49ers: Ranking Positional Priorities for the 2017 NFL Draft

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Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Zane Beadles (68) holds off New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) while San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) holds off New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) ahead of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Offensive Line

Investment in the offensive line has been heavy in recent times, and that must continue to be the case for a Niners team still in need of pieces up front.

While the trade for center Jeremy Zuttah has added depth to the interior, there is still a hole at left guard and, on the outside, it is still far from certain Trent Brown is the answer at right tackle, particularly with Shanahan’s system demanding athleticism from his linemen.

Add in the fact that left tackle Joe Staley will be 33 by the time the season starts and there is little excuse for the 49ers, even in a poor O-Line draft, not to add to the trenches.