San Francisco 49ers: Full preview for the 2018 NFL Draft

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Russell Wilson #75 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Positional needs

Getting to the passer

Right now, San Francisco’s biggest hole in the defense is the EDGE rusher position. The team signed Jeremiah Attaochu in free agency, and brought back Cassius Marsh, but that’s basically it for pass-rushing specialists. Safe to say a lot of question marks still remain.

Protecting the $137.5 million dollar man

The offensive line will need to be addressed as well, particularly the interior portion. Weston Richburg is the future at center, but nothing is settled at both left and right guard. Although the 49ers are set for this next season at tackle with Joe Staley and Trent Brown, both are approaching critical points in their careers.

Bolstering the secondary

Yes, San Francisco did just sign cornerback Richard Sherman in free agency. And Ahkello Witherspoon has shown to be reliable. Sherman is coming off a major injury though and will be hitting his mid 30s soon. Depth is needed outside of both Sherman and Witherspoon.

Here are the rest of the needs that I’ve ranked in terms of importance:

4. Linebacker

5. Safety

6. Wide receiver

7. Running back