The 49ers won’t reveal an official depth chart until preseason games begin in August, but Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee gave a preview of what San Francisco’s depth could look like when training camp begins.

Barrows placed fourth-year wideout Kyle Williams ahead of last year’s first-round pick A.J. Jenkins to start opposite of Anquan Boldin.

The wide receiver positions will certainly be evaluated closely all through camp. But for now, the speculation game will continue.

More 49ers headlines can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com reviewed last season’s NFC title game with Falcons QB Matt Ryan.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com previewed the 49ers long snapper competition in camp.

NFL.com listed tight end Vance McDonald among the league’s rookie standouts this offseason.

ESPN the Magazine’s Fantasy Football issue featured Colin Kaepernick on the cover.

49ers.com went inside Levi’s® Stadium via the team’s Vine account.

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Jed York, Gideon Yu Discuss 49ers Technology Usage [VIDEO] spr.ly/6010kvCo w/ #SAP #CMO @JBecher—
SAP Cloud for Social (@SAPSocialOD) June 18, 2013

Get familiar.

He’s absolutely essential to San Francisco’s overall success. Without Justin Smith in the lineup, it wouldn’t be the same 49ers defense. Smith leads by example, inspires teammates and dominates in the trenches.

The four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle means that much to the 49ers defense, as noted by Adam Schein of NFL.com.

When compiling nine of the most indispensable players in the NFL today, San Francisco’s stout defensive tackle was placed at No. 4 on the list.

“Both NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis, the best linebacker combination in the league, have told me Smith is the most important player on the Niners’ defense,” Schein wrote. “He’s tough. He’s clutch. He takes on blockers and frees up other players.

“Smith sets the tone in practice and in games. He’s the Energizer Bunny on one of the truly elite defenses in the league.”

Smith is on the mend this offseason. He hasn’t taken part in Organized Team Activities, but has been around to help out younger teammates on the defensive line. Currently, Smith’s working his way back from offseason triceps surgery. Smith, however, is back in the weight room getting himself ready for his 13th season.

In regards to the offensive side of the ball, Schein placed 49ers tight end Vernon Davis at No. 5 on the key offensive figures list.

Today’s Morning Tailgate features additional 49ers-related headlines and the latest on Levi’s® Stadium.

Peter King of SI.com spent time with Colin Kaepernick and discussed how the 49ers quarterback came to San Francisco in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared an offseason medical report on the 49ers roster.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee examined Anquan Boldin’s importance to the 2013 team.

NFL.com shared that Levi’s® Brand has trademarked “Field of Jeans” and “Win one for the zipper.”

49ers CEO Jed York shared some of the visions for the team’s future home at the “All Things Digital Conference.”

The Bay Area Sports Guy believes Colin Kaepernick might be the biggest star in the Bay Area.

49ers.com caught up with new kicker Phil Dawson, a veteran who is getting in extra work this offseason.

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On my way to get my stitches out…—
Michael Crabtree (@KingCrab15) June 03, 2013

Get well soon.

It won’t be a one man job.

To replace Michael Crabtree’s production on the San Francisco 49ers (85 catches, 1,105 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2012) it’s going to take a collective effort from the team, the team, the team.

Jim Harbaugh is eager to see which young wide receiver will emerge to fill Crabtree’s shoes as San Francisco’s starting wideout opposite of Anquan Boldin. So far, the young wideouts have been letting their work on the practice field make their case. Players like A.J. Jenkins and Ricardo Lockette are intriguing prospects to line up with Boldin. Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams are also close to returning from late-season injuries.

It should also be noted that the 49ers can still continue their power-running approach in 2013. They also have the unique running threat of Colin Kaepernick. In the backfield, Kendall Hunter is working his way back from a season-ending injury. Plus, Frank Gore is Frank Gore.

Receivers are key in any offense, but the 49ers have shown the ability to be creative in personnel groupings. Not to be forgotten, Vernon Davis, one of the game’s most dangerous tight ends, still figures to be heavily involved in the passing game.

More on the team’s options to fill in for Crabtree can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared NaVorro Bowman’s views on the wide receiver subject.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com analyzed the team’s 90-man roster for possible Crabtree replacements.

Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea.com shared three options the 49ers have to fill Crabtree’s production, one of which is letting Colin Kaepernick run more often.

CSN Bay Area also spoke with former 49ers tight end and Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Brent Jones, on the Crabtree topic.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News looked at the most productive wide receivers in the NFL and how their impact didn’t translate to postseason success.

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke with Cal coach Sonny Dykes who came to 49ers OTAs to watch his former player, Quinton Patton.

49ers CEO Jed York joined the Rich Eisen podcast to discuss Super Bowl L.

49ers cornerback Tarell Brown recently visited NFL.com’s “Double Coverage” podcast.

49ers.com caught up with Eric Reid and Ray McDonald at the conclusion of week 1 of OTAs.

The 49ers signed two draft picks, Tank Carradine and Vance McDonald.

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If you ain't getting 1% better everyday your not working hard enough—
Quinton Patton (@4_Turnt_Up) May 23, 2013

Turn up.

The rookie class will join veterans at Organized Team Activities on Tuesday. The NFL newcomers have been working with their new teammates at San Francisco’s “Football School” workouts, but now they can all practice together with helmets at OTAs.

The rookies will also have fourth-round draft pick Quinton Patton in attendance. The Louisiana Tech wide receiver was the only draft pick who couldn’t remain at the team’s facility following rookie minicamp. Patton had to wait until the conclusion of Louisiana Tech’s graduations ceremonies on Saturday.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke with Patton who’s set to join veterans at OTAs.

Patton’s initial arrival to San Francisco was pretty epic. He shouldn’t have any problem sticking around the facility now that graduation is over.

Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News previewed the upcoming Super Bowl location announcements.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com caught up with 49ers co-chair Dr. John York in Boston.

49ers.com spoke with former tight end Brent Jones who is joining the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

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The Super Bowl Selection Show is now live on #49ers.com. 49ers.com/live—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 21, 2013

Watch the show on 49ers.com/live

The San Francisco 49ers have a name to their future home, Levi’s® Stadium.

Thanks to a unanimous, 7-0 vote buy the Santa Clara City Council, the $220 million stadium naming rights deal between the iconic Bay Area brands is now official.

“It’s a testament to why we always thought this project would work,” 49ers CEO Jed York told the San Jose Mercury News. “To anybody who ever doubted this project would happen, these numbers speak for themselves.”

York spoke at the city council meeting along with Levi’s® CEO Chip Bergh, who wisely wore 49ers-colored Levi’s® jeans.

Following the approval, both CEOs shook hands with big grins. Soon after, they posed for photos with members of the City Council and members of the 49ers front office.

LevisStadium.com is now the place to learn all about the team’s future home. Book your tour of Levi’s® Stadium today.

Mike Ozanian of Forbes.com explained how the stadium deal helps the clothing company.

ProFootballTalk.com shared an interesting note on San Francisco’s Super Bowl L bid.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle compared Lawrence Okoye’s vertical jump to Rams rookie, Tavon Austin.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee previewed the rookie minicamp set to begin on Friday.

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Was on the same flight as @MenelikWatson71 – small world! #BritsInTheBay—
Lawrence Okoye (@Okoye) May 09, 2013

Welcome to the Bay.

The new Santa Clara Stadium remains a strong contender to host Super Bowl L. The future home of the 49ers, set to open in 2014, is one of two candidates to host the biggest game in professional sports at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

The San Francisco Super Bowl committee is up against South Florida to host Super Bowl L. The decision will come down to a vote from NFL owners on May 21.

After recent developments in South Florida, Santa Clara could be considered favorites to host the big game. Peter King of Sports Illustrated explained the reasoning in his Monday Morning Quarterback column.

“When the Florida legislature on Friday refused to allow the citizens of South Florida to vote on whether to increase the South Florida hotel tax from 6 to 7 percent, it put a huge damper on the chance for Super Bowl L to be held at Dolphins Stadium,” King wrote.

“The league had said the site very much needs the proposed $350 million stadium improvement. Owners are slated to vote for Super Bowls 50 and 51 at the spring meetings in Boston May 20-22. Super Bowl 50 was a battle between the San Francisco Bay Area and South Florida, with 51 likely headed to either Houston or the loser of the fight for 50.

“So, barring a late Hail Mary from Miami owner Stephen Ross, it’s likely Santa Clara (45 miles south of San Francisco) will get 50 and Houston 51. It would be the first Super Bowl in the Bay Area in 31 years, since the Joe Montana-Dan Marino faceoff in Palo Alto in January 1985.”

Book your tour of the new Santa Clara Stadium today.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com checked in with CEO Jed York after the latest new stadium development.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee explains why 49ers fans should be rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 (Hint: it involves draft compensation).

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Have you signed up for my FREE camp this summer? Save your spot & sign-up here-> sprts.is/Camp #youngcrab http://t.co/5CAARQoSQX—
Michael Crabtree (@KingCrab15) May 06, 2013

Sign up today.

For a second consecutive year, Trent Baalke pegged a first-round draft pick at least 24 hours before the actual draft.

In 2012, it was A.J. Jenkins who was the preferred pick of the San Francisco 49ers general manager. In 2013, the honor went to LSU safety Eric Reid.

Baalke’s 24-hour preference of the SEC safety was shared by Jed York.

The 49ers CEO offered a glimpse into Baalke’s pre-draft mindset in a Thursday night conversation with Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports.

“We weren’t nervous,” York said of the 49ers draft room. “Trent made up his mind yesterday what he wanted to do and he went out and did it. And if it hadn’t worked out, we’d have still had some pretty good options.”

Perhaps the 49ers will have those other options in play for the No. 34 overall pick, a selection they acquired from a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The fast-paced first-round of the NFL Draft is recapped in today’s Morning Tailgate.

On to the links…

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared Baalke’s comments on “absolutely” having a target at pick No. 34.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared a running blog of the draft’s first round.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote about the draft offering a glimpse of the 49ers personnel future.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com discussed Reid’s outlook of starting in 2013.

Jarrett Bell of USA Today covered Reid’s previous history with coach Jim Harbaugh.

49ers.com/draft is your home for all 49ers-related draft content.

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I'm a 49er baby!!!!!! So blessed!! instagram.com/p/YjfnUQpM9M/—
Eric Reid, Jr. (@E_Reid1) April 26, 2013

Glad to have you.

Both Frank Gore and Marcus Lattimore suffered multiple knee injuries in college. Both, however, are considered highly talented running backs, ones who have been known as explosive play-makers during their respective careers.

Gore stands as the San Francisco 49ers all-time leader in rushing yards, carries and rushing touchdowns. At 29, Gore is also coming off a Pro Bowl season, the fourth of his career.

Lattimore,  the NCAA’s national freshman of the year in 2009, has yet to make a lasting career in the NFL. He’s still aiming to be drafted in 2013 after suffering his second major knee injury at the University of South Carolina.

However, the comparisons between the two are still easy to dissect.

Gore was a third-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2005 and proved to be a brilliant selection for San Francisco.

Lattimore, on the other hand, stands poised to follow in Gore’s footsteps. The two also developed a relationship last year. Thanks to 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver, a college teammate of Lattimore, the two were put in touch after the running back prospect tore all three major knee ligaments in his right knee against the University of Tennessee.

Lattimore later compared himself to Gore at the 2013 Scouting Combine.

“I feel like we both run hard,” Lattimore said. “He runs like nobody’s there. He runs with total destruction. I feel like if I could compare my game to anybody, it would be Frank Gore. He’s got low pads, he’s got great vision, he can see the whole field. Great balance.”

The comparisons between the two running backs continued this week in a recent episode of John Gruden’s Camp on ESPN.

The former NFL head coach asked Lattimore about both major knee injuries he suffered in college and how he’s been able to bounce back from the hardships.

“Anything that comes to me in life,” Lattimore began, “I feel like I’ve been through it all. Nothing can ever take the smile off my face because I’ll never take anything for granted again.”

Lattimore continued to detail the lessons he’s learned through rehab and why he’s pursuing a career in the NFL.

“I love football,” the South Carolina star told Gruden. “My kids they’re going to watch this one day and they’re going to see my dad never gave up.

“My story relates to everybody…Adversity introduces a man to himself.”

Gruden later commented that his father ribbed him for not drafting Gore back in 2005. When the 49ers running back broke a big run against a Gruden-coached Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, the elder Gruden immediately sent his son a text message with a reminder of his praise for Gore.

It remains to be seen where Lattimore gets drafted in 2013, but his story is one to watch come April 25, especially with how it compares to San Francisco’s own starting running back.

More NFL Draft and 49ers headlines can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

NFL.com offers mock draft selections for the 49ers from multiple analysts. Alabama NT Jesse Williams is a popular choice.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wondered if Cal wide receiver Keenan Allen will be available for the 49ers and also wrote about San Francisco watching a pro day for Oregon safety John Boyett.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle checked in with a story about Demarcus Dobb’s offseason rehab.

Branch also wondered if Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati is next in line for a contract extension.

NewSantaClaraStadium.com covered the 49ers coaches taking a tour of the new stadium in Santa Clara and how to book your own tour of the future home of the 49ers.

49ers.com recapped CEO Jed York’s recent comments to NFL Network.

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https://twitter.com/NFL_AM/status/321998547530706945

Bravo, Joe.

By the end of last season, Jim Harbaugh argued that the NFC West could be named the toughest division in football. After watching the first week of free agency unfold, it looks like the road to a third consecutive NFC West title for the 49ers will be formidable. Peter King of Sports Illustrated took stock of the division heading into 2013.

“They’ll have more draft choices in 2013 than any other team — 14 — and GM Trent Baalke, despite what the Niners say publicly, has to be thinking about what it would take to acquire Darrelle Revis, with extra picks in the second, third and fourth rounds as chips,” King wrote. “Whatever, San Francisco has to be markedly better in the back of the defense to have a chance to win the Super Bowl in 2014. Clutch physical receiver Anquan Boldin will help Colin Kaepernick make plays downfield.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate gets you primed for the NFL team owners meetings and more.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com listed items on the agenda of the NFL owners meetings.

Maiocco caught up with Harbaugh to get his thoughts on the initial stages of 2013 free agency and the 49ers.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee discussed Baalke’s patient approach to the offseason so far.

Will Brinson of CBSSports.com adjusted his latest mock draft to account for free agent signings.

Maiocco reported that the 49ers are still being linked with free agent defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Barrows and Maiocco commented on the 49ers signing free-agent safety Craig Dahl.

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“@DanielAGleeson: @JedYork 4 words… War room Harlem shake” working in it with coach and GM. You might be surprised (prob not though)—
Jed York (@JedYork) March 18, 2013

49ers CEO Jed York is ready for the Draft.

The NFL free agency frenzy is just around the corner. Starting Friday night at 9 p.m. PT, teams can start negotiating contracts with the agents of free agent players, but no deals can be signed until 1 p.m PT on Tuesday, March 12.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle noted the ins and outs of the free agent process in a recent post. “For the first time, the league will tiptoe into free agency by allowing teams to begin negotiating with agents of pending unrestricted free agents in advance of the official start of free agency (1 p.m. PT Tuesday),” Branch wrote. “Contracts can’t be signed until Tuesday. During the three-day negotiating period, a UFA can’t take visits or have contact with another team, other than his own.”

The 49ers would also like to invite their Faithful Fans to a Colin Kaepernick autograph signing on behalf of Gatorade later today from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Danville Safeway (3496 Camino Tassajara).

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate looks ahead to free agency and more.

Judy Battista of the New York Times offered an NFC free agency primer.

Elliot Harrison of NFL.com focused on the NFC West’s needs in free agency.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com also spotlighted the divisional needs in free agency.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com suggested the 49ers re-sign Dashon Goldson.

Sando looked at the past three years of the NFL Draft from an NFC West perspective.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee and Branch examined the 49ers’ decision to tender a one-year contract to Tramaine Brock.

49ers.com offered a story and photo gallery of an update on the Bay Area’s bid to host Super Bowl L in 2016.

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Come check out the #49ers photo gallery tonight at Cukui in San Jose 7-10pm http://t.co/Dt3DTioywC—
kym (@bite_size47) March 08, 2013

Support the 49ers team photographers tonight in San Jose.