Ranking 49ers' top 5 positional needs entering 2024 offseason
By Peter Panacy
49ers need No. 3: Defensive line
Yes, San Francisco needs to invest more in the defensive line. Again.
The 49ers' top two interior linemen, Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead, are both under contract next season. But the depth behind them is lacking, particularly if fellow defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw walks in free agency, and Armstead has dealt with both foot and knee injuries the last two seasons that have seriously cut into his availability.
Then there's the edge-rushing need.
All-Pro Nick Bosa remains a presence and will continue to be one for the Niners for years to come. But it's been a revolving door on the opposite side of the line. Arden Key, Charles Omenihu and Samson Ebukam are some of the edge names who have come and gone, while Clelin Ferrell, Randy Gregory and Chase Young are all ticketed for free agency this offseason, too.
Unless San Francisco is banking on soon-to-be third-year pro Drake Jackson finally taking that next step forward, which seems doubtful after a disappointing two years, it'll be yet another case of top D-line investment.