For Carter in particular, the extra work appears to have paid off. All reports about Carter this off-season have been very positive. Carter appears to have made veteran like strides this off-season, and he is ready to carry over the improvements to the regular season.

Chike Okeafor was having a career year before being hampered by an injury last season. But now that he is fully healthy, Okeafor is ready to pick up where he left off. He will have to challenge John Engelberger for a starting position. Regardless of his role, Okeafor should be able to contribute this season in a big way.

The improvement in both these players will be a key to the 49ers success this coming season. The team lacked a real aggressive pass rush last season, and made an improvement in this area a focal point of the off-season. The team feels very strongly about the players it currently has on the roster (though they have not ruled out making a further addition to the squad), and likes that there will be plenty of competition across the line.