Everyone knows what has been going on with some 49ers players this offseason, and all these incidences directly affect their draft plans. The team had a relatively quiet offseason signing wise, but trades for Blaine Gabbert, and Jonathan Martin, although not likely to be much in the long term, were mild surprises.
With Chris Culliver’s incident, and his previous incidents, and comments, it’s unlikely he is in the long-term plans for the team, which makes corner an even bigger need than previously thought. Along with that, Aldon Smith’s off field incidents have left him facing a suspension, and he’s also likely not in the teams long-term plans. These create needs at pass rusher, corner, that weren’t as big of problems before the offseason. Add all that to the fact that the team still needs receiver help, and you see some big holes on the NFC runner ups from last year.
Major Needs
Cornerback: As previously stated with the Culliver situation, corner is a need, but it’s not just because of his genius decisions. The team cut Carlos Rogers awhile back due to his age and his cap number, and a replacement at slot corner is desperately needed. Those two situations make it look bleak, but add in Tarell Brown leaving for the Raiders, and that’s a position that faces a ton of turnover.
Wide Receiver: This one is easy, the 49ers offense could not get things done with Michael Crabtree coming back from injury, and need a receiver that can step into that role, it’s also possible Crabtree leaves after the 2014 season in free agency. Anquan Boldin is getting up there in age, and newly signed Brandon Lloyd may not even make the team, a new weapon is needed.
Pass Rusher: The 49ers finished tied for18th in sacks last season, with the Raiders. Let that sink it, now add in the fact that Aldon Smith is facing suspension, and the last year of his contract, and adding another pass rusher becomes a pretty big need.
Safety: Although not the team’s biggest need, especially with the signing of Antoine Bethea, it’s still a hole. Bethea will be 30 when the season starts, and may only be on the team for one year with how his contract is built, so getting a long term replacement to play alongside Eric Reid is important.
Day One Targets
Brandin Cooks: Not just a deep threat, Cooks can do it all. Adding him to the mix at receiver will give the 49ers a great and dangerous spread. Often looked at as a top five receiver, it’s a good chance that he will be selected before the 49ers pick, but if he’s there, it’d be a solid move to grab him.
Mike Evans: If not the best receiver in the class, he’s the 1.b to Sammy Watkins 1.a. This would definitely require a trade up, but this would give the 49ers a big outside option that would be able to get off the press from those Seattle defensive backs.
Jason Verrett: Some players get left out of the media because of their play, and some it’s their size. When it comes to Verrett, it is strictly his size that bothers people. Verrett is the best corner in this class, he’s simply seen as short and that could keep him to a slot corner role, well the 49ers really need to replace Carlos Rogers who was their slot corner in 2013.
Jimmie Ward: Another one of those players that is seen as too small, but Ward can play like few can. He’s great in the passing game and the run game, making him a high commodity. Ward might need to be traded up for, but Ward could be a special player, and that’s worth it.
Day Two Targets
Weston Richburg: Center isn’t a huge need for the 49ers, as they very well could go into and through the season with Daniel Kilgore as their starter, but Richburg is a great center and could really upgrade that offensive line and make the guards play better.
James Gayle: Depending who you ask, Gayle could be a first round pick or a fourth round pick, but put on some film of him and you’ll see the potential he has. Gayle didn’t have gaudy sack numbers while at Virginia Tech, but with a better supporting cast, Gayle could flourish.
Lamarcus Joyner: Ah, yet again another small defensive back, Joyner could play corner and safety, and that kind of ability is special. Joyner would upgrade the secondary with his range and ability, but his size is likely to keep him away from playing safety.
Pierre Desir: Small school players usually have a tough transition into the NFL, especially if they’re coming from a Division II school, but Desire showed at the senior bowl that he has what it takes to match up with the boys from the big schools.
Davante Adams: A favorite among many 49er fans, seeing as he played at Fresno State, Adams has the ability to really upgrade their offense, and few high point the ball like Adams does.
Jordan Mathews: Another favorite among 49er fans, not because he’s a local kid, but he’s Jerry Rice’s cousin. Mathews suffered from less than ideal quarterback play at Vanderbilt, but he didn’t do his part as he dropped a decent amount of passes. Hopefully Mathews can put it all together at the next level.
Mid-to-Late Round Targets
Aaron Colvin: Put him in the 49ers redshirt program and get a healthy corner who many saw as a second or third round player before his injury. Colvin may miss the whole season because of his ACL injury at the senior bowl, but sitting out a year can be beneficial.
Brandon Thomas: Another candidate for the 49ers redshirt program. Thomas is highly thought of and can play both tackle and guard which is impressive. No matter what position you see him best at, it’s a position the 49ers could likely use help at over the upcoming years.
Storm Johnson: One of the countless running backs that are devalued by todays NFL, Storm could be available in the fifth or sixth rounds. His name is awesome and his play is even better, few running backs have his sort of vision.
Antone Exum: Exum is a very big corner, or a safety, depending who you ask, but his play compared to the other defensive backs in the draft is on par, where he doesn’t add up is medically, which is why he’ll likely be around in the fourth.
Solomon Patton: It’s very possible Patton goes undrafted, especially in such a deep receiver class. Patton is a small receiver, but he brings an added dimension in the return game and with it likely that LaMichael James isn’t on the team in 2014, another returner is needed.
Ben Gardner: Gardner is a Stanford boy, and although Jim Harbaugh has never really shown interest in players from his former employer, Gardner could be different. Gardner projects as a 3-4 defensive end, and he has impressive stack and shed ability, letting him compete for a spot would be a good move in the late rounds.
Final Seven-Round Mock
1.Jason Verrett, Cornerback, TCU
2a. Davante Adams, Wide Receiver, Fresno State
2b. Weston Richburg, Center, Colorado State
3a. James Gayle, Defensive End/ Outside Linebacker, Virginia Tech
3b. DaQuan Jones, Defensive Tackle, Penn State
3c. Antone Exum, Cornerback/Safety, Virginia Tech
4. Brandon Thomas, Offensive Guard, Clemson
5. Storm Johnson, Running Back, UCF
7. Solomon Patton, Wide Receiver, Florida