Now that the majority of free agent signings are finished, the Last Word On Sports NFL Department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2017 NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers have the second pick in the draft due to an abysmal season last year. New head coach Kyle Shanahan and new general manager John Lynch a face a tough road ahead. The 49ers have ten pick in this seasons draft and each one will be important for a rebuilding team. Real talent is scarce on San Francisco’s roster and each pick will need to make an impact.
San Francisco 49ers 2017 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Quarterback
Though the 49ers have needs everywhere they should start their re-build by addressing the quarterback position. San Francisco did sign Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley during the off-season. This year is widely considered a weak draft class for quarterbacks. Some options include Deshaun Watson, Mitch Trubisky, and Patrick Mahomes. Kyle Shanahan tried hard this off-season to lure Kirk Cousins away form the Washington Redskins. The plan appears to make due this year with Hoyer at the helm. Then, make another run at Cousins next season. In the meantime, Lynch and Shanahan will need to draft a third option: someone who can sit a few years behind Hoyer, or Cousins if that comes to fruition. If not at pick number two, pick 34 will be a quarterback for San Francisco.
Outside Linebacker
The lack of talent on the 49ers roster continues with the outside linebacker position. San Francisco’s current edge rushers are Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold and Tank Carradine. None of these names strikes fear into the heart of opposing quarterbacks or offensive tackles. The 49ers haven’t had much luck the past few season drafting edge rushers. Their last true impact player at that position was Aldon Smith, who is currently out of the league. San Francisco hasn’t had a true threat on the edge sense Smith had his issues. San Francisco could surprise everyone in this years draft and take an outside linebacker with the second pick. Some quality options are Jarrad Davis from Florida, and Haason Reddick out of Temple University. Both players could start right away and be a true help to San Francisco’s defense.
Wide Receiver
The addition of Pierre Garcon gives San Francisco a solid number two receiver heading into 2017. Kyle Shanahan has also brought in Marquise Goodwin from the Buffalo Bills to add speed and stretch the field. Jeremy Kerley has also proven himself to be a valuable receiver and will be a good number three option. Shanahan’s offensive scheme will require a game breaking receiver. Shanahan needs a receiver the likes of Julio Jones, who Shanahan coached in Atlanta. Picking a wide receiver at number two may be a bit overzealous. There is a possibility the 49ers trade down and give up the second spot for more picks. This would likely give San Francisco a mid first round pick, which would make taking a high profile receiver more reasonable.
