49ers Offseason Needs NFL 2022: Free Agency And Draft Preview
The 49ers are in a weird spot. They’re not in a bad spot, but I’m not sure it can be considered good. I mean they just made the playoffs. Made it to the NFC Conference Championship, but I’m not actually sure how good they are. Apparently, neither does the 49ers. Their starting QB is being circulated around the trade mill. Their up-and-coming young QB in Trey Lance might be poised to start next season. How confident in this 49ers team to even make the playoffs again, much less the NFC Conference Championship? I would be a lot more confident if they addressed the 49ers offseason needs.
49ers Free Agency
There are a lot of expiring contracts on this team, which is another reason for my uncertainty for this team. While Salary Cap is a myth, as it stands right now the 49ers have less than $3 million for Free Agency. Obviously, that will change with maneuvers that this team and every other NFL does, but at the moment it doesn’t look great to address the 49ers offseason needs. As mentioned, there are holes on this team. At the moment they are losing 4 WRs, 4 RBs, 3 DTs, 3 DEs, 4 CBs. That’s a lot of depth on this team and not a lot of cap to fill it.
Other than RB though, this Free Agency class in these positions is richer than most. When we get the 49ers real cap numbers, it will indicate how much they can actually do. If they were to prioritize positions, they need to focus on the DL and CBs. They might have the biggest number of players. Chances are you can get some for cheaper that way. I do think the 49ers should try to grab a WR in this free agency, the cheapest one they can get is somewhat good. Like in the Zach Pascal and Jakobi Meyers range. These guys might not break the bank but will bring some production. Unless you are okay with Aiyuk, *shudder*. As far as RB, I’m not worried for the 49ers. Kyle Shanahan has proven time and time again that he can find guys off the street and make them into capable RBs. Surprised he hasn’t called me yet honestly.
49ers Draft
There’s not a ton to talk about draft-wise for the 49ers. One, they don’t even have a 1st rounder this year. In fact, before the 49ers make their first pick, 60 guys will be off the board already. Makes it hard to consider the future with no cap room, no draft picks, and expiring contracts. Nonetheless, I will see what I can do as far as predicting who they should get. I would say, considering the 49ers offseason needs, that they need to go CB here in the 2nd. This is probably the safest option as far as getting some talent. You’re hoping that one of the premier CBs is going to drop this far. Derion Kendrick, Roger McCreary, Coby Bryant, or even Nehemiah Pritchett would be solid here. As far as DE, Drake Jackson and Nik Bonitto would be solid picks here.
In the 3rd round, which is at 93 for them. Nehemiah Pritchett could still be here. WR might be a great selection here considering how deep this draft class is in WRs. Wan’Dale Robinson comes to mind. This might be a good time to look at OL and see who dropped this far. Darian Kinnard could be an option, Ed Ingram could drop, Alec Lindstrom would be a good center pick if need be. There’s just not a lot to do here for the 49ers.
It’ll be hard to address the 49ers offseason needs with the current situation. It could be easier if Jimmy Garoppolo gets traded and we see the haul that he brings. The 49ers are in a tough spot as things stand. But, Salary Cap is myth and the 49ers can maneuver around that. Jimmy G might bring in more picks. The 49ers will have to be smart with their money and pick and choose of guys to let go and go after. But it’s hard to guess what will happen until we have those cap numbers. Stay tuned.
