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| Andrew Perna & The RGM San Francisco 49ers Board. 22nd April, 2008 - 7:42 pm
 Here at RealGM our hearts beat thanks to the thousands upon thousands of posters that frequent our forums on a daily basis. With the NFL season still months from kicking off, but the ever-important NFL Draft less than a week away, what better time than now to check in with the people who care about football even more than some of the players on the field?
2007 Record: 5-11
Additions: Justin Smith, DE, Bryant Johnson, WR, DeShaun Foster, RB
Subtractions: Justin Smiley, G (MIA), Marques Douglas, DE (TB), Kwame Harris, OT (OAK), Darrell Jackson, WR (DEN)
Draft Picks: 29th
The Answers
1. What was the best thing(s) that happened in 2007?
HitMan52: The best thing that happened was watching Bryant Young get carried off the field after his last home game, a win against the Buccaneers.
GS Warriors 1: Not much good happened here, but notching a win in Young's last home game as a 49er, then seeing his teammates carry him on their shoulders to say a last goodbye for the fans. It was a great moment, and he'll be added along with the other 49er greats that are in the Hall Of Fame.
2. What was the worst thing that happened in 2007?
HitMan52: The worst thing was watching Jim Hostler's playcalling. It makes all Niner fans very upset and was very frustrating to watch.
GS Warriors 1: Starting four different quarterbacks, Hostler's terrible playcalling, and no pass rush yet again – it could be a laundry list.
3. Who had a breakout season?
HitMan52: Patrick Willis had a great season as a rookie. He led the league in tackles and was the only rookie to be on the All-Pro First Team.
GS Warriors 1: It’s easy to go with the rookie class of Willis and Joe Staley, but I'll go with David Baas. Baas and Staley on the right side was what kept the 49ers afloat, especially in the latter part of the season.
4. Who was the biggest disappointment?
HitMan52: It is a toss up between Alex Smith and Mike Nolan, but I have to say that Smith had to be the biggest disappointment. After making significant improvement in his second year, he came back when an injury-riddled third season and did not improve.
GS Warriors 1: It’s easy to go with Smith, but I'll say Tully Banta-Cain. He was hyped up by the defensive coaches as a potential double-digit sack guy, but was total bust. Darrell Jackson gets an honorable mention here as well.
5. How could the team have been more successful?
HitMan52: The team would have been more successful if they had started Shaun Hill at quarterback a little sooner and brought in Ted Tollner quicker as well.
GS Warriors 1: If they were healthier at quarterback and running back and hadn’t had the sudden collapse of what was a decent offensive line in 2006.
6. What do you make of the team’s offseason progress at this point?
HitMan52: So far the team is having a great offseason. They have made one expensive signing in Justin Smith, but it was worth it. They also signed good backups for a great bargain. The only downside to the offseason was Nolan and company making a dumb mistake by tampering with Lance Briggs, a player that we did not even need to go after.
GS Warriors 1: I think they've had a solid offseason so far. Smith may have been overpaid, but I think he's a solid player overall. Bryant Johnson was nabbed for relatively cheap, and Isaac Bruce is someone they needed, a veteran that knows the offense in-and-out. DeShaun Foster improves the depth at running back, as well.
7. Where are the team’s biggest needs in the draft?
HitMan52: The team’s biggest need in the draft is the offensive line since we lost Larry Allen and Kwame Harris. Next is the defensive line, because of the lack of experience and skill at those positions. Then you have the pass rush needs because Banta-Cain was not getting it done last season. Finally, the wide receiver position still needs an upgrade because we have no long-term solution.
GS Warriors 1: Offensive line depth, offensive line depth, offensive line depth, did I just say it 3 times?
8. Who do you hope the team drafts with their first pick?
HitMan52: It is really tough, but I believe the team will take either tackle Gosder Cherilus or defender Quentin Groves. Both players fill huge needs for San Francisco.
GS Warriors 1: Cherilus. We need to solidify the right tackle spot for the future, and I think Staley/Cherilus on the outside would be nice for the next decade.
9. Which player will be on the hot seat in 2008?
HitMan52: Smith will be on the hot seat because this may be his last chance to prove that he was worth the #1 overall pick, and he also has to prove that he is a capable starter in the NFL.
GS Warriors 1: Without a doubt, Smith. If it wasn't a player, Nolan would be the answer, but I sometimes think it’s for the wrong reasons.
10. What are the realistic expectations for 2008 at this point?
HitMan52: I believe with the addition of an offensive coordinator like Mike Martz, who will improve the offense, this team can win at least seven-eight games.
GS Warriors 1: I think six to eight wins is well within reach, but since this team was way over-hyped last year, they have a chance to sneak in a couple wins. I think the division is up for grabs at this point, with the edge going to Seattle.
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