San Francisco 49ers: 5 offseason needs

The San Francisco 49ers are in a rebuilding mode. What positions do they need to hit this offseason to take a step forward?

For the third year in a row, the 49ers are starting over with a new plan and coaching staff. It has left the roster depleted and has a lot of questions as to who will even be back on the active roster. Most of the positions become a position that the 49ers can add. With that said, here are the five most important.

5. Linebacker

In hiring Kyle Shanahan, the assumption would be the offense could be in a good place. Therefore the focus this offseason should be centered around the defense. At linebacker, the 49ers have more questions than most positions.

Nick Bellore, Gerald Hodges, and Michael Wilhoite are all free agents. It leaves the only experienced linebacker on the roster as NaVorro Bowman to be currently signed for 2017. Of course, this is the Bowman that has missed the majority of two of the past three seasons with major leg surgeries. There has to be some sort of expected drop off if there is even an expectation for the former All-Pro now.

The 49ers have money to spend, but the question at linebacker is if there will be anybody to spend it on. Zack Brown and Kevin Minter are basically at the top of the class. The 49ers may be able to bring one of them in, but it may not be worth the cost. Dont’a Hightower is another potential linebacker who could be won over with money and may be their best at strongside linebacker in their switch to a 4-3.

They will likely have to re-sign one or two of their own, but they will also have to draft for this position. Reuben Foster is in play at pick two, and in the first four rounds, they should be expected to make some sort of move in this position.