October 18, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Delanie Walker (46) catches a touchdown pass in front of Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) in the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 13-6. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL free-agency period set to begin March 12 at 4:00 pm, many teams find themselves scrambling to re-sign their own free-agents or seek other alternatives. Every team whether above or below the salary cap, will need to determine which players they wish to franchise, transition, or release. Take for example, two-time Pro Bowl FS Dashon Goldson. The seven-year veteran is seeking a long-term deal in which the Niners have reluctantly obliged to invest. Furthermore, whether the 49ers decide to keep Goldson, they have 12 other free-agents set to hit the open-market, including G Leornard Davis, WR Ted Ginn Jr., WR Randy Moss, TE Delanie Walker, NT Isaac Sopoaga, DE Ricky Jean-Francois, LB Tavares Gooden, LB Larry Grant, LB Eric Bakhtiari, LB Clark Haggans, CB Tramaine Brock, and S Darcel McBath.

In addition to deciding the fate of their own players, GM Trent Baalke will need to find a common ground between which players to keep and which players to target. As numerous players hit the free-agent pool, I have identified five players the 49ers should target based on need, skill-set, and production.

Nov 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) makes a catch as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (23) defends to score a touchdown during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

1. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie- The player known as DRC, is by far my most coveted player of the litter. I have been pushing for DRC since the season ended, as I believe he would be a huge upgrade as both a cover corner and special teams standout. Also DRC has all the intangibles you look for in a corner, including speed, size, and athleticism. No disrespect to current 49ers CB’s Carlos Rogers, Chris Culliver, or Tarell Brown, but DRC brings another dimension to the team, which is sub 4.3 speed. DRC has the ability to play press coverage, while having the speed to mirror receivers on a consistent basis, evident by 84 pass break-ups in five seasons. A true H-W-S (Height-Weight-Speed) specimen, DRC should be ranked first on Baalke’s priority list.

Sep 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) dives for the loose ball intended for San Francisco 49ers tight end Delanie Walker (46) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

2. FS Charles Woodson- The Future Hall of Fame defensive back, Woodson now finds himself on the unemployment list. A true leader, Woodson would be an ideal fit for the San Francisco 49ers. He would bring leadership, physicality, and stability to a shaky secondary. He may not have the elite speed he once possessed coming out of Michigan, but make no mistake he more than makes up for it with his heady play. The addition of Woodson would more than likely signal the end of Dashon Goldson, a move that would be bittersweet to the 49ers fan base.

October 2, 2011; Cleveland, OH , USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) comes out of the tunnel before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USA TODAY Sports

3. WR/KR Josh Cribbs- With WR Ted Ginn Jr. all but gone from San Francisco, the 49ers will need to find his viable replacement via free-agency, and Cribbs fits in perfectly. A former Pro Bowl return specialist, Cribbs has elite speed and can turn around a game in a blink of an eye. Although he does not possess the threat as a wide receiver, Cribbs will more than likely provide the Niners with great field position, while helping the offense generate some early points.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Paul Kruger (99) in the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. DE/OLB Paul Kruger- I absolutely love this guy and predicted he would have a monster game in the Super Bowl when I was interviewed on FanSided Radio’s John Ackeren show. He has the ideal height, weight, and speed for a 3-4 outside linebacker and would be a missing piece as a pass-rush specialist. We all know Aldon Smith had a career season with 19.5 sacks, but at some point someone else needs to take the pressure off the other side. And that’s where Kruger comes into play. He would provide both depth and a skill-set that no current outside linebacker on the 49ers roster can provide.

Dec 24, 2011, Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Alan Branch (99) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

5. NT Alan Branch- I loved Branch as a NT coming out of Michigan, because he is big, strong, and athletic. Now entering his seventh season, Branch is again on the open-market, and will be looking for potential suitors. Throughout Branch’s career he has remained in the NFC West, first the Arizona Cardinals then the Seattle Seahawks. So with NFC West teams on his short list, I have him nabbed to go to San Francisco as his next destination. If we have Branch, I believe he would provide a huge upgrade along the defensive line and also add a fountain of youth to the position. He is not a pass rusher but big enough to push the pocket allowing his teammates to clean up the work.

What are your thoughts on who we should pick up or what positions we should target? Please comment below.

Dec 9, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Dallas Clark (44) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (23) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

There is no question in my mind, the most glaring need for the San Francisco 49ers, is a shut-down corner. You are only as strong as your weakest link, and unfortunately for San Francisco, they were exposed early and often, in Super Bowl XLVII. Under no circumstance should Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco be able to complete “prayers” down the field. This is not a John Madden video game! However, passes were complete, in the game’s crucial moments, leading to a Ravens Super Bowl. Now entering the 2013 season, GM Trent Baalke will need to rethink, regroup, and re-evaluate the state of the team’s secondary.

With numerous big name free-agents about to hit the open-market, many teams have already identified certain players to target, and Baalke should be no different. Although, I am unaware of his direction, I’m going to play GM for a bit, and say one acronym, “DRC!” If I am Baalke, I would target an affordable player with an abundance of potential, in Philadelphia Eagles CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

The signing of DRC would make sense for both parties. It would provide some long-term stability to a struggling secondary while providing DRC with an opportunity to get a ring. I predict the 49ers can strike a deal similar to a 3-year/$9 million range. If this is the case, the 49ers should pull the trigger without hesitation.

Nov 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) makes a catch as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (23) defends to score a touchdown during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

For one, DRC will add a dimension no current cornerback on the 49ers roster possess, a true H-W-S specimen. (Height-Weight-Speed). At 6-2 and 182 pounds, DRC can afford to play press-coverage while being very physical at the line of scrimmage. Furthermore, his blazing 4.33 (40 time) speed will allow him to make plays on the ball naturally. A former 2009 Pro-Bowler, DRC can still be obtained at an affordable price. A very underrated player, DRC will significantly enhance the 49ers chances of finally winning a ring.

In addition, the move would provide 49ers DC Vic Fangio the luxury of moving CB Tarrell Brown to nickel and dime packages all while pushing CB Chris Culliver. We all know how HC Jim Harbaugh loves to breed competition, and this scenario makes perfect sense in the Harbaugh era.

However, the signing may come at the expense of others. With other 49ers such as NT Isaac Sopoaga, DE Ricky Jean-Francois, and TE Delanie Walker scheduled to hit free-agency, it will be interesting to see which players Baalke will retain, if they do in fact sign DRC.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2012 season finally came to a bittersweet end, the San Francisco 49ers can now focus on improving an all ready loaded roster. With an abundance of Pro-Bowl talent, where do the Niners begin? Do they target a true-shut down corner or add depth to an aging defensive line? Do they draft the best player available or sign a proven pass-rusher via free-agency? All these questions will certainly be answered, as the draft comes to fruition. However, our jobs as bloggers, is to provide our readers with an insight, on who we think, the 49ers will target, based on the limited information we know today. So without further ado, I have compiled a list of the Niner’s top priorities, heading into the 2013 season, and the possible players they may be targeting.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

1. Cornerback- With CB Carlos Rogers having arguably his worst season of his NFL career, the 49ers should be concerned. Rogers a Pro Bowler in 2011, was often beat on intermediate crossing routes in 2012, proving his age (31) is catching up with him. Backup CB Chris Culliver although a solid number three, is by no means a true-shut down corner. So where will the 49ers get this cornerback help from?

The draft does not offer a true-shutdown corner, as this is a weak draft class for corners, so free-agency is the only other viable option. And the guy the 49ers should target is Philadelphia Eagles CB Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie.

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One of my favorite players, coming out of college, “DRC” can provide the 49ers with a physical presence no other cornerback on the current roster can match. He is big, tall, fast, and physical, the perfect H-W-S (height-weight-speed) specimen. In his five year career, he has racked up 84 passes defensed, a statistic just as note worthy as interceptions in my opinion. He has fluid hips coming in and out of his breaks and has the speed to stop the deep ball, evidenced by his (4.33) 40 yard dash. A player familiar with the NFC West having played with the Arizona Cardinals, DRC would be a perfect compliment to CB Tarell Brown, while providing depth to a once vulnerable secondary.

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defense end Brett Keisel (99) linebacker Larry Foote (50) nose tackle Casey Hampton (98) defensive end Ziggy Hood (96) against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Nose Tackle/Defensive Tackle- With NT Isaac Sopoaga and NT/DE Ricky Jean-Francois becoming unrestricted free-agents, it will be interesting to see how Harbaalke (Jim Harbaugh & Trent Baalke) handles the situation. If they are unable to retain them, there are alternatives on the market, such as NT Alan Branch (Seahawks), DE Richard Seymour (Raiders), DT Randy Starks (Dolphins), and NT Casey Hampton (Steelers). All of those players would provide depth to a needed position, with the possibility of even upgrading it, if we were to sign Seymour or Hampton. Those two players are both nearing the end of their careers, and one would think, they would love to go out with a bang, by adding one more Super Bowl ring to their trophy rooms. However, if none of those players are available or affordable, the next best option is the NFL Draft.

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Unlike the cornerback class, this year’s defensive line draft class, is by far the deepest group. Many young prospects are considered first-round talents, as I have 13 players worthy of being a top 32 pick. With the Niners picking 31st in the first-round, they should be able to get a young stud. Some players that may be available include, NT Johnathan Jenkins (Georgia), NT Kawaan Short (Purdue), or DT/NT Shariff Floyd (Florida). All those player would provide youth and depth along the defensive front.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores a touchdown past Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed (20) in the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

3. Wide Receiver- WR Randy Moss was by far the 49ers biggest deep-threat this year, however he is all but gone, making this position an achilles heel once again. The Niners already have a true number one, with Pro Bowler in waiting, WR Michael Crabtree, but with no complimentary number two, it makes this position a high priority. Sure, the Niners have WR Mario Manningham and WR Kyle Williams but they are no where near a reliable deep-threat.

Oct 14, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) tries to run past Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Terence Newman (23) during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Browns beat the Bengals 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

So with a huge need in the receiving corps, who should the Niners target? My answer may intrigue you. With the wide receivers being a highly-paid position, it would be wise for them to get the best bang for their buck, and select a player with special-teams return ability. Narrowing my selections to WR Johnny Knox (Chicago Bears) or WR Josh Cribbs (Cleveland Browns). Both those players would add a deep-threat element that defenses would need to account for, while providing a bonus in the return game, making WR Ted Ginn Jr., expendable.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Paul Kruger (99) in the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. Outside Linebacker- This position is a huge need considering OLB Aldon Smith accounted for more than 51% of the sack production with 19.5. The 49ers as a team, account for 38 sacks, which is not good enough in today’s NFL. Leaving, the question where are the sacks going to come from? The answer lies directly across the other sideline, in Super Bowl XLVII, DE/OLB Paul Kruger. It remains unclear, whether Kruger is a high priority, as the Ravens have other free-agents to address, most notably QB Joe Flacco, who will now command top dollar after winning Super Bowl MVP. A blessing in disguise for the 49ers. However, if Kruger is somehow retained by the reinging Super Bowl champs, the draft will provide a nice alternative.

Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor (80) in action against Oklahoma Sooners tackle Daryl Williams (79) for the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers have a couple “tweeners” to target, in OLB Alec Ogletree (Georgia) and DE/OLB Alex Okafor (Texas). Both players command respect on passing downs as they’re both athletically gifted and deceptively fast. Their ability to get up field and make plays in the backfield would be a huge plus for this 49ers front seven, especially against teams running the no-huddle.

December 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Mike Iupati (77) defends against St. Louis Rams defensive end Eugene Sims (92) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated San Francisco 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

5. Guard- The 49ers already have All-Pro LG Mike Iupati, but the right side is very vulnerable. Although RG Alex Boone was a rock this year, I would be hard pressed to believe, you would know who is backup is. G Leonard Davis is all but gone and this year’s offensive line draft class is extremely weak, making free-agency the best available option.

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However, the only player worth targeting is G Brian Waters (New England Patriots). Waters, one of the best guards in the league, would provide a huge upgrade to Boone, while providing some much needed leadership. His ability to anchor a line is invaluable, making him a hot commodity despite his age, turning 36 this February. If the 49ers want to win another ring, they will need to add proven veterans like Waters, who will most likely come at a discounted price in return for a Super Bowl run.