San Francisco 49ers: Team Draft Needs

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Sitting in the bottom third of the 2014 Draft, the 49ers' selection will be largely based on a value pick that falls. Moving forward in the draft, though, the team will have to consider its salary cap situation, with both Aldon Smith and Colin Kaepernick due expensive contracts in 2015. Paying both will be a feat on its own, which will require some difficult decision making along the way. With the team owning 13 draft picks in 2014, it should have several opportunities to fill these needs and plenty of flexibility to trade up to grab a coveted player.

1. Cornerback

San Francisco already boasts a top-10 passing defense, but the secondary may begin to be dismantled this offseason. Carlos Rogers hasn't played up to his Pro-Bowl caliber contract, and there's a good chance he gets released to clear roughly $5 million in cap room. Additionally, both Eric Wright and Tarell Brown are set to become free agents in 2014, and Chris Culliver will follow in 2015. Tramaine Brock is the only corner signed for the foreseeable future, and he could surely use some help.

2. Center

Jonathan Goodwin is set to become a free agent this offseason, and reports suggest the 35-year-old may be getting ready to hang it up after 12 NFL seasons. If so, San Francisco could surely use a young center to develop around an already stout offensive line and build a rapport with Kaepernick.

3. Wide Receiver

Anquan Boldin is set to become a free agent, but even if the Niners re-sign him, they still likely will add receiver depth. Neither Boldin nor Michael Crabtree is much of a deep threat. In fact, tight end Vernon Davis went into the postseason leading the team with four receptions of 40-plus yards. If the 49ers added a speedy receiver to tear down the sidelines, it would open up a new dimension for Colin Kaepernick in the passing game and allow the offense to stretch the field.

First Round
-Darqueze Denard, Michigan (5-11, 200)
-Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State (6-0, 200)
-Jason Verrett, TCU (5-10, 175)

Second and third rounds
-Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State (5-8, 190)
-Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech (6-0, 195)
-Terrance Mitchell, Oregon (6-0, 190)
-Victor Hampton, South Carolina (5-10, 200)

Fourth round and later
-Chris Davis, Auburn (5-10, 200)
-Jaylen Watkins, Florida (6-0, 190)
-Deion Belue, Alabama (5-11, 183)
-Antone Exum, Virginia Tech (6-0, 220)

First round
-Travis Swanson, Arkansas (6-4, 320)

Second and third rounds
-Weston Richburg, Colorado State (6-4, 300)
-Bryan Stork, Florida State (6-4, 300)

Fourth round and later
-Tyler Larsen, Utah State (6-4, 310)
-Marcus Martin, USC (6-3, 310)
-Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma (6-3, 300)
-Russell Bodine, North Carolina (6-3, 310)
-Corey Linsley, Ohio State (6-3, 300)
-James Stone, Tennessee (6-3, 290)
-Jonotthan Harrison, Florida (6-3, 310)

First round
-Allen Robinson, Penn State (6-3, 210)
- Odell Beckham Jr., LSU (5-11, 195)
-Marquise Lee, USC (6-0, 195)

Second and third rounds
- Jarvis Landry, LSU (6-0, 195)
-Brandin Cooks, Oregon State (5-10, 185)
-Bruce Ellington, South Carolina (5-9, 195)
-Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin (6-1, 190)
-Kasen Williams, Washington (6-2, 210)

Fourth round and later
-Robert Herron, Wyoming (5-9, 185)
-Tyler Lockett, Kansas State (5-11, 175)
-Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma (5-9, 155)
-L'Damian Washington, Missouri (6-4, 205)
-Tevin Reese, Baylor (5-10, 170)