A closer look at the positions the San Francisco 49ers could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:
Positions of need: The expectation is Colin Kaepernick will opt out of his contract in early March, leaving the 49ers with exactly zero quarterbacks under contract for 2017. Though general manager John Lynch has said he and coach Kyle Shanahan will consider all options with Kaepernick, it seems likely the 49ers will be starting over at the most important position. That means finding a potential bridge quarterback in free agency and focusing on the draft to provide developmental and long-term options. No matter who plays quarterback, a top target at wide receiver would also be a welcome addition. In 2016, 49ers receivers combined for 160 receptions, 1,777 yards and eight touchdowns. By comparison, Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown had 106 catches for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns. Specifically, the 49ers could use the type of No. 1 wide receiver who can consistently create separation and make contested catches. On the other side of the ball, the 49ers' switch to a 4-3 defense changes the profile of pass-rushers they'll need to identify, but it doesn't change the need to improve their ability to get after quarterbacks. Over the past three seasons, San Francisco has managed a sack on six percent of opponents' pass attempts, which ranks 24th in the league. In that time, the 49ers haven't had a player register more than 6 1/2 sacks in a season. A premiere pass-rusher would be a boon to a defense that was the worst in the NFL last season.
Three prospects the 49ers could focus on at the combine:
QB Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina: Trubisky has been connected to the 49ers in many mock drafts because of his combination of size (6-foot-3, 220 pounds), accuracy (68.2 percent completion rate in 2016) and arm strength. Shanahan covets accurate quarterbacks, but Trubisky has plenty of questions to answer after starting just one season in college.
WR Mike Williams, Clemson: At 6-3, 225 pounds, Williams cuts an imposing figure and is the type of receiver who can outmuscle and outleap defenders to make plays in traffic. He's had some issues with drops and his route running needs polishing, but if he runs a solid 40-yard dash, he could push his way into the top five or so.
DE/LB Myles Garrett, Texas A&M: Widely regarded as the top prospect in the draft, Garrett is expected to go No. 1 to the Cleveland Browns. But the 49ers must do their homework just in case, because Garrett would be an ideal fit for the Leo position in their defense. Garrett's pass-rush moves need some fine-tuning, but he'd give an instant upgrade to San Francisco's ailing pass rush.