Niners top 5 needs, and more draft info

49ers Top 5 needs

1. Offensive line: The 49ers have their starting five, but their depth is woefully thin. After the starting five, the 49ers' backups are Tony Wragge, Damane Duckett, Qasim Mitchell and Jeb Terry.

Injuries are so prevalent on the offensive line, it's always a good idea to have a starter or two (think Adam Snyder and David Baas in previous seasons) stashed away on the sideline. The 49ers must find someone capable to stepping in at right tackle, as Jonas Jennings has yet to make it through a 16-game season.

The 49ers might take an offensive lineman at No. 29. They might take one at 39. If the first two rounds come and go and the 49ers still haven't selected a lineman, there is no need to panic. GM Scot McCloughan said he expects quality offensive linemen to be available in the first four rounds.

This is viewed as one of the deepest drafts for offensive linemen in a long, long time. In 2005, the 49ers invested a pick late in the third round to take Adam Snyder. If they take a lineman in the third round and another with the eighth pick of the fourth round, they could accumulate some pretty good depth.

49ers.pressdemocrat.com
4/17/08