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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 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line

The uncertainty on San Francisco’s roster doesn’t end at the quarterback position. One of the most crucial areas of need — arguably the most important — will be substantial upgrades along the offensive line.

True, right tackle Anthony Davis may return from retirement. But will he be in game-ready shape after taking last year off? Second-year lineman Trent Brown has enjoyed a nice development. But does he project as a starter or a likable backup option?

Veteran left tackle Joe Staley, who made it to the Pro Bowl last year, is getting older as well.

And what should be made of the situation with left guard Alex Boone? A free agent in 2016, Boone will likely be one of the most sought-after offensive linemen on the market this year. Sure, he could stay in San Francisco. But it’s perfectly reasonable to assume the Niners let him walk.

So, aside from Staley and center Daniel Kilgore, the 49ers have three O-line positions with question marks surrounding them.

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On one hand, the O-line was so bad last year that it may serve useful to simply start over from scratch. But on the flip side, these lines tend to need continuity and time for unit development. Simply switching the pieces as needed isn’t exactly the best formula at the NFL level.

While an offensive playmaker — quarterback or wide receiver — would be the type of first-round target to make fans happy, going after an O-lineman might be the smarter move.

And if it doesn’t happen in Round 1, the 49ers shouldn’t wait too much longer to make a smart addition here.

Next: 5 Senior Bowl Prospects who Impressed During the Game

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Contractual information courtesy of Over the Cap.