Jackson is a Key to 2007 Success

Patrick Willis and Joe Staley, the 49ers' two first-round selections from April's draft, are fine athletes who will most likely contribute immediately in San Francisco, but the acquisition of wide receiver Darrell Jackson from the division-rival Seattle Seahawks -- for the paltry sum of a fourth-round pick, no less -- is the one offseason move that will improve the Niners the most in 2007.

Offensively, it was clear that wide receiver position was the main thing the 49ers needed to address this offseason. Antonio Bryant led the team in receiving yards with 733 last season, and he's no longer with the club. The Niners expect quite a bit from the newly signed Ashley Lelie, but he's been sporadic during his five-year, two-team career.

That leaves Arnaz Battle, who had 59 receptions for 686 yards and three touchdowns in 2006, as the top returning wideout. Battle is a solid target, but he's not a No. 1 receiver. Second-year tight end Vernon Davis has potential, but he only caught 20 passes for 265 yards and a trio of scores in 10 games as a rookie last season.

Jackson, though, has proven himself in the past to be a legitimate deep threat numerous times while in Seattle, and his presence alone should give quarterback Alex Smith more targets and help spread out defenses more. Jackson has accrued at least 1,000 yards receiving three times in his seven-year career, and he nearly did so again in '06 despite playing only 13 games. Only once has the 5-foot-11, 201-pounder failed to haul in at least 50 catches, and he is averaging nearly seven touchdowns a season. In 96 career games Jackson has 441 receptions for 6,445 yards (67.1 per game) and 47 touchdowns.

Of course, there is some risk involved in the acquisition of Jackson. He has been injured for much of the past two years, playing just a combined 19 regular-season games. Worse, the injuries that limited his playing time were knee and toe ailments, which are two of the worst things that can happen to a wideout.

There were also reports of a contract conflict between Jackson and Seahawks management, stemming from an alleged handshake agreement made with former Seattle team president Bob Whitsitt that was not honored by his successor, Tim Ruskell.

Expect good things to happen with the Niners' offense in 2007, and look for Jackson to play a major role in making the positives to fruition.