Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers’ To-Do List in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general view of San Francisco 49ers flags during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general view of San Francisco 49ers flags during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) points out to the defense against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) points out to the defense against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Add Quarterback Competition

I’m still not sold on the 49ers adding a quarterback with their first pick in the draft. In Rounds 2 through 4? Maybe. But even that would negate some other areas of glaring need.

For starters, this year’s QB draft class isn’t particularly good or deep. It’s hard to envision any prospect as a true day-one starter. And remember, both John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan were given six-year deals. They don’t have to rush into drafting a quarterback.

Especially if they decide Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins is the guy they want to have in free agency a year from now.

More from Niner Noise

So that all but means Brian Hoyer will be the starting quarterback for the 49ers in 2017. That isn’t bad, necessarily. Hoyer worked under Shanahan when the latter was the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator in 2014.

Still, the Niners would be wise to add some additional competition to battle with Hoyer and perceived backup Matt Barkley.

Next: 2017 NFL Draft: 7-Round Mock for the 49ers

San Francisco should spend a fifth- or a sixth-round pick on a prospective quarterback to compete for the No. 3 slot or, at least, a spot on the practice squad.