Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Reevaluating 6 team needs in the 2018 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Wide Receiver

San Francisco completely overhauled its crop of wide receivers from last season, even parting ways with its leading receiver in 2016, Jeremy Kerley.

As of now, veteran wideout Pierre Garçon is serving as the team’s No. 1 passing target. That’s fine, especially considering his 142 yards on seven receptions in Week 3. But at 31 years old, Garçon is little more than a short-term option at best. Ideally, the Niners would be using him as a No. 2 target, not a featured receiver.

We still haven’t seen the dynamic playmaking abilities from wide receiver Marquise Goodwin either, aside from the preseason.

And while rookie wideout Trent Taylor has some promise working out of the slot, it’s pretty easy to see how San Francisco’s offense could benefit from a true top-tier receiver on the outside. Right now, the offense is getting by with some No. 2 and No. 3 guys.

It is important to note head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense predicates speed and the ability to get guys open via scheme.

So any 49ers targets have to be excellent route-runners and have the reliability to create separation while working within the system.