49ers: San Francisco’s 2017 Offseason Big Board, version 2.0

Updated Team Needs

The teams previous team needs in order from most to least pressing were the following:

Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Inside Linebacker, Tight End, Backup Running Back

Left off this list were the NT and EDGE positions. At the time, the defensive coordinator position was not yet filled. While the nose and 3-4 outside linebacker positions could certainly be upgraded, they were not as pressing as the five positions outlined above.

However, much has changed since that first version of the Niner Noise big board.

For one, we now know for sure that the 49ers will be going to a base 4-3 under defense under DC Robert Saleh. Also, per their own website, the 49ers have signed a whopping 20 free agents to date. In essence, the 49ers new commanding generals have made it so that they no longer have to  do anything at certain positions this year.

For example, by signing journeyman QB Brian Hoyer and backup QB Matt Barkley, the 49ers have no pressing need to draft a QB in the upcoming draft. The same line of thinking applies to the wide receiver position. They signed Pro Football Focus’ top-rated wide receiver in WR Pierre Garcon along with two super-fast WRs in Aldrick Robinson and Marquise Goodwin.

So, what are their top five areas of improvement now? Well, it surely blurs the top needs a bit. Here is our assessment of the 49ers’ five needs and the best courses of action to address them in the following slides.

Quarterback, LEO (EDGE), Cornerback, Nose Tackle, Wide Receiver