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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 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) misses the catch against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Lev'i's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) misses the catch against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Lev’i’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Wide Receiver

Unlike the previous positions, San Francisco has almost zero depth and playmaking ability at wide receiver heading into 2017.

It’s a position largely avoided by now-fired GM Trent Baalke in years prior. And this has come back to bite the 49ers in a big, painful way.

Aside from No. 1 wideout Torrey Smith, who has seen back-to-back career-low years in 2015 and 2016, the Niners don’t boast anyone against whom opponents will scheme in the receiving game. And it isn’t as if the team should be counting on younger guys like DeAndre Smelter or Aaron Burbridge to make a significant impact. They’re depth receivers at best right now.

Free-Agent Targets

  • Alshon Jeffery
  • Michael Floyd
  • Kendall Wright
  • Terrelle Pryor
  • Russell Shepard

NFL Draft Targets

  • Mike Williams, Clemson
  • John Ross, Washington
  • Courtland Sutton, SMU
  • Corey Davis, Western Michigan
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC
  • Malachi Dupre, LSU
  • Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech