49ers offseason: 5 roster moves San Francisco should make in 2018

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown as Brandon Powell #4 of the Florida Gators defends in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Go Defense in Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft

Yes, another first-round defensive selection by the 49ers in the NFL Draft.

OK, the Niners will be doing this for the sixth year in a row. But it isn’t as if there aren’t needs on this side of the ball. And if the last five weeks of 2017 weren’t enough evidence, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense operates effectively enough against above-average defenses.

San Francisco owns either the ninth or 10th overall pick in the draft — the order to be determined by a coin flip with the Oakland Raiders.

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And with so many teams likely looking to land franchise-type quarterbacks, that only means the Niners will benefit from other top-10 prospect dropping in order.

There are two pressing needs here — cornerback and a pass-rusher.

Among the top picks to fill these needs, one might consider Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, who could easily be this year’s Marshon Lattimore. Or, if the pass rush is viewed as a higher priority, a player like North Carolina State’s Bradley Chubb could be the target. He likely won’t make it past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 7, though.

Either way, general manager John Lynch’s big board should have defense atop the list. Solving secondary shortcomings and addressing the pass rush should be high on the priority list.

Next: 5 prospects the 49ers can target in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

And if these issues are addressed, the Niners should emerge from the offseason as a legitimate playoff contender.