The San Francisco 49ers, a team familiar with changes in personnel since becoming Super Bowl contenders in 2019, are turning their focus towards the NFL draft to address key positions. As the team has lost key players through free agency and trades, the team is busy calculating ways to both compete now and into the future. The 49ers started their plan with selecting WRs Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing in the 2024 NFL Draft. Their goal is to add these gifted athletes to their offensive toolbox. This decision comes on the heels of Charvarius Ward’s jump to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. Given the lack of depth behind him, his exit leaves a gaping hole at cornerback.
So much of their early season success can attributed to what they’ve done on both sides of the ball. Their defense gave up an average of 4.4 yards per carry, good for 17th in the NFL. They ranked dead last in expected points added on defensive rush plays. Offensively, they finished 14th in pass block win rate and 24th in run block win rate. The team has made notable roster adjustments, including a lucrative contract extension for cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and key free agent signings to bolster their defensive line.
Strategic Adjustments in Free Agency
The 49ers have treaded free agency waters wisely, avoiding splash moves and instead working to plug in shortcomings with calculated signings. Charvarius Ward’s departure to the Colts left an opening at cornerback for the 49ers. Now they’re looking to Tre Brown, recently signed from Seattle, to help fill that gap. Brown will have a legitimate chance to earn the starting spot, providing an intriguing new wrinkle to the Vikes’ aggressive defensive scheme.
The 49ers made moves to shore up their defensive line. They added defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos, as well as defensive tackles Jordan Elliott and Maliek Collins in free agency. These three acquisitions are all geared towards improving their pass rush effectiveness. Nationally, they ranked 15th in pass rush win rate last season while ranking tied for 23rd in sacks.
"We're not drafting that high, but I think there's a lot of good football players across the board." – John Lynch
Lynch’s comments above may well sum up the 49ers’ dream of bringing in difference makers without having top-10 first-round picks.
Building Offensive Depth
With Jennings entering free agency after next season, the 49ers are making sure they have a deep group with receivers in house. The draft picks of Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing should yield immediate assets for the squad. For one, they have huge long-term potential as valuable assets. With Brandon Aiyuk on the shelf with an injury, Pearsall and Jennings will be the leaders of the wideout corps. If Demarcus Robinson’s legal troubles stemming from his recent DUI arrest can be resolved in his favor, he’d be able to join them.
The biggest issue for the team has been the offensive line, which has been evident from their subpar rankings in just about every blocking category. Under the direction of John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have a long history of refusing to draft offensive linemen early. The glaring exception to this trend was Mike McGlinchey, drafted in 2018.
"We have to insulate ourselves for [Williams</a>] or anyone else," – John Lynch
This comment further emphasizes the desire for offensive creativity and adaptability on the roster, especially with the possible exodus of soon-to-be free agents.
Special Teams and Future Planning
Beyond just filling out core positions, the 49ers have made it a priority to address their terrible special teams unit. They’re on the lookout for value deals in free agency to improve this frequently-overlooked area of play. In so doing, they hope to close the gap in areas that might make all the difference between wins and losses in a tight contest.
As San Francisco looks forward to the draft and beyond, they remain committed to a balanced strategy of developing talent through both acquisitions and honing existing players' skills. The squad looks ready to use their litany of draft picks to cover their current needs while ushering in a new era of talent.
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