San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest Roster Needs Heading into 2017 Offseason

By Peter Panacy | Jan 6, 2017

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Cornerback

Cornerback shouldn’t have been a pressing need for the 49ers this offseason, considering how many defensive backs former general manager Trent Baalke has stockpiled in recent years.

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Sadly, only corners Jimmie Ward and Rashard Robinson are the only true standouts from this position. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ward move back to his natural safety position at some point in the not-so-distant future.

Veteran corner Tramaine Brock is an OK figure here. While 2016 saw him beat infrequently, when he was beat, Brock was beat bad.

Unless the Niners are banking on guys like Will Redmond and Dontae Johnson to suddenly turn the corner, they need to find some playmakers from this position right away.

Free-Agent Targets

Trumaine Johnson
Prince Amukamara
Morris Claiborne
Stephon Gilmore

NFL Draft Targets

Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Quincy Wilson, Florida
Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
Adoree Jackson, USC
Sidney Jones, Washington