Mike Nolan is in his second year as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Nolan does not have too much to look forward to going into 2006 even though the 49ers ended the season on a bit of a winning streak to avoid having the worse record in 2005.
Second year quarterback Alex Smith is hoping to get off to a good start to his 2006 season. Smith had a terrible rookie year that included passing for only 875 yards and 1 touchdown along with 11 interceptions and 11 fumbles. In his defense, most rookie quarterbacks get to warm the bench until they learn the system. Smith should improve his 2005 numbers but that in saying much. Frank Gore will start at running back for the 49ers. Gore ran for 608 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2005. Gore showed sparks of brilliance last season and the 49ers hope he can regain his college form this season. San Francisco selected Maryland tight end Vernon Davis in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Davis was a stud at Maryland and could even become the leading receiver for the 49ers in 2006. Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle will start at wide receiver. Neither will have stellar numbers as the offense continues to struggle under Smith.
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The San Francisco 49ers were unable to put pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback in 2005 and Billy Davis is looking to turn that around this season. San Francisco still have Bryant Young at defensive back. Young recorded 8 sacks in 2005 to lead the team. The 49ers drafted linebacker Manny Lawson from North Carolina State and defensive end Parys Haralson from Tennessee to replace departing free agents Andre Carter and Julian Peterson. Billy Davis believes both rookies will have immediate impact on the defense.
Head Coach: Mike Nolan
Offensive Coordinator: Norv Turner
Defensive Coordinator: Billy Davis
Division: NFC West
2005 Record: 4 – 12
Field: 3Com Park
2006 San Francisco 49ers Draft Picks:
Round 1 – Vernon Davis – Tight End – Maryland
Round 1 – Manny Lawson – Outside Linebacker – North Carolina State
Round 3 – Brandon Williams – Wide Receiver – Wisconsin
Round 4 – Michael Robinson – Wide Receiver – Penn State
Round 5 – Parys Haralson – Defensive End – Tennessee
Round 6 – Delanie Walker – Wide Receiver – Central Missouri State
Round 6 – Marcus Hudson – Free Safety – North Carolina State
Round 6 – Melvin Oliver – Defensive End – Louisiana State
Round 7 – Vickiel Vaughn – Free Safety – Arkansas
