NFL Team Needs: San Francisco 49ers Team Needs
By Jon Dove
The San Francisco 49ers head into the offseason with one of their major team needs already filled by inking Jimmy Garoppolo to a long-term deal.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan are expected to have a very busy offseason. The San Francisco 49ers have a ton of money to spend and enough draft picks to fill a lot of their team needs. It’s possible they could sneak into playoff contention with a few key additions.
San Francisco is projected to have nearly $80 million in salary cap space even after signing Jimmy Garoppolo to a new contract. That’s a large chuck of cash that could bring in a few high-profile free agents.
The 49ers also have 8 draft picks including two in each of the 3rd and 7th round. This is enough ammo for them to be aggressive and make some significant additions.
Below are the San Francisco 49ers top 3 team needs:
1. Cornerback
The 49ers not only lack a true No. 1 cornerback but they also have depth problems. They basically have Ahkello Witherspoon and K’Wan Williams set to return to the team. Neither of these two are elite players and are even questionable as starters.
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A possible plan of attack for the 49ers might be to bring in multiple free agent cornerbacks. There are several solid options slated to hit the open market. The top names include Trumaine Johnson, Bashaud Breeland and Malcolm Butler.
2. Running Back
Carlos Hyde is a pending free agent and seems likely to find a new home. He showed plenty of promise during this career, but injuries kept him from reaching his potential. The 49ers might be better served to find a more durable option.
Other than Le’Veon Bell, there isn’t much in the way of difference makers available in free agency. However, the 2018 NFL Draft has good depth at the position.
The 49ers could potentially land a starter in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft.
3. Wide Receiver
Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin are a solid starting duo. They complement each other well, but the 49ers could stand to add another young receiver to the lineup. It makes a ton of sense for them to surround Garoppolo with as much talent as possible.
I could see them taking a long look at Alabama’s Calvin Ridley in the 1st round of the 2018 NFL Draft.