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2017 NFL Draft: Ranking the 49ers 5 Biggest Needs Four Weeks into Season

By Peter Panacy

Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (77) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (77) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Defensive Line

Wait, so why would the 49ers want to invest yet another pick in their defensive line? They’ve already spent back-to-back first-overall picks on defensive linemen over the last two years (Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner).

Well, that’s a reason why this group ranks No. 5 and not any higher.

Yet it doesn’t mean it isn’t a need at all. Currently, the 49ers are employing Mike Purcell at the nose tackle position. And San Francisco is being gashed by opponents’ running games up the middle.

Purcell is a good backup. As a starter? No.

Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco is realizing how much it misses nose tackle Ian Williams (ankle), who is out for the season on injured reserve. He’ll be a free agent in 2017, but health questions could convince the 49ers to look elsewhere.

Stuffing the run at the point of attack, especially in sub packages, will be critical for a Niners defense currently ranking dead last in yards allowed on the ground.