NFL offseasons are made for feel-good stories about players adopting nontraditional training regimens or making other changes in the name of self-improvement.

Experience teaches skepticism.

The 49ers' Alex Boone has his own story this offseason, reporting to 49ers camp dramatically fitter than he was a year ago.

This has to be encouraging for the 49ers based on what the scouting reports said about Boone when he was coming out of Ohio State a year ago. Nolan Nawrocki's report in Pro Football Weekly's annual draft preview identified work ethic and attitude as clear weaknesses:

Very immature and has not shown he can handle success. ... Thinks he is better than he is. Has a history of alcohol issues that needs to be addressed. ... Has not shown the down-to-down or everyday consistency desired for the pro game, and his lack of discipline on and off the field could limit opportunities.

The physical transformation Boone has made since signing as an undrafted free agent last offseason would require hard work and discipline, signaling an attitude change.

The 49ers do not need Boone to start for them. They could use depth at right tackle, however, and if Boone could develop into the eighth or ninth lineman, that would be progress.