2023 NFL Draft Predictions: San Francisco 49ers Biggest Team Needs

The San Francisco 49ers have been consistent winners since making Kyle Shanahan their head coach and John Lynch their general manager. Last year was no exception.

San Francisco ended the year with a 13-4 record. More importantly, the team reached the NFC Championship Game despite starting three quarterbacks last season. Even after the season-ending injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers won five straight games with Brock Purdy to end the regular season.

However, the team was 3-3 following their Week 6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Despite their record, the 49ers traded multiple draft picks to the Carolina Panthers for Christian McCaffrey. While their loss the following week to the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco didn’t lose another game until the NFC Championship.

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What Are The San Francisco 49ers Biggest Needs On Offense?

The 49ers won’t pick until the end of the third round because of the Lance and McCaffrey trades. However, San Francisco will have three late third-round draft picks after having multiple minority coaches and front office personnel hired by other teams.

Offensively, the 49ers have arguably the best set of weapons in the NFL. McCaffrey stayed healthy in 2022, while Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle are three dynamic pass catchers. However, the team needs some help on the offensive line.

Starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey is a free agent next week. While the 49ers want to keep him, the veteran offensive tackle will likely find a better offer on the open market. One potential draft target is Tyler Steen. The Alabama offensive tackle isn’t one of the top prospects in the draft this year. However, he can step in as a rookie and replace McGlinchey.

What Are The San Francisco 49ers Biggest Needs On Defense?

San Francisco has had an elite defense over the past several years partly because of their excellent defensive line. While Nick Bosa is arguably the best pass rusher in the NFL, the 49ers have gotten production from others, including Charles Omenihu and Samson Ebukam.

Unfortunately, both are free agents next week and likely will find better offers on the open market. While the team spent a second-round pick last year on Drake Jackson, that shouldn’t keep them from using a third-round selection this year on another edge rusher.

One potential target is Adetomiwa Adebawore. The former Northwestern edge rusher only had 12.5 sacks during his four-year college career. However, he has excellent raw tools. Furthermore, Adebawore ran a blazing 4.49 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine last week.

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