49ers coach Mike Nolan says Alex Smith, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, and Shaun Hill, the career third-stringer, are on equal footing in their competition to run new coordinator Mike Martz's offense. Smith took the first snap in the morning practice session, and Hill took charge in the afternoon for a competition that's unlikely to end for at least three months. Though Smith must be considered the favorite after three stormy seasons in San Francisco, Hill went undefeated as a starter late last season in the first significant playing time of his six-year career. Hill's throwing style, body type and even field demeanor remind some of Marc Bulger, who became a Pro Bowl MVP in St. Louis under Martz's tutelage. Add the lingering uncertainty about any tension between Smith and Nolan, and it's clear both quarterbacks have a shot. (Updated 05/05/2008).
Injury Report
Back - Probable for the start of 2008 training camp (Updated - 1/7/08)
Fantasy Analysis
Smith is back from surgery at full strength and ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. Just a few weeks after Nolan said Smith might be limited in minicamp, the quarterback participated in every drill and made every throw Friday. Hill also is back to normal after healing the injuries to his finger and back that kept him out of the 49ers' season finale following victories in his previous two starts. Martz's offense centers around an aggressive passing scheme that relies on a strong, durable QB arm. Smith has proven that he doesn't necessarily have that quality, but Hill has shown that he does. Expect Smith to be no better than a final-round flier at this point, but once it's made clear who the QB will be in San Francisco, that passer will be a sleeper in '08 drafts. If it's Hill, we're big fans; if it's Smith, we're not as excited. (Updated 05/05/2008).
No information available at this time.
No information available at this time.
49ers coach Mike Nolan says Alex Smith, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, and Shaun Hill, the career third-stringer, are on equal footing in their competition to run new coordinator Mike Martz's offense. Smith took the first snap in the morning practice session, and Hill took charge in the afternoon for a competition that's unlikely to end for at least three months. Though Smith must be considered the favorite after three stormy seasons in San Francisco, Hill went undefeated as a starter late last season in the first significant playing time of his six-year career. Hill's throwing style, body type and even field demeanor remind some of Marc Bulger, who became a Pro Bowl MVP in St. Louis under Martz's tutelage. Add the lingering uncertainty about any tension between Smith and Nolan, and it's clear both quarterbacks have a shot. (Updated 05/05/2008).
Injury Report
Back - Probable for the start of 2008 training camp (Updated - 1/7/08)
Fantasy Analysis
Smith is back from surgery at full strength and ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. Just a few weeks after Nolan said Smith might be limited in minicamp, the quarterback participated in every drill and made every throw Friday. Hill also is back to normal after healing the injuries to his finger and back that kept him out of the 49ers' season finale following victories in his previous two starts. Martz's offense centers around an aggressive passing scheme that relies on a strong, durable QB arm. Smith has proven that he doesn't necessarily have that quality, but Hill has shown that he does. Expect Smith to be no better than a final-round flier at this point, but once it's made clear who the QB will be in San Francisco, that passer will be a sleeper in '08 drafts. If it's Hill, we're big fans; if it's Smith, we're not as excited. (Updated 05/05/2008).
