49ers: 3 Options with 12th overall pick in 2021 NFL Draft

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Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during a press conference at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers experienced an injury-hit 6-10 season that had few upsides. But one bright spot was that it landed them a top-15 pick, as they are slated to select 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, putting them in a position to add one of the top prospects in a very intriguing class to a talented roster.

There is little clue as to what the 49ers will do with that pick, with all options on the table for a franchise set for a pivotal offseason as they look to bounce back and contend for a return to the Super Bowl.

What are team needs for 49ers?

Despite words to the contrary from the men running the show for the Niners, a quarterback could be a target. This front office is not afraid to be aggressive, and a trade up for one of the top passers in the draft is not out of the question.

Nor is a trade down. The 49ers have a host of unrestricted free agents in an offseason where the salary cap looks set to shrink, meaning a move down to collect more picks to address potential departures could also be in the offing.

But who are the potential options for San Francisco should the 49ers choose to stay put at number 12?

So much will hinge on what they do in free agency and what moves the 49ers make to try to create cap space to buy themselves more flexibility. The answers to those questions will provide a better idea of their likely direction in the draft, but here we analyze three potential candidates to be selected in the first round by San Francisco.