My how the San Francisco 49ers have fallen since their 2012-13 Super Bowl run. Chip Kelly is now the head coach, shockingly, and there's much for the front office to do this offseason. So what are their five most important position needs to address at the 2016 NFL Draft in April?
Note: Some of these may change due to free agency.
- - WR Anquan Boldin (UFA)
- - OG Alex Boone (UFA)
- - RB Shaun Draughn (RFA)
- - TE Garrett Celek (UFA)
- - NT Ian Williams (UFA)
- - LB Michael Wilhoite (RFA)
- - K Phil Dawson (UFA)
Needs:
5. Offensive Tackle
The Niners have a ton of needs offensively, but one of them is offensive tackle. Yes, they still have Joe Staley, but he had a down year in 2015 and is 31 years old; and over at right tackle, Erik Pears doesn't seem to be the answer.
San Francisco doens't have to address this need in the first round or anything, but for depth and future purposes, finding a tackle with some potential in the middle rounds would be a great idea.
4. Outside Linebacker
Since Aldon Smith went through all of his troubles that eventually led to his release, rushing the passer has been an issue for the 49ers. Ahmad Brooks and Aaron Lynch were OK this year, racking up 6.5 sacks apiece. However, that's not good enough for the two main pass rushers on the team. Taking a pass-rushing outside linebacker in the top three rounds has to be a priority.
3. Offensive Guard
Mike Iupati has been gone for a bit now, and Boone could potentially be out the door as well with his contract expiring. Guard will definitely be an issue for them moving forward if they don't make some moves this offseason. If they do not sign a guard or two in free agency, taking a guard in the middle rounds of the draft will be imperative.
2. Defensive End
When Justin Smith decided to retire last offseason -- the same time as Patrick Willis basically -- you knew things were going to be much tougher for the 49ers' defensive unit. Now, they'll have needs elsewhere on the defensive line, especially if Williams decides to leave, who was a standout performer from the nose tackle spot. But if they can retain him, and draft someone like Robert Nkemdiche in the first round (as I have them projected to do), this defensive front will look much more formidable.
1. Wide Receiver
Alas, the No. 1 need for this team is wide receiver. I would have said quarterback, but they still need to figure things out between Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick, especially with a new head coach in Kelly, who may or may not like either of them -- that remains to be seen.
But with Anquan Boldin up there and age and having his contract expiring, he may decide to retire or sign with a contender to try and get a Super Bowl ring. If he indeed does not return, wide receiver is going to have a huge void. Torrey Smith is really only a deep ball threat, and the only other threat you could even say is a decent NFL wideout is Quinton Patton. They need some serious help at the spot, and should look to take a receiver in the top three rounds of the draft.
