Under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, the San Francisco 49ers went as far as the NFC Championship game. An injury to return specialist Ted Ginn Jr. prevented them from reaching the Super Bowl, as his replacement suffered a costly fumble in the game. But this team has already proven its worth and will be a force for years to come. The 49ers boast a defense that is top notch and with the additions of Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs to an already improving offense, there is no doubt in my mind that this team is going places sooner rather than later. Here are some of the 49ers' biggest additions and subtractions so far in this young offseason, plus a breakdown of their biggest needs heading into the draft.
Additions:
Super Bowl 2012
WR Randy Moss
WR Mario Manningham
RB Brandon Jacobs
QB Josh Johnson
CB Perrish Cox
Subtractions:
G/OT Adam Snyder
S Madieu Williams
S Reggie Smith
CB Shawntae Spencer
ILB Blake Costanzo
WR Josh Morgan
Top 5 Needs:
1. Right Tackle
Taken with the 11th pick in 2011 NFL Draft, Anthony Davis was supposed to be the answer at right tackle, but he has been a huge disappointment for the 49ers. San Francisco may still give Davis another chance to grow as a player, but I think the team should start thinking about a backup plan.
2. Right Guard
Starting right guard Adam Snyder moved on and signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but he needed to be replaced anyway. The 49ers could use their first-round pick on a right tackle, which would allow Davis to shift to guard, where it seems he will be more comfortable moving forward.
3. Wide Receiver/Tight End
The additions of Moss and Manningham are clearly difference-makers for an already pretty solid offense, but I think that more weapons on the offensive side of the ball are still needed for this team to really take off offensively. At this point in his career, Moss could be fools' gold because no one knows what to expect from him. The 49ers have one of the best tight ends in the league in Vernon Davis, but with the addition of Stanford's Coby Fleener (if he is available at their pick) they would really be tough to beat on both sides of the field. More and more teams are looking at the success of the New England Patriots and copying the two-TE sets, and if they are able to get Fleener, then teams would really have a tough time matching up with those two.
4. Nose Tackle
This isn't really a huge need, as they have returning nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga on the team, but they should really think about getting a reliable backup who would fit the size of a prototypical 3-4 nose tackle. All the team should really think about is adding someone who can serve as insurance should Sopoaga go down.
5. Defensive End
Another area that could use some added depth is at defensive end. Justin Smith and Ray McDonald are two quality starters that the team depends on night in and night out. But if one of them goes down with an injury, then the 49ers would be in trouble. The team can definitely find a veteran defensive end if it needs to and can't find a suitable backup in the draft.
2012 San Francisco 49ers Offseason Needs
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