San Francisco 49ers: 5 offseason needs in 2019

4. Improve the run defense

In recent seasons, the franchise has made a habit of selecting defensive linemen in the first round of the draft. In 2015, it was University of Oregon’s Arik Armstead. One year later, it was his collegiate teammate in interior pressure, DeForest Buckner. And in 2017, the club used the third-overall selection that April on Stanford University product Solomon Thomas. The moves were reminiscent of what the division-rival Los Angeles Rams had done in the past, grabbing standouts such as Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers and Aaron Donald in the first round to build their defensive front.

The Niners’ trio of early picks have been supplemented by the 2017 free-agent addition of defensive tackle Earl Mitchell. But despite this array of talent, the team’s defense has been spotty at best and a bit inconsistent when it comes to stopping the run. Under coordinator Robert Saleh, San Francisco was 22nd in the league in rushing defense. That figured improved a bit this past year (13th). But this was still a defense that allowed 113.4 yards per game on the ground in 2018 and surrendered 155 rushing yards in three of the team’s final five outings. And it is certainly worth noting that Mitchell, who did little to distinguish himself this past season, can become an unrestricted free agent in March.

It’s not inconceivable that the 49ers could look for a little more beef up the middle this offseason one way or another.