text: is alex smith doomed? starting qb, 49ers- nfl sf's fat guys ( oline) is not that good.  they don't do a god job run or pass blocking that makes it tough for a young qb.  smith should have sat out the whole year just like palmer did a few years ago.  if smith had better protection and more of a balanced attack he would do better.  it is way to early to write him off yet, in my books anyways.  sf needs help and having the first pick will not solve all thier problems.