What’s the Bigger Need? 49ers Edition
Let's play a game.
I'll name two positions, and you decide which one is the bigger for the 49ers this offseason. Simple enough, right?
1. Defensive End or Defensive Tackle?
The 49ers need a backup defensive tackle who can start for a month or two if Arik Armstead misses more time with Plantar Fasciitis, so this is a big need. But the 49ers also need a three-down starting defensive end who can play opposite Nick Bosa -- they didn't have one last season. They had specialists who weren't so special.
Bigger need: Defensive end.
2. Offensive Tackle or Guard?
The 49ers have had a platoon at right guard the past two seasons, because they haven't had a player who's good enough to play 100 percent of the snaps as most offensive linemen do. So the 49ers clearly need a starter here. But they also need a starting offensive tackle, because Colton McKivitz is more of a backup, and quality starting tackles are much harder to find that quality starting guards.
Bigger need: Offensive tackle.
3. Linebacker or Cornerback?
The 49ers never replaced Azeez Al-Shaair last year, and then Dre Greenlaw tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl, which means the 49ers need two starting linebackers. Fortunately for them, they drafted two linebackers last year, but neither played much, so it's unclear if they're ready to contribute, although they flashed in preseason. At cornerback, the 49ers have absolutely no one they trust after Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir. Their third cornerback most likely isn't on the team yet.
Bigger need: Cornerback.
4. Wide Receiver or Tight End?
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk both are under contract, but Jauan Jennings is a restricted free agent and could leave if a team makes him an offer the 49ers won't match. And after him, the 49ers have virtually nothing at wide receiver. At tight end, George Kittle still is one of the best in the NFL, but he hasn't had a quality backup ever, and he'll be 31 next season.
Bigger need: Tight end.
5. Kicker or Kick Returner?
Ray Ray McCloud fumbled in the Super Bowl and is a free agent, so the 49ers clearly need a new returner. They can't re-sign him. But they also need a kicker who can make all of his extra points in a Super Bowl, and that's not Jake Moody, who missed a critical extra point against the Chiefs.
Bigger need: Kicker.
