What will 49ers do with first NFL Draft pick after free agency?

The 49ers made strides to keep their core intact via NFL free agency, and those moves now impact what John Lynch will do in the NFL Draft.

The San Francisco 49ers weren’t afraid to be big spenders when it came to the opening waves of NFL free agency, although the bulk of general manager John Lynch’s moves were intended to “keep the band together,” as he ensured Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams wouldn’t leave town, inking him to a record-setting six-year deal, while also locking up fullback Kyle Juszczyk on a new five-year contract.

Additionally, Lynch retained nose tackle D.J. Jones, cornerbacks Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley, while also adding reserve EDGE Samson Ebukam and veteran center Alex Mack.

Quite a lot of action, putting it mildly.

As of March 18, according to Over the Cap and without some of the above deals being made official, the Niners have just over $13 million in cap space at the start of the league new year. And while some other low-budget free agents could still be on Lynch’s radar, it’s likely the blockbuster moves are all but over.

Now, aside from perhaps a handful of other free-agent additions, San Francisco will turn the bulk of its attention to the upcoming NFL Draft this April.

The 49ers still own the No. 12 overall pick in the draft, the first of nine selections Lynch will have at his disposal. Retaining Williams means a lot, potentially eliminating the need to grab an offensive tackle with their first pick.

With the focus on that top pick centering on positions not addressed in free agency, what will the Niners do?

Let’s take a look at some possible options.