5 Biggest Needs the San Francisco 49ers Have to Address in the Draft

Despite the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh and select free agents veering off to other teams, San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke has done a solid job of piecing together a competitive team. 

Free agency hasn't been kind to the 49ers the past few years. A lot of that had to do with cap limitations, but this year seemed different. Baalke was rather aggressive in free agency, despite recent history saying otherwise. 

However, there are still some major needs the 49ers must address in the draft. This is the area the 49ers have excelled in the last few years, but it'll be interesting to see if an aggressive Baalke shows up on draft day. 

Speculation aside, let's jump into the five biggest needs that should be addressed in the upcoming draft. 

5. Backup Quarterback

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When the 49ers announced they would be bringing back quarterback Blaine Gabbert on a two-year deal, I chalked it up to Baalke being Baalke. Why?

Well, it's the only explanation for this signing. Instead of acquiring a true veteran backup to help with Colin Kaepernick's progression, the 49ers decided to go the cheap route and bring back Gabbert for another season or two. 

If Gabbert were third on the depth chart, I wouldn't mind resigning him on the cheap; however, as of right now, the former top-10 pick is the immediate backup to Kaepernick. Kaepernick desperately needs a veteran quarterback in his ear who has experienced success at this level. 

At the very least, the 49ers should have looked at some young quarterbacks who fit this new mobile offense under offensive coordinator Geep Chryst.

There aren't a lot of veteran backups still on the market, which means the 49ers should look to acquire a young quarterback in the fourth or fifth round of the draft.  

4. Offensive Line

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The offensive line play last year was downright awful for the 49ers. Kaepernick deserves some of the blame, but no quarterback would flourish under that line in 2014. 

Whether Kaepernick progresses or not, it's time for the 49ers to patch up a few holes along the line. The first need is a competent swing tackle that can protect the pass. 

Jonathan Martin was the designated swing tackle last season but was thrust into a starting role more often than not. Anthony Davis, the 49ers starting right tackle, was banged up a lot in 2014. 

Martin is no longer with the team, and 49ers fans should be dancing in the streets. The struggles of Martin last season were on full display despite his familiarity with Greg Roman's offense. He wasn't a great run-blocker, and his pass protection was even worse. 

Secondly, the 49ers need to find a long-term starter at left guard. If its 2014 third-round pick Brandon Thomas or Joe Looney, the 49ers could possibly pass on selecting an interior lineman in the draft this year. 

However, if the 49ers feel they don't have a long term prospect at guard, Baalke should focus on finding his guy in the draft. The 49ers could possibly find a plug-and-play guard in the third or fourth round. 

3. Inside Linebacker

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With the surprise retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland, the inside linebacker position could definitely be considered a top need for the 49ers.

Luckily for Baalke, he does have NaVorro Bowman and Michael Wilhoite as potential starters for the upcoming season. There aren't a lot of teams in the NFL who can match the 49ers' depth at linebacker. 

Bowman, if healthy, is still the best inside linebacker in the NFL. There hasn't been a lot of info on his recovery process, but what the 49ers do in the draft will tell us a lot about his progress thus far. 

Wilhoite isn't as talented or productive as Bowman, but he's a very solid stopgap at the position. Since the draft isn't as deep at inside linebacker, Wilhoite may be the best option alongside Bowman this season. 

The 49ers should still look to draft an inside linebacker in the first four rounds. There isn't an inside linebacker worthy of a first-round pick, but I love Benardrick McKinney and Paul Dawson in the second or third round. 

2. Cornerback

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Many 49ers fans believe the secondary should be the top priority in the upcoming draft. I'm one of the few who disagrees, though the 49ers should still address the position in the first three rounds. 

Tramaine Brock will the obvious starter, and I love the upside of Dontae Johnson. Though, I would use Johnson more as a situational player next season than a full-time starter. Johnson is two years away from becoming a consistent starter on the outside. 

This is where the loss of Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver becomes significant, as Johnson could be forced into such a role next season. 

Jimmie Ward will likely continue his role as the 49ers designated slot corner, and Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser, while talented, are still question marks heading into the offseason. 

If the 49ers want to address this need in the first round, Baalke better be targeting Trae Waynes from Michigan State. I like the upside of Marcus Peters and P.J. Williams, but Waynes is the only corner worth drafting in the first round this year.

1. Defensive Line

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If the 49ers can somehow bring Justin Smith back from the brink of retirement, then the defensive line becomes a decreasing priority. Though, it seems everyone wants "The Cowboy" to return, including his wife and fellow teammates. 

The 49ers will still need to address the defensive line in the draft. Smith, if he returns, would be 35 years old, and recent free-agent addition Darnell Dockett is turning 34 in May. 

The 49ers have some depth along the line with Tank Carradine and Tony Jerod-Eddie, but another young prospect is needed along the rotation. Not to mention, we don't know what role Carradine, who the 49ers selected in the second round of the 2014 draft, will play this season.

We could very well see Baalke address this need in the first round, especially if Smith decides to retire.