49ers: Breaking Down Biggest NFL Draft Needs after Round 3

2017 NFL Draft: Breaking Down 49ers’ Biggest Needs after Round 3

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) runs the football during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

Many people felt that addressing the safety position would’ve been done with the second pick overall. Regardless of frequent talks that the 49ers would draft Solomon Thomas, adding a free safety seemed like a no-brainer.

The 4-3 defense that Robert Saleh brings to the table can only succeed with a true ball hawk anchoring the secondary. The pick not only seemed to fit the label of best player available, it also fits the scheme for the upcoming season.

Prior to the draft, Jimmie Ward moved back to his original position of safety. Even then the pick still looked like it would be Malik Hooker or Jamal Adams. Now it appears that after the first two days of picks Ward has been penciled in as the starter.

There’s still a chance that the 49ers will draft a safety on day three.

By now, It’s safe to say that the 49ers feel comfortable at the position. However, due to the pre-draft hype it’s only natural to consider the position as an option.

Next: Wide Receiver