49ers' Alex Smith making progress

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Quarterback Alex Smith raised his arms Friday morning after connecting with Michael Crabtree down the field after the wide receiver got behind defenders.

The 49ers hope that is a sign of things to come from their sixth-year quarterback.

Smith completed a strong performance this spring with another solid week of practice, continuing to assert himself behind center as the 49ers concluded their offseason program with a series of minicamp practices.

The rest of his teammates aren't far behind.

Coach Mike Singletary was so satisfied with his team's progress that he canceled Saturday's scheduled practices of what was supposed to be a three-day minicamp session. The 49ers are now off until rookies report for training camp on July 30.

"These guys have worked their tails off all offseason," Singletary said. "I'm very pleased with where we are, so I want to finish today."

Particularly satisfying for Singletary and the rest of the team is the steady progress of Smith, the former No. 1 overall draft pick who has survived some rocky stretches earlier in his career.

Now he's taking a leading role for a team that's expected to contend for the NFC West title this season.

Coming off his best season, Smith has been able to build on his 3-1 finish as the starter last season by finding stability and familiarity with the system and players around him.

That's a change for Smith, who had played in a different offensive system and for a different offensive coordinator in each of his first five NFL seasons.

"I feel really good with where I'm at right now," Smith said. "I really feel like we've taken a step, and I feel I've done that as well. It's been quite a few years since I felt like this. I feel comfortable with where we are and where we're going to go."

With a defense that's developing into one of the better groups in the league, the 49ers focused during the offseason on upgrading their offense.

The 49ers' offense ranked 27th in the league last season and has not finished higher than 26th over the past six seasons.

The 49ers selected offensive linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati in the first round of the draft, and also added rookie running back Anthony Dixon and veteran receiver Ted Ginn.