Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) runs against San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga (90) during the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

As the San Francisco 49ers begin restructuring their roster, they will need to first decide which of their own players will be rewarded contract extensions. Several key players are set to become unrestricted free-agents when free-agency begins on March 12, 2013 at 4:00 pm, including FS Dashon Goldson, NT Isaac Sopoaga, ILB Tavares Gooden, ILB Larry Grant, DE Ricky Jean-Francois, CB Tramaine Brock, FS Darcel McBath, TE Delanie Walker, WR Ted Ginn Jr., WR Randy Moss, and G Leonard Davis. And although many of these players will not be retained, core players like Goldson and Walker should be the exception.

However, with a quality player like Sopoaga, should the 49ers reward him? Only if the price is right! I’m a true believe in building a defense from the inside out, and with the 49ers running a 3-4, makes that philosophy all the more important. With that said, I don’t believe the 49ers should re-sign “Soap” if he commands top dollar.

Nov.25, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks (left) talks with umpire Garth DeFelice (right) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

First of all, although Soap is ideal for a 3-4 defense, there are other alternatives out there such as Maake Kemoeatu (Ravens), Randy Starks (Dolphins), Casey Hampton (Steelers), Aubrayo Franklin (Chargers), and Alan Branch (Seahawks) that will be just as capable of filling his shoes. In addition, should the 49ers decide to pass on these free-agents, the draft provides another great resource to fill Soap’s departure.

Oct 13, 2012; Bloomington, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins (52) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2nd half at Memorial Stadium. Ohio State defeated Indiana 52-49. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s NFL draft class for defensive lineman is one of the deepest at the position in years. I have been mocking drafts for seven years now, and to see the amount of good players at the defensive line position is encouraging. I have a total of 13 defensive lineman projected to go in the first-round. That’s depth! Some players whom the 49ers may want to consider toward the end of round 1 include John Jenkins (Georgia), Johnthan Hankins (Ohio St.), and Kwame Geathers (Georgia). All of those players are good enough to hold the point of attack and command double teams.

In a perfect world, I think it is safe to say that we would all want Sopoaga back in the red and gold. But this is not a perfect world, and with other top priorities on the 49ers wish list, such as re-signing Dashon Goldson, will more than likely make Soap another cap casualty.

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.