Will the 49ers Focus on Offense in the Draft?
The 49ers have focused 100 percent of their attention on defense during free agency, so naturally they'll turn their attention to offense in the draft, right?
Maybe, maye not.
The 49ers need to draft an immediate starter with their first-round pick -- no more red-shirt players early in the draft. That didn't work out so well with Trey Lance. The 49ers need an immediate contributor, and they've already brought back all 11 starters on offense, while there are a couple potential vacancies on defense.
In addition, the theme of the 49ers offseason has been extremely clear: the offense was great last season and the defense underperformed, so the defense needs a bit of an overhaul while the offense just needs continuity.
All of this might mean that the 49ers could spend their first-round pick on a defensive player.
It's possible the 49ers will draft a wide receiver in Round 1 and then trade Deebo Samuel after June 1, but highly unlikely.
It's also possible the 49ers will draft an offensive line in Round 1 and sit him for a year, but that would be a waste of a first-round pick on a team that's Super Bowl window is still wide open. The 49ers need an impact player.
Which is why it's possible the 49ers will draft a safety in Round 1. It recently was reported that Talanoa Hufanga hasn't been assured he'll have a starting job next season -- he might be Ji'Ayir Brown's backup at strong safety. In which case, the 49ers need a starting free safety, because Tashaun Gipson is a free agent.
Don't be shocked if the 49ers focus on defense early in the draft. They just can't help themselves.
