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

Aggressively Pursue Needs

Unfortunately for Baalke, the needs of the 49ers extend far and wide, to the point where it would be easier to create a list of positions that are not a need.

This will make it essential that he prioritize and pursue them aggressively. In the previous slide, two of most pressing needs and targets at those positions were highlighted in Buckner and Garnett.

Buckner may require a slight trade up, as many mock drafts, to include NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, have him going to either Jacksonville or Baltimore.

Perhaps a trade up with Dallas is of interest? Baalke has worked with Dallas in the past, trading up 13 spots in 2013 to draft LSU safety Eric Reid.

If so, according to Pro Football Talk’s Draft Talue Chart, it would cost the 49ers a third and fifth round pick to do so. This is reasonable, and would not violate the first step toward success for Baalke of refusing to mortgage the team’s future.

The 49ers cannot afford to pass on another talented signal caller in their backyard.

-Daniel Jeremiah

However, if Jeremiah’s mock became reality, Jared Goff would certainly be an encouraging selection, as well:

With an NFL-leading twelve selections and what may also be an NFL-leading amount of draft needs, Baalke will need to be paying close attention to how his big board unfolds to determine if these selections can be used to better position himself for target players.

Whether it’s trading up specific players or trading back to acquire more ammunition, Baalke should be aggressive throughout the entire draft so that the next step toward a successful draft can be achieved.

Next: Step 4: Competition