49ers secure star receiver Mike Evans and bolster their defense, but critical draft needs remain, especially at left tackle and defensive end.
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The San Francisco 49ers have made key additions across the board, reinforcing both sides of the ball with a mix of proven veterans and depth pieces.
The San Francisco 49ers have made key additions across the board, reinforcing both sides of the ball with a mix of proven veterans and depth pieces.
At wide receiver, the 49ers made their biggest splash signing Mike Evans, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a true number one target.
At wide receiver, the 49ers made their biggest splash signing Mike Evans, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a true number one target.
They followed that move with Christian Kirk, who brings versatility.
They followed that move with Christian Kirk, who brings versatility.
Alongside second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall, this trio ref- forms a revamped receiving core.
Alongside second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall, this trio ref- forms a revamped receiving core.
Up front, they added offensive tackle Vedarian Lowe on a two-year deal, and who could possibly swing behind Trent Williams.
Up front, they added offensive tackle Vedarian Lowe on a two-year deal, and who could possibly swing behind Trent Williams.
It’s not a long-term solution, but it is a important piece for a team that’s dealt with injuries on the offensive line in recent years.
It’s not a long-term solution, but it is a important piece for a team that’s dealt with injuries on the offensive line in recent years.
They’ve added Oshane Ximines, they’ve added Dre Greenlaw on a one-year deal.
They’ve added Oshane Ximines, they’ve added Dre Greenlaw on a one-year deal.
In the secondary, they also added Nate Hobbs.
In the secondary, they also added Nate Hobbs.
With all those moves, the 49ers have clearly addressed several immediate needs.
With all those moves, the 49ers have clearly addressed several immediate needs.
But even after this start to free agency, there are still some prioritization left in the draft.
But even after this start to free agency, there are still some prioritization left in the draft.
A future left tackle, even with Lowe in the fold, the long-term outla- outlook at left tackle remains uncertain.
A future left tackle, even with Lowe in the fold, the long-term outla- outlook at left tackle remains uncertain.
Trent Williams is still performing at a high level, but he’s also nearing the end of his career.
Trent Williams is still performing at a high level, but he’s also nearing the end of his career.
The biggest question mark on the roster is possibly defensive end, with Nick Bosa returning from injury and depth concerns behind him.
The biggest question mark on the roster is possibly defensive end, with Nick Bosa returning from injury and depth concerns behind him.
The 49ers need another pass rusher who can contribute immediately.
The 49ers need another pass rusher who can contribute immediately.
They could also use more work in the secondary.
They could also use more work in the secondary.
While Hobbs adds depth at cornerback, the secondary still lacks clear, consistent presence at both corner and safety.
While Hobbs adds depth at cornerback, the secondary still lacks clear, consistent presence at both corner and safety.
Greenardo Green showed flashes, but there’s room for competition, and a safety position still remains unsettled.
Greenardo Green showed flashes, but there’s room for competition, and a safety position still remains unsettled.
Adding a defensive back early in the draft would not only provide immediate competition, but also give the 49ers a cost-controlled starter for the future.
Adding a defensive back early in the draft would not only provide immediate competition, but also give the 49ers a cost-controlled starter for the future.
All things considered, San Francisco has done exactly what it needed to in free agency by plugging key holes without committing long-term resources.
All things considered, San Francisco has done exactly what it needed to in free agency by plugging key holes without committing long-term resources.
Now with a clearer picture of the roster, the focus can shift to the draft.
Now with a clearer picture of the roster, the focus can shift to the draft.
The 49ers have an opportunity in the draft to build for both the present and the future.
The 49ers have an opportunity in the draft to build for both the present and the future.