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FanSided

49ers: Ranking Positional Priorities for the 2017 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and chief executive officer Jed York 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, head coach Kyle Shanahan and chief executive officer Jed York pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (4) scores a field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The New Orleans Saints defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (4) scores a field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The New Orleans Saints defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Special Teams

It is tough to rank special teams as a requirement for a team that legitimately needs to make additions everywhere, but there is no doubt it is always better to add rookies who have the experience on special teams and the willingness to make an impact in that area of the game.

The Niners have already added a number of special teams guys in free agency with linebackers Dekoda Watson and Brock Coyle as well as safety Don Jones, and the introduction of some rookies who can contribute in the third facet of the game should help boost a unit that ranked No. 17 in special teams DVOA last season, according to Football Outsiders.