Addressing the San Francisco 49ers' Offseason Needs

Although the 49ers made a lot of improvement in the wins category, there are still many holes on this team that need to be filled in order for them to make a serious playoff run.

Here is a list of the team's needs and a few ideas on how to fill them.

Primary Needs

Offensive Tackle

Other than Joe Staley, who was injured most of the year, there isn't a solid tackle on the 49ers roster. After Staley went down, the 49ers had to start Barry Sims and Tony Pashos, who also got injured. The Pashos injury forced the Niners to start Adam Snyder at RT, and Snyder projects better at guard than tackle.

In any case, the 49ers need at least one more tackle on the roster, preferably one who is younger and can start at RT for years to come

Ways to address this position: Brian Bulaga (Iowa), Trent Williams (Oklahoma), Anthony Davis (Rutgers), or Bruce Campbell (Maryland) with one of the first round draft picks. They could also address this position in FA with Marcus McNeill (San Diego) or Donald Penn (TB).

Kick Returner

After releasing Allen Rossum, San Francisco struggled to find a punt and kick returner. Michael Robinson was able to field the kicks but was too slow to do anything with them. Josh Morgan and Brandon Jones are fast enough, but both had trouble fielding the ball and made poor decisions on which kicks to field.

This position can be probably be filled with someone who can also help the team as a CB or backup running back.

Ways to address this position: In any round of the draft there are guys who could fill this role. I would look to do that with the second round pick. Potential return men who might be available here and would fill a need on the team are Javier Arenas, CB (Alabama), Jahvid Best, RB (Cal), and Golden Tate, WR (Notre Dame).

This role could also be filled with someone meant specifically to return kicks. Dexter McCluster could be a Darren Sproles type and might be found in a later round.

Safety

Dashon Goldson is a young, hard-hitting safety and should continue to develop, filling one safety spot. Typically, a run-stopping safety needs to be paired with a safety who is solid in pass coverage, and the 49ers do not have one on the team. Michael Lewis is a good backup but could be improved upon.

Ways to address this position: There was some talk of moving Nate Clements to safety but Mike Singletary has denied this. It would probably be a good move because they could draft a CB instead of a safety, adding some youth to the position. Clements would also fit the need of a safety that could cover tight ends and wide receivers.

In the draft they could look at Earl Thomas (Texas), who is a safety who has a knack for finding the ball, Chad Jones (LSU), or Reshad Jones (Georgia). Myron Rolle (Florida State) is also an interesting prospect, a Rhodes scholar with NFL pedigree who has been out of the game for a full year.

Secondary Needs

Offensive Guard

David Baas is a free agent who they will most likely re-sign, and the right guard spot was filled by the combo of Adam Snyder and Chilo Rachal until injuries filled the tackle spot. If Baas leaves, the team will surely need to fill this spot in either free agency or the draft. Rachal is young and still may develop into a good RG, but there is a reason that Snyder and Rachal split time at guard.

Ways to address this position: Mike Iupati, OG (Idaho) or Maurkice Pouncey, OG/C (Florida) will likely be available with the second first round pick if they want to go in that direction. Logan Mankins will be available in free agency, but the most realistic and best option is probably re-signing Baas.

Cornerback

Last year's projected opening day starters, Nate Clements and Walt Harris, are both over 30, and Tarrell Brown has shown flashes but is not consistent. Shawntae Spencer has turned into a decent corner, but they need to add some depth, especially if they switch Clements to safety as some people have projected.

Ways to address this position: If somehow Joe Haden (Florida) fell to the 49ers in the first round, they would almost be forced to draft him. More likely they would look at someone like Javier Arenas (Alabama) in the second round, who would serve as a return man as well. Carlos Rogers and Dunta Robinson are also both free agents.

Quarterback of the future

Singletary seems to be happy, but not content, with how Alex Smith has played this year. This year has also proved to everyone that Shaun Hill is not the answer. A lot of people like Nate Davis' potential, but his learning disabilities may hamper his development. It would seem that drafting a QB in a later round as a developmental prospect/third stringer would be a good idea.

Ways to address the position: The 49ers are not going to use a high draft pick on a QB again, but it is not out of the question that they would use a late pick, fourth round or later, to get a QB. If Dan LeFevour (C. Michigan) or Jevan Snead (Mississippi) drops, they would be good candidates, or they may look at someone like Tim Hiller (W. Michigan), who would be available in a late round.