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San Francisco 49ers: Prioritizing Each Position on Roster Before the 2016 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari (far left) instructs during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari (far left) instructs during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) kicks a field goal out of the hold by punter Andy Lee (4) 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) kicks a field goal out of the hold by punter Andy Lee (4) 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

Players on Roster: Phil Dawson, Bradley Pinion, Nick Acosta

The 49ers re-signed veteran kicker, and ageless wonder, Phil Dawson not long ago, but it’s still remotely possible he loses his job in 2016.

That is if San Francisco decides to draft a kicker — a situation similar to the way the team replaced punter Andy Lee with Bradley Pinion a year ago.

This doesn’t seem likely, however. The 49ers have far too many needs elsewhere to worry about specialists. And even if general manager Trent Baalke is eyeing a kicker with a late-round pick, those selections are best suited to address many of the other areas requiring depth.

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But Baalke shocked 49ers fans everywhere when he tabbed Pinion in Round 5 of the 2015 NFL draft, so we shouldn’t rule the possibility out entirely.

Or San Francisco can roll with backup kicker Nick Acosta should it desire.

Again, not likely.

Priority 5

Next: Niner Noise Fan Poll Selects Cal QB Jared Goff

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