Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
It's the offseason, which means it's also prediction season for many sports news outlets. That includes ESPN, which released its early
picks for Super Bowl 58 participants, league MVPs, and breakout players. Yes, that does seem a bit premature. We still have free agency and the NFL Draft to get through. Those events will reshape the San Francisco 49ers roster and the other 31 NFL squads.
"There is still a lot of change coming, and teams will improve or decline over the coming months," writes ESPN. "NFL free agency officially begins on March 15, roughly six weeks before the league holds the 2023 NFL draft. But as of now, Caesars Sportsbook has the Chiefs (+550) as the favorites for Super Bowl LVIII, followed by the San Francisco 49ers (+600)."
So what do the so-called experts predict for Super Bowl 58? Seven of the 10 analysts, writers, and insiders envision the 49ers representing the NFC in the league title game. However, only one of those seven foresees San Francisco coming out on top once the dust settles on the 2023 NFL season.
ESPN's fantasy football analyst, Stephania Bell, predicts the 49ers to beat the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
"I thought this would be the Super Bowl LVII matchup, so it's just being deferred a year," wrote Bell. "Both teams have the rosters, coaches, and recent playoff experience to navigate the path to Las Vegas, as long as they can each stay healthy."
Two ESPN analysts predict the Bengals to beat the 49ers. The other four have head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad falling to the Chiefs again.
"I'll simplify this: The Chiefs have the best QB in the league, and the 49ers have the best roster when examining the non-QB players in place," explained Field Yates.
No one predicts the league MVP will come from the 49ers. However, one senior writer, Jason Reid, predicts third-year quarterback
Trey Lance as the NFL's breakout player.
"After having multiple surgeries on his right ankle, Lance is expected to be ready for OTAs," wrote Reid. "
[QB Brock] Purdy won't be, though, as he recovers from elbow surgery. Assuming the 49ers move on from Garoppolo, the path should be clear for Lance to be the team's Week 1 starter for the second straight season. Let's not forget that the 49ers traded up in the 2021 draft to take Lance third overall. With this roster, Lance could shine."
Reid was one of two ESPN staffers who believe the 49ers are the most interesting team of the offseason. The team's quarterback storyline has intrigued many.
"The 49ers have so much talent and depth, and Shanahan is as good as it gets with the X's and O's," wrote Reid. "If not for Purdy's elbow injury in the NFC Championship Game, the 49ers' season might have ended in Super Bowl LVII. They have uncertainty about only that one position, but if the 49ers get the QB room figured out, watch out."
The other who sees the 49ers as the most interesting team of the offseason is NFL insider Mike Tannenbaum.
"It's all about the quarterback position, because you really can make an argument that any of Garoppolo, Purdy, or Trey Lance should be their starter," wrote Tannenbaum. "Garoppolo is a free agent again, but they brought him back last summer, and he ended up playing after Lance's injury. This is a fascinating situation."
On a team with as much talent as the San Francisco 49ers, there isn't always much space for rookies to carve out an immediate role, let alone be a starter.
That's why it was impressive that rookie Spencer Burford not only shined early, separating himself during organized team activities(OTAs), but took a starting role as a fourth-rounder.
However, Burford split in-season reps with veteran Daniel Brunskill in a season with ups and downs, questioning the 49ers' belief in his play as a rookie.
But, with Brunskill off to the Tennessee Titans in free agency, the path is clear for the UTSA product to carve out an everyday role in a potential breakout season for Burford during his second season.
Speaking with reporters for the first time this
What happens if Sam Darnold beats out Trey Lance? We're answering this question and others in this week's edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag.
It's week two of OTAs, and the 49ers will have a session open to the media on Wednesday. It may even be happening as you're reading this. And Brock Purdy is believed to start throwing a ball this week (though probably not a regular football).
But for now, ignore those reports, and let's jump into our latest mailbag and answer your questions.
Who's starting on Opening Day at FS? - Chris W.
The 49ers re-signed veteran free safety Tashaun Gipson to a one-year deal and drafted Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown back in April. Brown is the future starting free safety. That future is most likely to
ESPN's Jeff Darlington recently appeared on the network's NFL Live show and discussed the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback situation, highlighting Trey Lance's healthy state and current workload during organized team activities (OTAs).
"Trey Lance is the guy during OTAs who's been taking all the 1st-team reps; he's healthy at this point," Darlington said, per Dov Kleiman of BroBible. "Sam Darnold really getting backup duty as he kinda gets his playbook under his belt. But for now, Trey Lance getting his opportunity with those first-team reps."
What is the takeaway from these comments? Nothing, really. We
Rohan Chakravarthi and Suneil break down the latest from Week 2 of OTAs for the San Francisco 49ers, including the quarterback rep split, offensive line talk, and John Lynch.
The audio for the show is embedded above, while the video is available below.
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You can listen to "The Rohan Chakravarthi Show" from our
