SANTA CLARA — The third draft better be the charm for a 49ers regime anxious to get its hand-picked roster into the playoffs.
Thus far, lackluster drafts preceded 6-10 and 4-12 seasons under coach Kyle Shanahan. Injuries crippled those teams, as did a lack of play makers.
“In Year 3, that’s the big make-or-break year for everybody,” said left tackle Joe Staley, entering his 13th season. “It’s time to produce and we all know that.”
Depth, plus a starter or two, from this week’s draft must make the 49ers into the NFC West threat everyone thought they would be a year ago.