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2016 NFL Draft: Breaking Down San Francisco 49ers’ Biggest Needs

By Peter Panacy

Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers manager Trent Baalke poses for a photo in the locker room after a press conference for the introduction of Jim Tomsula (not pictured) as the head coach at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers manager Trent Baalke poses for a photo in the locker room after a press conference for the introduction of Jim Tomsula (not pictured) as the head coach at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) prepares to kick a field goal during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) prepares to kick a field goal during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams

Addressing special teams needs can be a little tricky in the draft. Typically, the only non-specialist players targeted in the draft are prospects who can offer depth or help elsewhere.

Think along the lines of a backup running back or wide receiver who has prowess in the return game.

San Francisco likely has wide receiver Bruce Ellington penciled in as the primary return guy in 2016. And running back Jarryd Hayne could wind up getting an extended shot next year as well.

But the 49ers may have a need at one of their top offensive-scoring positions last year: kicker.

Yes, veteran Phil Dawson — a free agent — probably isn’t in the team’s long-term plans. At 41 years old, one also has to question how long he’ll play before retirement as well.

Kickers aren’t typically taken in the draft. But general manager Trent Baalke tabbed punter Bradley Pinion in Round 5 last year, so it wouldn’t be totally out of the question to assume he does something similar with one of the 49ers’ late-round picks.

Next: Secondary