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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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Oct 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) escapes Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cassius Marsh (91) on a kickoff return during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) escapes Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cassius Marsh (91) on a kickoff return during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver

Wide receiver Torrey Smith is going to be with the 49ers for some time. But it’s hard to pinpoint any established playmaking threats other than him.

At least in 2016.

Veteran wideout Anquan Boldin should be considered one. Yet he’s hitting the free-agent market. And, at 35 years old, how much do the 49ers view him as a part of their future plans?

So, aside from Smith, the Niners are left with wideouts Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton. Both have potential in their pockets, but neither exactly inspires a lot of confidence either. And injury concerns have certainly accompanied both receivers at the pro level.

Adding offensive weapons will be inherent to any success head coach Chip Kelly will have in 2016. While the new coach will certainly improve San Francisco’s last-place offense from a year ago, he’ll need key contributors to make any sort of strides happen.

And the 49ers lack them.

Perhaps San Francisco targets an impact wideout early in the draft. Ole miss receiver Laquon Treadwell could be a target as could Ohio State’s Michael Thomas or Braxton Miller.

Regardless, the Niners need to have some more playmakers at this position next season. So look for this to be a top priority.

Next: Quarterback