San Francisco 49ers: 5 Steps for a Successful 2016 Offseason

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Hit a Home Run with the 2016 Draft Class

According to David Fucillo of Niners Nation, the 49ers will have a total of 12 picks in the upcoming NFL draft — four of which are expected to be compensatory.

General manager Trent Baalke has a history of drafting for the future and not necessarily for immediate needs. Just take a look at the “all-ACL team” assembled in recent seasons: defensive end Tank Carradine, guard Brandon Thomas, running back Marcus Lattimore, wide receiver DeAndre Smelter and cornerback Keith Reaser.

None of those players have made a significant impact with the 49ers. While it might be worth a risk with a late-round pick, such as Reaser, spending such picks early on can be costly down the road.

Baalke needs to avoid this strategy in 2016 and focus on picks who can make as much of an immediate impact as possible.

Round 1 has already been covered, and the second round may be where San Francisco finds its future quarterback. But Rounds 3 through 5 should generate at least two or three pivotal players who can step in and contribute right away.

Fortunately, the 49ers have six projected picks within these rounds.

San Francisco has glaring needs almost entirely across the board. The offensive line, linebacker crop, the cornerback position and a backup running back are just some of the understaffed areas on the roster.

If Baalke can come closer to replicating the 2011 draft class and avoid the disastrous 2012 effort, the 49ers should be in pretty good shape moving forward.

Next: Remove the Excess