49ers NFL Draft: 5 prospects by position to target with No. 12 pick

The 49ers have a number of needs to address in the 2021 NFL Draft, so let’s go through and break down the top target by each position of need.

At this point, it’s anyone’s estimated guess what the San Francisco 49ers will do with their top pick, No. 12 overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Trade-ups, trade-downs and/or going after one of a number of different positions of need should all be on general manager John Lynch’s mind between now and April 29. And with nearly 40 players hitting some sort of NFL free agency this offseason, along with some glaring holes in need of upgrades, there should be no shortage of routes available when the Niners’ number is called in Round 1.

Granted, there will be 11 other tough decisions to be made before San Francisco gets to pick, barring a trade-up. Yet Lynch and the 49ers front office already has a big board in place with ideas who should be the next first-round selection by San Francisco.

Still, it helps to understand what the Niners’ top draft needs are. So, in that regard, let’s break down San Francisco’s preferred pick by each of the top five positional needs heading towards this year’s NFL Draft.

Starting off with a less-appearing, but the still-possible need for the offense: tight end.

49ers NFL Draft Target No. 5: Tight End Kyle Pitts, Florida

The 49ers made it clear last offseason they were in the market for a tight end to complement their All-Pro, George Kittle. As things shook out, the team added a rookie, Charlie Woerner, and a veteran, Jordan Reed.

Reed is a free agent in 2021, while Woerner remains solely a run-blocking depth piece.

While it wouldn’t appear the Niners are in desperate need for another tight end, going after Florida’s Kyle Pitts might be too good a thing to pass up.

There are some draft analysts who feel the 6-foot-6, 240-pound prospect isn’t just the best tight end in this year’s class but also the best pure pass-catcher including wide receivers. In short, Pitts is a mismatch nightmare. And even with Kittle and fellow wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in tow, it’s more than enticing to envision a player of Pitts’ caliber in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

San Francisco can’t exactly afford luxury additions this offseason. But in Pitts’ case, he could be a massive difference-maker.