The biggest part of free agency is over and the teams are getting ready to fill their remaining roster needs through the draft. It's time to evaluate the free agency moves of every NFC West team, starting with the defending division champions, the San Francisco 49ers:

The 49ers ranked 26^th in total offense last season. While they gained 127.4 yards per game on the ground (8^th) the passing offense ranked near the bottom with 183.5 yards per game. The defense ranked 4^th in the league, allowing 77.2 rushing yards per game (1^st) and 230.9 yards per game passing (16^th). The Niners allowed 44 sacks, which were the 7^th most in the league, and recorded 42 sacks, which also tied them for 7^th in the league.  San Francisco's special teams ranked 1^st in punting average as well as average yards per kickoff return and 5^th in average yards per punt return. Opposing special teams ranked 18^th in punting average, 20^th in average yards per kickoff return and 22^nd in average yards per punt return against the 49ers.

From these numbers it becomes clear that San Francisco's primary need is a wide receiver and their secondary need is a defensive back. A pass protector, preferably a right tackle may be needed as well.

The 49ers franchised FS Dashon Goldson, re-signed QB Alex Smith, WR Ted Ginn Jr., DT Will Tukuafu, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LB Tavares Gooden, CB Carlos Rogers, S C.J. Spillman, and acquired QB Josh Johnson, RB Brandon Jacobs, FB Rock Cartwright, WR Mario Manningham, WR Randy Moss and CB Perrish Cox.

With the re-signing of Ahmad Brooks, Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson San Francisco made sure that all 11 defensive starters would return in 2012. Head coach Jim Harbaugh showed that Alex Smith is capable of leading a successful offense. This signing is important, considering that the Niners were without a proven passer for about a week. Brandon Jacobs adds depth to the offensive backfield. On paper Mario Manningham and Randy Moss have to be considered an upgrade at the receiver position. Will Tukuafu is an investment in the future, as he is a young and talented interior lineman. Perrish Cox adds depth to the secondary and can be used as a returner. Ted Ginn Jr., Tavares Gooden, C.J. Spillman and Rock Cartwright should guarantee that San Francisco's special team remains one of the best units in the NFL.

Josh Johnson is the only signing I do not understand. I know that the 49ers wanted him all along and see him as Alex Smith's primary backup but isn't QB Colin Kaepernick the designated heir to the throne? The Niners also have QB Scott Tolzien, whom I consider to be the most talented among the backup quarterbacks.

The 49ers lost WR Josh Morgan (WAS), RG Adam Snyder (ARI), LB Blake Costanzo (CHI), CB Shawntae Spencer (OAK) and S Reggie Smith (CAR).

At first I wasn't too happy about Josh Morgan's departure but Mario Manningham is the better player in my opinion and Manningham and Randy Moss come cheaper than what Morgan is going to earn in Washington. The jury is still out on the loss of Blake Costanzo. Rock Cartwright, his replacement, is more versatile and has been an efficient tackler on Oakland's special teams unit. Shawntae Spencer's release had to be expected due to the emergence of CB Tarrell Brown and Chris Culliver as well as the acquisition of Perrish Cox. I was surprised when the Niners allowed Reggie Smith to leave. He is young and his playing time increased as a defensive back in the dime formation. I am assuming the Niners have big plans for C.J. Spillman, which would explain Smith's move to Carolina.

I totally disagree with the reluctance of re-signing Adam Snyder. I once featured him as one of the main reasons why the 49ers transformed from a pretender into a contender last season and still believe that he gave the offensive line stability. What's worse, the Niners didn't land a replacement in free agency, which worries me, as I prefer a battle-proven lineman to a rookie to replace a starter on the offensive line.

San Francisco's remaining free agents are FB Moran Norris, TE Justin Peelle, G Chilo Rachal, LB Larry Grant, CB Tramaine Brock and S Madieu Williams.

I expect the Niners to eventually re-sign Larry Grant and Tramaine Brock. Madieu Williams could return unless the Niners add considerable depth through the draft. Adam Snyder's departure means it's possible the Niners bring back Chilo Rachal, though he has yet to prove that he deserves to be a starter.   

My verdict is that the 49ers fixed their problem at the wide receiver position, added depth to the defensive and offensive backfield and stabilized their special teams unit. On the other hand, San Francisco's offensive line has been weakened and they did not address their need for pass protection. If the Niners want to be a better team in 2012 they will be forced to look into trade scenarios.

I agree with 17 of their 19 free agency moves, which is a percentage of 89%.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers re-signed WR Ted Ginn Jr. to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ginn Jr, who is one of the best returners in the NFL, wanted to play a bigger role offensively but visits with the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions may have indicated that he is viewed as a return guy rather than a wide receiver. Presumably he decided to return kick-offs and punts for the 49ers if that's his designation.

"I was happy with my role," the 26-year old said. "When you're playing a game like this, you have to be a team player. That's what I am first. Everybody wishes they could get a ball or two more. That's being a human being."

Ted Ginn Jr. averaged 23.6 yards per kick return and 12.7 yards on punt returns last year. Additionally he caught 19 passes for 220 yards. Ted Ginn Jr. returned a kick-off and punt for a touchdown in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

His absence was painfully felt during the NFC Championship game against the New York Giants when Kyle Williams' two miscues led to 10 points for the Giants, including the game-winning field goal in overtime.

The 49ers also signed QB Josh Johnson to a two-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 25-year old appeared in nine games last season. He completed 52.8% of his passes for 246 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and a passer rating of 60.6.

Johnson played under head coach Jim Harbaugh at the University of San Diego and owns the USD career passing records for touchdown passes (113), completions (724), pass attempts (1,065) and passing yards (9,699). His touchdown-to-interception ratio was 43-1 as a senior.  

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer is not expected to compete with QB Alex Smith for the starting job. Instead he will move into the backup spot ahead of QB Colin Kaepernick.

St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams signed OL Quinn Ojinnaka to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 27-year old played nine games for the Indianapolis Colts last season, starting three of them, after the Rams cut him at the end of training camp. Ojinnake can play tackle as well as guard. It remains to be seen whether he can win a starting job on the offensive line.

The San Francisco 49ers beat the St. Louis Rams 26-0 and clinched the NFC West, as well as a playoff berth, for the first time since 2002.

Though the Rams seemed to be prepared for San Francisco’s running game early on, it was QB Alex Smith’s creative distribution of the ball that moved the chain. The 49ers overcame 46 yards in 10 plays on their second drive but managed to run for only 5 yards on 4 carries. Passes to WR Michael Crabtree, WR Kyle Williams and TE Vernon Davis for 10 or more yards brought the Niners into field goal range and David Akers connected on a 36-yard attempt for the only points of the first quarter.

RB Frank Gore broke Joe Perry’s franchise record of 7,344 rushing yards on San Francisco’s second play of the second quarter but the 49ers had to punt on this drive.

The St. Louis Rams turned the ball over on their own 6-yard line when LE Ray McDonald sacked QB A.J. Feeley and OLB Aldon Smith recovered the fumble. The Niners handed the ball to Frank Gore three times but the Rams were reluctant to surrender a touchdown. San Francisco had to settle for a 19-yard field goal from David Akers for a 6-0 lead.

David Akers put another three points on the scoreboard when he made a 28-yard field goal for a half time score of 9-0. The 49ers were in the red zone once again but could not make it into the end zone.

St. Louis’ first drive of the second half looked promising after former Niner WR Brandon Lloyd caught a pass for 34 yards and a first down on San Francisco’s 38-yard line but FS Dashon Goldson intercepted A.J. Feeley on the next play and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Four plays later Alex Smith connected with Michael Crabtree on a touchdown pass of 52 yards to give the 49ers a 16-0 lead. The touchdown was set up by three running plays for 36 yards.

The 49ers reached the red zone on their next drive but couldn’t make it into the end zone once again. David Akers had to attempt his fourth field goal of the day and was successful from 34 yards.

If the red zone offense fails to score touchdowns then you have to generate them from a greater distance. Kyle Williams caught a 56-yard pass for a touchdown on San Francisco’s first drive of the final quarter.

The game was ultimately over when the St. Louis Rams turned the ball over on downs on their next possession.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh gave some of his starters some rest and brought in QB Colin Kaepernick but the rookie could not complete any of his two pass attempts. At the two-minute warning LT Joe Staley gave Jim Harbaugh the Gatorade shower as the 49ers return to the postseason for the first time since 2002.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 17 of 23 passes for 274 yards, 2 touchdowns and a career-best passer rating of 142.3.

Aldon Smith had 2 sacks and leads the team with a total of 10.

San Francisco outpossessed the Rams 36:04 to 23:56.

The 49ers committed 8 penalties for 72 yards.

RB Steven Jackson led St. Louis’ rushing with 19 yards.

San Francisco held the Rams to 31 yards on the ground.

RILB Patrick Willis’ hamstring injury, which caused him to leave the game in the first half, is not considered serious according to Jim Harbaugh.

If you were watching Sunday’s 48-3 rout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers you probably expected big performances from the usual suspects. RB Frank Gore ran for 125 yards and 1 touchdown, TE Vernon Davis caught 2 touchdown passes, RILB Patrick Willis had 12 tackles and a fumble recovery and DE Justin Smith recorded 1 sack. But the Niners got contributions from a number of players, especially their rookies.         

San Francisco’s first-round draft pick OLB Aldon Smith isn’t a starter yet but it only seems to be a matter of time for this to happen. He had 2 second-half sacks against Tampa Bay, which gives him 3.5 sacks in his last two games. He leads the team with 4 sacks. It’s early in the season but I have already seen his name appear in Defensive Rookie of the Year discussions.

QB Colin Kaepernick was drafted in the second round and came late into the game for one drive in the fourth quarter. He lead the offense 90 yards downfield for a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Anthony Dixon and completed each of his 3 pass attempts for a total of 35 yards and a passer rating of 115.3.

CB Chris Culliver, San Francisco’s third-rounder, was only one of three healthy cornerbacks on Sunday, when Tramaine Brock (hand) was ruled out and Shawntae Spencer’s status was questionable due to a toe injury. Culliver had to play a bigger role and he did just that. His first career interception, which he returned for 23 yards, set up Frank Gore’s touchdown for a 21-3 lead.

The 49ers chose RB Kendall Hunter in the fourth round of this year’s draft but nobody could possibly have anticipated back then that he is getting a considerable amount of carries in his first year. On Sunday Hunter ran for 65 yards on 9 carries and helped setting up Anthony Dixon’s touchdown late in the fourth quarter. In 5 games Kendall Hunter has rushed for 133 yards, an average of 4.6 yards per carry, and 1 touchdown.

DB Colin Jones was taken in the sixth round. He was promoted to the 53-man roster last week when the 49ers had to place DE Will Tukuafu on IR. San Francisco is deep at the safety positions but he is part of one of the best special teams units in the NFL.

The only rookie who started on Sunday was seventh-round pick FB Bruce Miller, who replaced the injured Moran Norris. Miller doesn’t have the statistics to show for but Frank Gore will be the first to admit that Miller’s blocking helped him to run for over 100 yards in each of his last two games.

A while ago I predicted that San Francisco’s future looks bright. It seems like the future is already here.

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came to The Stick last season they held the 49ers scoreless. It took the Niners less than five minutes to get on the scoreboard this time, and there was much more to come.

The 49ers didn’t waste any time in showing that they were in charge. They only needed four plays to score on a 26-yard touchdown from QB Alex Smith to TE Delanie Walker. The Buccaneers responded immediately with a 24-yard field goal from Connor Barth for, what proved to be, their only points of the game.

When the Buccaneers got the ball back after a fumble from Frank Gore, Josh Freeman threw his first interception, and CB Carlos Rogers carried it back into the end zone for a 14-3 lead. It was Carlos Rogers’ team leading third interception of the season.

Josh Freeman’s second turnover of the game came when rookie CB Chris Culliver intercepted a pass intended for Michael Spurlock. It was Culliver’s first interception of his career.

On San Francisco’s ensuing drive Frank Gore exonerated himself from a fumble he lost earlier, by rushing for a 2-yard touchdown. It was Gore’s 38^th rushing touchdown, which are the 4^th most in franchise history.

David Akers scored the last points of the first half, when he made 37-yard field goal, to give the 49ers a 24-3 lead at half time.

The Niners scored on each of their possessions in the second half, if you ignore the last drive of the game that took two knees to run the time out. San Francisco didn’t just defend the lead by running the ball but they kept mixing it up with pass plays.

TE Vernon Davis scored his first touchdown of the game, when he caught a 23-yard pass at the end of an 80-yard drive, and David Akers hit another field goal, this time from 27-yards, to give the Niners a 34-3 lead after three quarters.

With 14:57 left Vernon Davis scored his second touchdown of the game. RILB Patrick Willis recovered a fumble and gave the Niners a good field position at Tampa Bay’s 36-yard line. Four plays later Vernon Davis caught a 14-yard pass from Alex Smith for a 41-3 lead.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh took Alex Smith out of the game and gave rookie QB Colin Kaepernick the opportunity to run the offense for at least one drive. Thanks to good rushing from RB Kendall Hunter and three completed passes Kaepernick moved the offense 90 yards downfield and RB Anthony Dixon scored on a 1-yard touchdown run for a final score of 48-3.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 11 of 19 passes for 170 yard, 3 touchdowns and a QB rating of 127.2.

Frank Gore ran for 125 yards on 20 carries, which is an average of 6.3 yards, and 1 touchdown. It was his second consecutive 100+ rushing game.

Patrick Willis recorded 12 tackles and has now 40 this season. 

Rookie OLB Aldon Smith had 2 sacks and now leads the defense with 4 for a total loss of 17 yards.

The 49ers were rushing for 213 yards and held the Buccaneers to 86 yards on the ground.

Neither Alex Smith nor Colin Kaepernick was sacked.

WR Josh Morgan suffered a fractured ankle. There is no official word yet on how much time he will miss.         

I’ve seen the 49ers when they were a dynasty in the 80s and won four Super Bowls. I’ve seen the 49ers when they were one of the best teams in the 90s and won another NFL title. I have also seen the 49 when they became a virtual non-contender in the 21^st century, but I have this strange feeling that things are finally going to change for the better.

Jim Harbaugh may be a rookie head coach in the NFL but this is not the first time that he’s coaching in this league. From 2002-2003 he was an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach with the Oakland Raiders. His greatest coaching achievement has got to be on collegiate level. Last year his Stanford Cardinals defeated Virginia Tech 40-12 in the Orange Bowl.

Harbaugh has a system. He is trying to acquire the right people for it and accommodate those he already has. He is implementing a West Coast offense and fixed the secondary. His ability to make the right adjustments and to motivate the players to improve impressed me the most this preseason. What I would like to see is that the team plays with the same poise and focus after a win.

I believe that the new system is a good fit for Alex Smith and we’ll see his best season so far. He has Frank Gore and Vernon Davis for the short passing play and talented wide receivers in Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree. Colin Kaepernick and Scott Tolzien are rookies, which indicates that the quarterback situation has not yet been resolved. Harbaugh’s clearly still looking for the best possible passer for his system. Tolzien may eventually become the number two this season once he is up to speed with the playbook, though it is too early to say whether he could become San Francisco’s starter for the future. Colin Kaepernick, in my opinion, is more of a wildcat option. I don’t see Kaepernick as a starter, unless he develops Vick-like skills.

Frank Gore is a top ten running back in the league and will be accompanied by Moran Norris in the offensive backfield. Norris had a fine preseason but his replacement is already on the roster. Bruce Miller is the type of blocking fullback Jim Harbaugh likes and he is so versatile, he can be used as tight end as well. Gore’s backups are rookie Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon. Dixon is built for power and could emerge as a third down back. Kendall Hunter will be a reliable substitute when Frank Gore needs a rest. Gore and Hunter could gradually share the workload and develop into a fearsome one-two punch within the next couple of seasons.

Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards will give San Francisco’s passing game more dimensions if they focus on their performance. Both have enough talent to establish themselves as top receivers in the league. Add Josh Morgan, who is a good blocker, and Ted Ginn Jr., who is a deep threat, and you have everything you are looking for in a receiver corps. Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker are the two tight ends on the roster but aforementioned Bruce Miller could line up as third tight end as well.

The offensive line was often criticized last season and their erratic play in the preseason makes you wonder if their play is going to improve in 2011. Pass protection seems to be the particular problem. But this unit is young and, with the exception of Jonathan Goodwin for David Baas, played together last year. Assuming that Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Jonathan Goodwin, Chilo Rachal and Anthony Davis are the starters, the average age of the offensive line is 25.8 years with 4.6 years of experience. This line is bound to progress and could stay together for many years. This surely helps in terms of knowing your assignments and those of the linemen next to you.

San Francisco’s defensive line will keep every offensive line in the league occupied. Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga and Ray McDonald are excellent blockers and have the ability to stop the opposing run. Should the 49ers line up in a 4-3 defense, the up and coming Ricky Jean Francois would be the other defensive tackle.

The linebacker corps could be San Francisco’s most exciting unit to watch this season. Patrick Willis is probably the best ILB in the league. NaVorro Bowman is still young and needs to improve but playing alongside Willis will raise his game to a new level. Ahmad Brooks was a big question mark last season but his preseason performance may indicate that he is ready to become a solid OLB. Parys Haralson is ahead of rookie Aldon Smith on the depth chart, but it only seems to be a matter of time for this to change. Haralson seems better suited as an ILB. Aldon Smith is strong, fast, has long arms and will make an impact early on. He could be a force in this league for years to come.

On paper, San Francisco’s secondary looks better than last year’s. CB Carlos Rogers was signed to a one-year deal to replace Nate Clements. Rogers can cover and is strong and athletic. Shawntae Spencer is the other designated starter at cornerback but a hamstring injury may keep him out of the lineup on Sunday. Spencer has difficulties covering bigger and faster receivers. Tarell Brown, who possesses speed, will likely be the starter in week 1. Donte Whitner was signed as the new strong safety. He has all the skills to become one of the best at this position and is in his prime at age 26. The same applies for free safety Dashon Goldson. Madieu Williams and Reggie Smith aren’t just backups at safety, they have enough potential to be starters. Reggie Smith and rookie Chris Culliver can play cornerback as well as safety.

Kicker David Akers is reliable and punter Andy Lee is well above average. Ted Ginn Jr. is a fine punt returner and Kendall Hunter will take on the kick returns this season. LB Blake Costanzo, S C.J. Spillman and S Colin Jones will feature heavily on special teams.

Expectations are high but miracles are rare. Even the legendary Bill Walsh started his 49ers tenure with two losing seasons before the dynasty was born. But you have to be excited about the talent Jim Harbaugh has on his roster and the talent he is going to acquire. Harbaugh is a workaholic and competitive and won’t allow opposing head coaches to outwit him. Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers are ingredients for success and it will materialize rather sooner than later.