3 Mistakes 49ers Can't Repeat in 2015 Offseason

The hiring of Jim Tomsula as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers hasn't been a popular selection among fans. Current 49ers players have endorsed Tomsula left and right, but it's still a mystery if the former defensive line coach can really deliver an elusive sixth Super Bowl win to the fanbase.  

Tomsula is not Jim Harbaugh or anything close for that matter, but the real issue is the front office. We should all worry about whether the front office can hit a home run this offseason. 

It's not that the front office has a spotty offseason history the past few years, but the team made mistakes that could have been avoided. Not to mention, the 49ers brass up front has little room for error after the fiasco of this past season, so repeating past mistakes will only make things worse. 

Here are three mistakes the 49ers must avoid in 2015. 

Passive in Draft

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Despite a plethora of picks in the 2014 NFL draft, the 49ers were surprisingly passive in their attempts to secure an impact player. 

Don't get me wrong, general manager Trent Baalke came away with a good draft. In particular, the 49ers added to their already excellent linebacker depth with the additions of Chris Borland and Aaron Lynch. 

According to Baalke, the 49ers did have a chance to move up in the draft and select the explosive and talented Odell Beckham Jr. Baalke came to the conclusion that the price tag would have been too high to move up and grab the star wide receiver. 

While Beckham would have been a terrific addition to this receiver group in San Francisco, I ultimately have to agree with Baalke. The 49ers would have had to give up first-round pick Jimmie Ward, Carlos Hyde, Borland and likely Lynch to secure Beckham.

As great as Beckham sounds, giving up that many assets is not the blueprint for long-term success. 

Nonetheless, my issue wasn't really with the front office's passing on Beckham; rather, I was concerned with the lack of urgency. The 49ers' window to win a Super Bowl is closing fast, and they have yet to get over the hump.

Baalke will have fewer draft picks to work with in 2015, but it would be nice if the 49ers throw caution to the wind and acquire a difference-maker in the draft. If it means fewer picks in 2016, so be it. 

Distraction of Contract Holdouts

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Similar to 2014, the 49ers will have some contracts to address before 2016 arrives, mamely two former holdouts in offensive lineman Alex Boone and tight end Vernon Davis. 

Both Davis and Boone held out last offseason in the hopes of securing a contract extension or a bump in salary. Davis was unsuccessful in his attempts to secure an extension, but the front office caved in after discussions with Boone, which led to a bump in salary for the veteran guard in 2014 and this upcoming season.

Boone should be fine, but Davis will likely come back with the same mindset of securing a long-term extension. I doubt Davis will hold out this offseason, but addressing his future should go a long way in repairing any hard feelings between the two sides. 

The 49ers also have Aldon Smith up at bat, with his rookie contract expiring in 2016. This will be a tough situation for Baalke to address. If we were to judge Smith purely on his play on the field, the outside linebacker would command a hefty second contract. 

Unfortunately, we don't live in a dream world. We have to account for Smith's off-the-field troubles, and that's something the front office will have to consider when negotiating. 

Regardless, the 49ers need to avoid any contract holdouts or disputes, if possible. Coach Tomsula will already have a tough enough job replacing Harbaugh. There's no need for the front office to add to his plate with unhappy players. 

Ignoring Need for a Deep-Threat Receiver

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The 49ers did at least attempt to acquire a receiver who can take the top off a defense. Guys like Emmanuel Sanders and DeSean Jackson were on the 49ers' radar, but the front office couldn't close the deal on either player. 

As bad as this offense performed in 2014, the 49ers have a solid receiver group. Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin are great possession receivers, but the team is starving for a deep threat who can open up the offense.

Not to mention, Crabtree could potentially depart in free agency this year, so acquiring a deep threat will be even more imperative for Baalke and Co. You'll need a deep threat to open up the field for Boldin and Stevie Johnson. 

To make matters worse, Boldin could be gone after next year, and the team could release Johnson this year if he doesn't take a pay cut or restructure his current contract. 

There seems to be some uncertainty at the receiver position in the near future, and Baalke shouldn't repeat the mistake of not filling this need. Considering Colin Kaepernick's slow development in the pocket, I would assume Baalke has a plan this offseason to shore up this weakness.