San Francisco 49ers: Positional traits to look for in 2018 offseason

As 2018 free agency and the draft approach, we look at the positional traits the San Francisco 49ers should be aiming to add to the roster in the offseason.

It is no secret that the San Francisco 49ers have plenty of holes to fill in the 2018 offseason. Jimmy Garoppolo’s performances in leading the 49ers to a 5-0 record, 6-10 on the season, after he ascended to the starting role helped masked the fact that San Francisco is still relatively week at a number of spots.

But, as well as a number of positions, there are a variety of different positional traits San Francisco should be seeking as the Niners head into free agency and the draft.

Here we look at what traits they need to add to their roster if the 49ers are to compete for a deep postseason run in 2018.

Wide Receiver: Dominance at the catch point

The return of Pierre Garcon from injury should be a huge boost to Garoppolo with his excellent hands  and ability to compete for the ball at the catch point, but the Niners have long since lacked a bigger receiver with those same traits who can dominate in the red zone and win jump balls.

Allen Robinson would appear to be the primary option in free agency who fits that mould, while the Niners are, per Tony Pauline, high on Oklahoma State’s Marcell Ateman who, along with New Mexico State’s Jaleel Scott, is one of the best jump-ball wideouts in the draft.

Marquise Goodwin’s emergence as more than just a deep threat gave the Niners offense another dimension, having a dominant red zone presence to go with him and Garcon could take the passing attack to another level.