2014 NFL Preview: Everything you need to know about the San Francisco 49ers

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San Francisco 49ers

Schedule | Roster

Last year ended on a sour note for the 49ers, but the team had plenty to boast about throughout the season. In addition to tying the Carolina Panthers for the second-best record in the NFC, San Francisco had the league's third-best rushing attack (137.6 yards per game) and the fifth-best total defense (316.9 yards allowed per game).

Among the team's standouts was Frank Gore, who surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the seventh time in his career. Anquan Boldin was also impressive in his first season with the 49ers, catching 85 passes for 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns.

Colin Kaepernick completed 243-of-416 passes for a career-high 3,197 yards and 21 touchdowns in 16 games for the 49ers, and was rewarded with a six-year, $126-million contract extension this offseason. Head coach Jim Harbaugh believes it was money well spent, as he anticipates a breakout year for Kaepernick.

Preseason Power Ranking - #3

With a healthy Michael Crabtree and another strong draft class, the 49ers' roster is so much deeper this year compared to last. They have advanced to the NFC Championship game in three consecutive seasons under Harbaugh, and have the best chance to overtake the Seahawks for the NFC West crown. More...

Key Additions/Departures

Key Additions: S Antoine Bethea, QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Stevie Johnson, OT Jonathan Martin

Key Departures: S Donte Whitner, C Jonathan Goodwin, CB Carlos Rogers, CB Tarell Brown

Gabbert, the 10th overall pick in 2011, didn't quite live up to expectations in Jacksonville. After starting a combined 24 games in his first two seasons, the 24-year-old was relegated to backup duty in 2013 - a role he'll assume in San Francisco.

Johnson joins the 49ers after spending the first six years of his career as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Johnson will work as the club's third receiver and will be available to take on a larger role if Crabtree or Boldin miss time due to injury. 

Another notable addition is Martin, who spent last season embroiled in the Miami Dolphins' bullying scandal. Not only does San Francisco offer Martin a second chance, it also reunites him with his college coach, Harbaugh, who helped develop Martin into an All-American.

The 49ers' secondary took a hit in free agency with the departures of Whitner, Rogers, and Brown, though the signing of Bethea should help soften the blow. Bethea, who is dealing with a concussion, is projected to take over Whitner's starting spot at strong safety, with Chris Cook, Chris Culliver, and fourth-round pick Dontae Johnson competing for starting cornerback opposite Tramaine Brock.

2014 Draft Class 

A three-year starter at Northern Illinois, Ward provides the 49ers with some versatility, having lined up at multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball. He is expected to play a big role in San Francisco, and after a strong preseason debut, is the likely front-runner to replace Carlos Rogers at nickel cornerback.

Second-round pick Hyde was also solid in his preseason debut, rushing for 39 yards on five carries against the Baltimore Ravens. With Kendall Hunter out for the season with a torn ACL and LaMichael James recovering from an elbow injury, Hyde should get plenty of opportunities to prove he's worthy of the No. 2 running back job behind Gore. 

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh
Offensive Coordinator: Greg Roman
Defensive Coordinator: Vic Fangio

Aside from the departures of offensive line coach Tim Drevno and senior offensive assistant Paul Wulff, the 49ers coaching staff experienced little in the way of turnover this offseason. 

The return of Roman and Fangio should come as especially good news considering both coordinators were courted by several teams seeking new head coaches.​ Roman is instrumental in Kaepernick's development, while Fangio's defenses ranked fourth, third, and fifth, respectively, since he joined the 49ers in 2011.

Harbaugh is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $25-million contract, and may have something to prove this season. After guiding San Francisco to three consecutive NFC title games, Harbaugh is reportedly looking for a significant raise. 49ers management may be waiting to see how 2014 plays out before making a long-term commitment.

2014 Schedule

The 49ers have a relatively balanced schedule, with seven of their 16 games coming against 2013 playoff teams. They kick off their season on the road against the Dallas Cowboys, and then return home for their first regular-season game at Levi's Stadium.

The final stretch could prove difficult for the 49ers, as they face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks twice in a three-game span. Seattle leads the all-time series 16-15.

Bold Predictions

Stevie Johnson will lead the team in receiving. Crabtree is the 49ers' most talented receiver, but has battled injuries has only topped 1,000 yards once even when healthy. While Johnson had a down season last year with the Bills, he went over 1,000 yards in each of the previous three campaigns and with the offseason trade he will have extra motivation coming into the year, making him San Fran’s go-to guy. -Mike Dickson

Hyde will be the team's leading rusher. Gore is the running back who just won’t die. Year after year, "experts" predict he'll take a step back but he maintains his high level of production. His run of success will end this year, as second-round pick Hyde is just too good to leave on the bench. Gore will still be a factor, but Hyde's younger, fresher legs will carry the team down the stretch. -David Woods