Towards the middle of the season, speculation began to mount in San Francisco that the 49ers would likely make several key changes to both their roster and management personnel. That discussion was put to rest earlier today, as team president Jed York made it clear that he believes the team is headed in the right direction with the players they already have.

“When you look at some of the young talent that’s starting to emerge, when you look at the way (tight end Vernon Davis) is playing, when you look at the way (quarterback Alex Smith) is playing a little bit, I think Scot (McCloughan) has a great eye for talent. And I think he’s great at working with Coach Singletary.”

– San Francisco president Jed York

While it’s not exactly a glowing endorsement of Smith, the embattled quarterback from Utah has to be pleased that the organization is comfortable with the idea of keeping him as the starter for the foreseeable future. Smith is a former #1 overall pick that has seriously underperformed throughout his short career, but seems to have returned to the starting lineup confident in his abilities and capable of playing well consistently.

That said, the 49ers could still elect to use one of their two first round picks in next spring’s draft to take a new quarterback, but given the lack of talent that will likely be available in that position when San Francisco selects, it’s doubtful that they would choose to go down that route.

NFLNR is currently projecting the 49ers to select CB Joe Haden (Florida) and DT Terrance Cody (Alabama) in the first round.