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It took a while this past season for ESPN personality, Stephen A. Smith, to warm up to the San Francisco 49ers. More often than not, the team responded well to his criticisms, going 13-3, winning the NFC West, and then making a Super Bowl run.
Smith isn't underestimating the 49ers in 2020. He picked Kyle Shanahan's squad over the Saints when asked if New Orleans should be considered the favorite in the NFC.
Smith understands that San Francisco lost wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, but notes the team still has a tough defense, capable weapons in George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, and solid depth at running back.
"When I look at them, and the pieces they have in place, there's no reason for there to be a drop off," Smith said on First Take. "I like New Orleans, I think they're a contender. Just like I like Seattle, I think they're a contender. But I think that San Francisco's defense was so dominant last year. That doesn't just fade.
"And the manner in which they lost in the Super Bowl, having a 10-point lead before they gave that up and allowed Patrick Mahomes to come to the rescue, I'm just of the mindset that they will be back.
"And I think that when you talk about the word 'favorites,' I think they've earned the right to assume that they have a better shot at getting to Super Bowl LV than the New Orleans Saints does."
While he respects the 49ers defense, Booger McFarland notes that he would pick Drew Brees over Jimmy Garoppolo when it counts, therefore going with the Saints.
"I get what you're saying," McFarland said. "And me of all people, who's a defensive guy, I love defense, but I've got to go with the team that has the better quarterback because I just don't know if I can trust Jimmy Garoppolo when the metal meets the road, and they're in that playoff game, he's got to make that throw. I don't know if he can do it. Or at least he didn't do it last year."
Smith notes that the question wasn't what the 49ers did against their AFC opponent in the Super Bowl, but what they did or can do against the NFC. The ESPN host continues to preach that Garoppolo is an afterthought when listing San Francisco's strengths, but feels overall, the team is the best in the conference.
Despite also picking the Saints himself, co-host Max Kellerman stated that Smith and McFarland might be sleeping on Garoppolo a bit.
49ers' Fred Warner addresses Armstead's departure, Greenlaw's recovery, Super Bowl window
By David Bonilla
Apr 22
The news of Arik Armstead's departure from the San Francisco 49ers after nine seasons with the team shocked linebacker Fred Warner. Armstead, a former first-round pick, was an impactful force on the football field. However, his availability over the last two seasons forced the 49ers to reevaluate his contract, and when his salary could not be significantly reduced, the two sides parted ways.
"Huge surprise," Warner said of learning that Armstead was being released. "Ever since I've been here, we called him the blueprint for how to be a Niner. That was the longest-tenured Niner that's been here and a guy that's done it right through and through."
Warner has been in the NFL long enough to understand how the league works. Over the years, he's watched several
Anthony "Spice" Adams to announce 49ers' draft picks in 2nd and 3rd rounds
By Site Staff
Apr 25
NFL Communications has officially announced the "NFL legends and active players" who will announce selections during Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Representing the San Francisco 49ers will be former defensive tackle Anthony "Spice" Adams, who spent four seasons with the team and nine in the NFL.
San Francisco selected Adams out of Penn State in the second round (No. 57 overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.
The NFL's full announcement is below.
In the NFL's continuous effort to connect the game's greats with the next generation of stars, NFL Legends and active players will add to the excitement of the 2024 NFL Draft by announcing various selections and participating in festivities in Detroit.
Pro Football Hall of Famers Isaac
2024 NFL Draft: Dates, times, TV, streaming, 49ers picks, more
By Site Staff
Apr 24
The San Francisco 49ers possess 10 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, including the No. 31 overall pick. Notably, the team did not hold selections in the first two rounds last year. Below is essential information regarding the three-day rookie selection process, marking the 89th occurrence in league history.
As always, you can rely on 49ers Webzone for live news and breakdowns from the draft. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
49ers Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 31 Overall
Round 2, Pick 63 Overall
Round 3, Pick 94 Overall
Round 4, Pick 124 Overall (via
Which picks do the 49ers own in the 2024 NFL Draft?
By David Bonilla
Apr 25
The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off today. The first round will take place tonight, followed by the second and third rounds tomorrow, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday.
For the first time since 2021, the San Francisco 49ers own a first-round draft pick, holding the No. 31 overall spot as the Super Bowl runner-up. While the team possesses 10 total selections, this could change with potential trades.
Here are all 10 of the 49ers' current selections:
Round 1, Pick 31 Overall
Round 2, Pick 63 Overall
Round 3, Pick 94 Overall
Round 4, Pick 124 Overall (via Cowboys)
Round 4, Pick 132 Overall (Compensatory)
Round 4, Pick 135 Overall
Round 5, Pick 176 Overall
