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%.

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.                              

After having made the necessary roster cuts, the San Francisco 49ers are working on signing players to their practice squad. Here is a list of players who were signed. You will notice that all of them were initially released by the team on Saturday. There is one more spot to fill:

RB Xavier Omon, WR Joe Hastings, TE Konrad Reuland, C Chase Beeler, T Derek Hall, LB Monte Simmons, CB Cory Nelms

Here is a reminder in terms of practice squad eligibility from SBNation.com’s Brian McIntyre:

"Eligibility for the practice squad is limited to players who do not have an accrued season in the NFL, or were on an active list (53-man roster) for fewer than nine games during their only accrued seasons. Players that have served two seasons on a practice squad are eligible for a third season only if the team has at least 53 players on its active/inactive list for the duration of that player's employment.

A player will be considered to have served on a practice squad in a season if he were a member of a practice squad for three regular or postseason games during his first two practice squad seasons, or for one regular season or postseason game during a third practice squad season.

The minimum weekly salary for practice squad players in 2011 (and 2012) is $5,700, an increase of $500 over the 2008-2010 rate. There is no limit to how much a team can pay a practice squad player. Several teams have enticed players with offers of increased pay, usually a few thousand dollars extra, to join or remain on their practice squad."

The 49ers claimed rookie quarterback Scott Tolzien off waivers and cut LB Keaton Kristick. Tolzien finished the preseason with 25-of-40 for 302 yards for the San Diego Chargers. He also threw 1 touchdown and 1 interception for a passer rating of 83.5. San Francisco got a good look at Tolzien during Thursday’s preseason game, when the quarterback completed 16 of 23 pass attempts for 226 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception, but was also sacked 5 times.

San Francisco also signed LB Tavares Gooden, which means the 49ers have to cut another player to make room for him. From 2008-2010 Gooden accumulated 70 tackles in 26 games for the Baltimore Ravens.