Ranking 49ers' Biggest Needs to Address in the 2015 Draft

With the 2015 NFL draft less than two weeks away, its time to start focusing on specific team needs. Of course, even with all of the mock drafts and predictions, trying to guess what general managers will do on draft day is pointless. 

Even more so for San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, who seems to make a surprise selection or two in every draft. Who knows, we could see a few selections out of left field. 

We could see a defensive lineman go in the first round, or he may fall in love with another running back. Honestly, expect the unexpected with Baalke at the helm. 

Even with the unpredictable nature of Baalke, the 49ers still have holes to fill on this roster. 

Here are a few of the biggest needs the 49ers must address in the 2015 NFL draft.

5. Swing Tackle/Interior Lineman

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

The 49ers will need some depth along the offensive line, and there's no better way to add talent at the position than the NFL draft. In particular, the 49ers need a swing tackle and/or an interior lineman who can play either guard position. 

Losing Mike Iupati in free agency was tough, but there are a few prospects who could fill his shoes in that department. For starters, I have both La'el Collins and Brandon Scherff atop my list at guard. Both guys are plug-and-play options the moment they enter Santa Clara. 

Collins and Scherff can also play tackle at the next level, which fulfills the need for both a swing tackle and interior guard.

Honestly, this isn't the biggest need for the 49ers, so Baalke may decide to pass on selecting an offensive lineman in the first round. Both players are slotted to go in the first round of this year’s draft. 

If Baalke decides to target some prospects outside of the first round, Laken Tomlinson and A.J. Cann would be ideal fits within the 49ers' power run scheme.

4. Defensive Line

Dave Martin/Associated Press

Just a few weeks ago, I felt the defensive line was the top priority for the 49ers in the upcoming draft. While I still believe the 49ers will address this need in the draft, I just can't imagine a worthy defensive player sitting at No. 15. 

Arik Armstead seems to be the popular selection for fans, and while his ceiling is high, is he ready to start day one? I have my reservations on whether he can make an impact as a rookie. 

If you look at Baalke's drafting history since 2010, five out of six of his first-round selections were ready to contribute in their first season. Jimmie Ward, the 49ers' 2014 first-round pick, even played a major role as the 49ers' designated slot corner this past season despite injury concerns. 

Yes, there's a hole at defensive end with Justin Smith still contemplating retirement. Not to mention, the 49ers also have an aging lineman in Darnell Dockett.

I just can't imagine Armstead or any defensive lineman at No. 15 starting over Tank Carradine or possibly Glenn Dorsey. Remember, Dorsey has experience playing at end or inside at nose tackle. 

Look, I understand the need to get younger, but there's no reason for the 49ers to use a first- or second-round selection on a raw defensive line prospect. Baalke can easily find a high-ceiling prospect in the mid-rounds for depth purposes.

3. No. 1 Receiver

With Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith at receiver, some might think the receiver position is lower in priority. I would argue differently if it means the 49ers can find a true No. 1 receiver in this year's draft. 

Boldin isn't getting any younger, and we don't know if Baalke intends to re-sign him to an extension after this season. Smith will still be there, but outside of that, there isn't another receiver on the current roster that can be considered a top option. 

Don't get me wrong, I love Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington. However, I doubt Patton or Ellington will be more than role players in their respective careers. Not to downplay their potential impact, but neither guy has shown enough for Baalke to justify passing on a top receiver. 

Like last year's draft class, the 2015 class of receivers is relatively deep. The 49ers can get a good receiver in the second or third round, but I have my sights set on three prospects who could be game-changers at the next level. 

Amari Cooper and Kevin White both top my list. White has the higher upside, but Cooper will have the better rookie season. Both White and Cooper have a legit shot of being selected in the top 10 of the 2015 draft. 

My third prospect with game-changing ability is Dorial Green-Beckham. Now, we all know about his off-the-field and character issues, but if we're only grading on talent, he's a top-20 prospect. 

If any of the above receivers are available at No. 15, Baalke should rush to the podium.

2. Inside Linebacker Prospect

According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Baalke has hinted the 49ers could extend Michael Wilhoite, but the inside linebacker position needs addressing. Wilhoite can't be the answer to the 49ers' problems at inside linebacker.

I like Wilhoite as a stopgap for a year, but the 49ers desperately need a young prospect to groom. If Baalke drafts an inside linebacker this year, you can groom him for a year and allow Wilhoite to serve as the starter.

There are several prospects worth drafting this year, with Paul Dawson of TCU topping my list. I also like Benardrick McKinney and Stephone Anthony. Eric Kendricks is likely at the top of most teams' draft board, but he isn't a great scheme fit for the 49ers. 

If Baalke can snag Dawson with a second- or third-round pick, he'll have one heck of a prospect waiting in the wings.

1. Outside Corner

I've stated this in previous articles, but there's only one cornerback worthy of a first-round pick in this year's draft class. Though, if we based this purely on talent and ignore off-the-field issues, both Trae Waynes and Marcus Peters are deserving of a first-round grade. 

The 49ers could be in play for either corner in the first round. If I had to choose, Waynes would be the ideal candidate for new defensive coordinator Eric Mangini. 

Not only is Waynes the safer prospect with regards to character, but he's also the most polished corner in the draft. You can't go wrong with the Michigan State product. He's a day one starter.  

Peters, on the other hand, has all of the physical traits of a prototypical outside corner. He fits the 49ers' scheme as an ideal press-man corner with great ball skills; however, Baalke will have to be comfortable with some of his character concerns.  

There are also some prospects in the second round and beyond who would fit this 49ers defense. Though, you may have to wait a few years for them to develop into full-time starters on the outside.