Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers 2017 Offseason Big Board version 1.0

By Eric Gamboa

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) runs the ball as San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) tries to make the tackle during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention

The 49ers could also address the nose tackle and 3-4 outside linebacker positions. However, per Bleacher Report, head coach Kyle Shanahan is reportedly leaning towards hiring Robert Saleh. Saleh was Gus Bradley’s linebacker’s coach in Jacksonville.

Bradley ran a 4-3 defensive scheme in Jacksonville just like he did as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Saleh was also with Bradley in Seattle during this time. If Saleh does indeed sign on to be the 49ers next DC, the team will no longer have a pressing need at the nose or 3-4 outside linebacker positions.

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Without knowing for sure the defensive front, the 49ers cannot plan to sign free agents or draft any NTs or edge rushers. The 49ers also have two prototypical 3-4 defensive ends whose size may hinder their ability as 4-3 defensive ends.

As was the case last year, the hiring of the defensive coordinator will be a major hire for first-time head coach Kyle Shanahan.

For more 49ers commentary, follow me on Twitter at @EricGamboa01 or on Facebook at @EricGamboaNinerNoise.

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Next: Why OLB Melvin Ingram Is a Must Have for the 49ers in NFL Free Agency

And, of course, GO NINERS!!!