What Is The 49er's Absolute Biggest Need Going Into 2018 Season?

CB and oline

Everyone back from IR

Pass rusher

CB

O-Line is the biggest need in my opinion.

After a full offseason of film on what KS is trying/wants to do and not a lot but some film on Jimmy G, (tendencies/ how he attacks specific coverages/ ball placement/ movement/ footwork/etc) there shouldn't be as many blown coverages/multiple wide open receivers on plays. From what I see of KS, his scheme, and perhaps more importantly his play-calling flow, he counts on the defense adjusting then he exploits the vacancies created and then again and again, the defense will adjust and he counters. When he is able to open everything up the flow of his calls is mad-scientist-esque, he basically calls a play[s] just to force how/what he wants the defense to line-up/play, All so he can attack that specific coverage. He either is or would be a fantastic chess player, if you're really good, you don't just anticipate your opponents' moves, you dictate them.

Problem is, what he wants to do needs time to be able to execute it properly. It not only needs time, but players who understand the philosophy and who can get where they need to be on time. The offensive line by default is the biggest factor. Biggest doesn't mean most important, the QB is most important. It's the biggest because they have the most opportunities to screw up the execution of any given play and the play-callers flow. What does Jimmy G getting the ball out quick matter if he is still getting blasted by a 250 lb man running full speed and can't get up? What does calling the perfect pass/run against a certain coverage matter if the line can't protect long enough for the concept to work, or get to their spot/open a running lane for the rb? Miss a block, play gets blown up, get a hold/false start, well now the whole set-up of that drive is gone. Below average in pass protection, have to limit what plays can be called, same goes for run blocking.

Pass Blocking did not improve when Jimmy G started, decision making and accuracy improved. Which led to less sacks and hits. Run blocking was horrendous all season. The main problems being timing and consistency. Do their jobs on 1st and 2nd down, then whiff on 3rd when it matters most. I get being new to the scheme and not being where you need to be when you need to be there all the time. but the 1v1 beat downs on the interior are flat out inexcusable. The 3 Stooges consistently got beat off the snap to their gaps or were glided like they were on skates right out of position if not flat out man handled and tossed out of the way. Teams attacked the interior of the line all season and they will again next year.

Fix the o-line and the offense is just a "6'4+ not necessarily #1 WR" away of being a perennial top-5 offense. At that point the team would truly have no needs on offense.

Originally posted by RTFirefly:
Kilgore is like a blocking sled - always moving backwards at high speed when pushed.

LOL. Sounds like our starting center from 2016.Tim Barnes.
The guy spent more time in the backfield than the running back.

IMO. OL - we have to protect our FQB.

To everyone clamoring for an o-line revamp, remember that we get Trent Brown and Garnett back. That should be an instant upgrade. And before we spend a high draft pick or big money on an interior lineman, I'd like to see our 1st round rookie get another year under KS and the winning mentality. This winning streak will help the team work that much harder.

Originally posted by socal9er42:

Elite pass rusher.

This

Originally posted by NinerBuff:

Originally posted by socal9er42:
Elite pass rusher.

This

These

and O line too

Not a single need. You win in the trenches. Need help at guard and center to protect Jimmy and spark the running game. Need the edge rusher to get the D off the field on 3rd.

Like the thread, but this was a question for the 2012 49ers.

Good offense is sustained by good linemen. With them you can have a balanced offense on passing the ball and running to move the chains.

Inside linemen are top priority on both FA and draft. Niners should invest on quality players such Justin Pugh, Andrew Norwell, Josh Kline, Weston Richburg, Ryan Jensen. While rookies like Braden Smith, Mason Cole, Frank Ragnow could compliment the FA adquisitions.

Running backs, receivers and tight ends can be taken on Day 2 or 3 of draft with guys such as Sony Michel, Akrum Wadley, Kyle Hicks; Michael Gallup,Simmie Cobbs,Jake Wieneke; Dallas Goedert, Dalton Shultz, Caleb Wilson.

FA: interior O-line
Draft: pass rush

It's surrounding Garoppolo with playoff-caliber talent...so, that means OL, RB, WR, TE, the whole enchilada. Just focusing on the OL won't be enough, although it's really important. The WR corps is deficient in size...they'll need 1/2 bigger receivers who can be legit RZ threats. Same goes with the TE corps...Kittle shows promise, & I think Hikutini does, too, but as things stand right now, the position group's largely devoid of a serious playmaker...someone defenses will have to account for. For RB corps, assuming they don't re-sign Hyde, they'll need to augment Breida & Williams with another multi-talented RB (or two).

biggest need is obvious...footwork!

#1 guard
#2 center
# 3 Pure Pass Rusher
Then CB Wr!
Got the draft capital to get it done ✅

Oline (center first, then guard and swing tackle)

Pass rush

Secondary (corner first, then safety)

Depth everywhere

Maybe a new mascot and some janitors