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

By Rob Lowder

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Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Hold Nothing Back

There are some that believe that this could be Baalke’s last draft as the 49ers general manager, should he fail to make the perceived “splash” necessary to improve the team he helped diminish.

Eric Branch shares sentiments of a time that has come and gone:

"There was a time – not so long ago – when 49ers general manager Trent Baalke had an enviable problem. His issue: Too many talented players and too many draft picks."

This is no longer the case and after very little free agency activity, it would seem that Baalke is going “all in” on draft day.

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

If this is the case, hold nothing back, Trent.

To be clear, I’m not suggesting Baalke go full Sonny Weaver from Draft Day, even if that did work out for Sonny.

Baalke needs to walk into the 49ers war room on April 28th prepared to do what it takes to meet the priorities he has set forth.

There is no more room for high-profile misses and no more time for hesitation.

Without sacrificing cogs in the future machine, “Trader Trent” needs to wheel-and-deal his way to a draft that not only secures the 49ers the talent to fill their most pressing needs, but also puts in place the depth that this team can rely upon for years to come.

With past shortcomings looming large, now, more than ever, this organization is counting on his execution.

The 2016 NFL Draft will be Trent Baalke’s redemption or it will be his doom.

Next: Breaking Down The QB Position Prior To 2016 NFL Draft

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of CBSsports.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.