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Wednesday, July 18
Updated: August 7, 3:14 PM ET
 
49ers: Youthful enthusiasm
By Tom Oates
Special to ESPN.com

Bill Walsh's work is done. The 49ers are on the road to recovery after a severe case of salary cap-itis, which made Walsh's second stint with the team almost as impressive as his first. Oh, Walsh didn't build a dynasty like he did 20 years ago, but in only three offseasons he managed to put the team's financial house in order and re-stock the roster with eager, young, talented faces.
 
CAMP AT A GLANCE
 Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens had 97 receptions for 1,451 yards last year.
  Location:University of Pacific, Stockton, Calif.
Rookies report: July 25
Veterans report: July 28
Preseason schedule:
 Aug. 11: at San Diego
 Aug. 19: Oakland
 Aug. 25: Seattle
 Aug. 31: at Denver

Aging heroes Jerry Rice and Ken Norton were released, the final steps in a three-year purge during which the team junked its long-standing, win-now philosophy (first learned from Walsh) and decided to build for the future.

Walsh retired in the spring, but the team that won 10 games over the last two years has a fixture at quarterback in Jeff Garcia and looks ready to challenge the Saints and Rams in the division, if not this year then certainly next.

Man in the spotlight
Rice moved across the bay to finish out his brilliant career with the Raiders, which means it is J.J. Stokes' turn to shine. The team's first-round pick in 1995, Stokes has never been able to crash the lineup and his catches over the last three years have dropped from 63 to 34 to 30. He's a big, physical receiver who can make plays after the catch, but all too often he simply disappears. If he does, emerging deep threat Tai Streets could earn the spot opposite Terrell Owens, the game's best all-around wide receiver.

Key position battle
Garrison Hearst has looked so good in mini-camps he's been handed the starting halfback job. If he's still there after two-a-days and exhibition games, the 49ers will be thrilled. Until then, they'll be skeptical. Hearst has been a non-factor since he suffered a career-threatening ankle injury during a playoff loss to Atlanta after the 1998 season. With Charlie Garner a cap casualty, the 49ers need Hearst to return to form if they hope to replace Garner's 1,789 all-purpose yards. If Hearst can't do it, rookie Kevan Barlow or second-year man Paul Smith, a couple of power runners, could challenge for the job or they could share it.

Biggest adjustment
Jim Mora has gone from sitting on the hot seat to holding the hot hand. The team's defensive coordinator, Mora saw his unit make an abrupt turnaround late in the season -- opponents averaged 32.3 in the first 10 games, 16.5 in the last six -- even though he started five rookies. After another busy offseason, Mora has a defense that is fast, young and, best of all, inexpensive. Prodigal tackle Dana Stubblefield and savvy middle linebacker Derek Smith, both free agents, will start, as will end Andre Carter and linebacker Jamie Winborn, the top two draft picks. That means the only holdovers from two years ago are Bryant Young and Lance Schulters.

Rookie report
Such is the state of the rebuilding 49ers that the first-, second- and third-round picks -- Carter, Winborn and Barlow, respectively -- could all start. The team didn't pick again until the sixth round. Of a slew of late-round picks, the most immediate help might come from Cedrick Wilson, a small, quick wide receiver who could return kicks.

Offseason moves
Players signed Players lost
S Zack Bronson (re-signed)
OT Scott Gragg (re-signed)
QB Rick Mirer (re-signed)
LB Derek Smith (signed as free agent)
DT Dana Stubblefield (signed as free agent)
 RB Charlie Garner (signed with Raiders)
LB Ken Norton (released)
DE Anthony Pleasant (signed with Patriots)
WR Jerry Rice (signed with Raiders)
K Wade Richey (signed with Chargers)
LB Winfred Tubbs (released)

  • 49ers' complete offseason moves







    •  More from ESPN...
    Falcons: Taking the next step
    While he won't have too much ...

    Panthers: Youth movement
    The Panthers finally decided ...

    Rams: Getting defensive
    After a dismal defensive ...

    Saints: Repeat performance?
    After last year's surprise ...


    AUDIO/VIDEO
     San Francisco head coach Steve Mariucci discusses the progress of Garrison Hearst after being away from football for 30 months.
    wav: 324 k
    RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

     San Francisco head coach Steve Mariucci is looking to get the Niners back on track.
    wav: 1123 k
    RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

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