49ers offseason: Smith leaves no room for debate

The quarterbacks took center stage during the recently completed 49ers offseason program.Because no pads are allowed during the seven weeks that include on-field work with coaches, the passing game was the focus during practices on the new grass fields behind the 49ers' offices in Santa Clara.The 49ers concluded their official offseason program last week. The veterans are required to report to training camp on July 26. The first exhibition game is Friday, Aug. 10, against the Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park.But when coach Jim Harbaugh says the 49ers have "an eye on our next game," he is quick to point out that's the Sept. 9 regular-season opener at the Green Bay Packers.RELATED: 49ers 2012 season schedule
With the offseason program concluded, this is the first part of a multi-part series that looks at every 49ers personnel group:Quarterbacks
The first practice during quarterback school that was open to the media (May 10), Alex Smith did not look sharp. The story at that time was that Smith had spent a week with former major league pitching coach Tom House on the mechanics of throwing. Obviously, he was trying to make the adjustments. It was a work in progress.By the time the offseason program had concluded, Smith completely passed the eyeball test as the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback. Smith looked much more comfortable than the other quarterbacks during 11-on-11 work. He was especially efficient during two-minute drills, an area the 49ers could not devote much time toward mastering a year ago.RELATED: 49ers depth chart
Coach Jim Harbaugh pointed out, "Alex definitely separated himself even further than what he was, which was a lot coming out of the season. He's the solid starter. I don't think anybody questions that."Smith's accuracy and anticipation seemed to progress throughout the seven week of practices, including the execution of back-shoulder throws.Colin Kaepernick was up and down during his first NFL offseason program. Timing and accuracy are issues in the short-passing game. He struggled for the first two days of the mandatory minicamp last week, but he responded with an outstanding final practice. The talent is undeniable. What's also undeniable is that Kaepernick's unique physical skills give him a chance to be successful even if a pass goes awry from time to time. When he gets out of the pocket, he can make plays with his powerful arm. But his most-dangerous weapon still might be his legs. When the long-strider decides to tuck the ball under his arm and start running, he covers a lot of ground quickly.None of the team's other quarterbacks looks as good as Josh Johnson in individual drills or one-on-one settings. His release, touch, arm strength and tight spirals were eye-catching in the early days of the offseason program. And after the first practice in which there were no offense-vs.-defense drills, it was tempting to declare that Johnson would provide a huge challenge to Smith's status as the No. 1 quarterback. A four-year pro who is coming back to Harbaugh's system after playing for him at the University of San Diego, Johnson was not nearly as sharp when the pocket gets disturbed with a pass rush during team work and two-minute sessions. Johnson worked as the No. 3 quarterback throughout the offseason. And that is where he'll open training camp, behind Smith and Kaepernick.It seemed as if Scott Tolzien got a lot more 11-on-11 practice time during the final minicamp. This was the first time I've gotten more than just a glimpse of Tolzien on the 49ers' practice field. He was claimed from the San Diego Chargers off waivers just before the start of last year's regular season, so he rarely stepped onto the practice field and never ran 49ers plays during practices a year ago. Tolzien is good. But can he consistently make throws outside the numbers? His arm strength looked just fine to me. He had his moments, such as a beautifully thrown ball down the seam to rookie receiver Brian Tyms between the corner and safety. But when he tried a similar throw on the next play, safety C.J. Spillman read it but dropped the interception. Tolzien is a strong candidate for the practice squad. Unless he excels in the exhibition season, it's doubtful another team would claim him after final cuts to place on their 53-man roster.