The San Francisco 49ers have been making waves in free agency, but there are still some gaps to fill as they look ahead to the NFL Draft. General Manager John Lynch seems to be banking on the draft to complete the puzzle, and that might just be a savvy move.
The Niners knew they needed to bolster their wide receiver corps, and they did just that by bringing in seasoned pros Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. While these additions are promising, a few significant needs remain unaddressed.
Safety Concerns
Last season, the secondary found itself in hot water, largely due to a pass rush that was more of a gentle breeze. Young safeties Malik Mustapha, Ji'Ayir Brown, and Marques Sigle were left exposed.
Former 49er Richard Sherman hasn't been shy about pointing out the need for reinforcements in this area. With new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris at the helm, veteran free agents might still be on the radar.
Dillon Thieneman from Oregon could be a draft target, especially considering the Niners’ past success with Deommodore Lenoir, another Duck alum.
Edge Rusher Needs
A healthy Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams will undoubtedly boost the edge, but the 49ers are still looking for more firepower. Joey Bosa remains a potential free-agent target, offering a blend of talent and affordability.
Meanwhile, draft projections, like those from Matt Barrows of The Athletic, suggest that Miami’s Akheem Mesidor could be in the Niners’ sights for their first-round pick. Strengthening the defensive line seems to be a priority.
Tight End Depth
With George Kittle's availability at the start of next season in question, adding depth at tight end is on the agenda. A veteran on a one-year deal could provide a reliable stopgap.
Although top prospect Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon might be off the board by the time the Niners pick, Stanford’s Sam Roush could be a solid choice, especially with his run-blocking prowess. Retaining Jake Tonges, who stepped up when Kittle was sidelined, means the position isn’t in dire straits, but more depth wouldn’t hurt.
Lynch and his team have some time to address these needs, but filling these gaps will be crucial to avoid feeling shorthanded as the next season approaches. The pieces are almost there; now it’s about completing the puzzle.