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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking top 3 offensive needs ahead of NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 19: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers take the field during introductions prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Packers 37-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 19: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers take the field during introductions prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Packers 37-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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Emmanuel Sanders, Deebo Samuel, 49ers
Emmanuel Sanders #17 and Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Wide Receiver

While the first two needs on this list are of the “could be” variety, the overwhelming top need the Niners have on offense in this year’s draft is at wide receiver. Especially after losing the veteran, Emmanuel Sanders, to the New Orleans Saints in free agency.

Essentially, the 49ers have two other proven options: Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne, with the latter being more of a situational player capable of making substantial impacts in the red zone.

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Wide receivers Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd are both returning from serious injuries, and their respective recoveries and abilities will cast doubt on any would-be impact in 2020.

Meanwhile, fellow wideout Dante Pettis all but disappeared from Kyle Shanahan’s offense last year, and Pettis was even a Super Bowl inactive.

It’s a good thing this year’s NFL Draft is tremendously deep at wide receiver, boasting plenty of first-round talent through the first two-plus rounds. Many of the names at the top, such as Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb or Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, look to be the next cast of NFL greats at the position.

There are plenty of watchable names behind this trio, too.

San Francisco could easily use the No. 13 overall pick on one of these three players. Or it’s possible the No. 31 overall pick is used on one of the still-very-good second-tier wideouts to be had on the fringes of Round 1.

Next. 5 sleeper targets for 49ers on Day 3 of 2020 NFL Draft. dark

Either way, it’ll be shocking if the 49ers avoid a wide receiver altogether in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft, which kicks off on Thursday, April 23.