The San Francisco 49ers were far more active in the opening waves of free agency than they were a year ago at this time, bringing aboard several well-known players, including wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.
At the same time, though, general manager John Lynch and Co. left other needs relatively untouched. In light of parallel developments, one has to wonder if the Niners are merely tabling those needs until April's NFL Draft.
Perhaps so.
Evans and Kirk provide a case example. Wide receiver was viewed as a glaring need for San Francisco, particularly in light of Brandon Aiyuk's imminent departure, Jauan Jennings not re-signing and Ricky Pearsall's inconsistent health. Rather than pivot to the draft to address that need, the additions of both Evans and Kirk likely table the 49ers' interest in a wideout early in the draft.
The trade for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa indicates the Niners are set with the interior of their defensive line. Additionally, reuniting with Dre Greenlaw while signing Brett Toth, Vederian Lowe and Robert Jones helped address linebacker and offensive line depth, thereby tabling those pressing needs.
But, what about the positional needs that weren't addressed? What's remaining to be solved by the draft?
Predicting 49ers' plans for the NFL Draft post free agency
San Francisco owns two picks in the top 100, kickstarting with No. 27 overall but not having a selection in Round 3 after the Odighizuwa trade. Assuming Lynch will bank on finding starting-caliber players in Rounds 1 and 2, grabbing a wide receiver early only makes sense if one of the elite names somehow falls toward the end of the first round.
Same with an offensive tackle, given the 49ers continue to make overtures about a contractual resolution with left tackle Trent Williams.
Going with the same logic about grabbing day-one starters in the first two rounds, unless the Niners plan on drafting a lineman early and starting him at left guard before eventually taking over for Williams, it's reasonable to assume a tackle won't be the pick at No. 27 either.
Even though plenty of pundits and mocks suggest otherwise.
Effectively, there were two neeful positions that weren't touched by San Francisco's free agency moves: safety and an outside pass-rusher. At safety, the 49ers lost Jason Pinnock to the New York Giants and have the trio of Malik Mustapha, Ji'Ayir Brown and second-year pro Marques Sigle as viable options, and there's plenty of room for doubt there.
On the edge, particularly following Bryce Huff's sudden retirement at age 27, there isn't a proven No. 2 opposite defensive end Nick Bosa, especially with Mykel Williams expected to kick inside on obvious passing downs. And both players are coming off torn ACLs last season, too, highlighting the need for an impact player.
Based on that assessment, one could conclude the Niners are seeking a pass-rusher and a safety with their first two picks.
Unless Lynch simply goes with the tried-and-true "best player remaining" strategy, thereby fooling us all.