The San Francisco 49ers are slated with the 15th pick in Round 1 of the 2015 NFL draft.
This is the highest San Francisco has drafted since former head coach Jim Harbaugh took over the team in 2011.
But with Harbaugh leaving, a new regime coming in and the 49ers looking to upgrade an 8-8 franchise with the hopes of returning to prominence, general manager Trent Baalke will be forced to make considerable splashes from this year's draft class.
The nature of drafts, as is always the case, is fluid and constantly changing. Prospects rise and fall. Teams' needs change with free agency, trades and retirements.
San Francisco is no different. This offseason could mark a substantial point in which a number of key players no longer find themselves on the 49ers roster.
Expensive commodities like tight end Vernon Davis and linebacker Ahmad Brooks could be cap casualties. Veteran defensive end Justin Smith has hinted at retiring.
Notable free agents like running back Frank Gore, offensive guard Mike Iupati and wide receiver Michael Crabtree could be in different uniforms next season as well.
What is known is this: San Francisco has some credible needs this offseason.
Chief among these is a playmaking wide receiver. The 49ers lack speed at this position, and their passing offense has ranked No. 30 in the league over the past two seasons.
Unlike last year, the 2015 draft class is not particularly deep at this position. Does this mean San Francisco spends its No. 15-overall pick on a bona fide wideout?
Or do the 49ers elect to go in a different direction like they did a year ago? Wide speculation led most to believe Baalke would target a wideout in Round 1. Instead, the 49ers drafted defensive back Jimmie Ward with the 30th-overall pick.
San Francisco could maintain a defense-first mentality here. With Smith possibly retiring, and defensive end Ray McDonald no longer on the roster, the defensive line suddenly emerges as a pressing need.
And the 49ers might consider adding another piece to their makeshift secondary in Round 1.
Speculation will continue to flourish in the months and weeks prior to the draft. But let's break down some potential first-round targets that could find their way to San Francisco in 2015.
from Bleacher Report http://ift.tt/1xKGnhl
via IFTTT January 08, 2015 at 03:15PM
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