NFL: 4 Teams That Should Be on Hard Knocks

San Francisco 49ers

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) makes a throw against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Two words: Colin Kaepernick.

Oh, and Patrick Willis. And NaVorro Bowman, Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, Jim Harbaugh, Frank Gore, Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree. The 49ers are full of interesting, talented players, and those players have combined to make the 49ers a dominant team. San Francisco won two thrilling playoff games and rallied valiantly in Super Bowl 47, but they fell short at the end.

The 49ers made improvements over the offseason, as they added depth at wide receiver, safety and on the defensive line. The new additions have lots of pundits tabbing the 49ers as Super Bowl favorites, which would definitely lead to a lot of viewers on Hard Knocks. The 49ers’ new stadium won’t be ready for the 2013 season, but it will be another interesting storyline for the show to follow.

San Francisco is a major media market, and the Bay Area’s sports teams have gone on a tear lately. The San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, Golden State Warriors and San Jose Sharks have experienced recent playoff runs, which has directed attention to the Bay Area. And, because of that, the 49ers have been the center of attention.

There’s no reason why anyone should avoid watching from a Hard Knocks series about the five-time Super Bowl champions. Kaepernick and the 49ers are hungry and poised to make another Super Bowl run, as the team is loaded with depth and talent. Kaepernick alone would be enough for me to tune in to a segment about the 49ers, and the fact that the 49ers are Super Bowl contenders is just a bonus.

San Francisco will receive lots of attention and will contend in 2013, meaning that a Hard Knocks segment on the 49ers would be a great way to attract viewers. People would love to see a behind the scenes look at the coach who added seven wins to San Francisco’s record in one year, and casual fans would love to watch Kaepernick and the team prepare.