[simple simon]

Is one of the league's best offseasons good enough to make the 49ers a playoff team?
The 49ers' ultimate goal was finding seven new starters on defense. That might have been a little ambitious, but it was a great offseason for the defense. The additions of cornerback Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis complete the secondary. Patrick Willis and Tully Banta-Cain, along with Manny Lawson and Derek Smith, form a good linebacking corps. Aubrayo Franklin will help at nose tackle. The key is for Alex Smith to develop at quarterback. That process took a hit with the departure of offensive coordinator Norv Turner to San Diego. Head coach Mike Nolan believes he has that covered with his staff. He helped Smith by adding WR Ashley Lelie and Darrell Jackson to the receiving corps.

ESPN.com - NFL - Clayton: NFC big questions

[Lefty Noob]

I'm going on a limb here and saying, yes, the Niners are good enough to make the playoffs. They have a lot of talent on offense and they're in a weaker division. I can see them winning the West in 2007. Seriously.