2015 NFL Offseason Preview: San Francisco 49ers

Anthony Santiago, a huge 49ers fan requested that i dive into the roster and give some insight into what the San Francisco Niners may be looking to do when they're on the clock in 2 weeks.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS OFFSEASON PREVIEW

Coming off a disappointing season, the Niners looked like a young but talented team that could build on a lack luster season where many people thought they could contend for another title. They followed up a 2013 12-4 season where they lost to Seattle in the conference championship by posting a very unimpressive record of 8-8 in 2014. That followed by an off-season where head coach Jim Harbaugh left town to coach the University of Michigan, with a slew of players departed as well.

Offseason departures:

Free Agents- Kassim Osgood, Brandon Lloyd, Dan Skuta, Mike Iupati, Chris Culliver, Frank Gore, Perrish Cox, Stevie Johnson, Ray McDonald, Johnathan Martin, Josh Johnson, and Michael Crabtree have all signed with other teams.

To add to an already depleted roster, linebackers Chris Borland and Patrick Willis retired. Filling the holes that premier players such as Willis, Borland, Iupati and McDonald left will surely be a challenge. The Niners have however made some roster moves, adding and re-signing a few key players.

Offseason additions-

Torrey Smith, Blaine Gabbert, Chris Cook, Eric Pears, Desmond Bishop, Darnell Dockett.

The addition of Torrey Smith was huge for the Niners, after watching a handful of receivers walk in free agency. Darnell Dockett should be a pivotal part of keeping the defense held together in the very competitive NFC West. With all that said, it still looks like the Niners need to do a lot more in the draft to ensure they aren't buried in the cellar of the toughest division in football.

49ers on Draft Day-

Looking forward to the NFL draft, San Fran has a lot of holes to fill if they wanna be powerhouses in the NFL again. The first thing that pops out at me when looking at their roster is the lack of talent on the offensive line. In order to keep Colin Kaepernick protected, and the run game effective, they will surely need to add pieces. Drafting 15th overall, there could be potential to take a versatile lineman who could play multiple positions. La'el Collins should be available at 15, and could be a starter immediately for the Niners. He could play multiple positions, and would best be suited playing guard while adjusting to NFL caliber talent. Later in the draft, They could use a player like Laken Tomlinson, who is a mauler and would succeed in a power-running scheme. New Head Coach Jim Tomsula loves running the ball and adding players that will help Carlos Hyde should be a top priority.

After the retirement of Patrick Willis, the Niners were shocked when second year player Chris Borland announced his retirement due to fear of long term health. Finding a replacement has to happen during the draft. Assuming the front office and scouts are doing their homework, they'll realize that linebacker is pretty deep in this class, and they should look to add some players in day two and three. Players like Denzel Perryman, Phil Dawson and Benardrick McKinney should be available on day two, and could make an immediate impact on defense.

If you recall my latest mock draft, I have the 49ers selecting defensive tackle Arik Armstead from Oregon in the first round. San Fransisco could use depth at nose tackle, but I believe this pick will change, even though adding depth to the defensive line should be a priority. Armstead is projected to be taken in the first round, but will likely be a developmental player. Aside from Armstead, there are some prospects that the Niners could take later in the draft. Danny Shelton could be available at 15, and should wind up having a more productive career long-term. Gabe Wright from Auburn could be available in round 3, and could work his way into the rotation as well.

The success of next season will start with the NFL Draft, and the players selected. It will also sit on the shoulders of Colin Kaepernick, who has been working with Kurt Warner to further develop his passing game. Kaep has impressed coaches and tight end Vernon Davis with his progression, but will need to build rapport with his receivers in order to compete again in the NFC West. The time put in by scouts and the players will reflect directly on how successful the 49ers will be next season.