The San Francisco 49ers missed out on the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, and now have a new head coach in Jim Tomsula. This team still has championship expectations, but free agency hasn't gone well for them so they’ll look to improve their roster through the draft. Who are they targeting to help get them back to the postseason?
DT Arik Armstead, Oregon
Armstead is a physical menace at 6'7" and 292 lbs., yet he's still extremely quick for his position. He uses his size to locate the ball quickly, and then uses his length and quickness to shed blockers and attack the ball carrier. Armstead hasn't shown a great deal of anticipation on the field, but his elite athleticism usually makes up for it.
LB Denzel Perryman, Miami
San Francisco’s linebacking core is in need of inside depth and help stopping the run due to the retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland. Add in a blue-chip prospect, and the 49ers could post top-ten finishes in rushing and passing yards allowed next season – putting them in great shape in their quest to make their way back to the postseason. Perryman doesn’t have elite speed or athleticism, but his strength, acceleration, and instincts have drawn comparisons to London Fletcher, and he should be available in the second or third round.
WR Justin Hardy, ECU
Torrey Smith should be a top-notch receiver in his first season in San Francisco, but the 49ers need to find someone else they can rely on to improve the receiving core. Hardy, the NCAA’s all-time leader in receptions, has the reliability that would allow the Niners to use Smith as a deep threat more.
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