When the NFL schedule came out in the spring, Week 17 looked like another NFC West doozy.
But unlike last season when the 49ers and Seattle Seahawks had a prime-time billing for the final game of the regular season, the NFC West is not at stake Sunday when the clubs meet in Glendale, Arizona -- of all places.
The Seahawks clinched the NFC West with an 11-4 record. The 49ers (6-9) clinched last place in the division.
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In this final regular-season edition of 49ers Overreactions, we’re turning the page on the 2020 season and looking ahead.
Can we just hurry up and get there ...
“Whether or not JimmyG stays, we need to draft a QB in the 1st round because of Jimmy’s injury history. But they’ll probably wait until the 2nd round and whiff on another QB prospect” — @GameAgentET
Overreaction? Yes.
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Of course, it depends on where the 49ers end up drafting.
Currently, the 49ers are in the No. 14 spot. Unless they love the quarterback they are able to select in the first round, they should not bother. The reason is that they can get a player at another position who can help them now.
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The decision on Garoppolo likely will be made about a month before the draft. So they will have already decided on a veteran player they determined is an upgrade or they will be fully committed to Garoppolo as the starter for 2021.
“The 49ers will draft a defensive lineman in the first round” — @harrybu87
Overreaction? No.
The player chosen in the first round has to be the best player at an impact position. Edge rusher is an impact position, as Nick Bosa showed during his rookie season.
Dee Ford’s time with the 49ers likely is over, so they need to find another edge rusher to line up on the side opposite of Bosa.
If there is a standout pass-rusher available when the 49ers select, it would be a reasonable decision to grab him.
“The 49ers would be a playoff team had they started Beathard over Nick Mullens, with wins over the Eagles, Cowboys, and Washington” — @sam_sourdough
Overreaction? Yes.
There is a reason the 49ers kept going with Nick Mullens over C.J. Beathard.
The coaching staff determined Mullens was better. These are the people who see all the players in every practice, then go back to re-watch the film and analyze playing skills, decision-making and execution.
We’re not taking anything away from Beathard. He did a fine job in helping the 49ers upset the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. But it’s doubtful anything would be different if Mullens were benched a while back.
“Verrett needs to be the priority to be resigned among all the free agents in the secondary — @Irfannzo
Overreaction? No.
Cornerback Jason Verrett lines up as the 49ers’ top priority to re-sign from the team’s defensive backfield. His age, cover skills and likely price tag make him a more likely option to re-sign than Richard Sherman.
However, nickel back K’Waun Williams is also a high priority. He was the top player Donte Whitner suggests Robert Saleh try to take with him if Saleh ends up with a head-coaching job.
Call Verrett and Williams, Priorities 1-A and 1-B.
“Mostert and Wilson will be the only members of the current RB/FB to return for 2021” — @M15under5t00d
Overreactions? No ... and yes.
You almost snuck that "FB" past me. I'd be surprised if the 49ers do not re-sign fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
As far as the running backs ...
Raheem Mostert certainly will be back. The 49ers will try to bring back Jeff Wilson Jr. as a restricted free agent. Also, rookie JaMycal Hasty will return to the team and he could assert himself next season as the team’s third-down back.
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It does not seem to make much sense at this point to bring back Tevin Coleman or Jerick McKinnon, both of whom are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents.
“Super Bowl window came and closed” — @BayAreaKid09
Overreaction? Yes.
The NFC is wide open right now. And it figures to be wide open a year from now, too.
Green Bay, New Orleans, Seattle and Tampa Bay are the only teams in the NFC with 10 or more wins this season. Which one of those teams is set up to be dominant?
I don’t see it. That’s why I think the 49ers are not all that far from again being a contender -- if they can just keep their top players on the field in 2021.