2008 San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Needs

The 49ers have drafted fairly well the past five years. If I had to give them a letter grade, it would be a "B". However, it has not yet translated into a team capable of challenging for the NFC West title. Pro Bowl-caliber players such as running back Frank Gore, inside linebacker Patrick Willis, and offensive tackle Joe Staley have hugely upgraded the talent level. Questions still remain about their number one overall selection in 2005, quarterback Alex Smith. Smith missed a big chunk of last season with a shoulder injury. How he comes back and performs will have a lot to do with how successful the Niners are this season. Find out which position they will likely target first in this 2008 San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft needs preview.

#1 Wide Receiver

The Niners need an impact wide receiver to help Alex Smith through the maturation process. With the addition of pass-happy offensive coordinator Mike Martz, this becomes an absolute must. Getting a player which teams must game-plan for, will help open the field up for the electric Frank Gore also. The 49ers haven't had a big time wideout since T.O. Houston's Donnie Avery, Michigan's Mario Manningham, Vandy's Earl Bennett, or Florida's Andre Caldwell will be their targets.

#2 Defensive End

When Bryant Young retired, the 49ers lost their pass rush. The 49ers will take a long look at USC's Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson, Auburn's Pat Sims and Miami's Calais Campbell to try to land a players which can bring it back. Getting better here could be the quickest way for the Niners' defense to improve.

#3 Offensive Guard

With Larry Allen retiring and Justin Smiley heading to Miami, the interior line becomes a major concern. Prospective starters Adam Snyder and David Bass don't have the Niners fully convinced they are future bookends. San Fran must improve a line which allowed a franchise record 55 sacks last season. Oregon State's Roy Schuening, Tennessee Eric Young, and Arkansas' Robert Felton are solid developmental options in the middle rounds.

#4 Inside Linebacker

Patrick Willis is a star at weak side inside backer. He earned top defensive rookie honors last season and was named to the Pro Bowl team. Strong inside linebacker is far from stable however. Landing Oklahoma's Curtis Lofton or UNLV's Beau Bell would be great picks.

#5 Right Tackle

Joe Staley's planned move to left tackle, to protect Alex Smith's blind side, leaves a hole on the right. Jonas Jennings could be moved from the left to the right then, but the Niners aren't convinced he is a tackle they want in the lineup. UTEP's Oniel Cousins and Virginia Tech's Duane Brown are worth taking a look at.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

April 8th, 2008