Addressing 49ers Needs and Top Free Agents Still Available

Sourdough Sam

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Mar 20, 2019
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Offensive Line


Top available: Demar Dotson, Cordy Glenn, James Hurst, Ronald Leary, Jason Peters, Daryl Williams


On the 49ers Roster: Kofi Amichia, Jake Brendel, Daniel Brunskill, Shon Coleman, Jaryd Jones-Smith, Mike McGlinchey, Ross Reynolds, Weston Richburg, Joe Staley, Laken Tomlinson, Leonard Wester, Justin Skule


Analysis: San Francisco already moved on from right guard Mike Person and could seek the benefit of a veteran free agent. The team recently tendered offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill, who made several starts at both tackle spots and guard at various points last season. Brunskill, who was an integral part of the 49ers success last season, could assume a larger role in 2020.


This year's draft is also expected to have a surplus of high-end offensive line talent where the 49ers can add depth and/or address the void at right guard. San Francisco could seek the eventual replacement for veteran left tackle Joe Staley. Staley signed a two-year contract extension last June and in his fourteenth NFL season, enters the final year of his contract.


Priority: High


Defensive Line


Top available: Jadeveon Clowney, Markus Golden, Everson Griffen, Clay Matthews, Cameron Wake, Shelby Harris, Damon Harrison, Margus Hunt, Brandon Mebane


On the 49ers Roster: Arik Armstead, Alex Barnett, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, Kevin Givens, Willie Henry Jr., Kerry Hyder, D.J. Jones, Jonathan Kongbo, Kentavius Street, Solomon Thomas, Ray Smith, Jullian Taylor


Analysis: The biggest question for the 49ers this offseason is how they will replace DeForest Buckner. Depth was a strength of the 49ers defensive line last season and appears to still be the case despite the trade. In addition to Arik Armstead, San Francisco re-signed defensive lineman Ronald Blair III, who has experience playing multiple spots along the defensive line.


The 49ers also signed former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Kerry Hyder as an additional depth piece. The 49ers could seek an affordable option in free agency or seek an interior presence through the draft.


Priority: Low


Linebacker


Top available: Mark Barron, Anthony Chickillo, Kareem Martin, Alec Ogletree, Reggie Ragland


On the 49ers Roster: Azeez Al-Shaair, Kwon Alexander, Joey Alfieri, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Dre Greenlaw, Mark Nzeocha, Fred Warner


Analysis: Kwon Alexander, Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw each made significant contributions in 2019. Alexander became an intangible asset to the 49ers defense while Warner took a major leap in Year 2. Greenlaw stepped up when called upon, starting in place of Alexander who missed seven games with a torn pectoral. He also became the unsung hero to San Francisco's postseason path.


San Francisco also saw production out of Al-Shaair, the undrafted rookie who beat our several veterans for a spot on the 49ers 53-man roster. The 49ers agreed to terms with inside linebacker Joe Walker this week, who made 11 starts with the Arizona Cardinals last season and was a key contributor on special teams.


As it stands, San Francisco appears set with their talent at linebacker, unless they see undeniable talent to bolster the position in the draft.


Priority: Low


Cornerback


Top available: Prince Amukamara, Bashaud Breeland, Ronald Darby, Johnathan Joseph, Xavier Rhodes, Logan Ryan


On the 49ers Roster: Tim Harris, Jermaine Kelly, Emmanuel Moseley, Richard Sherman, Teez Tabor, K'Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon


Analysis: San Francisco saw production from two of their young corners in 2019. Witherspoon and Moseley both saw snaps opposite Sherman at various points in the season and aided in San Francisco's second-ranked passing defense.


Sherman will enter the final year of his contract with the 49ers after returning to elite form. Sherman allowed a passer rating of just 45.3 en route to a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors. While the 49ers have the option of extending the corner beyond 2020, there's a possibility the 49ers could add another veteran to play opposite Sherman, or seek his potential successor in the draft.


Priority: Medium


Safety


Top available: Morgan Burnett, Blake Countess, A.J. Howard, Tony Jefferson, Colin Jones, Reshad Jones, Damarious Randall, Eric Reid


On the 49ers Roster: Chris Edwards, Marcell Harris, Derrick Kindred, Tarvarius Moore, D.J. Reed Jr., Jaquiski Tartt, Jacob Thieneman, Jimmie Ward


Analysis: One of the biggest questions heading into the offseason was the future of free safety Jimmie Ward. His free agency decisions would ultimately determine the 49ers offseason plans. The 49ers re-signed Ward to a three-year contract extension this week, keeping the free safety in San Francisco for the foreseeable future.


Priority: Low-Medium
 
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