San Francisco 49ers: Bold Predictions for Regular Season
By Marc Grandi
Crabtree Will Make an All-Pro Team
Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Crabtree is Kaepernick’s favorite target. Ever since Kaepernick took over after Alex Smith succumbed to an injury, Crabtree has thrived.
In 2012, he had a fantastic second-half of the season and postseason. His achilles injury during OTAs in 2013 hurt his chemistry with Kaepernick, but this healthy offseason will do loads for him.
He’ll continue to build continuity and gain confidence with Kaepernick.
At times he’s proven he’s more than just a possession receiver. He may not have the extreme speed that other top receivers have, but he is a solid route-runner and, as coach Harbaugh has said, is the “greatest catcher of all time.”
With Crabtree, Boldin, Davis, and any combination of Lloyd, Patton and Ellington, there should be plenty of openings for Crabtree to exploit. With this depth, many defenses may have to drop more defenders back into coverage, but it’ll be tough to stick with the elusive Crabtree.
Expect the Crabtree-Kaepernick connection a lot this year. They’ll connect for over 1,000 yards and Crabtree will catch double-digit touchdown passes. That should be enough to get him onto the Second-team All-Pro and finally get his revenge on Sherman.