With free agency approaching fast, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three offseason needs for each team. The next franchise under the microscope is the San Francisco 49ers.
2014 Season Recap
The 49ers were a roller coaster team in 2014. After demolishing a good Dallas Cowboys team in Week 1, the 49ers blew a three-touchdown lead to the Chicago Bears. However, despite not having defensive leaders Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, this team was 7-4 through Week 12 and positioned for a playoff spot. Yet an ugly loss at home to Seattle on Thanksgiving drove ownership crazy, and former head coach Jim Harbaugh was starting to get driven out. The team lost four in a row before winning Harbaugh’s last game against Arizona. Many frowned upon the firing of Harbaugh after all his success, and I think the move was stupid as well. However, under new head coach Jim Tomsula, this team has high expectations internally. This roster needs to be changed fast if San Francisco intends to contend in the NFC.
San Francisco 49ers 2015 Offseason: Top 3 Needs
Wide Receiver
This team desperately needs a wide receiver. For anyone who watched 49er football, nobody on the 49ers could stretch the field. Since tight end Vernon Davis regressed, they need a receiver who can take the top off a defense and open up underneath-medium routes for others. Crabtree is likely to leave, and many have the 49ers drafting a wide receiver in the first round. Whether it be Kevin White from West Virginia, DeVante Parker from Louisville, or Sammie Coates from Auburn, all will help this team tremendously. After watching Coates play against Alabama in the Iron Bowl, I could see him being a great fit for this team, but whether Coates goes in the first or second round is not yet determined. If the 49ers do not take a receiver in the first round, the league will be shocked.
Defensive Line
The defensive line is finally aging. After so many dominant seasons, Justin Smith and crew are finally starting to slow down. This team needs a pass rusher and I think they need to address this in free agency. If Justin Smith retires, the 49ers are in trouble, but even if he does not, the team should pursue someone like Cliff Avril or Nick Fairley. If the team is feeling bold, they might sign Greg Hardy. Although he was suspended, he has amazing talent and if Carolina lets him walk, the 49ers should try to sign him. He may be expensive though, so the team would have to watch his price. Rookie sensation Aaron Lynch needs a partner in crime in the future, and the 49ers should do their best to pair him up with someone, whether Smith retires or not.
Offensive Line
The team also needs offensive line help. Kaepernick was hit a lot this year and the line needs an infusion of talent. This will start with re-signing Mike Iupati. Although expensive, the 49ers need to take pressure off of Colin Kaepernick and get back to running the ball. Iupati is one of the best run blockers in the game, and with a great young back in Carlos Hyde, this is a no-brainer. Although Iupati is not a good pass-blocker, the 49ers can protect Kaepernick by running the ball again. Gore led the 49ers to three straight NFC championships, and the 49ers need to get back to their ground and pound style. Tomsula was a line coach and knows how to motivate his players. Expect big things from Iupati in a 49ers uniform next season.
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