Crabtree finally signs with the 49ers, Will he have an impact?

Michael Crabtree has finally swallowed his pride and came to his senses. Maybe someone in his camp realized just how stupid it was for him to continue to hold out and lose all this potential money. Now he has to get on the field an earn the respect and comradeship of his teammates. He pissed off allot of 49er fans with the statements issused by "his camp" regarding sitting out the whole season an re-entering next years NFL draft.

The San Francisco 49ers overall are doing just fine without him. The 49ers are currently 3-1 with a 2 game lead over the other teams in the NFC west division. The 49er defense, which is currently ranked 6th overall, has been getting the job done. Now the offense can definitely use some help. But here is the million dollar question??

Will Crabtree be able to contribute?

He completely missed out on the NFL combine, with his foot injury. Crabtree now has also missed the 49ers' offseason minicamps and their organized team activities. By not being under contract with the team he hasnt been able to practice.

What condition is he in physically?

He hasn't been able to run routes and get used to the feel of the ball coming from QB Shaun Hill. They have not been able to develop that all to crucial QB + Receiver timing and rhythm. He still has to get his proverbial "cherry popped", and take that first HIT from an NFL defender. Michael Crabtree has to assimilate and acclimate to the speed of the NFL game. We all know what a stud he was in college, but this is a whole new ballgame at the NFL level.

It will be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye decides to work Crabtree into this offense. The 49ers desperately need a deep threat receiver to make the big plays when his number is called. Will Michael Crabtree be that guy?? I guess we will have to just wait and see.