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.