The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the 2016 NFL Draft with quite a few needs waiting to be addressed. Chip Kelly was hired as the new head coach and the 49ers are hoping that he can help turn things around and get the franchise back to being a serious playoff contender.
It will be very interesting to see what ends up happening in the draft for the 49ers and what they choose to do with their first round pick.
At this point in time, it is unclear what position the 49ers view as their biggest need. Colin Kaepernick could end up being traded which may make them search for a quarterback early in the draft. Jared Goff and Carson Wentz will likely be off the board which will make the 49ers look extra hard to find a future quarterback.
That being said, it is never too early to begin talking about which players could be potential targets. There are way too many possibilities to mention all of them, but there are always a select few that make perfect sense.
San Francisco has plenty of options, but let’s take a look at which five prospects could be first-round targets for the 49ers.
Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss Rebels
Perhaps the best fit for the 49ers would be Ole Miss wide receiver, Laquon Treadwell. He could step in immediately as the 49ers’ top wide receiver and has the potential to become a star in the NFL. Even after suffering a gruesome leg injury a couple years back, Treadwell has continued improving progressively and has a lot more room to grow.
Vernon Hargreaves III, Cornerback, Florida Gators
Another need for the 49ers could be in the defensive secondary, and there is a player that could be a big pickup for them. Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III has a good chance to be available when the No. 7 overall pick rolls around. Hargreaves could intrigue the 49ers and may very well be a lockdown corner at the next level.
Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil would be an ideal pickup for the 49ers as well. They could use some help on the offensive line, and there is no question that Tunsil has a chance to be a star for whoever takes him. San Francisco will definitely consider him if he’s available, but there is a good chance he’ll already be off the board.
Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama Crimson Tide
San Francisco also has a need at the inside linebacker position and Reggie Ragland could be the guy to fix that problem. Ragland recorded 102 tackles, 2.5 sacks, seven defensed passes, and two forced fumbles. He might be a reach at No. 7 overall but may end up being worth it when everything is said and done.
Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Standing in at 6-foot-6 and weighing 315 pounds, Ronnie Stanley could end up being an intriguing possibility for the 49ers. He would add talent and depth to the offensive line and with the right coaching staff could become a dominant offensive tackle. Kelly needs protection for his quarterbacks and Stanley could help do that.
Overall, the 49ers cannot afford to miss with the No. 7 overall pick this year. They have to bring in more young talent and continue building on what they have to get back into Super Bowl contention. Kelly and company have a lot of work to get done, and they can get a lot of it done during the NFL Draft.
Do you think one of these five players would be the right pick for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2016 NFL Draft? Who do you think they should end up selecting?
[AP Photo/Ben Margot]