2009 NFL Team Needs-San Francisco 49ers

Defensive End: The Niners can take a defensive end and/or an outside linebacker in the upcoming draft.  Bottom line, they need to address their need for a pass rusher. Look for them to spend a first day pick to get them the help they need in that area. 

Safety: The 49ers were allergic to forcing turnovers in 2008. Mark Roman is a serviceable coverage safety, but he is not exactly a playmaker. In fact, Roman hasn’t picked off a single pass in more than two seasons. Consequently, San Fransisco will likely use the draft to shop for a safety.

Quarterback: San Francisco has Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, and Damon Huard as their trio of quarterbacks, which is a far cry from their glory days of  Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Steve Bono. The quarterback of their future does not appear to be on their roster, which means they will likely select a signal caller at some point in the draft. 

Offensive tackle: The good news is the 49ers are set at left tackle with the durable Joe Staley anchoring the line. The bad news is that they have no consistency at right tackle.  They should devote a draft pick or two to improve their O-line. 

Running back: Frank Gore is a fantasy stud when he is healthy, but he tends to get banged up as the season progresses. Behind Gore there isn’t a lot of quality depth.  Michael Robinson is very athletic, but isn’t a prototypical NFL running back.  Look for San Francisco to attempt to find a capable running back that can split carries with Gore. 

Draft Candidates: DE Everette Brown, Florida State, DE Aaron Maybin, Penn State, S Michael Hamlin, Clemson, S David Bruton, Notre Dame, QB Mark Sanchez, USC, QB Josh Freeman, Kansas State, OT Troy Kropog, Tulane, OT Augustus Parrish, Kent State, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas, RB Kahlil Bell, UCLA