Is Colin Kaepernick ready to be elite?
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is poised to become a top QB in 2015 after meticulous work on throwing mechanics and significant talent acquisitions to the offense.
The 2014 season was brutal for the 49ers’ signal-caller. Kaepernick threw a career-high ten interceptions and finished the season with a career-low quarterback rating of 86.4. Just two years ago, NFL Analyst Ron Jaworski claimed Kaepernick had the potential to become the “greatest quarterback of all time.” He maintains this status, as the same quarterback who took over the 49ers offense from the concussed Alex Smith and led them all the way to the very last seconds of the 2012 Super Bowl against the Ravens. One pass to someone other than Michael Crabtree and Kaepernick would have a championship ring on his finger. Kaepernick finished 2012 with a QBR of 98.3 and followed with another solid year in 2013, posting a QBR of 91.6 and another NFC Championship appearance.
The 49ers best offseason move was letting Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman leave the team. His offensive style was predictable – it is no wonder the 49ers rarely scored in the 4th quarter. Another diminishing factor was the receiving corps. Anquan Boldin is a proven veteran and an absolute beast, even at the age of 34, but by no means is he a threat down the field. He is optimal for short-range passing, and #81 is more than capable of making big plays in tight areas. Then there was Michael Crabtree – now with the Raiders – who, due to a lack of physicality and speed, clogged up underneath. To exacerbate the problem, the offensive line allowed Kaepernick to be sacked 52 times. In 2014, the 49ers were tested both on and off the field, but nothing is static in the NFL.
Draft Kaepernick to your fantasy team this year, or you will regret it. The praise for Kaepernick is pouring in after spending his offseason working with future Hall of Famer Kurt Warner on different aspects of his game. The 49ers are set to line up with Kap under center and Carlos Hyde in the backfield. Wide out Anquan Boldin will line up alongside the newly added deep-threat Torrey Smith, along with the likes of young speedsters Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington. A healthy Vernon Davis will be looking to bounce back after last year’s disastrous season. This is a revamped offense built around speed – something the team’s offense has lacked in previous years. The 49ers would finally possess an offensive unit that defenses have to stretch to cover. This puts Kaepernick in a position to not only have the freedom to throw deep or short, but to run loose when necessary. Kaepernick’s stat line will improve dramatically and the 49ers will once again be serious contenders in the tough NFC division.
Daniel Rogers is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Daniel, check out his archive or follow him @DanielRogersFP
