Last year, Mike Iupati’s younger brother, Andrew, earned a tryout at the 49ers rookie minicamp.

The family feel will continue in 2013 according to a report from Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News.

Anthony Davis’ older brother, Andre Davis, will get a tryout at the 49ers rookie minicamp set to take place on May 10.

The elder Davis, 26, played the past two years at NAIA school Kentucky Christian. At 6-foot-5, 295 pounds, Davis made honorable mention for the All-Mid-South Conference East Division. Davis will join another invite with a well-known last name, West Virginia Wesleyan quarterback Nate Montana, who was invited to tryout according to a report from the Sacramento Bee.

More rookie headlines can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Curtis Crabtree of ProFootballTalk.com shared his review of San Francisco’s draft class.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports called the 49ers draft, “Super.”

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle discussed the significance of Vance McDonald’s uniform number.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee offered additional draft notes on the 2013 class.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com believes 49ers draft moves spoke more about pass-rush issues than the need for defensive backs.

49ers.com shared additional videos and links on the 2013 class, plus released their rookie uniform numbers.

CLIP OF THE DAY

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Good morning! my good ppl. Time to go put that work in! "I only know one way Lets Go!"—
Patrick willis (@PatrickWillis52) April 30, 2013

Pat’s ready for day two of football school at 49ers HQ.

Finally.

The wait is over. The draft board is finalized. The prospects are eager. The fan base is ready. The draft bash is all set.

The 2013 NFL Draft begins tonight and it couldn’t have come any sooner. We broke down prospects and spoke with analysts about the endless possibilities, but that was all build up to the inevitable conclusion. The three-day draft gets underway tonight at 5 p.m. PT and the future of the San Francisco 49ers will come into greater focus when the team makes its first selection.

Will it be at No. 31, or will San Francisco move up to select a player they’ve been coveting all along? The outcome will be known shortly.

In Trent Baalke’s three drafts leading the team’s draft-day decisions, the 49ers general manager has traded nine times. In 2010, Baalke’s first year as Vice President of Player Personnel, Baalke moved up to select tackle Anthony Davis, a player who recently signed a five-year contract extension through 2019. Baalke also traded back in 2010 to select, two-time All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman, another player who has been extended until the 2018 season.

It’s worth noting that Baalke has never traded out of the first-round in three years. In 2011, he moved up in the second-round to select quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

With 13 selections heading into draft day, the possibilities for Baalke and his personnel staff are endless.

It’s safe to say the world will be watching. NFL Draft prognostications are endless, but they’ll stop very soon. We’ve compiled the top mock drafts for your consideration in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Share your draft opinions on social with #Draft49 and if you’re having a draft party or attending our event in San Jose tonight, use #49ersDraftBash to showcase your experience.

Thanks everyone for checking out our blog and enjoy the draft. 49ers.com/Draft will have you covered all weekend long.

Now, on to the links…

Mike Sando of ESPN.com shared the mock draft picks for every team in the NFC West.

Sando also shared the seven-round predictions from Scouts INC.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News rounded up 19 different mock draft picks for the 49ers.

Inman offered a draft primer to get fans ready for the three-day draft.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com pegged Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden as SF’s pick.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee looked at potential trade up scenarios for the 49ers.

Barrows’ trade-free mock draft is included here.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle previewed potential draft outcomes.

ProFootballTalk.com offered a final mock draft; Eric Reid out of LSU is the No. 31 pick.

Peter King of SI.com took Cordarrelle Patterson is the choice at 31.

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News has a solution if you’re tired of watching draft coverage: Attend Joe Staley’s Saturday night fundraiser at Candlestick Park.

49ers.com caught up with last year’s first-round pick, A.J. Jenkins.

CLIPS OF THE DAY

TWEET OF THE DAY

We're all set for tonight's draft bash. Tag your draft party photos with #49ersDraftBash. http://t.co/ajQnL9jCNz—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 25, 2013

We’re ready, are you?

Anthony Davis earned a second contract from the San Francisco 49ers. With the starting right tackle agreeing to a five-year extension that’ll keep him with the 49ers through the 2019 season, the team has continued its recent trend of rewarding hard-working draft picks with long-term financial commitments.

Davis joins NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Andy Lee and Joe Staley as 49ers draft picks to sign extensions to stay in San Francisco.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle covered the Davis extension.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee shared his take on the signing.

Barrows also previewed the upcoming draft with Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network.

49ers.com spoke exclusively with Davis late Thursday night.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

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Register here for the #49ers Draft Bash: bit.ly/10g7vm6—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 04, 2013

Sign up today.

INDIANAPOLIS –579.

That’s the total number of yards the San Francisco 49ers racked up in a 45-31 Divisional Playoff Round win against the Green Bay Packers. It’s also a number that’s sticking with Packers coach Mike McCarthy all offseason.

It’s on his mind so much, McCarthy will send his defensive coaches to Texas A&M to study the best ways to defend the read-option offense from Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared McCarthy’s comments that were made Friday at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine.

The 49ers totaled 323 yards in the playoff win over the Packers, including a 7.5 yards per carry average to go along with four rushing scores.

“San Francisco, they beat us twice last year,” McCarthy said. “You look at the difference in the first game and the second game, and obviously the glaring statistic and the information in the second game was obviously the production of their quarterback … San Francisco had a great year; like I said they beat us twice, and that’ll definitely be a focus of our offseason.”

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com offered a rundown of 49ers related notes from Jim Harbaugh’s press conference.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee also offered a rundown from Day 2, including Harbaugh’s comments on David Akers’ role with the team in 2013.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com shared the top takeaways from Day 2 at the combine.

Don Banks of SI.com analyzed this year’s quarterback crop at the combine.

Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com posted his top 10 storylines from Day 2.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. discussed which prospects have the most to gain at this year’s combine.

49ers.com’s Combine Central has the full Day 2 recap in stories, photos and videos.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

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Remind yourself nobody built like you, you design yourself.—
Bam Davis (@AnthonyDavis76) February 23, 2013

Wise words from the 49ers right tackle.

Michael Crabtree is not your average Joe at wide receiver. He makes ridiculous catches look easy. He breaks numerous tackles after making the tough catches, too. He blocks for teammates. He competes. He really does it all.

Crabtree turned in career highs in catches (85), receiving yards (1,105) and touchdowns (9) in his fourth season with the San Francisco 49ers. He also turned in best performances in the closing stages of 2012. Crabtree finished the final eight games of the year with five, 100-yard receiving games and seven touchdowns during that stretch.

In three playoff games, Crabtree caught 20 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns.

Because of his standout season, Crabtree was included in USA Today’s “All-Joe” team for 2012, a collection of the best NFL players that haven’t been named to a Pro Bowl. Crabtree was joined by teammates Alex Smith and Anthony Davis on the team that fields a 53-man roster with representation from every team.

Nate Davis of USA Today explained that Crabtree and Davis are likely soon to earn Pro Bowl recognition based on breakout seasons in 2012.

“Crabtree also showed a lot of toughness, willingly going over the middle, as he turned potential into production,” Davis wrote.

ESPN.com’s NFL Nation Blog rounds up the top NFL free agency headlines for 2013.

Brian McIntyre of Yahoo! Sports discussed the top quarterback talent headed to the NFL Scouting Combine and the groups willingness to compete in all drills.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee shared the unique story of San Jose State tight end Ryan Otten, who played at the Senior Bowl while dealing with a serious illness.

49ers.com needs your help in choosing the top play of 2012. First, choose the best takeaway from the season.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

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This is what I did at google all day. #google instagr.am/p/Vper3suNMa/—
Vernon Davis (@VernonDavis85) February 12, 2013

Vernon Davis continues to branch out in the offseason.

NEW ORLEANS – Good morning, it’s Media Day at Super Bowl XLVII. If the San Francisco 49ers thought they’d been a part of a media swarm before, Tuesday’s annual media day will crush that in comparison.

Thousands of credentialed reporters will get their chance to speak with the 49ers Tuesday morning in the Superdome. It should be quiet the scene compared to Monday’s media session which can be viewed in this 49ers.com photo gallery.

Only a handful of players have spoken to the press so far, but the entire team, plus coaches, will be available. It should make for quite the day, 49ers.com will have it all covered LIVE. That’s right, LIVE.

Visit 49ers.com/live during Media Day at Super Bowl XLVII for unprecedented access to the 49ers.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News wrote about the 49ers improvements since the last time they faced Baltimore.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared how Jim Harbaugh helped his father in a time of need.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee explained which team awards were won by the Smiths, Justin and Aldon.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com shared insight on Randy Moss’ leadership to teammates and also reviewed Anthony Davis’ blocking matchup against Paul Kruger.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke with Saints linebacker Jon Vilma about former teammate Frank Gore

Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group profiled 49ers Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati.

Dennis Dillon of SI.com reviewed how the Harbaugh brothers have dealt with Super Bowl media attention thus far.

49ers.com shared Aldon Smith’s comments on being named team MVP, a look at Frank Gore’s determination to win, as well as transcripts from offensive and defensive players.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

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NOLA showing love! #Niners #SuperBowl http://t.co/6o0IBLYr—
Vernon Davis (@VernonDavis85) January 29, 2013

Who’s got it better than us?

Thanks to a pair of Pro Bowl starters and a trio of Pro Bowl alternates on the offensive line, the San Francisco 49ers boast the league’s No. 4 rushing attack.

The 49ers running game excelled in 2012 thanks to the hard work of Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Jonathan Goodwin, Alex Boone and Anthony Davis.

Those efforts were chronicled in our season finale Gameday magazine. The “Five Guys” on the offensive line came into greater focus thanks to team photographer Terrell Lloyd and team graphic designer Ben Mayberry, who used an outdoor setting to showcase the unique personalities on the offensive line.

Get to know those “Five Guys” in this story.

Five Guys
San Francisco’s bruising running game has taken off in 2012 thanks to the work of a powerful quintet.
By Taylor Price, 49ers.com.

Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Jonathan Goodwin, Alex Boone and Anthony Davis – five offensive linemen from five completely different athletic backgrounds – have given the San Francisco 49ers one of the most versatile, yet feared, rushing attacks in the National Football League.  The like-minded maulers all have unbridled love for the game, but more importantly; they enjoy what their fellow linemen bring to the table. The unified front has also done considerable damage this year. Besides posting the franchise’s fourth-best single-game rushing outing, a 311-yard effort against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, the group has twice won John Madden’s Most Valuable Protectors Award this season and has paved the way for 16 rushing touchdowns through 14 games, two more than the team posted in all of 2011.

The on-field execution has been music to offensive line coach Mike Solari’s ears.

“Any time you have a chance to bring all five to work as one, it’s rewarding,” says the veteran line coach who works with alongside assistant line coach Tim Drevno, now in their second year working in tandem. “Tim does a great job, (offensive coordinator) Greg (Roman) does a great job of bringing it all together.”

Solari considers the “Five Guys” to be working as one at all times. “It’s one heartbeat,” he says. Drevno views it similarly and also highlighted the unselfish qualities that make this year’s group one of the best in team history. “Anyone who plays on the offensive line is special,” says Drevno. “Everybody wants to throw the ball in the backyard or jump over the bed like a running back – nobody wants to go out in the middle of the street and push a car down the street with a wide base.”

Fortunately for the 49ers coaching staff, the entire offensive line has a passion for work, but also doing it together.  The line features two Pro Bowlers (Staley in 2011 and Goodwin in 2009) and several up-and-coming linemen. Davis and Iupati were first-round picks in 2010, Boone, however, has worked his way through the ranks from an undrafted free agent tackle to a starting guard.

Together, the offensive line has worked together to become one of the top units in the NFL. They also know each other quite well from all the hours spent in meeting rooms, locker rooms, weight rooms, hotels, buses, airplanes, and oh yeah, the football field.

Linemen can be bashful when it comes to discussing themselves, so Gameday figured it would be better to have them describe a teammate on the offensive line. Here’s what stands out most about the “Five Guys” on the San Francisco 49ers offensive line.

RT ANTHONY DAVIS ON LG MIKE IUPATI

“Mike has a big heart, he just does. He can’t help but have compassion for everybody around him. He can be mad you – he’ll let you know why he’s mad – then he’ll be willing to fix it, or whatever it is. He’s just got a big heart, but he’s also one of the toughest people I know. When it comes to the other team, usually if he sees a Samoan/Tongan guy on the other side, he’ll give a nod of respect. After that, it’s just trying to take them out of the game. He’s a good person though. Mike, when he came in, I felt he was already really good. He was good already and I tell him that now. He says, ‘Man, I was bad my rookie year.’ But I don’t think he was ever bad. Some of his technique, he polished it. He was so strong and athletic he could get away with it at guard. Right before the game and right after the game though – that’s the most you’ll get out of him as far as being loud. Before the game, he gets a little crazy. He’ll spaz a little bit – turn the music up and he starts singing with it. During the game, he’s just doing his job, trying to punish people. If somebody starts talking to him, he’ll let it go. But when he gets tired of it, he snaps on them. One time I stopped him from walking to the defensive huddle. With him, it’s not, ‘yap back and forth.’ It’s, ‘I’m calm,’ to, ‘Now, I’m mad,’ to, ‘I’m coming to your huddle.’ We try to tell him no talking smack because he can’t separate it. It’s a good feeling to have him on my side. When I was growing up I always wanted to be a part of a great offensive line. I told Mike this two weeks ago – this is the first time playing with a guy who is physically past me. He gives me a bar I need to work up to, like his functional strength and core strength. I think it’s the first time in my life I can say that, so it’s cool, I told him that and everybody waits till you’re old or done playing to share with teammates how you really feel. We were just sitting there and I told him that because it’s cool. High school, college, everyone’s looking at you. But when you get to the NFL, it’s like, ‘That’s what I came here for, to be around guys like that.’”

RG ALEX BOONE ON C JONATHAN GOODWIN

“He is the most composed, most masterful offensive lineman I think I’ve ever played next to. Jon is like the, I mean, he is, like the President out there. He basically gets to run the show. And, if he wants to do something, he can do it. It’s huge to have a guy like that who understands the offense completely and really, truly knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t blink when something happens – that’s a huge deal for us. To have him out there with us now, it’s just big. His technique is amazing, the way he snaps the ball. I know shotgun snaps to run-blocking is hard, but Jon does the best job of it in the NFL. He’s always got the tightest hands; he’s very good with his leverage. All-around, just a great player and he’s consistent with his snaps which is good for us. We’re kind of spoiled. And he has some pretty nice football cleats – you’d think he’d be a tight end out there with those things like Vernon Davis-style. Jon loves them and says they’re the most comfortable. It’s huge having him, especially when it comes to the knowledge-part. Guys think offensive linemen aren’t very smart, but it’s the exact opposite at center. You have to really know what’s going on and be focused. Jon’s one of those guys who’s never zoned-out. He’s always in the play, in the moment. Sometimes it’s almost harder to talk to him in those moments, because he’s so focused on what he’s doing. I’ll ask him a question and he won’t answer me. I’ll ask again and again, then he’ll break out of his thinking and say, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do.’ Going into a fight you want someone who knows what’s going on and I think Jon does a great job of getting everyone where they need to be and really picking up the whole mental side of the offensive line.”

C JONATHAN GOODWIN ON RT ANTHONY DAVIS

“He’s mean. He’s always the guy that does maybe the most talking during the games. But he plays physical – finishes his blocks. You rarely hear him talking nice to the guys on the other teams. I definitely like it. It’s part of this game. When he’s into it like that, I think he tends to play better. I think it’s something that’s a big part of his game and something he needs to keep doing. I also think he’s improved tremendously as a player in the past two years that I’ve been here. For his size, he’s got great feet and can move well. He’s just keeps getting better and better and he’s starting to see all his hard work pay off. I think this year he’s had some really nice finishing blocks. They’re blocks that have stood out on tape. He’s been driving guys into the ground and has done a great job of finishing blocks all season. When you see other guys doing it, it’s something that makes you want to get the ‘ohhs’ and the ‘ahhs’ in the meeting room. It becomes contagious to other guys who want to do the same thing. With Anthony, you know he’s got your back. He treats everyone almost like a brother and he definitely will look out for you and go to war with you.”

LB MIKE IUPATI ON LT JOE STALEY

“He’s a great player and he’s very flexible for a tackle. Joe can get low against a speed rush and can handle bullrushes, too. I think he’s one of the best tackles because he’s so athletic. I have a lot of respect for him, especially when I came in as a rookie. When I first got here, he was the one who helped me out the most as a player. He took me under his wing and showed me a lot. I respect him a lot, as a person and as a player. We know each other pretty well now. He’s one of those players, who is quick, athletic and can do it all. It’s hard to find those guys; luckily we have them with Joe and Anthony. They’re just big and athletic guys who can move. With the different plays we run, Joe can handle it all. He talks a lot, too. He motivates us and he’s a good leader on the O-line. In the meeting rooms, he’s smart as well, a really smart dude. He notices things right away – he’s always on it. He should be an All-Pro. I think he’s one of those guys you have to respect. For all the stuff he does for our offense, you need a quick tackle to do that, an athletic tackle to be able to move like that and show off all the running backs we have. He made the Pro Bowl last year and never got satisfied from it. He’s a tough dude, too. I appreciate playing with Joe and all offensive linemen. It’s fun playing next to him.”

LT JOE STALEY ON RG ALEX BOONE

“He’s a very hard worker. He’s very committed. There are a lot of things I could say about Alex. He works really hard and plays harder. He doesn’t play like he’s a first-year starter. He brings an attitude that he’s been doing this for a long time. He plays with that attitude every week. I think he has the confidence of a guy who’s been doing this at a very high level for a long time. He prepares and works very hard on and off the field – the weight room, the classroom. He’s done everything to prepare himself for his opportunity to be starting. He’s made the most of his opportunities and has played very well for us. Moving to guard from tackle is a tribute to his hard work. It’s been all him and the coaches, just working really hard. He’s put in the time and taken the most of his opportunities. It’s not easy to do that. He’s kind of a wildcard, but he’s one of the hardest workers I’ve been around. He’s actually really loud on the field, too. When you think about it what you’re doing, you’re missing the point. You’ve got to play loose and be yourself – it’s like anything in life. Boone plays football the way he is in life, has fun and talks a lot. He’s a very competitive person and takes a lot of pride in what he does. I think everybody is about doing their jobs, we don’t care what people think, if they fear us or if they think we’re a bunch of jokesters. We just want to win games and we want to do our jobs well. I think Alex is the epitome of that. I love playing with this group of guys and I’m really happy to have Alex as a part of it. He definitely deserves the success he’s had and has really solidified our offensive line. We’re lucky to have him.”

For the second time in an eight-week span, the San Francisco 49ers offensive line has been selected as the Week 12 Madden Most Valuable Protectors by Hall of Fame coach John Madden.

San Francisco’s  line allowed no sacks in a 31-21 win over the New Orleans Saints. It was the first no-sack effort turned in by the line since a Week 5 win over Buffalo. Coincidentally, it was the last time the 49ers won Madden’s award.

It’s been a big week for the offensive line already. According to ESPN.com’s Mike Sando, all five members of the offensive line (Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Jonathan Goodwin, Alex Boone and Anthony Davis) rank in the top-5 of Pro Bowl fan voting for their respective positions with three weeks left to vote.

San Francisco’s offensive line joins the New York Giants as the only team to win Madden’s award twice this season.

At the end of the year, the 2012 Madden Most Valuable Protectors award will be announced during the week of Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. With two wins in 12 weeks, the 49ers offensive line should be in the thick of the conversation when it comes to selecting a winning offensive line.

Click here to #Vote49ers to the 2013 Pro Bowl.

Behind the scenes and on the gridiron itself, Randy Moss has endeared himself to teammates and coaches with the San Francisco 49ers.

The veteran wideout with a resume worthy of inclusion into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is coming off his best performance with his new team, a Week 8 effort on “Monday Night Football” that saw Moss level a Cardinals defensive back and score a 47-yard touchdown within span of four plays.

Moss’ hard-work in the run game was recently spotlighted by offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who had plenty of positive things to say about some of the guys on offense who are doing the dirty work behind the scenes, Moss included.

Truth be told, Moss has added value to the 49ers in the run game, not just the pass game. That aspect was covered in depth by Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

“Moss has been only a small part of the 49ers’ success on the field. He has 13 catches – fifth on the team – for 235 yards and two touchdowns,” Barrows wrote. “He’s been the team’s third- or fourth-most used wide receiver, depending on the game. On many plays, he’s merely a decoy, lining up far wide of the formation and taking a cornerback and safety downfield with him as Alex Smith hands the ball to Frank Gore.

Barrows went on to write, “The fear heading into the season was that a disengaged Moss would be a disruptive Moss. That he hasn’t had a large role in the passing game, however, doesn’t mean he’s not plugged in. Along with everyone else – the media, opposing coaches, opposing linebackers – Moss appears to be rapt by the 49ers’ complex running attack.”

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle checked in with FOX analyst Tim Ryan on the toughness shown this season by Alex Smith.

Branch also examined the matchup of right tackle Anthony Davis facing Rams defensive end Chris Long.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News offers a notebook from 49ers headquarters, including a look at new Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan.

Barrows also relayed the comments from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who compared 49ers safety Dashon Goldson to one of his former players, Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com examines Roman’s comments on utilizing run plays he learned from George Seifert when the two worked together in Carolina.

49ers.com looked at the challenge of facing St. Louis’ rushing attack, Anthony Davis’ development, shared the latest Niner Talk podcast with tight end Delanie Walker and previewed the Week 10 matchup in a Cover 2 segment presented by AAA.

TV49’S CLIP OF THE DAY

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Yo! I recently got to do 1 of the koolest things ever & that's interview The Great Randy Moss! have to watch @ESPNNFL #SundayNFLCountdown—
Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) November 09, 2012

Wayne offered comments on the experience in this blog post.

There’s no question that the San Francisco 49ers are off to a great start this year, several players deserve recognition for it, too.

But so does the football staff. Without the efforts of equipment manager Steve Urbaniak, there’s no way the team would function on gameday.

Urbaniak and his staff make sure everything goes as smooth as possible. The efforts of the tenured equipment man were profiled recently by Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times. In the piece that ran earlier this week, Baxter explained the challenges that come along with a under publicized role in the NFL.

“Although many NFL teams — including the Raiders — train a short distance from their home stadium, the 49ers’ practice facility is 40 miles south of Candlestick Park, meaning Urbaniak and his crew must pack a semi-trailer two days before every game and unpack it again when the game is over,” Baxter wrote.

Urbaniak’s role is further described in the story. But for fans looking for visual aid, check out this 2010 TV49 video of our own Scott Kegley spending “A Day in the Life” as an equipment intern.

Trust me, it’s good stuff.

CSNBayArea.com’s Matt Maiocco explains why 49ers rookies have been challenged to crack the 46-man active roster.

Maiocco also writes that Justin Smith is as dominant as ever in a recent mailbag offering.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee examines the rivalry between former Ohio State Buckeyes Alex Boone and James Laurinaitis. Barrows:  “Laurinaitis, an inside linebacker with the Buckeyes, never tangled much in practice with Boone, a left tackle, while in college. On Sunday, however, the matchup between Laurinaitis, who leads the Rams in tackles, and a 49ers running attack that ranks No. 1 in the league promises to be the main event.”

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News discusses the postseason implications for Sunday’s 49ers-Rams game.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle shares the comments made by right tackle Anthony Davis on receiving mid-season praise from several media outlets. Branch: “At the midway point of the season, Davis is now receiving loftier praise from one of the nation’s most well-respected NFL writers. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King named Davis the right tackle on his midseason all-pro team, in effect terming him the league’s best at his position through eight games. “

Ron Kroichik of the San Francisco Chronicle examines the role of center Jonathan Goodwin. Kroichik: “Just think about the job. Quickly identify the defensive front and pass the word to your fellow linemen. Then call out blocking adjustments, make a clean snap – the center controls the ball on every play, for a fleeting moment – and quickly rise into position to swat away a menacing defensive tackle.”

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks lists the 49ers as his No. 2 Super Bowl contenders. Brooks: “Jim Harbaugh has built a team that is ideally suited for postseason play. The 49ers’ smash-mouth offense can move the ball through the air or on the ground, and their suffocating defense knocks opponents around at the point of attack. Some question Alex Smith’s ability to thrive in a situation that demands precise passing, but his consistency and effectiveness in Harbaugh’s system suggest he’ll be fine when the chips are pushed to the middle of the table. Adding Randy Moss and Mario Manningham gave Smith more weapons on the perimeter, and the 49ers have turned their biggest offensive weakness into a strength that just might propel them into the Winner’s Circle.”

NFL.com’s writers predict the second half of the season; Albert Breer is the lone reporter to pick the 49ers to win the Super Bowl.

SI.com’s Don Banks list the 49ers No. 4 on his latest power rankings. Banks: “The 49ers, when not facing the Giants, have their old vaunted homefield advantage back. The one that told visiting teams it wasn’t going to be their day good and early in most games. San Francisco comes off its bye to play host to the Rams and Bears in the coming two weeks, and a win over St. Louis will further the 49ers’ drive to put a stranglehold on the NFC West for a second consecutive season.”

ProFootballFocus.com’s cast of writers list the 49ers as the top team in the NFL through nine weeks of play.

49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree is looking for a name to his new touchdown dance. For each end zone dance, money will be raised for the Boys & Girls Club.

49ers.com looked at the offensive unit’s improvements on third downs and in the red zone, we also looked at the team’s tribute to our armed forces, shared the comments of Laurinaitis and Rams coach Jeff Fisher, plus shared video of Patrick Willis’ locker room interview.

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Gm all!!!have a blessed day—
Randy Moss (@RandyMoss) November 08, 2012

Check out Moss’ interview with Lil Wayne, airing this Sunday on ESPN.