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

By Rob Lowder

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
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 /
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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) in game action against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State won 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) in game action against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State won 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Target the Trenches

It has been said to the point of becoming a cliché, but football games are won in the trenches of the offensive and defensive line.

This fact will always hold true.

The 49ers are on the wrong end of this fact on both sides of the football, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in both sacks allowed and sacks achieved. For this team to successfully rebuild the franchise, Baalke will need to make significant investments on both sides of the line.

DeForest Buckner should be the primary target.

At 6’7”and 290 pounds, Buckner is a more experienced, productive and technically-sound version of Arik Armstead, Baalke’s 2015 first-round selection. Reuniting him with his former Oregon teammate would provide an intimidating foundation for the defense, boosting both their run defense and pressure on the quarterback.

If Baalke can ensure Buckner’s selection in the first round, then a premier offensive lineman should be the target shortly after.

Niner Nation’s Jennifer Lee Chan highlights comments made by Stanford guard Joshua Garnett at the 49ers local pro day:

"I feel like I’m just that guy, it’s my style of play. I’m going to come out and do everything possible and put it all out there, leave it all out there, not going to leave it to chance or just to film. I wanted to get out here and show them what I can do."

Whether it’s a guard in Garnett or a right tackle, such as Texas A&M’s Germain Ifedi, the 49ers need to reinforce their offensive line within the first three rounds of the draft, with the aforementioned players being second round prospects.

Ignoring these glaring needs would make further effort in the draft far less effective.

Next: Step 3: Aggression