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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 5 players to target for 2019

By Timothy L. Miller

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants stands on the sidelines during their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants stands on the sidelines during their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after sacking Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after sacking Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Linebacker Anthony Barr

Outside of Fred Warner the 49ers linebacking corps is littered with unknowns.

Now there are promising linebackers in this year’s draft who have first-round grades. Devin White of LSU and Devin Bush of Michigan both have high upsides. Neither are worth choosing with the second overall selection, however. Especially when the team has a glaring pass-rushing need, and the draft looks to be filled with potential pass-rushers.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley is the best potential free agent at the position. The Ravens are not going to be using the franchise tag on him. Expectations are that he will remain a Raven.

Next. 5 free agents the San Francisco 49ers need to avoid in 2019. dark

Linebacker Anthony Barr of the Minnesota Vikings will be changing teams, most likely. The four-time, Pro Bowl California native is versatile, athletic, durable and 27 years old. This checks all the boxes for the 49ers.

This acquisition is closer to necessity than an option for San Francisco if the defense is to improve.