No. 1: Cornerback Kyle Fuller, Chicago Bears
If it weren’t for Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller, this list could solely be about offensive lineman the 49ers could target if those players were cut.
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San Francisco has only one proven cornerback on its roster, Rashard Robinson, and even he looked iffy during the team’s first game of the preseason versus the Chiefs.
Fuller, a former first-round pick with six interceptions over his career, missed all of 2016 with a knee injury. And with Chicago bringing in some veteran free agents at the position, Fuller might wind up being an expendable piece.
This is what ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson suggested, and there’s already rumors the Bears are shopping him for a late-round pick.
Fuller has started 30 of 32 games since breaking into the league and also has 19 passes defended on his resume. If healthy, he’d immediately be an upgrade over San Francisco’s other corners possibly starting, Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser.
Next: 5 biggest 49ers preseason storylines to watch in 2017
The Niners could be patient or go with a trade scenario to reinforce this pressing area of need this season.