San Francisco 49ers confront pressing draft needs as they eye the future
The San Francisco 49ers may still have a season to finish, but the conversation around their draft strategy for the upcoming year has already begun. As teams across the league assess their rosters, the 49ers find themselves in a particularly intriguing position. With crucial needs emerging, experts have weighed in on what San Francisco must address in the 2024 NFL Draft, highlighting tackle, wide receiver, and defensive line as their primary concerns.
Tackle: A Critical Position for the Future
The 49ers signed offensive tackle Colton McKivitz to a multi-year extension this offseason, but the shadow of Trent Williams looms large over the team. Williams, a cornerstone of the offensive line, is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and the franchise must prepare for life without him. Currently, the 49ers lack a suitable backup or a promising prospect to step into the role, making it essential for them to target a tackle early in the draft. The challenge of finding quality offensive tackles in the league only amplifies the urgency of this need.
Wide Receiver: A Position of Potential
While the 49ers could benefit from bolstering their wide receiver corps, the situation is not as dire as one might expect. Ricky Pearsall, who showed great promise before suffering an injury, is poised to return to form. If he can regain his previous performance level, alongside Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers may find themselves with two capable options at the top of the depth chart. Furthermore, the recent signing of Kendrick Bourne, who has since emerged as a fantasy football star, indicates that the 49ers are not in a rush to address the position. While they may look to add depth later in the draft, the immediate pressure to enhance the wide receiver unit appears manageable.
Left Guard: A Position for Later Consideration
The need for a left guard is evident, but it is a position that can often be addressed in the later rounds of the draft. With the right strategic planning, the 49ers can fill this gap without expending a high pick. This flexibility allows them to prioritize more pressing needs earlier on.
Defensive Line: A Surprising Oversight
Perhaps the most glaring oversight in the current assessments is the defensive line, particularly the interior. The additions of Alfred Collins and CJ West this year have yet to yield significant results. While Collins has shown flashes of potential, consistency has been elusive, and West remains primarily a depth player. With Jordan Elliott and Kalia Davis taking on substantial snaps, the 49ers cannot afford to enter the next season with the same group. Whether it requires a hefty financial investment or a commitment to drafting new talent, addressing the defensive line must be a top priority for the organization.
As the 49ers prepare for the future, the need for a solid tackle, a reliable wide receiver, and a fortified defensive line will define their draft strategy. While there are opportunities to shore up the roster, the stakes are high, and the path forward will require careful consideration and decisive action.
