Niner Noise
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
49ers Gabbert Kaepernick
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) talk on the sidelines in the game against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Texans won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Quarterback

Did you really think the No. 1 need would be anything else?

San Francisco’s quarterback situation is a mess. Blaine Gabbert is currently ranked No. 33 out of 34 qualifying QBs, according to Pro Football Focus. And it’s pretty clear he’s not capable of giving the team much more than what’s been seen this season.

OK, so why not make the switch to backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick? Head coach Chip Kelly was supposed to be the guy who resurrected Kap’s career, right?

Not exactly. Kelly’s offenses are predicated on well-timed passes and accuracy — two aspects which aren’t Kaepernick’s strengths. While there’s always the remote possibility of a Kap resurgence, the likelihood of this is more hope than reality.

More from Niner Noise

One could argue the quarterback need is less pressing than the defense. Maybe it is. But the Niners don’t even have a project in the grooming phase, unlike many other teams with quarterbacking questions facing them this season.

And until the 49ers find a reliable and consistent guy under center, Kelly will be missing a key cog within his offense.

Next: 49ers Run Defense Emerging as the No. 1 Problem

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.