Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 positions to upgrade and how to upgrade them

By Jeremy Wohlfart

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 18: Guard Daniel Kilgore #67 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks on October 18, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 13-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 18: Guard Daniel Kilgore #67 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks on October 18, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 13-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Interior Line

Why this position must be addressed:

I’m going to cheat slightly and include both interior line positions here, as they generally require the same attention by the Niners.

The Niners need to upgrade all three positions on the line, but luckily they have several ways to do so.

How it can be addressed:

I’ve talked before about Quenton Nelson and Bradley Bozeman, and if both were available I would not be shocked to see them double dip. Both guys would instantly upgrade arguably the two biggest holes on the Niners roster. If one or both of these prospects don’t go to San Francisco, Will Hernandez from UTEP is someone to watch and has met with the Niners.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 26: Andrew Norwell #68 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 26: Andrew Norwell #68 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

If the Niners go for a veteran, elite guard Andrew Norwell of the Carolina Panthers could be the best offensive line free agent in a very long time, and I’ve no doubt whatsoever the Niners will at least consider him.

Norwell is due a big contract, but at only 26 years old, could be a long-term protector for Jimmy Garoppolo.