San Fransisco 49ers: 5 Steps for a Successful 2016 NFL Draft

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Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 2016 NFL Draft less than two weeks away, general manager Trent Baalke and the San Francisco 49ers are making their final preparations. What steps will need to be taken on draft day to ensure success?

Trent Baalke’s most important draft of his career is quickly approaching.

In the past, while still managing to select impact players, Baalke has been drafting for a 49ers team that was stacked from top to bottom with talent.

Baalke was searching for players that offered intriguing upside over immediate impact, made obvious by his infamous decisions to select injured players.

After a shockingly swift decline due to numerous circumstances, this is no longer a luxury Trent has and every single one of his selections should be used with immediate and lasting contributions in mind.

49ers 2016 NFL Draft selections:

Round 1: Pick 7
Round 2: Pick 6 (37th overall)
Round 3: Pick 5 (68th overall)
Round 4: Pick 7 (105th overall)
Round 4: Pick 35 (133rd overall) – compensatory
Round 5: Pick 3 (142nd overall) – from San Diego
Round 5: Pick 6 (145th overall)
Round 5: Pick 37 (174th overall) – compensatory
Round 6: Pick 3 (178th overall) – from Dallas
Round 6: Pick 32 (207th overall) – from Denver
Round 6: Pick 36 (211th overall) – compensatory
Round 6: Pick 38 (213th overall) – compensatory

Leading the NFL with 12 draft selections, Baalke and the 49ers are in a unique position to control the flow of the draft as they see fit.

In order to effectively implement his strategy, “Trader Trent” will need to take careful steps to ensure success.

Next: Step 1: The Future