San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest needs in 2018 NFL Draft, pre-free agency

The San Francisco 49ers figure to be busy in free agency and, ahead of the legal tampering period, we look at what their biggest draft needs are at present.

The arrival and performance of Jimmy Garoppolo helped mask the fact that the San Francisco 49ers still have plenty of holes on their roster. San Francisco addressed one of those deficiencies with the stunning signing of former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and has nine draft picks with which to fill their remaining holes.

However, with a large amount of cap space at their disposal, the Niners’ priorities in the draft will soon change depending on who else they are able to sign in free agency.

Before the “legal tampering period” begins on Monday, we take a look at the 49ers’ five biggest draft needs.

5. Running Back

Though the 49ers have openly stated they have been in negotiations with Carlos Hyde’s representatives, a deal to bring him back does not appear close. Should Hyde not come back, the 49ers would have to replace the 1,288 yards from scrimmage he had in 2017.

Matt Breida figures to have a significant role after averaging 4.4 yards per carry — a higher clip than Hyde — but the 49ers do not know what they have in either Joe Williams, who spent his rookie year on injured reserve, or Jeremy McNichols.

The 49ers cannot rely simply on Breida despite his impressive rookie season and, with options in free agency and a deep running back class, San Francisco should be looking to add to the backfield if Hyde does not return.