The 49ers have an important job at the NFL combine this year in Indianapolis. Their 2019 draft will play an essential role in their long-term contention. A rough 2017 draft class and question marks in the 2018 draft class make 2019 a year where San Francisco has to hit on multiple picks.
Their evaluations of this year’s prospects began a long time ago, but the combine will help them fine-tune their draft board, and give the front office and coaches a chance to chat one-on-one with some prospects for the first time.
Some positions will be more important than others for the 49ers at the combine. Here are the positions they’ll need to watch closest:
Linebacker
The 49ers badly need a playmaker at WILL linebacker next to Fred Warner. They’re unlikely to go that route early, but addressing it on Day 2 is definitely an option. Linebackers in today’s NFL need to have a unique blend of size and agility to play against the run, but also get out and play coverage effectively on tight ends and running backs. While some of those skills show up on tape, the 49ers could move some players up their draft board if they see a linebacker at the combine who moves particularly well in space.
Safety
It’s not inconceivable that San Francisco foregoes adding a safety in the draft – especially if they add a starting-caliber player in free agency. However, a great combine by a safety could move him onto the 49ers’ radar either at that position or to convert to corner. That scenario played out with Tarvarius Moore last season. It’s entirely possible it happens again if a safety prospect really stands out athletically.
Offensive line
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan requires his offensive linemen to move in ways we don’t traditionally see linemen move. Their roster is not deep along the offensive front, so adding depth anywhere on the line makes a ton of sense. Offensive line probably isn’t way up the 49ers’ list of priorities, but that could change if a player has a particularly strong workout. If a lineman dominates his drills to back up solid college tape, don’t be surprised if the 49ers snag him.
Cornerback
The cornerback drills will matter less to San Francisco than their size measurements. The 49ers’ scheme requires length in their corners more than athleticism, although the latter has to be at least somewhat present. They’ll still have a close eye on the cornerback workout, but a player with the desired size will catch their eye before a fast 40-yard dash does.
Wide receiver
Shanahan will very likely have his eye on some receivers well before the combine kicks off. He’ll have most of his scouting done on tape, with interviews and workouts simply moving some players up or down a touch on his board. If a player like UMass’ Andy Isabella lights it up with a record 40 time, that could move him way up the 49ers’ wish list. Interviews and meetings will be key for receivers with San Francisco, because locker room fit is going to play a vital role in the determination of who they’ll pick.
Edge
Despite being their biggest need, the 49ers probably won’t need to glean a ton of info from edge player workouts. They’ll have a player in mind at No. 2, and only a catastrophically bad combine performance is likely to change that. However, if they want to take an edge player later in the draft as well, the combine can play a part in small adjustments to their draft board. Interviews will be essential for this group as well, especially if San Francisco is considering a trade back from the No. 2 pick and opening the door for a slew of other first-round edge prospects.
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