Ranking 49ers’ top six position needs to address in 2024 NFL Draft

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Ranking 49ers’ top six position needs to address in 2024 NFL Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The 49ers had an active month of NFL free agency.

Now, it’s NFL draft season.

Thirteen of the 49ers’ players from the end of last season found new NFL teams. San Francisco acquired 13 players in return.

The most turnover came along the defensive line. Arik Armstead was released in a salary cap move, and Chase Young, Javon Kinlaw, Clelin Ferrell and Randy Gregory signed elsewhere.

But the 49ers replenished with a trade for defensive tackle Maliek Collins, and the signings of defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos, and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott.

So while defensive line is still a position the 49ers could address in next week’s NFL draft, it is not at the top of the list.

Here’s a six-pack of the 49ers’ needs entering the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27:

1. Cornerback

The 49ers might not have a starting nickel back on their roster. Additionally, their top cornerbacks, Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, both are signed only through the 2024 NFL season.

It seems unlikely the 49ers will be able to keep Ward and Lenoir beyond this year, so they might need to select an eventual starter in this draft.

Therefore, the 49ers have an immediate and long-term need at this position and can be expected to address it within the first two days of the draft.

The 49ers could target a player to cover the slot receiver, which would enable Lenoir to remain at cornerback on all downs. Currently, moving Lenoir to nickel back in passing situations is a legitimate option — but certainly not the best one.

It would make sense for the 49ers to select a cornerback within the first three rounds of the draft, even moving up to select one that fits their scheme and the size and skills they are seeking.

2. Offensive line

The 49ers return their top eight linemen from an offense that ranked second in yards and third in scoring last…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-49ers-top-six-2024-184304511.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-04-16 19:00:05

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