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East-West Shrine Game: 5 NFL Draft Prospects the 49ers Should Watch

By Peter Panacy

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De'Veon Smith (4) leaps over Florida State Seminoles defensive back Marquez White (27) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De'Veon Smith (4) leaps over Florida State Seminoles defensive back Marquez White (27) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 92nd East-West Shrine game kicks off on Saturday, January 21. Here are five NFL Draft prospects the San Francisco 49ers should watch over the course of the contest.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers certainly need an infusion of talent via the NFL Draft, and the 2017 East-West Shrine game should give ample opportunity to look over a number of prospects capable of drawing attention on a national stage.

Slated to kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 21, the 92nd East-West Shrine game features a number of collegiate prospects and is viewed as another essential vantage point for NFL teams looking to land up-and-coming talent.

Take a look here at the official rosters for both teams.

San Francisco has more than a few needs in the upcoming draft. And while a new regime in Santa Clara has plenty on its proverbial plate, paying close attention to this traditional bout would do plenty of good.

Based off the many Niners offseason needs, let’s take a look at some specific players the 49ers should eyeball on Saturday.

Fans should pay attention too, especially if there are some risers who might be able to do some good for the red and gold in 2016.

Keep in mind, many of these players are directly attributed to positional shortcomings the Niners have.