Roster Analysis: Breaking down the top 5 areas the 49ers need to address

The 49ers are less than three weeks removed from their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, yet they’re already in the process of trying to figure out how to get back to football’s biggest stage.

We’ve already looked at the 10 most important decisions facing coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch this offseason — and the strategy surrounding the early portion of the all-important NFL Draft.

Now it’s time to take a broad look at the roster and identify the team’s most pressing needs as San Francisco’s decision-makers prepare for their trip to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next week.

5. Offensive line

All five projected starters are signed through at least 2021, including left tackle Joe Staley, who will turn 36 before next season begins. Reserve Ben Garland is slated to hit free agency next month after filling in for starting center Weston Richburg during the final seven games of the regular season and playoffs. Richburg will spend his second straight offseason rehabbing a significant leg injury after tearing his patellar tendon in his right knee in New Orleans and right guard Mike Person, 31, might not be considered a lock to retain his starting job next season.

The 49ers would be wise to consider adding talent to the offensive line. It’s fair to wonder if depth is needed along the interior with Richburg’s long-term health in question, the pending free agency of reserves Garland and Shon Coleman, and Staley eventually needing a long-term replacement. Perhaps that player could be used at guard before moving out to tackle once Staley retires.

What the 49ers have in their favor is two capable reserves expected to be on the roster in 2020: Daniel Brunskill and Justin Skule, who both played well in place of Staley and right tackle Mike McGlinchey for spells throughout the season. Brunskill could compete with Person for the starting job at right guard.

4. Tight end

Shanahan used heavy formations more than any other offense in football last season. Only the Ravens used more “22 personnel” (two running backs and two tight ends) and no team came close to using “21” (two running backs, one tight end) more often. So why not add another productive tight end to build on the offense’s strength of versatility?

Blocking specialist Garrett Celek announced his retirement earlier this month after dealing with a slew of painful back injuries while Levin Toilolo is slated for free agency. El Dorado Hills’ Ross Dwelley played well as George Kittle’s understudy and practice squad member Daniel Helm was promoted to the active roster late in the season. But getting another versatile tight end, perhaps if the team trades down from pick No. 31 of the draft to acquire more selections on Day 2, could allow Shanahan to be less reliant on Kittle, as he’s played through a slew of injuries the past two seasons.

This is also something to consider for 230-pound receiver Jalen Hurd, whom the club might switch to tight end later in his career. However, Hurd missed his entire rookie season with a back injury and it’s far too early to pencil him in as a long-term contributor before playing a snap during the regular season.

3. Cornerback

Richard Sherman, who had a stellar campaign in 2019, turns 32 next month and is unsigned beyond 2020, though he is a candidate for a contract extension to create cap space. Ahkello Witherspoon’s three years have been a roller coaster ride in which he’s shown flashes of Pro Bowl ability and also been benched in favor of former undrafted free agent Emmanuel Moseley. Youngster D.J. Reed’s value lies in his versatility to play in the slot or free safety; former cornerback Tarvarius Moore was moved to safety full time last offseason.

Getting Witherspoon to live up to his potential would be a boon for the 49ers in 2020, which is also the final season of his rookie contract. It would be wise to lock him up on a second contract if consistency becomes part of his game. If not, the 49ers will have to dip into their depth to think about a future replacement. Moseley, who was largely responsible for the blown coverage on the infamous third-and-15 conversion in the Super Bowl, looks like a possible long-term solution. But he needs to prove it beyond one season for the front office to feel confident about his viability as a sure-fire starter.

2. Safety

Sticking in the secondary, the 49ers have long-term questions on the back end. Jimmie Ward hits free agency next month after the best season of his career at free safety. And strong safety Jaquiski Tartt is unsigned beyond the coming season.

Tartt has been good while in the lineup. He’s strong near the line of scrimmage and athletic enough to play deep. But durability is a concern. Tartt missed 19 games over the past three seasons with forearm, shoulder and rib injuries. He proved how valuable he was the defense by playing well throughout 2019 while there was a considerable drop off against quality quarterbacks without him in December.

Moore, entering his third season, has the talent to develop into a starter despite showing inconsistencies while replacing Ward early in the season. Second-year pro Marcell Harris struggled to fill Tartt’s big shoes late in the year. The 49ers would be wise to add another quality safety this offseason whether Ward is brought back or not.

1. Wide receiver

It feels like the 49ers are perpetually looking for wide receivers. Emmanuel Sanders is one of the team’s most notable free agents, joining Ward and defensive lineman Arik Armstead. But even if the soon-to-be 33-year old returns, it would likely be on a short-term contract, which leaves San Francisco needing a long-term option opposite rising star Deebo Samuel.

Kendrick Bourne is expected to be back as an exclusive-rights free agent and was productive in the No. 3 role last season. Twenty-eight of his 30 catches went for first downs or touchdowns. Plus he’s appeared in every game since the start of 2018.

But Bourne lacks the speed to stretch defenses and create space for others which is a key component of Shanahan’s offense, and was why trading third- and fourth-round picks for Sanders was needed in the first place.

San Francisco would love for Trent Taylor and Hurd to become significant contributors next season. There’s also room for Richie James Jr.’s role to expand. But with Marquise Goodwin likely gone this spring, Dante Pettis needing to climb his way out of Shanahan’s dog house and Sanders’ pending free agency, it’s clear the 49ers should add a top talent to their receiving corps, perhaps with another pick in the draft.

This story was originally published February 24, 2020 at 4:00 AM.