Good news and bad news

The good news is Norv Turner is staying...but the bad news is Dwight Freeney is going to be franchised by the Colts.

The Niners might turn to fellow Colts defensive teammate Cato June. June is a playmaker...sometimes looking like the only Colt on the field (when the run defense decides to hibernate). He'd be a great pickup, especially now that the Niners are going to the 3-4 full-time.

In order for the 3-4 to be effective, the Niners need some help on the defense.

Harris and Spencer are legit starters. They stay. The Niners could use another veteran CB to act as a reliable nickel. Mike Adams isn't good enough yet.

Mark Roman is a good but not great safety. We could improve there. Remember, Roman was cut from the Packers at the beginning of the season...he's playable, but he's not a star. And his age limits his upside. We could definitely use an upgrade here. Having a big-time safety to pair with Lewis would make a HUGE difference. It would make our secondary one of the top 10 in the NFL...one player, immediate improvement. Harris, Lewis, Spencer and Pro Bowl Safety would be Top 5 NFC. I'd even consider taking a safety in the first round if we can get a Pro Bowler...remember, safeties tend to drop in the draft, so great ones can fall to 11.

Keith Lewis...you are a star. Thank god we have you on this team. You came out of nowhere last year...keep it up this season. You can be a Pro Bowl safety with a little more improvement.

At linebacker, Smith and Ulbrich are great third and fourth linebackers. Smith is actually good enough to be a 2 when healthy. Brandon Moore is great against the pass...at times, he was our only rusher this year. This makes him a solid three.

But we need a number one. Here's where we have to cash in on a free agent. June would be great...and we wouldn't have to totally break the bank.

At defensive end, we need another spalsh in free agency. Ignore offense completely if need be...we need a stud LB and a stud DE. Otherwise, we will be sitting out the playoffs again.

On offense, we could use another WR, yes...but I'm comfortable taking a shot on a wideout with a second or third round in the draft...look at the history...there are many WR stars that fall past round 1. It's a position of depth...and even the Niners have a history of finding good ones late (Owens, Tai Streets, Brandon Lloyd...OK, Lloyd sucks, but still...).

Brandon Williams, of course, was a second-round pick...let's just cross our fingers that he develops into a star returner...

We're pretty much set at O-line, but there's more bad news: Jeremy Newburry won't be back. I was REALLY hoping we could use him as a backup this year...but, alas, the Niners don't want to tie up any money in a long, long, longshot. If he is healthy, he'll be a fantastic pickup for someone. The guy is plain nasty. And he's a stud in the clubhouse...a ton of energy.

Davis makes TE a non-issue. Obviously, Gore and Smith are good...Norris seems like a find at FB. Kicker and punter are set.

So, let's open up that wallet, Mr. York...and get us June or Lance Briggs/Adalius Thomas and the best darn rusher out there, now that Freeney is gone...