In the final part of this story I am looking at four remaining top free agent wide receivers, who could improve San Francisco’s receiving corps next season.

Laurent Robinson (26, Dallas Cowboys) caught 54 passes for 858 yards and a staggering 11 touchdowns last season. You could make the argument that the number-three receiver outperformed Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. This was by far the best season of his five-year career and the Cowboys want to re-sign him. Robinson would like to stay in Dallas but only for the right price and is prepared to test his value on the market. It is hard to say whether his breakout season was the result of a contract year. Robinson is a speedy receiver but lacks the physical aspect of the game and tends to get injured. I am not convinced that he is the answer to San Francisco’s needs, though the Niners could be desperate for speed if Ted Ginn Jr. departs. I doubt the Niners would be prepared to pay Robinson a lot of money.

Jerome Simpson (25, Cincinnati Bengals) compiled 725 yards on 50 receptions and scored 4 touchdowns in 2011. The Bengals are only willing to re-sign him if he accepts a backup role, which means Simpson is likely on his way out. His indictment for marijuana trafficking, for which he won’t have to serve jail time, will certainly lower his market value. He has good size and hands for a receiver but lacks speed and route running skills. He has the skills to succeed but any team would take a huge gamble on him at present, though his price tag may remain affordable throughout free agency.

Reggie Wayne (33, Indianapolis Colts) scored four touchdowns in 2011 and caught 75 passes for 960 yards. The Colts went from 10-6 to 2-14 and the stats of many players suffered a drop as well. Wayne had a string of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons broken. Since the Colts are rebuilding they will likely let Reggie Wayne go. He may have had some motivational problems last season but a talented veteran like Wayne would be a good addition for any team, the Niners included. Reggie Wayne will also have to take a pay cut, as teams won’t be prepared to pay the $5.95m he earned in 2011.

Wes Welker (30, New England Patriots) led the NFL with 122 receptions, finished second behind Detroit’s Calvin Johnson with 1,569 yards and scored 9 touchdowns in the regular season. Those numbers did not stop the national media to make him solely responsible for New England’s loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, when he dropped a pass prior to New York’s game-winning drive. Welker is a quick receiver who has the ability to get open and, contrary to the media’s current hate campaign, has very good hands. Any team would love to have Wes Welker, and there has been interest from the New York Jets as well as the Miami Dolphins, but there is no way the Patriots will let him go. New England is prepared to give him the franchise tag, which will be worth $9.4m in 2012.

In the second part of this three-part story I’ll be looking at another four free agent wide receivers, who may or may not be a good fit for the San Francisco 49ers.

Stevie Johnson (25, Buffalo Bills) caught 76 passes for 1,004 yards and 7 touchdowns last season and was one of Buffalo’s bright spots. It was the second consecutive 1,000+ yards season of his four-year career in the NFL. Rather than talking contract extension the Bills are focusing on acquiring San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, which means it’s likely that Johnson will hit the market and pocket more than the $1.2m he earned in 2011. Stevie Johnson is a physical wideout and a very good route runner, though he drops the occasional ball. Johnson may become a well-paid receiver in 2012. Nonetheless, the Niners should make inquiries regarding his price tag.

Brandon Lloyd (30, St. Louis Rams) had 966 receiving yards and scored 5 touchdowns on a disappointing Rams team. The former fourth-round draft pick of the 49ers said that he would like to stay in St. Louis. There is no doubt about the talent of the former Pro Bowl receiver, although it never fully materialized when he played in San Francisco. Lloyd is after a contract that pays him more than the $1.4m he received in 2011. His experience would help the Niners and he can still be a contributor. He may not be a prime target but has his appeal.

Mario Manningham (25, New York Giants) scored 4 touchdowns in the regular season and gained 523 yards on 39 catches. New York’s number-three receiver made a big play on the game-winning drive of Super Bowl XLVI and steps up when Hakeem Nicks or Victor Cruz are shut down. New York’s position on Manningham is still unclear but it is to be expected that they won’t participate in a bidding war. Manningham’s stock definitely rose after his Super Bowl performance. He is a speedy receiver but lacks the physical attributes due to size. Manningham would certainly improve San Francisco’s receiver corps but the Niners would likely withdraw any interest if the price went way up.

Robert Meachem (27, New Orleans Saints) caught 40 passes for 620 yards and 6 touchdowns. He is not a priority for the Saints, considering they would like to bring Drew Brees and Marques Colston back. Meachem is the complete package as a receiver: He has size, speed and can catch the ball. Meachem is in his prime and his next contract will be the most important of his career. He would be a great fit for San Francisco but I’m afraid the Niners won’t be able to afford him.

In the week leading to the Super Bowl I asked former NFL players for their prediction and why they think the New England Patriots or the New York Giants are going to win. Here are their picks:

Blaine Bishop (former safety with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans and four-time Pro Bowler) predicts a New York Giants win because their front-four can get to QB Tom Brady and New England’s secondary is not good.

Kevin Mawae (former center with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans, and eight-time Pro Bowler): "I think Tom Brady is the x factor in today's game. Both teams are well coached. A lot has been made of New York's talent level on defense vs the Pats. I give the edge to Patriots and [Bill] Belichick.

Bill Schroeder (former wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers): “I think this will be a great game and a close game … I’m picking the Giants as they knocked off the Packers at home.”

Reggie Givens (former linebacker and special teams captain with the San Francisco 49ers): “I predict that the Giants will beat the Patriots. The front seven for both teams is the key. The Giants’ front seven will get pressure on [Tom] Brady and disrupt the Patriots offense. The Patriots’ D-line will not be able to get enough pressure on Eli [Manning] to stop their passing game. That will open up the Giants thunder & lightning run game.”

Willie Williams (former cornerback and Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers) predicts the New York Giants to win. “Their defense is solid and Eli [Manning] is playing at a high level. The Patriots’ defense is young and some are not experienced in playing in a game at this calibre. It will be a close game but the Giants will come out on top.”

Damon Denson (former offensive lineman with the New England Patriots) “I’m choosing the Patriots to win the Super Bowl this year because their defense is solid and I believe their offensive line will give [Tom] Brady the time he needs to be effective.”

Jorge Diaz (former offensive lineman with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers): “I believe the team who has the best balanced attack will win this year’s Super Bowl, and that team would be the New York Giants. They have been playing great football in all three phases of the game and have the best balance out of the two teams still standing. Some say offense, some say defense wins championships, but really it’s the best teams that do and I believe this year it’s the Giants.”

The San Francisco 49ers seemed set at the receiver position with WR Braylon Edwards and WR Michael Crabtree as the projected starters in 2011. Edwards got injured, never fully recovered and was cut eventually. WR Josh Morgan was emerging as a slot receiver when a leg injury ended his season prematurely. WR Ted Ginn Jr. was hampered by injuries as the season went on and had to sit out a couple of games without making much of an impact in the passing game. WR Kyle Williams played remarkably well but does not have the potential to be a starter yet. WR Brett Swain and WR Joe Hastings were called up as stand-ins and were just that.

The 49ers have an effective receiver corps to work with but the depth is thin and it lacks playmaking ability. This became painfully obvious during the loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game, when Michael Crabtree was the only wide receiver to catch a pass, though it only gained three yards.

Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn Jr. are free agents and may or may not be on the roster in 2012. Morgan is an internal priority to be re-signed. He may not fetch much interest on the free agency market, as he didn’t get enough opportunities to perform due to the early season-ending injury. Ginn Jr. took a pay cut in 2011, though he had an incentive-laden contract. He is an important returner on special teams but is used as a diversion rather than a weapon on offense. Re-signing him will be a question of his asking price.

Should the Niners lose Ted Ginn Jr. they will likely look for a wide receiver in the upcoming draft in April, who can return kick-offs and/or punts. Some six weeks earlier, on 13 March to be precise, the 49ers can add free agents to their roster, who are currently with another team. It is to be expected that the Niners will make some serious inquiries and add depth to the position through free agency. Here is a list of the most talented receivers available:

Dwayne Bowe (27 years, Kansas City Chiefs) had 81 receptions for 1,159 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Bowe earned $2.76m last season and is in for a pay rise, as the Chiefs would give him the franchise tag if this is what it takes to keep him. D-Bowe is a strong receiver who can make difficult catches. He is tough to tackle and able to gain yards after the catch. He is a red zone threat and would help the Niners greatly, though chances seem slim to land him.

Deion Branch (32, New England Patriots) recorded 702 yards on 51 receptions in 2011 and scored 5 touchdowns. He is past his peak and makes less of an impact compared to previous years. He can beat the zone coverage but age and injuries have slowed him down. Branch earned $2.2m last season and won’t be able to demand more money going forward. His lack of blocking ability may put head coach Jim Harbaugh off but Branch’s experience and success could benefit Michael Crabtree and help Josh Morgan’s transition into a number-two.

Plaxico Burress (35, New York Jets) scored 8 touchdowns last season but it is safe to say that he won’t return to the Jets. Burress is a dangerous receiver in the red zone and could help the Niners, who have struggled to score touchdowns from 20 yards or less. On the other hand, Burress hasn’t always been a positive influence in the locker room and his gun shot incident is legendary. Burress would also have to settle for less money because it is doubtful anyone would pay the $3.017m he made in 2011.

Marques Colston (28, New Orleans Saints) caught 80 passes for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2011. The Saints let it be known that they want to bring him back, whether they’ll succeed is a different story. Colston is a big physical receiver in his prime and will try to cash in on his next contract. If the Niners were ready to open up the passing game Colston would be an ideal fit, though his price tag might scare them off.

Early Doucet (26, Arizona Cardinals) had 689 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Doucet is physical and a good blocker but his lack of speed doesn’t make him a deep threat. He is also affordable in terms of salary. Midway through the season I considered him an interesting free agent but as the number-three receiver in Arizona he would hardly become a starter in San Francisco.

Pierre Garcon (25, Indianapolis Colts) missed the 1,000 yard-mark by 53 yards last season and scored 6 touchdowns. The Colts are rebuilding and Garcon will certainly explore the free agency market. Pierre Garcon is an all-around receiver with adequate speed and would be an upgrade for the Niners and pretty much any other team as well. Considering that he earned just $555k last season he will look for a considerable pay rise. The Niners should talk to him, as he might still be affordable regardless.

DeSean Jackson (25, Philadelphia Eagles) scored 4 touchdowns and compiled 961 yards on 58 passes. The Eagles aren’t yet decided on bringing him back. There is no doubt about his talent. He is fast, athletic and has playmaker ability. There are doubts about his attitude, though. Like Garcon he only earned $555k last season and is most definitely after a whole lot of money. It is doubtful that he would fit into Harbaugh’s team-first philosophy. Turning the team into the DeSean 49ers would be the more likely scenario and I don’t think the Niners need another T.O.

Vincent Jackson (29, San Diego Chargers) caught 60 passes for 1,106 yards and 9 touchdowns. He is one of the most athletic wide receivers and is very capable of gaining yardage after the catch. V-Jax and the Chargers have a love-hate relationship and both have indicated that they would like to come to an agreement. Jackson is after a long-term contract and an increase of the $1.14m he was paid in 2011. The Buffalo Bills are reportedly interested in him. Consistency is an issue with Jackson, which makes it doubtful the 49ers would participate in a bidding war.

It is common knowledge that the San Francisco 49ers were one of the best franchises, if not the best in the NFL in the 80s. They went to five NFC Championship games, advanced to four Super Bowls and came home with the Vince Lombardi Trophy on each occasion.

Had it not been for the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers the Niners would have been no less impressive in the 90s. The team reached the NFC Championship game five times, like in the 80s, but managed to reach and win the Super Bowl only once in 1995.

The new millennium turned success into drought. Since the 2003 season the Niners failed to have a winning record, let alone qualify for the postseason. This all changed with the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The expectations were high but I believe that even the most optimistic fans just hoped the team would improve on the 6-10 record of the previous season, compete for a playoff spot in 2012/2013 and have an eye on the Super Bowl in 2013/2014. But things happened much sooner and so changed the fan behavior.

Last Sunday the 49ers were on the verge of making their sixth trip to the Super Bowl, when a fumble from WR Kyle Williams reversed the fortunes and led to New York’s game-winning field goal in overtime. The team did not blame Williams for this miscue. In fact, they showed their support and stressed that they win as a team and lose as a team.

Some fans were not quite as supportive. Williams received death threats, suggesting he should jump from the Golden Gate Bridge or run into a bullet. Those are no fans, those are idiots who vent their anger in the most inappropriate way. Many fans have never witnessed the glorious times of the Niners. Instead they are used to futility and one should think they’d appreciate the amazing season the Niners had under their rookie head coach.

Let’s put one thing into perspective, shall we? Kyle Williams started the season as the number-five wide receiver on the depth chart. Injuries to WR Josh Morgan, WR Ted Ginn Jr. and WR Braylon Edwards, who was later released, increased Williams’ playing time and responsibility. He may not be a number-two receiver yet but he didn’t play like a number-five either.

Kyle Williams is a second-year pro, who had 20 catches in 13 games for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns. Remember his touchdown that gave the Niners a 14-0 lead against the Dallas Cowboys in week 2? Or his touchdown that put away the game against the Arizona Cardinals in week 11? What about his 56-yard touchdown against the St. Louis Rams that sealed the win in week 13?

During the regular season Williams returned two punts for 41 yards. He also had 70 yards on 8 punt returns against the Giants. Kyle Williams did what Jim Harbaugh expected him to do. Williams saw an opportunity to give the offense a better field position and he took it. Unfortunately Williams was tackled 49ers-style and lost the ball.

Do you want to blame LE Ray McDonald because he made “only” 2.5 sacks? Or LCB Carlos Rogers because he had no interception? How about TE Vernon Davis because he could not convert all his catches into touchdowns? Or David Akers who had just one field goal?

Every 49er played hard and wanted to win this ballgame. This includes Kyle Williams. He was just as much a part of San Francisco’s turnaround as every other player who wore the red and gold uniform in 2011/2012. Williams learned a valuable lesson on Sunday and will grow as a player.

Jorge Diaz, former offensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and member of the team that lost the NFC Championship to the St. Louis Rams in 1999 put it best:

“In 1999 I was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which went 11-5 and would make it to the NFC Championship game. We eventually lost to the Rams that year 11-6 and had our chances to win that game. As the football world focuses on a play or mistake made by one player by the 49ers it’s not the reason why they lost. One play doesn’t make or break a game as we were being told. As a player you never know when you will get your chance again and that's what makes this week so hard for many guys who almost made a childhood dream a reality. The things I cherish most about my experience are my teammates and the journey we took and how we had changed the perception of the franchise. One day the team will look back and celebrate this achievement and pride not pain is what they will feel when they remember this season.”

As a fan you should support your team no matter what. Appreciate the success the team has and never take it for granted. Do not look for a scapegoat because of one mistake but if you insist on being an idiot do us all a favor: Quit being a so-called 49ers fan and look for something better to do with your life. The 49ers don’t need you and nobody else does either.

All season long the 49ers demonstrated that winning the turnover battle wins ballgames. The Niners committed two turnovers that proved costly as the New York Giants advanced to the Super Bowl after a 20-17 win in overtime.

It was a rainy and windy afternoon in San Francisco and both teams showed that they wanted to take a different approach on the muddy surface to beat the elements. The 49ers mostly ran on their first drive, whereas the Giants were predominantly passing.

The 49ers struck fast on their second drive. After an incomplete pass QB Alex Smith found TE Vernon Davis for a 73-yard touchdown and the first points of the game.

The New York Giants moved 35 yards downfield on their next possession but couldn’t overcome a yard on San Francisco’s 34-yard line and turned the ball over on downs. 

The G-Men were more successful on their next possession. WR Victor Cruz’ reception for 36 yards got the Giants to San Francisco’s 29-yard line. Play by play the offense kept moving closer to the end zone until QB Eli Manning found TE Bear Pascoe for a 6-yard touchdown to tie the score.

With 1:36 minutes left in the first half Eli Manning got one more opportunity to move the chains. Manning connected with Victor Cruz on 4 passes for 56 yards to lead the offense to San Francisco’s 13-yard line with 5 seconds to spare. Lawrence Tynes made the 31-yard field goal attempt to give the Giants a 10-7 half-time lead.

The 49ers regained the lead in the third quarter. WR Kyle Williams returned a punt for 24 yards to San Francisco’s 46-yard line. A 24-yard pass to RB Frank Gore set up Vernon Davis’ second touchdown of the game, a 28-yard pass from Alex Smith. The Niners were back on top 14-10.

New York’s first possession of the fourth quarter ended after just three plays, or so it seemed. Steve Weatherford punted for 56 yards to San Francisco’s 29-yard line and Kyle Williams inexplicably decided to stay in the vicinity of the hopping ball. The ball touched his knee and WR Devin Thomas recovered the ball for the Giants. Six plays later Eli Manning found WR Mario Manningham for a 17-yard touchdown.

Kyle Williams, seemingly unaffected by the mistake, returned the ensuing kick-off 40 yards to San Francisco’s 45-yard line. The Niners reached the red zone after a 17-yard run from Alex Smith and an 18-yard run from RB Kendall Hunter but eventually had to settle for a 25-yard field goal from David Akers to tie the score at 17, with 5:43 minutes left to play.

The next four drives were threes-and-out, the final two minutes of the game saw three changes of possession and the game was headed for overtime.

The New York Giants were threatening to move into Niners territory on their second possession but RE Justin Smith sacked Eli Manning on 3^rd and 3, which forced the Giants to punt. Steve Weatherford kicked the ball to San Francisco’s 19-yard line, where Kyle Williams was set to return the punt. Five yards later Williams fumbled another punt return and it was Devin Thomas again who recovered the loose ball.

The Giants were at the 13-yard line four running plays later and had to attempt a 31-yard field goal. Lawrence Tynes made it and sent the New York Giants to Super Bowl XLVI, where they will face the New England Patriots.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 12 of 26 passes for 196 yards, 2 touchdowns and a passer rating of 97.6.

Vernon Davis caught 3 passes for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Frank Gore (6), Vernon Davis (3), TE Delanie Walker (2), WR Michael Crabtree (1) were San Francisco’s only players to catch a pass.

LCB Carlos Rogers recorded 11 tackles.

LE Ray McDonald had 2.5 sacks for a loss of 19.5 yards.

San Francisco allowed Eli Manning to pass for 316 yards.

The 49ers surrendered 142 yards on 10 catches to Victor Cruz.

The Niners converted only 1 third down for a conversion percentage of 7.7%. On the other hand, the Giants converted 7 of 21 third downs.

San Francisco ran for 150 yards and held the Giants to 85 yards on the ground.

The 49ers outsacked the Giants 6-3.

The Niners lost the turnover battle 2-0.