With The First Pick
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49ers 2021 NFL Draft Primer: Who Will Be successor to Jimmy Garoppolo

By Nicholas McGee

October 11, 2020; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) stands on the bench as quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) prepares for a play during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 11, 2020; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) stands on the bench as quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) prepares for a play during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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49ers. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Top draft needs for the 49ers

Quarterback

The 49ers clearly grew tired of Garoppolo not being on the field enough and often flattering to deceive when he was out there and made the aggressive move to go and get his replacement. The identity of that heir apparent is still very much in doubt but, whomever the 49ers choose, they must be a clear and significant upgrade on Garoppolo to raise the ceiling of an offense that can be among the most explosive in the league when everything clicks.

Cornerback

San Francisco is set up for the short-term at corner after bringing back three players who will slot in as starters from Week 1 next season. However, Verrett still comes with significant injury concerns despite his Comeback Player of Year-level 2020 season and both he and starting nickel K’Waun Williams are each only on one-year deals. They may have their top three locked in for 2021, but the 49ers still need a corner they can develop into a long-term solution.

EDGE

There are other issues on offense San Francisco would ideally like to address. The Niners could use a definitive answer at slot receiver, a complementary tight end for George Kittle and help at guard.

However, given the way the Niners have typically built on defense – front to back – it stands to reason they would prioritize ensuring they have more in the way of insurance policies should Bosa struggle coming off a torn ACL and Ford again fail to stay healthy. It isn’t a great edge class, but it would be no surprise to see San Francisco invest in a day-two player at the position whom they can develop behind Bosa and Co.