What is the San Francisco 49ers' most significant need with the first wave of free agency behind them? Some might point to the defensive line, which was hit hard after the team parted ways with Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Maliek Collins. The defensive front now stands as one of the 49ers' biggest concerns heading into the draft—so much so that Pro Football Focus contributor Bradley Locker believes the worst-case scenario would be failing to double up on the position in the draft.
However, Pro Football Focus analyst Max Chadwick sees another position as the 49ers' biggest post-free agency need—cornerback.
"Charvarius Ward's free-agent deal with the Colts left a large hole in the 49ers' cornerback room," Chadwick explained. "Former second-round pick Renardo Green had a very encouraging rookie season and Deommodore Lenoir is a solid nickel cornerback, but San Francisco doesn't have many answers at the other outside cornerback spot."
Chadwick notes that the 49ers signed former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown, who might be the team's best outside option opposite Lenoir. However, Chadwick isn't optimistic about that solution, considering Brown has never earned a Pro Football Focus defensive grade above 62.8 in his NFL career.
San Francisco may have to turn to the draft to find a new starting cornerback, and Chadwick believes he knows the perfect candidate. The only problem is that the 49ers might have to use their first-round pick to get him. With so many other pressing needs, it presents a difficult decision.
"Michigan's Will Johnson would fit perfectly into defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's defense at No. 11 overall," Chadwick wrote.