{"id":7147,"date":"2022-02-07T13:36:23","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T17:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/?p=7147"},"modified":"2022-02-07T13:36:23","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T17:36:23","slug":"looking-at-my-49ers-2022-team-needs-with-potential-targets-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/2022\/02\/07\/looking-at-my-49ers-2022-team-needs-with-potential-targets-analysis\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking at my 49ers 2022 team needs, with potential targets, & analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the new league year just a little over a month away, I want to take a look at my 2022 offseason team needs.<\/p>\n

First, the 49ers are pretty much set with their starters set to return, & of course Trey Lance expected to be the starting QB, with the following under contract for 2022.<\/p>\n

QB Trey Lance
\nRB Elijah Mitchell
\nFB Kyle Juszczyk
\nWR Deebo Samuel
\nWR Brandon Aiyuk
\nTE George Kittle
\nLT Trent Williams
\nC Alex Mack (more on him later)
\nDE Nick Bosa
\nDT Arik Armstead
\nWLB Dre Greenlaw
\nMLB Fred Warner
\nCB Ambry Thomas
\nCB Emmanuel Moseley
\nFS Jimmie Ward
\nPK Robbie Gould
\nP Mitch Wishnowsky
\nLS Taybor Pepper<\/p>\n

While, their 3rd wide receiver Jauan Jennings is a ERFA, while right guard Daniel Brunskill, & stronside linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair are RFAs, so both will be back, with Brunskill not guaranteed a starting spot in my eyes.<\/p>\n

The biggest free agents for the 49ers, as far as UFAs are, running backs Raheem Mostert, & Jeff Wilson Jr., left guard Laken Tomlinson, defensive ends Arden Key, & Jordan Willis, nose tackle D.J. Jones, cornerbacks K\u2019Waun Williams, & Jason Verrett, & strong safety Jaquiski Tartt.<\/p>\n

Ok, now I\u2019ll be taking a look at both the 49ers most pressing needs, as well as their less pressing needs.<\/p>\n

The most pressing needs are below.<\/p>\n

#2 Quarterback<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The 49ers need to bring in a veteran quarterback to help mentor Trey Lance, as well as back him up, and I think the best option is Houston Texans\u2019 Tyrod Taylor, I believe he can be had on a 1-year, $10 million, but only $5 million counts against the cap, along with $5 million in NLTBE incentives.<\/p>\n

Other veteran free agents that interest me, depending on the price, are Denver Broncos\u2019 Teddy Bridgewater, Las Vegas Raiders\u2019 Marcus Mariota, New Orleans Saints\u2019 Jameis Winston, & Chicago Bears\u2019 Andy Dalton.<\/p>\n

Now, I am a bit scared with the idea of Jameis Winston, as he\u2019s tore his ACL early in the 2021 season, while I believe that the Broncos, Raiders, Saints, & Bears, who all have new head coaches, will likely bring in their own guy so to speak.<\/p>\n

Speedy #4 WR\/Return Specialist or a deep threat WR<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 This a need that the 49ers can either address through free agency, or through the NFL draft, which would likely be either a late day 2 pick, or early day 3 pick, depending of course on who falls in the draft, as for free agency, there are a number of guys I like, Atlanta Falcons\u2019 Cordarrelle Patterson, Chicago Bears\u2019 Jakeem Grant, Dallas Cowboys\u2019 Cedrick Wilson Jr., & New York Jets\u2019 Braxton Berrios being the top 4 free agents that I\u2019d love the 49ers to go after, who have return capability, & experience.<\/p>\n

If the 49ers choose to go with a free agent that\u2019s not a returner, I\u2019d like to see them target the likes of Green Bay Packers\u2019 Marquez Valdes-Scantling & Equanimeous St. Brown, Kansas City Chiefs\u2019 Byron Pringle, New Orleans Saints\u2019 Tre\u2019Quan Smith, but they could also go the draft route, likely with a day 3 pick being used.<\/p>\n

Interior Offensive Line<\/strong> \u2013 Now we all know that the 49ers weakness on the offensive line has been on the interior, mostly on the right side, as Laken Tomlinson has turned into one of the best left guards in the NFL, but it\u2019s not a guarantee that he ends up re-signing, now I have complete faith in Kyle Shanahan, & offensive line coach Chris Foerster to get the most out of recent draft picks Aaron Banks, Colton McKivitz, & Jaylon Moore, so they could possibly have their left guard, & right guard of the future already on the roster.<\/p>\n

The 49ers likely won\u2019t be too aggressive in free agency, due to limited cap room, and the need to re-sign their own key free agents(Laken Tomlinson, Arden Key, Jordan Willis, D.J. Jones, & K\u2019Waun Williams), so don\u2019t expect them to pursue Washington Commanders\u2019 Brandon Scherff, as he\u2019ll be looking to get top guard money, in the area of $14 million, to $16 million a year, which is where the likes of Cleveland Browns\u2019 left guard Joel Bitonio, & Kansas City Chiefs\u2019 left guard Joe Thuney at the $16 million a year, while Cleveland Browns\u2019 right guard Wyatt Teller, Philadelphia Eagles\u2019 Brandon Brooks, & Dallas Cowboys\u2019 Zack Martin are all in the $14 million to $14.2 million a year.<\/p>\n

If the 49ers are to target a free agent that they\u2019re willing to splurge on, it should be Chicago Bears\u2019 right guard James Daniels, who would shore up the right guard spot, allowing Aaron Banks to move back to his ideal position of left guard, but I doubt the 49ers want to be into a bidding war for him, but they should consider it.<\/p>\n

So, I\u2019d expect them to draft someone, with our draft analyst Xander Fisher<\/a> mocking Oklahoma guard Tyrese Robinson to the 49ers with their 4th-round pick.<\/p>\n

As for the center position, the 49ers really need to find that guy that\u2019s the future, while being mentored by Mack, and in fact there are rumors that Alex Mack may end up retiring, but my gut feeling says he\u2019ll be back for 2022, so the 49ers should really invest a high draft pick on a center prospect.<\/p>\n

Speedy EDGE rusher<\/strong> \u2013 Now the 49ers pass rush really came on towards that stretch run on the way to the playoffs, with guys like Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Samson Ebukam, Arden Key, & Jordan Willis all contributing, but with the fact that Dee Ford won\u2019t be back, they need a speedy EDGE rusher to go opposite Bosa, as Ebukam, Key, & Willis aren\u2019t really fits for that spot, & Armstead\u2019s best spot is inside at DT.<\/p>\n

Now, if the 49ers decided to go the free agent route, they go after a guy like Cleveland Browns free agent Takkarist McKinley, who the 49ers actually claimed off of waivers back in 2020, but due to a failed physical, by both the Cincinnati Bengals, & the 49ers, he ended up with the Raiders.<\/p>\n

If the 49ers want to look at some other veterans, I\u2019d like to see them pursue free agents like Kansas City Chiefs\u2019 Melvin Ingram, Baltimore Ravens\u2019 Justin Houston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers\u2019 Jason Pierre-Paul, & Philadelphia Eagles\u2019 Ryan Kerrigan.<\/p>\n

But at the end of the day, I think the 49ers best option is to draft an EDGE rusher somewhere on day 2 of the draft, with\u00a0 Xander mocking Minnesota\u2019s Boye Mafe to the 49ers at pick 93.<\/p>\n

Cornerback<\/strong> \u2013 The 49ers need to address the cornerback\u2019s, despite the emergence of Ambry Thomas late in the season, & Emmanuel Moseley coming on during the season, but they could use a potential starter, if they go the free agent route, I like Kansas City Chiefs\u2019 Charvarius Ward, Buffalo Bills\u2019 Levi Wallace, Carolina Panthers\u2019 Donte Jackson, Las Vegas Raiders\u2019 Casey Hayward, Philadelphia Eagles\u2019 Steven Nelson, Green Bay Packers\u2019 Kevin King, Los Angeles Rams\u2019 Darious Williams, as well as Houston Texans\u2019 Desmond King, who was more of a slot corner, but played a bit outside for the Texans, and former 49ers 2018 draft pick, D.J. Reed Jr., who has been with the Seattle Seahawks since 2020 when the 49ers waived Reed, due to roster limits, something they definitely regret doing.<\/p>\n

Now I don\u2019t see them being in on the likes of New England Patriots\u2019 J.C. Jackson, & Tampa Bay Buccaneers\u2019 Carlton Davis III, as they might end up getting the franchise tag, and if they don\u2019t, there will be a bidding war, something the 49ers can\u2019t get into, not when they could be looking for top cornerback money, near what Jalen Ramsey got.<\/p>\n

Also, I don\u2019t expect them to try & sign Carolina Panthers\u2019 Stephon Gilmore, as the rumors are he wants $15 million a year, which is an absurd number for a cornerback in his 30\u2019s, and has injury concerns, something the 49ers need to stop signing, players with injury concerns.<\/p>\n

Now, if they go the draft route, which I think is the better solution, it\u2019d have to be with their 2nd-round pick, which Xander has going with Florida\u2019s Kaiir Elam.<\/p>\n

The more secondary\/lesser pressing needs are below.<\/p>\n

Running Back depth<\/strong> \u2013 With Raheem Mostert, & Jeff Wilson Jr. set to become free agents, while having Elijah Mitchell, & Trey Sermon under contract, as well as JaMycal Hasty as a ERFA, the 49ers could look to find a late round gem, or UDFA, with Xander mocking Florida International\u2019s D\u2019Vonte Price with the 49ers first 7th-round pick.<\/p>\n

Now there is a possibility that either Mostert, or Wilson return, but if they want anything near $5 million a year, there\u2019s no way the 49ers will or should pay a running back, not when just about any running back flourishes in Shanahan\u2019s system, with most being late round picks, or UDFAs.<\/p>\n

#3 Tight End<\/strong>– This is something I hope the 49ers address, either in free agency, or the draft, if they go the draft route, it\u2019d be on day 3, as they have more pressing needs for their 3 day 2 picks, as for free agents, the two names I can see the 49ers going after are, Indianapolis Colts\u2019 Mo Alie-Cox, & Atlanta Falcons\u2019 Lee Smith, while in the draft, our own Xander Fisher has them taking Iowa State\u2019s Charlie Kolar with their 6th-round pick.<\/p>\n

Interior Defensive Line depth<\/strong> \u2013 The 49ers have Arik Armstead, & Javon Kinlaw set to return, while Kevin Givens is an ERFA, so he\u2019ll be back, but the question mark is whether they\u2019ll be able to retain D.J. Jones, but also, they could use an upgrade over a Kentavius Street, & Maurice Hurst Jr., who only played in 3 games, missing 14, plus they need to get bigger guys, and this is an area where I\u2019d expect them to go with a late round pick, or a cheap veteran free agent.<\/p>\n

Potential free agent targets would be Tampa Bay Buccaneers\u2019 Steve McLendon, Dallas Cowboys\u2019 Carlos Watkins, Denver Broncos\u2019 Shamar Stephen, Arizona Cardinals\u2019 Corey Peters, New York Giants\u2019 Danny Shelton, Miami Dolphins\u2019 John Jenkins, & Las Vegas Raiders\u2019 Gerald McCoy, and these players shouldn\u2019t command that much, likely low risk, high reward 1-year deals, like the 49ers got with Arden Key, Kerry Hyder Jr., Maurice Hurst Jr., & Zach Kerr.<\/p>\n

Linebacker depth<\/strong>– Now this is a need, as the team needs to get better backups for their 3 starters, middle linebacker Fred Warner, weakside linebacker Dre Greenlaw, & strongside linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and I think the best route to do this is through the draft, on day 3, when the 49ers are projected to have 6 picks, a 4th-rounder, a 5th-rounder, a 6th-rounder, & 3 compensatory 7th-rounders, so the team will be able to find some hidden gems, especially with Adam Peters, & their success in the past with the likes of George Kittle, D.J. Jones, Dre Greenlaw, Colton McKivitz, Charlie Woerner, Jauan Jennings, Deommodore Lenoir, Jaylon Moore, Talanoa Hufanga, & Elijah Mitchell.<\/p>\n

As for free agents, I can see them going after someone like Minnesota Vikings\u2019 Nick Vigil, & Houston Texans\u2019 Neville Hewitt, who shouldn\u2019t command a lot, but I still think the best route is through the draft.<\/p>\n

Safety depth<\/strong> \u2013 The 49ers currently have Jimmie Ward, Tarvarius Moore, & Talanoa Hufanga signed for 2022, while Jaquiski Tartt is set to be a unrestricted free agent, and there\u2019s a chance Tartt is brought back, for the right price of course, if not, the 49ers should look to the draft, likely a day 3 pick, with Xander mocking Texas A&M\u2019s Leon O\u2019Neal Jr.<\/p>\n

As for free agency, I just don\u2019t see the 49ers dishing out the kind of money that Kansas City Chiefs\u2019 Tyrann Mathieu, Seattle Seahawks\u2019 Quandre Diggs, New York Jets\u2019 Marcus Maye, Cincinnati Bengals\u2019 Jessie Bates III, & New Orleans\u2019 Marcus Williams will command, which will likely be near what Jamal Adams got from the Seahawks.<\/p>\n

Some free agents that I could see the 49ers targeting are, Dallas Cowboys\u2019 Malik Hooker, & Jayron Kearse, and Minnesota Vikings\u2019 Xavier Woods, who shouldn\u2019t be that expensive to bring in.<\/p>\n

The only position that I\u2019m up in the air about is right tackle, as Mike McGlinchey is coming off of a torn quadriceps, & with his 2022 base salary of $10.88 million, his 5th-year option, being fully guaranteed, it\u2019ll be near impossible to move him without having to give up a high pick for some team to take him, with a guaranteed salary, & just 1-year left on his contract.<\/p>\n

So, the 49ers have a dilemma on their hands, they could end up starting Jaylon Moore there, or if they re-sign Tom Compton, or if McGlinchey is able to come back, or it could end up being Daniel Brunskill, but if not, the 49ers would likely look in to the draft, with Xander mocking TCU\u2019s Obinna Eze with the 49ers 5th-round pick.<\/p>\n

And, with all of this said, I thank everyone for reading this article, as always you can follow me on Twitter @49erscap<\/a>, or leave a comment below, and I\u2019ll get back to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the new league year just a little over a month away, I want to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6889,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,4,109,106,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis","category-exclusive","category-free-agency","category-nfl-draft","category-roster"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"views":260,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7147"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7147\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/49erscap.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}