Wide Receiver

Kyle Williams gets most of the blame for the 49ers losing to the Giants in the playoffs, because his two muffed punts led directly to 10 points, but he wasn’t even supposed to be out there. The 49ers receivers were supposed to be out there and their inability to separate had to cost the 49ers at least 10 points. Michael Crabtree managed just 1 catch in that game and other than 2 deep bombs to Vernon Davis, the 49ers’ passing offense was stagnant all game. Crabtree has been in the league 3 years and never gone over 1000 yards, so it might be time to reconsider him being their #1 guy. Even if he is their #1 guy, they need a new #2 guy. Braylon Edwards was supposed to be that guy, but he had a rough one year stay in San Francisco that ended with him being cut midseason. They’ll address this position in the first 2 rounds of the draft and are expected to be players in free agency as well as a strong wide receiver class hits the market.

Offensive Tackle

Anthony Davis really struggled as a rookie on the right side in 2010, allowing 11 sacks, 37 pressures, and committing 11 penalties. He was a little better in 2011, but not much, allowing 8 sacks, 30 pressures, and committing 8 penalties. This has all been on the right side, not even against the opponent best pass rusher on a weekly basis. Last offseason, the Bills cut Aaron Maybin just 2 years after making him the 11^th overall pick. Now Davis sits 2 years removed from being the 11^th overall pick. He might not be cut, but he may change positions. Remember, Jim Harbaugh hasn’t shown a whole ton of loyalty to Mike Singletary’s guys, he traded Taylor Mays for a bag of peanuts  1 year after Singletary made him a 2^nd rounder. They could look for a new bookend tackle this offseason and move Davis to guard, another position of need. At the very least, someone to push Davis at right tackle is needed.

Guard

As I just mentioned, guard is another position of need. Right guard Adam Snyder was one of the worst at his position last year, according to ProFootballFocus.

Safety

I know Dashon Goldson made the Pro Bowl and then got franchised, but I don’t think he’s very good, at least not in coverage. Yes, he had 6 picks, but the 4 touchdowns he allowed were 4^th worst among safeties, as were his 458 yards allowed. I wouldn’t have franchised him, in favor of finding a new safety, but I guess they’re stuck with him now. Some depth might be nice, especially if they can’t sign him to a long term deal.

Cornerback

Carlos Rogers had a fantastic season last year, making the Pro Bowl, but you should always be worried about a 30 something who randomly has by far his best season in a contract year. I’d be cautious about overpaying him. If he’s not resigned, they’ll need another cornerback in the mix.

Center

Center Jonathan Goodwin is still a solid player, but he’s 33 and on the decline. They could search for a long term replacement for him.

Quarterback

Alex Smith is a free agent. He needs to be (and will be resigned) to a long term deal. I don’t buy this talk about them potential being interested in Peyton Manning. Alex Smith is their guy.

Tight End

Jim Harbaugh loves using multiple tight ends, but he wasn’t able to do so all that natural this year, using players like left tackle Joe Staley and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga at times this year. They need a 3^rd tight end in the mix, as well as to resign Delanie Walker.