2002 RECORD: 10-6 TEAM RANK (NFL): Defense (14th); Offense (8th) ADDITIONS: Free agents -- TE Jed Weaver (Dolphins), DT Travis Kirschke (Lions), DT Ross Kolodziej (Giants). Draft picks -- 1. OT Kwame Harris (Stanford); 2. NT Anthony Adams (Penn State); 3. DE Andrew Williams (Miami); 4. WR Brandon Lloyd (Illinois); 5. TE Aaron Walker (Florida); 6. WR Arnaz Battle (Notre Dame); 7. QB Ken Dorsey (Miami). SUBTRACTIONS: DT Dana Stubblefield (Raiders), OG Dave Fiore (Redskins), CB Anthony Parker (Raiders), DE Chike Okeafor (released). Team news | Roster | More on 49ers draft

		Thu., May 22 What do the 49ers have to do to move up among the NFC's elite? Authoring a lot more three-and-outs defensively, getting the porous unit off the field for a change, certainly would be a good start for new head coach Dennis Erickson and holdover coordinator Jim Mora Jr. Most times opposition offenses faced a third-and-long situation, it seemed, they had the 49ers precisely where they wanted them. San Francisco permitted a league-worst 46.9 percent third-down conversion rate, forced only 27 takeaways, and had the third-most penalties assessed to secondary players. First-round cornerback Mike Rumph was a frequent target and should have felt like a guy with a bull's eye stenciled on his chest. San Francisco didn't draft a player for its secondary, nor did it have any key free agent signings, so improvement will have to come from within. The entire onus shouldn't be placed on the secondary, since a pass rush might help things, but the 49ers had just one player, end Andre Carter, with more than six sacks. The 49ers should still score points. It's up to the defense, on a team where the third-down unit was basically a plug nickel in '02, if the 49ers are to move forward.

The 49ers recaptured the NFC West crown with a 10-6 record last season, and won a wild Wild Card game against the New York Giants. But that wasn't enough to save Steve Mariucci's job. Oregon State's Dennis Erickson is the new man in charge.

Once again, the San Francisco treats were on the offensive side of the ball. Jeff Garcia's touchdown production was down, but he still started the Pro Bowl for the NFC squad. The running back tandem of Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow accounted for over 1,600 yards on the ground. And Terrell Owens racked up 1,300 receiving yards and continued to be one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the NFL.

What they've added?
The biggest addition, obviously, is Erickson -- whose hiring was somewhat of a surprise. His first stint as an NFL head coach, with the Seattle Seahawks, lasted four seasons and produced zero playoff appearances. But there should be some continuity -- Erickson retained both offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and defensive coordinator Jim Mora, Jr.

There won't be many changes on offense. The team re-signed wideout Tai Streets, who emerged as a solid No. 2 receiver last season after J.J. Stokes was injured. Stokes is expected to be released in June. Hearst and Barlow should continue to split time in the backfield. Hearst got 70 more carries and had 34 more receptions last season -- look for more of a balance this year as Barlow continues to get better and the 49ers make an effort to keep Hearst healthy.

The Niners did sign TE Jed Weaver from Miami -- he's a good blocker that should work well in tandem with Eric Johnson, who's more of a receiver at that position. They also used their first-round draft pick on OT Kwame Harris from Stanford. Harris is targeted to be the team's left tackle of the future, but will probably back up 11-year vet Derrick Deese, who feared being a salary-cap casualty earlier this season despite not giving up a sack in his last 26 games.

On defense, there also haven't been many additions, except on the defensive line. Reserve tackles Travis Kirschke from the Lions and Ross Kolodziej from the Giants were brought onboard, and will compete with second-round pick Anthony Adams (Penn State) and third-rounder Andrew Williams (Miami) for reserve playing time.

Fantasy Focus

In previous coaching stints in college and the Seahawks, Erickson favored one-back sets and will use it more than Steve Mariucci did last year. Last season, Kevan Barlow and Garrison Hearst split carries. Hearst had 215 carries for 972 yards and eight scores while Barlow had 145 carries for 675 yards and four touchdowns. Look for their stats to flip-flop this season. Erickson was impressed by Barlow in the mid-May minicamp and wants to use him more. Barlow offers more big-play ability while Hearst is a better pass-catcher suited for third downs. Take Barlow as the No. 3 back in fantasy drafts and he can reward you with a 1,000-yard season. -- Roger Rotter, ESPN.com Fantasy editor

What they're missing?
The Niners had little maneuverability this offseason due to the salary cap, and it showed. A vulnerable defense deceptively ranked 14th in the league last season lost two stalwarts in DT Dana Stubblefield (Raiders) and DE Chike Okeafor (Seahawks). The team lacks an effective pass rush, and will depend even more on young DE Andre Carter, who had 12.5 sacks last season.

The secondary, a unit that was ravaged by injuries last season, is also a major concern. Cornerbacks Ahmed Plummer, Jason Webster and Mike Rumph are all still very green, and the 49ers are banking on their improvement. They're also banking on the entire unit staying healthy, since they have little depth at those positions.

Watch out for the special teams as well. The team finished the season with rookies Jeff Chandler at place-kicker and Billy LaFleur at punter -- neither were particularly impressive -- and apparently will stick with them again this year.

What it all means?
The distraction of Steve Mariucci's job status is gone -- but lots of attention will be focused on Erickson. Erickson has a different style, and has revealed that right away in the team's May minicamps -- more disciplined, demanding punctuality, etc. How the team will respond to that is a big question mark.

And there could be other distractions, especially if Owens doesn't have a new contract in place (he can become a free agent after this season).

This is basically the same team San Fran fielded last season, so the Niners should be in contention for a playoff berth. A hot start will be key, since their schedule the first six weeks of the season is rather favorable. Later on, they will visit Green Bay, Philadelphia, and host Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay.

The 49ers won the NFC West by a whopping three games last year. But the division should be much more competitive this coming season -- St. Louis is likely to bounce back with a healthy Kurt Warner, and Seattle could also be a playoff contender. It won't be nearly as easy for the Niners this year.

Kieran Darcy works for ESPN The Magazine.