Starting Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers 90-man roster will get together for three days this week for a mandatory minicamp. The three practice sessions will conclude the 2013 offseason program.

The mandatory minicamp will be open all three days for the media to learn more about the progress being made by the defending NFC Champs.

Numerous storylines will be examined.

In the passing game, the 49ers will look to identify emerging performers to showcase in 2013.

Which wide receiver is stepping up to start opposite of Anquan Boldin? Will Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald be utilized more in the passing game to account for the loss of Michael Crabtree?

How is Colin Kaepernick developing as the team’s full-time starting quarterback? Will Colt McCoy continue to solidify himself as the No. 2 signal-caller? How will Scott Tolzien and B.J. Daniels perform with their opportunities?

Then there are questions to be resolved with the team’s newcomers.

Which rookie has made the biggest leap in a short time this offseason? Will Eric Reid insert himself into the conversation to start Week 1? How is undrafted defensive lineman Lawrence Okoye performing in his first offseason playing football in his entire life?

Defensively, the 49ers appear to have less unresolved situations. But those questions will mostly be decided in training camp where physicality stands out. When the players put pads on, we’ll learn which member of the team deserves to start at nose tackle. We’ll also learn the pecking order for the team’s cornerback roles.

In the short term, the 49ers will hold three days of practice to get ready for training camp and showcase the improvements they’ve made through “Football School” workouts and Organized Team Activities.

We’ll watch it unfold and report back on 49ers.com.  Jim Harbaugh, plus coordinators Greg Roman and Vic Fangio, will all speak to the media this week. Several players will talk as well.

But until then, more 49ers headlines can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com previews the upcoming minicamp.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com shared the results of ESPN’s Greatest Coach of NFL History list, Bill Walsh ranks No. 2 behind Vince Lombardi.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle caught up with Nick Moody’s college coach.

Dan Brown  of San Jose Mercury News caught up with former 49ers offensive lineman Len Rohde to detail his battles against the late Deacon Jones.

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Lebron James is really good at playing basketball.—
Kyle Williams (@KyleWilliams_10) June 10, 2013

Yeah.

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.

The 49ers starting left tackle was not practicing at Organized Team Activities on Tuesday. Joe Staley was in attendance, but not participating in the two-hour workout.

After the open OTA session, Jim Harbaugh informed reporters that Staley had a minor procedure done this offseason.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reported it was a minor meniscus tear in Staley’s left knee.

Staley went to Twitter to alleviate any concerns from the team’s fan base.

“Procedure I had this offseason was very minor but necessary,” Staley wrote. “I will be 100 percent and better than ever by training camp.”

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

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle noted Anquan Boldin’s sharp play.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared LaMichael James’ confident quotes on becoming a return specialist.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee offered notes from the OTA session.

Maiocco talked to Kendall Hunter about the running back’s injury rehab.

49ers.com caught up with Vernon Davis, James and shared notes from the OTA workout.

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Find out how you could win a signed #JimHarbaughCollection t-shirt. 49rs.me/lvKbK #Niners365—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 29, 2013

Collector’s item, for sure.

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.

Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke showed a sign of solidarity on Wednesday at the 49ers, Levi’s Brand pep rally.

Both of the key figures wore Levi’s jeans at the rally, so did their players (Patrick Willis, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Justin Smith and Colin Kaepernick).

It was especially unique to see the 49ers head coach wearing an all-denim outfit. Harbaugh is known for his everyday attire of khaki pants and a black microfleece top.

This day, however, was a special one for two iconic Bay Area brands.

Having the 49ers coach celebrate the moment with a fashion statement made it even more unique.

Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle covered the potential partnership between the 49ers and Levi’s.

Mike Rosenberg of the San Jose Mercury News listed the top NFL naming rights deals.

Deborah Petersen of the San Jose Mercury News shared the reaction to the announcement.

Aarond Kuriloff of Bloomberg Businessweek discussed the stadium news.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle touched on Quinton Dial’s potential role with the 49ers.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee previewed the upcoming rookie minicamp.

49ers.com provided a social recap of the stadium announcement and pep rally.

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Time to go to work!! instagram.com/p/ZFu49UJMz7/—
Eric Reid, Jr. (@E_Reid1) May 09, 2013

See you soon.

The San Francisco 49ers enjoy a bevy of talented running backs who can run Greg Roman’s complex offensive system. One of them, third-year runner Kendall Hunter, is back running sprints this offseason. He’s doing so five months removed from a torn left Achilles. Perhaps, Kobe Bryant might want rehab notes from the 49ers running back.

Hunter shared details of his progress with Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

“I’m just doing what the trainers want me to do,” Hunter told Branch. “That’s the process. I feel and know I can do more, but I’m not going to rush whatever the coaches and trainers want.”

Hunter rushed for 371 yards in 2012, good for 5.2 yards per carry. Hunter also scored two rushing touchdowns before injuring himself on Nov. 25 against the New Orleans Saints.

Hunter told Branch he’d like to participate in OTAs in May or San Francisco’s mandatory minicamp in June, but the talented running back understands the importance of a patient rehab process and expects to be held out of action until training camp.

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

Branch offered details of the 49ers local pro day, plus the comments of quarterback Nate Montana.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared Trent Baalke’s draft-day trade philosophy.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee highlighted other Baalke comments, including ones on the health of Justin and Aldon Smith.

Barrows noted that the 49ers could have 9-10 selections in the 2014 draft.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com shared Baalke’s comments on the 49ers remaining interested in Charles Woodson.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com has Vernon Davis ranked as the top tight end in the NFC West.

49ers.com looked at Colin Kaepernick’s offseason work ethic, Baalke’s outlook on free agency moves in 2013, draft philosophy for 2013, Michael Thomas’ experience at the 2013 local pro day and continued our “49 in 49” series with a Burlingame native who played his college ball at Colorado, David Bakhtiari.

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#tbt meeting sterling sharpe on my 8th birthday when he played at South Carolina. instagram.com/p/YP_fqzENbE/—
jonathan goodwin (@jgoody59) April 18, 2013

Fresh.

It’s voting season.

NFL.com is asking fans to choose the best play in NFL history and two of San Francisco’s Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Joe Montana and Steve Young, are among the great eight remaining plays. Montana delivered “The Catch,” while Young seemingly broke 49 tackles on his way to a 49-yard game-winning touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings back in 1988. Fifth round voting ends on April 3.

Another important offseason vote involves 49ers past and present.

Montana, along with Hall of Fame teammate Jerry Rice and current 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, still remain in the Madden Cover Vote for the game’s 25 anniversary edition.

Kaepernick, a No. 1 seed, faces Houston Texans running back Arian Foster in the “New School” side of the bracket.

Montana, a No. 1 seed, faces Super Bowl XIX opponent and Kaepernick fan, Dan Marino, a No. 4 seed, in the “Old School” bracket. Meanwhile, Rice, another No. 1 seed, will match up against Michael Strahan (No. 5 seed) as one of the other throwback pairings.

It’s worth noting that no other team has more than one representative in the Madden tournament.

That’s important if you subscribe to the “Madden Curse” theory. Detroit Lions mega-star wideout Calvin Johnson didn’t fall for it in 2013. Johnson, the most recent player to grace the Madden cover, broke Rice’s single-season receiving record with 1,964 yards for the Lions. Rice’s old record was set in 1995.

Meanwhile, Kaepernick’s Twitter feed has recently been filled with retweets of fans supporting his quest to be on the Madden cover.

If you don’t want to vote for the current 49ers quarterback, Montana and Rice are long removed from their playing careers and will surely accept placement on the Madden cover. Both stars have joined Twitter, too. Connect with them here: @JoeMontana & @JerryRice.

Round three of the Madden vote ends on April 3. Vote often for any three of the 49ers representatives.

Check out additional 49ers headlines in the Morning Tailgate, including reports of a new quarterback joining the team in 2013.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports first reported the 49ers had traded for Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. The trade has not been confirmed by San Francisco’s front office. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter offered details on the deal: The 49ers have acquired McCoy and Cleveland’s sixth-round selection in the 2013 draft in exchange for San Francisco’s fifth and seventh round picks in this year’s draft.

Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee weighs in on the trade and how it potentially shapes a backup quarterback competition between McCoy and third-year pro Scott Tolzien.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com shared quotes from recent 49ers draft picks on their pre-draft dealings with the club.

Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle profiled Nevada safety Duke Williams, a player who met with the 49ers at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Former 49ers Riki Ellison and Shawntae Spencer are among the group of current and former NFL players participating in an investment impact program at Notre Dame.

NFL.com enjoyed the “Jim Harbaugh Collection.”

49ers.com’s ACC Week began with a profile on Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

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I actually would buy some outfits from the Jim Harbaugh Collection if it were real.—
P. Schrager (@PSchrags) April 01, 2013

Maybe we’re on to something…

Following in the footsteps of his teammate Vernon Davis, NaVorro Bowman is in Africa to help fit local, underprivileged residents with hearing aids. Davis made the trip in 2011 with his brother, Colts cornerback Vontae Davis, and several other players. Comcast SportsNet Bay Area shared a four-part video series. (Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4)

On Monday, Bowman tweeted out a picture of himself helping the Pros For Africa Foundation in Uganda. For more information, visit ProsForAfrica.com.

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate looks at the franchise tag situation on the verge of Monday’s deadline and more.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee focused on Dashon Goldson and his offseason negotiations.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com addressed Dashon Goldson, Delanie Walker and the franchise tag in this recent mailbag with 49ers Faitfhul.

ESPN.com shared a video of Aldon Smith visiting the set of First Take to talk with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith.

Brian McIntyre of Yahoo! Sports took an offseason inventory of the 49ers.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com offered an economical look into the 49ers front office.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle looked back at the previous Super Bowl runner-ups in NFL history.

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RT @sportsnation: The Madden Cover Vote will begin w/ @JerryRice v @criscarter80 in a wild card round! Vote using #Madden25Rice OR…—
Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) March 04, 2013

Vote for Jerry Rice to be on the cover of the 25th Anniversary edition of Madden using #Madden25Rice on Twitter.

Aldon Smith may have put together a historic start to his career, but the 23-year-old is pushing himself in a new direction this offseason. Smith, who has set an NFL record with 33.5 sacks through the first two seasons of his career, started training in a local Mixed Martial Arts gym to improve his athleticism.

Comcast Sports Bay Area shared a video of Smith working out with UFC Heavyweight Daniel Cormier. “It’s definitely a good way to stay in physical shape,” Smith said. “In football you use your hands and feet so much, they definitely do it a lot in this sport.

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate features the latest mock draft predictions for the 49ers and more.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com pegged the 49ers to draft Boise St. CB Jamar Taylor with the No. 31 pick.

Peter Schrager of FOXSports.com predicted the 49ers will draft Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins withe their first-round pick.

Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News thinks the 49ers will select Alabama DT Jesse Williams.

Russ Lande of National Football Post listed UCLA DE Datone Jones as the 49ers’ first-round pick in his latest mock draft.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com listed the top 85 free agents for 2013.

Joe Fortenbaugh of National Football Post offered his take on the top 50 free agents.

Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated shared his latest big board of 2013 NFL Draft prospects.

Doug Farrar of Yahoo! Sports listed Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton as an impact player at the NFL level to start the Shutdown 50 prospect series.

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Team force factor did this for me here in Boston. @forcefactor instagr.am/p/WUrexaONNh/—
Vernon Davis (@VernonDavis85) March 01, 2013

Vernon Davis, in cake form.

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.

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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.