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5 Needs the San Francisco 49ers Failed to Address in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) is carted off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns defeated the 49ers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) is carted off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns defeated the 49ers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Safety

The NFL Draft had a number of decent wide receiver options, but this year’s class offered a bevvy of safety prospects from which to choose.

As things turned out, general manager John Lynch avoided his prior NFL position altogether. Except for undrafted free agent, St. Francis’ Lorenzo Jerome.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

In all likelihood, the 49ers will rely on Eric Reid at strong safety and converted cornerback Jimmie Ward as the team’s free safety this season. Reid should benefit from a move down into the box within coordinator Robert Saleh’s Cover 3 scheme. And Ward played his respective position in college, so it shouldn’t be too hard an adjustment.

But injuries could be a factor here. Ward has already missed 13 games over his three-year career, and Reid hasn’t fared much better. He missed six last season.

Also complicating matters is the fact Reid enters a contract year in 2017. While the added motivation will be nice, his possible replacement is anything but determined. Third-year pro Jaquiski Tartt has been a disappointment and may not be suitable for a long-term solution.

If both incumbents remain healthy and are able to contribute at a likable level, things should be fine.

Yet one setback could put San Francisco’s defense into a dire situation.