How would you rank our top 5 draft needs?

[Denver9erfan]

Obviously we're not going to draft on need basis if there's a great value at some lesser need, but I'm curious how people would rank our needs as of this date - pre-free agency.

Mine would be:

OLB - probably not going to be much free agent help here

WR - some ok options in FA so I could see us signing someone

Backup Olineman - someone who could take snyder's role as the first off the bench, sub anywhere guy since snyder will probably be starting at LG.

NT - franklin/sopo & fields sometimes can be servicable, but if there is a stud NT prospect (which I have no idea at this point), then this would move up to #2

ILB - Smith is getting older, and while he's not as bad as people on this board think, he still should have a replacement being groomed, and apparently moore can't handle being a ILB in our 3-4 scheme. Definite FA possibilty with all of this briggs talk lately.

CB - walt harris is on borrowed time, spencer seems to have regressed, Brown may be a good player for us, but in this league you need 2 good corners and a pretty decent NB, especially in the NFC West.

[majesstik1]

I'm going to answer with FAs and draft in mind. We need:

1. DEs (BY, Douglas, and Sop are all UFAs)
2. OLB (or a pass rush end, depending on what defensive scheme we're running next year)
3. RT (even if JJ is willing to make the move to the right, we'll need someone to step in when he inevitably gets injured)
4. NT (Franklin will be the only one on the roster)
5. WR (preferablly one who can return kicks)

[SBbound49ers]

WR - We have 0 playmakers on the outside. Vernon is anyones guess although with a competent QB and OC I think he'll be pretty good. Still, even the Chargers needed a WR to compliment LT and Gates.

OLB - Haralson is looking good but Manny still hasnt developed much of a pass rush. Personally, I dont like our 3-4 personnel at all and would much rather switch to the 4-3 but if we stay with the 3-4, OLB is a major need.

DE - With BY and Douglas most likely moving on, we'll need some DEs. I'd like to see Sopo resigned and moved to end but even then we'd need another end.

NT - This isnt an easy position to find and we have a ton of holes, another reason to et out of the 3-4. Anyway, for a 3-4 to work you have to have a monster NT and we dont right now.

QB - Smith is a bust and Dilfer stinks. I hope we bring in a FA QB or 2 and draft a QB in the 3rd round or so.

We have alot of holes so I'll go on past 5..........

OT - I think a duo of Staley at LT and Jennings at RT would be good enough but its anyones guess with Jennings. Depth is obviously not a bad thing on the o-line and a T/G prospect would be a good pick ala Adam Snyder.

ILB - Smith is just about done and Ulbrich is a backup. Moore is still a guy I like alot but Nolan and staff dont seem to like him in a 3-4 making ILB a large need as well.

OG - Snyder and Baas should be good enough to get by on but some backups never hurt. Good guards can be found late in the draft and I think thats where we should take one. Guard is a mentally challenging position. As we've seen, guys with a ton of physical talent, Baas and Smiley, havent been that great while late round picks and UDFAs (Brian Waters) are good players but they truly understand playing guard making them great value picks.

Thats all. :laugh:

[WildCardBound]

Hahaha, so were pretty solid at Kicker, Center and Corner? It might have been easier to name what we dont need.

[Got Five?]

D-line, WR, O-line, QB, KR and PR

[Ace Matherton]

1. DL, specifically DE a high prospect or FA
2. OL Dont like the depth or 1/2 the starters
3. FS Roman to me is too much a SS, and Lewis IMO has played to his contract.
4. WR/KR/PR Would rather get VIA FA to deal with less ???????'s and know they can contribut from day 1.
5. OLB~ most will feel its our biggest need but we are 20th in the league in sacks with 1 proficient 3-4 LB playing. I truly feel Manny and Willis completely change the look and abilities of the defense when they were together. I still see manny eclipsing D Ware in output if he stays healthy.
6. RB2 for me the MRob experiement is over.
7. QB ya probably the most important thing to fix but I dont see the team making a huge push for a big name nor have i given up on Smith. I do wwant major competition for him though.
8. ILB _ I like Smith, but we need a young guy in there when he is tired (which happens way too often)
9. NT I'd rather go for a prospect that can develop, rather than overpaying for another too hyped fat man.

[NinerRider]

Dl
Wr
Olb
Ol
Rb

[ManCans]

1. Defensive End: No doubt, the team will try to sign Justin Smith or Tommy Kelly in the offseason, and I believe Ray McDonald has a bright future. But if Kentwan Balmer were to fall into our lap, I don't see how we could pass him up.
2. Offensive Tackle: Personally, I think re-signing Kwame Harris should be a priority this offseason. Even so, we still need more depth at the position, and a future starter. Jeff Otah or Gosder Cherilus would be a terrific pickup.
3. Outside Linebacker: Haralson is coming on lately, and I think Jay Moore will be a very good role player/possible starter, but Banta-Cain is......meh. There's no way we could pass on Gholston or Groves, but my choice would be Shawn Crable.
4. Inside Linebacker: If the rumors are true, and we're able to get Lance Briggs in the offseason, I think we'd have the makings to be the best linebacking corps in the league. Still wouldn't mind picking up Ezra Butler as a long-term project.
5. Quarterback: I don't think there's a quarterback in free agency worth bringing in as the long-term solution, so I think drafting Joe Flacco would provide great competition for 2nd QB next season, and possibly compete for starter in 2009 with his toolset.

This list will obviously change after free agency. Wide receiver came close to making the list, but like Maj, I believe we need a returner-type receiver more than a number one (since there really aren't any clear-cut number ones in this draft). Besides, I'm still a firm believer that Vernon Davis should be our number one receiving option.

[Jerry's kid]

Based on prospects and FA, I think its time to switch back to a 4-3

Too late. That would put us way back its better to just forge ahead at this point. Another round of FA and the draft and the D could turn a corner next year.

The thing about this thread is that its almost impossible to be wrong. It would be esier to rate what we need the least.

I would go with: OL DL OLB WR QB FS HB ILB CB SS TE

[oz2185]

Go after OLB Terrell Suggs or ILB Lance Briggs (not both) and OT Max Starks in free agency. OT Max Starks being the player I hope we land most because of our need of a right tackle opposite of Staley who will move to LT next season; a much better fit for him. However, I would be extremely happy with two of these three players and that is realistic. There are plenty of options in the draft. If we obtain Terrell Suggs, a pass rusher is not a priority with Lawson coming back healthy opposite of Suggs. In this case I would like to see the 49ers go after a NT or DE that can play in the 3-4 or 4-3. Another offensive linemen has to be a priority in the draft. If we only obtain Briggs (probably an ILB) I hope we pursue a player like Quentin Groves OLB/DE out of Auburn to rush the passer. In the 2nd round I think a player like Steve Slaton would be a great pick to be an explosive 3rd down back and slot player in normal formation. We'll see what happens, but hopefully we make some serious changes, but stay at a reasonable cap #.

[Hobbes2d]

Pretty much all of them, which is why the Niners need to seriously consider trading down, preferably their 2nd round choice for some 3rd and later picks.

[Ky9ersfan]

1)FS-A young safety with more range to pair with Lewis would be ideal to me. I think Roman would be an ideal backup FS/SS. This move solidifies the safety spot.

-OR I would be looking for a DE that slides that shouldv'e went earlier. Maybe consider taking an athleticly gifted DT, and converting him to 3-4 DE.

2)RB or WR-BPA. I would favor getting a talented RB to split time with Gore thinking of the Peterson/Taylor duo strategy. I like Ray Rice or Kevin Smith alot as a backup RB behind Gore. Rice has really impressed me watching him against the Cards in games.

3)WR-BPA. Keenan Burton would be a good slot addition at this spot if still available. Also a guy that could push Hill to get better.

4)RT-I favor using Snyder at LG, so I would look at best available OT still on the board.Guys I like for this spot would be a OT like Collins for Kansas, or Nicks for Nebraska.

5)BPA. I would consider SS Tom Zibikowski as a backup behind Lewis, may time slower than liked, but will be a player.

-Also with Nedney starting to get up their in years I'd possibly consider looking at an elite K prospect to bring in and compete in camp.I like Carmody of UofL, he is nicknamed "Artomatic" for a reason.Also is the the understudy of David Akers.

[SBbound49ers]

1. Defensive End: No doubt, the team will try to sign Justin Smith or Tommy Kelly in the offseason, and I believe Ray McDonald has a bright future. But if Kentwan Balmer were to fall into our lap, I don't see how we could pass him up.
2. Offensive Tackle: Personally, I think re-signing Kwame Harris should be a priority this offseason. Even so, we still need more depth at the position, and a future starter. Jeff Otah or Gosder Cherilus would be a terrific pickup.
3. Outside Linebacker: Haralson is coming on lately, and I think Jay Moore will be a very good role player/possible starter, but Banta-Cain is......meh. There's no way we could pass on Gholston or Groves, but my choice would be Shawn Crable.
4. Inside Linebacker: If the rumors are true, and we're able to get Lance Briggs in the offseason, I think we'd have the makings to be the best linebacking corps in the league. Still wouldn't mind picking up Ezra Butler as a long-term project.
5. Quarterback: I don't think there's a quarterback in free agency worth bringing in as the long-term solution, so I think drafting Joe Flacco would provide great competition for 2nd QB next season, and possibly compete for starter in 2009 with his toolset.

This list will obviously change after free agency. Wide receiver came close to making the list, but like Maj, I believe we need a returner-type receiver more than a number one (since there really aren't any clear-cut number ones in this draft). Besides, I'm still a firm believer that Vernon Davis should be our number one receiving option.

You keep mentioning Smith, Im not sure why. Not only is he overrated, but he doesnt fit the 3-4.

Same with Briggs, hes a cover 2 WLB. Teams run to his side all the side and he racks up numbers. Hes a good LB, but hes definately not worth the money some team will give him. Plus, he himself has stated he has no desire to play in a 3-4.

[Mac9er]

No.1 need will be a new QB, I think Smith will ask for a trade...

[TheINch]

I'm going to answer with FAs and draft in mind. We need:

1. DEs (BY, Douglas, and Sop are all UFAs)
2. OLB (or a pass rush end, depending on what defensive scheme we're running next year)
3. RT (even if JJ is willing to make the move to the right, we'll need someone to step in when he inevitably gets injured)
4. NT (Franklin will be the only one on the roster)
5. WR (preferablly one who can return kicks)


agreed. Maybe NT higher though.

[ManCans]

You keep mentioning Smith, Im not sure why. Not only is he overrated, but he doesnt fit the 3-4.

Same with Briggs, hes a cover 2 WLB. Teams run to his side all the side and he racks up numbers. Hes a good LB, but hes definately not worth the money some team will give him. Plus, he himself has stated he has no desire to play in a 3-4.I'm really just going by the players we've already tried to sign or trade for last off-season. I don't know how they'll pan out, but Willis is playing pretty well in a 3-4, even though quite a few people said he wouldn't fit. Michael Lewis is also playing well, even though alot of posters said he wouldn't fit either. OTOH, Banta-Cain came from a 3-4 defense, and he's been terrible. Franklin also came from a 3-4 defense, and he hasn't exactly lit the world on fire. Go figure...

[ZooYork]

1. Defnesive Tackle
2. Defensive End
3. Offensive Tackle
4. Wide Reciever
5. Quarterback

[49erfan568]

a head coach

[belgium49er]

Well i think
1:DE
2:OT
3:QB
4:WR
5:ILB

[SoSublime]

You keep mentioning Smith, Im not sure why. Not only is he overrated, but he doesnt fit the 3-4.

Same with Briggs, hes a cover 2 WLB. Teams run to his side all the side and he racks up numbers. Hes a good LB, but hes definately not worth the money some team will give him. Plus, he himself has stated he has no desire to play in a 3-4.

He seemed to have the desire when he and his agent agreed to the alleged "contract" they were ready to sign with us during the trade deadline. I'm pretty sure his desires have more to do with money and security than actual scheme.

[SoSublime]

My list-
1.defensive-line- Broad I know, but we need to add an impact defensive line of some sort, whether it's a nose tackle or a defensive end. By impact I mean in the running game and also warranting(keyword warrant, because you actually have to be good to warrant double teams, not just big) double teams in the passing game. Albert Haynesworth would be perfect, but the titans have more than enough cap room to re-sign him and they're definitely not going to let him leave. I wouldn't be against trading up, using our first and second rounder(not any of next years picks please!), to get a top d-line prospect.

2. Right Tackle - The way the o-line is setup now, i think Joe Staley is going to be moved to Left tackle with Bass or snyder to left guard(with the other taking/competing for the other spot) and heitman staying at center. Our o-line play has been pretty good recently, some of the blocking problem has more to do with the rb or tight ends missing their assignments than it does the actual line. With all that said, We still need a right tackle. I don't see us re-signing kwame, so maybe this is a spot we can fill using our first round pick.

3, 4 and 5 is basically whatever for me. Take your pick: WR, OLB, QB, ILB and put them in any order you want. My #1 priority would be to fix up the trenches so my #1 and #2 are basically 1a and 1b. Assuming Nolan isn't fired(that's a big assumption considering the latest news), Get an OC, fix up the trenches and I'll be happy.

[bajan2128]

Wr, De, Ol, Db, Lb

[DjDemix]

1st Round: WR/DE/OT - BPA at these positions
2nd Round: WR/DE/OT - BPA at these positions that we didn't already pick
3rd Round: WR/DE/OT - BPA at these positions that we didn't already pick
4th Round: RB
5th Round: OL
6th Round: LB
7th Round: CB/WR

Free Agency: QB, DE, LB, WR, OL.

If Smith leaves thats fine. I'm Rollin with Nolan down the Hill!(dang that was really bad!)

[AndyLeeMVP]

1. NT

We are trying to a run a 3-4, and without a top flight NT we will never have a top flight defense. Franklin/Sopoaga are decent and a good rotation but its a trickle effect and our defense wont be nearly as good as it can be.

2. QB

Maybe Smith is the answer. Maybe he isnt. Maybe hes a late bloomer. All i know is 2 of the 3 years he has performed terrible. Even last year, in the 2nd half of the season after the bye week, he struggled mightily, even with a great running game to draw in 8 defenders. Maybe he needed them to draw in all 11 defenders. In all reality, he has had about 8 or 9 good games in 30 starts. I dont like a 33% success rate from my number 1 overall pick after 3 years. Smith will still get his shot next year, but he will face some serious competition.

3. OLB

Lawson is good and Haralson is improving. Not to mention we have a roung player in J Moore. But TBC is terrible, we need a pass rusher badly. Preferably a veteran.

4. C/OG

Smiley and Allen are leaving next year. That leaves us with an Interior OL of Heitmann, Wragge, and Baas. I think Snyder could play LG so id insert him there, and id draft a C in the first 3 rounds to be a depth/starter.

5. KR/PR

More so than a WR, we need someone consistently to help us out on field position. Our ST's is a returner away from being elite. Our punt returner is so bad we have Nate Clements, our 80 million dollar CB, returning them because everyone else we have to do it is pathetic. Maurice Hicks is good to take the ball to the 30 but he never breaks a long return. Time to get a young prospect. Maybe we can sign 1 in FA, BJ Sams will be a FA this season.

[badass316]

1) QB - Realistically I think a QB is what our team needs the most. You can't be competitive in the NFL if you don't have a good QB. But since Matt Ryan will be long gone by the time we pick and there really isn't anyone else that's going to fall to us, I'll just look pass this need and make #2 as my #1.

2) 3-4 OLB - My ideal pick would be Quentin Groves. He would provide the much needed pass rush our defense so desperately lacks. If we don't get Okam with our 1st round pick, I'd love it to be Groves. In a perfect world I'd like to see us get Okam with our 1st and Groves with our 2nd.

3) DT - We definitely need to upgrade our D line starting with the man in the middle. Frank Okam would be my ideal pick at the spot were picking in the 1st round.

4) WR - The bum we got for a 4th rounder last year turned out to be an even bigger bum than I initially thought. We need something to improve our WR corps. Although I hope Jason Hill can materialize into something other than a roster spot next season.

5) CB - Walt is only getting older and slower with each passing game. And Spencer looks a lot more like a liability than a starter.

[sublime]

Sadly, much like last year...

[kdd240z]

Can we draft a new coach?

[Jerry's kid]

I wish FA's went back into the draft (or had thier own FA draft). Then you would have this parody(sp) that I've been hearing so much about (and haven't seen).

[jmichura]

1) NT

This position has plagued us for a while now. I would like us to finally get this position dealt with. If we can get a good space eating NT, our linebackers can better read and react.

2) WR

Either we have garbage receivers, or they are not being used properly, or both. In two of those three cases, we need a new WR. I don't want to draft yet another Brandon Williams.

3) Decent veteran QB with some years left to challenge Alex.

I don't want a guy on his last legs, but I don't want to have to develop someone either.

4) DE

Young can't play forever even if it seems like it and Douglas has played too good to stay here. We should really try to resign Douglas to lessen the blow.

5) OLB

We need a pass rush to put offense in bad downs and distances. A pass rush also goes a long way to creating turnovers.

6) OG

Allen will retire and Smiley will be gone.

[Benji]

1. NT - cleary our No. 1 need
2. QB - Smith unfortunately wasn´t the one we hoped would be. No word on Dilfer
3. OLB - Next to Lawson we have NOBODY to rush the pass
4. FS - come on, Mark Roman isn´t the long term answer. We need a young ballhawk here. Maybe Reggie Smith of Oklahoma
5. CB - Walt Harris is getting up in age and Spencer should remain as our Nickel.

I still have faith in our Wide Receivers (Jackson, Hill & Battle). They CAN produce when having a solid QB. Jackson has proven it in Seattle!