocking up front there will not be holes for any runners. Taking a lineman like D'Brickashaw Ferguson would add stability to the offensive line to help protect Alex Smith, and would give the 49ers the franchise offensive tackle that they have needed. In 2005, 49ers quarterbacks have been sacked 45 times and that is an area that needs vast improvement. It all begins upfront and adding a quality prospect like Ferguson would only help change the offenses demeanor, plus it would help protect the quarterback from being pressured.

Another area where San Francisco needs improvement is on defense, an area where they rank dead last in the NFL in yards allowed per game this season. They are ranked 21st in the NFL against the run, but are retched against the pass as they are ranked last overall. Any quality addition to the defensive unit would be an improvement. Drafting a quality cornerback like Jimmy Williams from Virginia Tech would help the secondary or grabbing a sturdy run clogging defensive end like Mario Williams would do wonders as well.

Head coach Mike Nolan has done a decent job in his first year, but has a long way to go in establishing the 49ers into a contender again. He will need to use these drafts to improve the team on both sides of the ball, and try and establish a winning identity to this organization once again. Not getting Bush won't be the end of the world, because it could only help the outlook of this team and its stability to add players that can play a significant role for the future.

Most San Francisco 49ers fans are praying for the No.1 pick and Bush, but just maybe, they should take a moment to realize that he isn't going to necessarily be the savior that resurrects this team. Making the squad better as a whole and getting some quality depth would be more beneficial for the future of this once proud franchise.
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