San Francisco 49ers Alex Smith Frank Gore Julian Peterson Brandon Lloyd

Since the San Francisco 49ers had exactly zero representatives at Sunday's Pro Bowl I thought that now would be a good time to ponder about current 49ers that might make it to Hawaii in '07.There are two guys that have already been to the Pro Bowl and could make a return next year. The first is linebacker Julian Dallas Cowboys jersey
Peterson. The former All-Pro defender seems to be fully recovered from the Achilles injury that sidelined him for most of 2004 and could be poised for another breakout season. The second is kicker Joe Nedney. The only reason he didn't make it back this year was because of the nearly perfect season turned in by Arizona's Neil Rackers. He should be in the running once again in '07.Also, there are two young offensive players who showed flashes of brilliance this past season and could earn a ticket to Hawaii if they can produce on a consistent basis in '06. The first is wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. He has shown an ability to make the eye-popping reception and put up big numbers in individual games, but he must now show that he can produce from week to week. 48 receptions for 733 yards and 5 touchdowns is good, but he'll need to up those numbers and lead his team to victory more often in order to be a Pro Bowler. The second is Frank Gore. He finished the season with an astounding 4.8 yds-per-carry average and showed game breaking ability with his electrifying 72-yard touchdown run against Washington in week seven. Now he has to prove that he has the durability to sustain that level of play as a full time starter in the NFL. Lastly, there's quarterback Alex Smith. 4 Brett Favre White jersey
It is highly unlikely that he will make the Pro Bowl roster in 2007, especially since he only managed to throw one touchdown pass in all of 2006. Still, a man can dream can't he?In all seriousness, expect Smith to show an Eli Manning type of improvement in his second year in the league. His success may very well be the key factor that gets Gore and Lloyd into the Pro Bowl next year and brings the 49ers back to respectability.