3. Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco

Following his tremendous return to the starting lineup in 2009, the 49ers invested heavily in their former No. 1 overall pick. They selected offensive linemen with their first picks in this years draft and did not bring in another veteran or rookie to pressure him.

I like the potential for this unit in 2010. Television stations have already assigned an editor to monitor games for Michael Crabtree highlights. Vernon Davis finally shook past his demons and posted numbers in line with our grandiose expectations. Frank Gore is a tremendous multi-purpose back who benefits from the addition of those aforementioned behemoths up front. Josh Morgan is an undervalued No. 2.

Now, I know its hard to put a ton of stock in Smith given the production, or lack thereof, in his first three NFL seasons. However, the potential is immense, and Ive firmly planted Smith at the No. 15 slot in my quarterback rankings.


1. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco

Crabtree produced a phenomenal rookie season despite missed five games because of an ill-advised holdout. He averaged 56.8 yards per game and caught 48 passes working opposite Morgan and the revitalized Vernon Davis.

As we examine the 2010 version of this team, you cant help but get excited about Crabtrees potential. The core of the offense, including tailback Gore, returns intact. Smith and Crabtree have had a full offseason to work on their timing. The 49ers drafted linemen with their first two picks in this years NFL Draft and showed big-time confidence in Smith. Unless his game suddenly regresses to his past depths (I shudder to consider it), Crabtree has the potential to put up some monster numbers.

• http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/football/story/Harmon-Fantasy-Football-Breakthroughs-Emerging-Stars-070610