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

By Peter Panacy

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
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 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Wilson was injured on the play. The Seahawks won 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Wilson was injured on the play. The Seahawks won 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Edge Rusher

While cornerback is a priority, the 49ers have long gotten away with a strong front-seven defense and just OK defensive backs. When San Francisco’s front seven were good, this worked.

But the problem in recent years has been the lack of an edge pass rush.

Linebacker Aaron Lynch, the team’s best pass-rusher, was a shell of himself this season and recorded just 1.5 sacks. He missed time too, both due to suspension and an ankle injury, and was out of shape.

Veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks could easily be a cut candidate this offseason, and it’s hard to say we’ve seen enough out of fellow OLB Eli Harold.

And edge rusher Tank Carradine has been a complete bust.

Free-Agent Targets

  • Nick Perry
  • Trent Cole
  • Jarvis Jones
  • Chandler Jones
  • Datone Jones

NFL Draft Targets

  • Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
  • Derek Barnett, Tennessee
  • Charles Harris, Missouri
  • T.J. Watt, Wisconsin
  • Tim Williams, Alabama