In a month, the 49ers will be concluding another significant draft as they aim to become strong contenders for the Super Bowl again.
San Francisco has been commended for its offseason moves to enhance the roster, addressing needs through free agency and executing a clever trade for defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa.
While some marginal adjustments could still occur, the 49ers appear finished with free agency. What can we discern about their draft strategy from their offseason activities?
Several insights can be drawn from their current signings with the draft less than four weeks away.
Familiar Positions in Round 1 Focus
Under Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch, the 49ers’ first-round draft choices have generally been predictable. Of their seven first-round picks since 2017, five have targeted the defensive line or wide receiver, with exceptions for tackle Mike McGlinchey in 2018 and quarterback Trey Lance in 2021.
Overall, they have mostly prioritized these positions. Following a season where they allowed key players to depart, the likelihood of using pick 27 for an edge rusher has notably increased.
Nonetheless, despite significant investment in wide receiver during free agency, a decision to make a long-term investment in the passing game could also be on the table.
