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San Francisco 49ers: What You Need to Know for 2016 NFL Draft

By Bryan Knowles

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) drops back to pass against Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) drops back to pass against Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Team Needs

What do the 49ers need to address with these draft picks? Their needs are plentiful and varied, giving the team a lot of options as to what to do with their selections.

Quarterback

If you don’t have a quarterback, you don’t have a team in the modern NFL. The penciled in starter at the moment is Blaine Gabbert, whose tenure in Jacksonville is one of the worst performances in the last 25 years. Colin Kaepernick is Schrodinger’s quarterback at the moment, simultaneously rumored to be on the team and on the move out of town—it’s also been two years since he was a good NFL starter. The Denver Broncos showed that a team can win without an ace-quality quarterback, but the vast majority of good teams have shown that if you don’t have at least a good quarterback, you’re likely staying home come playoff time. The 49ers’ biggest hole is at the most important position.

Offensive Line

It doesn’t matter who is behind center or who is making the playcalls if the offensive line exists more as a theoretical concept than a barrier for the defense. The 49ers have allowed more than 50 sacks in each of the last two seasons, which simply can’t continue if the team wants to have any chance of having Chip Kelly’s offense run smoothly. The offensive line should be addressed early and often during the draft.

Wide Receiver

At the moment, San Francisco has Torrey Smith and Quinton Patton penciled in as their starting wide receivers, with Bruce Ellington in the slot more often than not. That’s a massive step down from what Chip Kelly was used to in Philadelphia, and ranks as one of the least imposing receiving corps in the NFL. Even if DeAndre Smelter recovers from his college injury and becomes a productive player, talent could be added here.

Inside Linebacker

The 49ers have yet to replace Patrick Willis on the inside, and NaVorro Bowman may never fully regain the form that made him one of the top linebackers in the league. Neither Gerald Hodges nor Michael Wilhoite really fill the 49ers’ need at the position, not when the entire defensive philosophy had been built around two stud interior defenders.

Edge Rusher

Aaron Lynch looks like the real deal, which is great, but he’s only one man. The 49ers had the fifth-fewest sacks in the league last season, and while it’s possible Eli Harold grows into the role, as it were, adding some more talent here wouldn’t go amiss.

Cornerback

The 49ers have a number of fine second and nickel corners on the roster, but they lack that true shutdown guy who can take away an opponent’s top receiver. With so many needs, it’s unlikely the 49ers will find space to draft such a player, but they should at least be considering it if the value’s there.

Next: Potential First Round Picks