The San Francisco 49ers have made a splash in free agency this year, bringing in notable names like wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. This marks a shift from their quieter approach last season. With these additions, general manager John Lynch has addressed some key areas, but there are still gaps to fill, likely pointing towards the upcoming NFL Draft.
Evans and Kirk's arrival addresses the pressing need at wide receiver, especially with Brandon Aiyuk's potential departure, Jauan Jennings not re-signing, and Ricky Pearsall's injury concerns. These moves suggest the 49ers might not prioritize a wideout early in the draft.
The trade for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa solidifies the defensive line's interior, and re-signing Dre Greenlaw along with adding Brett Toth, Vederian Lowe, and Robert Jones bolsters the linebacker and offensive line depth. However, some positions remain unaddressed.
Looking ahead to the draft, the 49ers hold two top-100 picks, starting with No. 27 overall. While some speculate they might target a wide receiver or offensive tackle, the focus could shift depending on available talent. With left tackle Trent Williams in ongoing contract talks, selecting a tackle at No. 27 seems unlikely unless they plan for a future transition.
The glaring needs left untouched are at safety and edge rusher. The departure of Jason Pinnock to the Giants leaves the safety position uncertain, with Malik Mustapha, Ji'Ayir Brown, and Marques Sigle as options. On the edge, Bryce Huff's sudden retirement and the health of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, both coming off ACL injuries, highlight the need for a strong pass-rusher.
Given these dynamics, it appears the 49ers might target a pass-rusher and a safety with their first two picks. Of course, Lynch could always surprise with a "best player available" approach, keeping everyone guessing.