It’s been a conclusion for many throughout the offseason that Alex Smith would return for a chance to win back his starting job with the 49ers under new coach Jim Harbaugh, who openly campaigned on the idea.

Is a return by Alex Smith a good move for the 49ers? NFL Network analyst Trent Green thinks so.

Coach Jim Harbaugh‘s quest to rebuild the San Francisco 49ers in his image got a boost Friday with the announcement of compensatory picks for April’s NFL draft.

The Buccaneers are reportedly the front runners to be the subject of this year’s “Hard Knocks” on HBO. Not a terrible choice. But we think we can do better.

As I mentioned before, there were a number of high-profile attendees at Texas Christian workout on Friday, including 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, and none of them could have been disappointed with the display of QB Andy Dalton.

FT. WORTH, Texas – They’re getting set for TCU’s pro day here, and I can tell you there is plenty of interest in quarterback Andy Dalton. Among those here to see him throw are 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter.

As we wrap up Day 1 of the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, we’ll leave you with a few thoughts (some random), observations and highlights from what we’ve heard.

As the combine’s opening day unfolds within the media center, quarterback talk has become an early theme.

With so many people packed in the Lucas Oil Stadium club-level lounge, it’s hard to know who’s exactly here at any given moment. But that situation led to the first light moment of this year’s NFL Scouting Combine.

The rumblings that Alex Smith could end up right back where he started in San Francisco haven’t slowed down, especially in the wake of coach Jim Harbaugh‘s recent comments about the former first-overall pick.

Frank Gore has all the talent in the world, but can you risk a first-round fantasy pick on him?

Here’s something for 49ers fans to keep tabs on as the NFL heads into an uncertain offseason: New head coach Jim Harbaugh and former starting QB Alex Smith seem to be developing a working relationship.

Stanford’s Owen Marecic was a standout for the Cardinal playing on both sides of the ball. He has a chance to get drafted and is determined to make his presence felt at the Senior Bowl. He is also in a unique position to discuss two of the offseason’s hottest topics: Jim Harbaugh‘s move from Palo Alto to the 49ers and quarterback Andrew Luck‘s decision to forgo the draft and return for his senior season.

Owen Marecic won the inaugural Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile college player in the country.

For the well-being of Raider Nation, here’s hoping Al Davis indeed has a master plan.