As a 49ers fan, the first team I will address is undoubtedly, my San Francisco 49ers. Coming off a fantastic year that surprised everyone, the Niners are in great position for the future. With a relatively young team, overwhelming support from the organization and community, and the reigning coach of the year (Jim Harbaugh), the 49ers are a couple of prized free agents and another good draft away from being front runners for the Super bowl. Last year, first year GM Trent Balke had a tremendous draft that featured 4 players who came in and contributed a lot for the NFC runners-up. First round pick Aldon Smith matured much faster than anyone expected and notched over 14 sacks. Running back Kendall Hunter came in and contributed as our second running back, spelling the weathered Frank Gore as a much needed change-of-pace back. DE turned FB Bruce Miller earned All-Pro honors and was stellar in the rush and pass game. On defense, Chris Culliver, a converted Cornerback from Safety came in and was our primary nickel back on the league's second best defense. Moreover, another draft like this past one and the 49ers could have the building blocks of another red and gold dynasty in the bay. Let's take a look at their needs:
WR- The fact that there were only two catches by wide receivers in the NFC championship speaks for itself. Granted, Alex Smith and the offensive line struggled at times but nonetheless, once Josh Morgan went down, Michael Crabtree was the only consistent threat at wide receiver. Look for the Niners to address this need in the first round.
CB- Carlos Rogers had an all-pro year, but he is getting old and he is a free agent. Most people believe that they will bring the veteran back, but even if they do, if a cornerback whom they loved fell to them at the end of the first round, I think they would definitely pull the trigger.
OL- The left side of the line is pretty set, center Jonathan Goodwin finished the year incredibly strong, Mike Iupati is a monster in the run game and improving quickly in the pass game, and all-pro Joe Staley is incredibly athletic and was a good protector of the blindside last year. The right side of the line had some questions however. Adam Snyder came in at guard and sured up the line but he would be the ideal third guard on a playoff team. Anthony Davis is still incredibly young but was too inconsistent this past year for the Niners. If they want to make another run at he super bowl, an upgrade must happen here.
