Niner Noise
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2016 NFL Draft: Predicting 49ers GM Trent Baalke’s Priority List

By Rob Lowder

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Dec 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end DeForest Buckner (44) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12 Championship at Levi
Dec 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end DeForest Buckner (44) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12 Championship at Levi /

Establish The Most Pressing Needs

As Matt Barrows pointed out, it was believed in the past that Baalke “drafts for the future, not for need.”

His drafts have shown that trend; routinely selecting what he believed to be the best available players despite perceived needs elsewhere.

Baalke no longer has this luxury.

The team has pressing needs across multiple positions, so establishing which of these take precedence over the other is an essential priority for future growth and success.

These are the sort of needs that must be addressed within day one or two of the draft, in which immediate-impact players are more commonly found.

It is a (relatively) safe bet that Baalke believes the fate of his team rests largely on their success within the trenches, both on the offensive and defensive side of the football.

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) and Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) sack San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) in the first quarter of their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) and Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) sack San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) in the first quarter of their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Whether it is protecting or defeating the quarterback, the 49ers ranked near the bottom of the league in both sacks allowed and sacks achieved.

You simply cannot win with the aforementioned achievements, or lack thereof.

While quarterback and wide receiver also rank highly on the list of immediate needs, their selection would prove fruitless if the offensive line lacked the stability to allow those positions to thrive.

With that being said, the 49ers most pressing, QB-themed draft needs are as follows:

  1. Rush the QB – Whether at the defensive line or outside linebacker position, this team needs pressures and sacks.
  2. Protect the QB – Points will be slim if the 49ers quarterback is routinely under duress.
  3. Find a QB – The 49ers must find franchise-level quality and stability at this position.
  4. Equip the QB – The 49ers need touchdowns, which includes playmakers at the WR position capable of producing them.

These needs can be addressed in any order, as long as they are addressed early in the draft.

Next: Priority 2