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Contra
Costa Times
49ers
Needs
By Cam Inman
Apr.16,
2000
Priority
scale: 10 for highest, 1 for lowest
Quarterback
WHO'S HERE:
Jeff Garcia, Tim Rattay, Gio Carmazzi
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
After drafting Rattay and Carmazzi last year, the 49ers are stocked with
backups to Garcia, who earned his first Pro Bowl berth last year. Rattay
likely will be the No. 2 QB even if the 49ers re-sign free agent Rick Mirer.
Carmazzi is getting experience in NFL Europe. FYI: New quarterbacks coach
Greg Olson came from Purdue, where he mentored Drew Brees.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
1
Running back
WHO'S HERE:
Garrison Hearst, Jonas Lewis, Paul Smith
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
With Charlie Garner now with the Raiders, there's an urgent need to find
a starting running back. Lewis and Smith saw limited action last year as
rookies, and Hearst remains unlikely to return from a 1999 ankle injury.
The last time the 49ers used their top pick on a running back was 1990
(Dexter Carter).
DRAFT
PRIORITY: 10
Fullback
WHO'S HERE:
Fred Beasley, Terry Jackson
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Beasley will enter his fourth season as one of the league's better fullbacks.
Although Jackson has been used primarily on special teams, he's a sturdy
backup to Beasley.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
2
Wide receiver
WHO'S HERE:
Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, J.J. Stokes, Tai Streets
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Although Owens and Stokes are locks to start, the 49ers should add depth
at this position. Rice likely will be released June 1, and Streets' future
fell into question after he broke his leg in December. The 49ers would
love to find a receiver who could double as a vaunted kick returner.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
8
Tight end
WHO'S HERE:
Greg Clark, Justin Swift, Brian Jennings, Terrence Dupree
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Clark, one of the league's top blocking tight ends, had a career-high 38
receptions last year. Swift and Jennings are waiting in the wings.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
3
Guard/center
WHO'S HERE:
Ray Brown (G), Jeremy Newberry ©, Dave Fiore (G), Ben Lynch ©,
Tyrone Hopson (G), Chris Dalman ©
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Brown is winding down his 15-year career -- albeit in strong fashion --
so finding a replacement would be a smart idea. Hopson (fifth round, 1999)
is the only offensive lineman the 49ers have drafted in the past two years.
Dalman is expected to retire June 1 after missing last season because of
a neck injury.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
5
Offensive tackle
WHO'S HERE:
Derrick Deese, Scott Gragg, Matt Willig
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
By recently locking up Deese and Gragg to long-term deals, it's not necessary
to use a high pick on a tackle any more, 49ers coach Steve Mariucci admitted
last week. It could be difficult, however, to pass on a beefy tackle if
he's available.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
6
Defensive tackle
WHO'S HERE:
Bryant Young, Cedric Killings, Junior Bryant, Reggie McGrew
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
If the 49ers don't sign free agents Dana Stubblefield or Brentson Buckner
this week, this position could be a higher priority come draft day. Bryant's
career is in doubt -- he still hasn't been cleared to play after suffering
an acute bulging disc in his neck early last season. Killings was a pleasant
surprise last year, but McGrew still hasn't proven worthy of his 1999 first-round
selection.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
8
Defensive end
WHO'S HERE:
John Engelberger, Chike Okeafor, John Milem
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
The 49ers desperately need a pass rusher. Engelberger became a starter
in his rookie season last year, but he needs more experience, as do Milem
and Okeafor. Engelberger and Okeafor each had three sacks last year.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
10
Linebacker
WHO'S HERE:
Derek Smith, Julian Peterson, Jeff Ulbrich
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Signing Smith last month filled one of the inside linebacker spots, but
the 49ers still need another inside backer in case Ulbrich's tender right
shoulder hampers him. Peterson, last year's top pick, could become a legitimate
star with his quickness and athleticism.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
8
Cornerback
WHO'S HERE:
Ahmed Plummer, Jason Webster, Anthony Parker
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Plummer and Webster started as rookies last year, but the 49ers need more
depth here. Parker, a fourth-round pick in 1999, has been slow to develop.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
5
Safety
WHO'S HERE:
John Keith, Ronnie Heard, Pierson Prioleau, Lance Schulters
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Schulters, the secondary's catalyst, is coming off knee surgery, so his
status is tenuous. Keith and Heard impressed last year as rookies. Prioleau
may have to finally step up if the 49ers don't re-sign free agent Zack
Bronson.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
4
Place-kicker
WHO'S HERE:
Wade Richey
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Richey, a restricted free agent, signed a five-year, $6 million offer sheet
from the San Diego Chargers on Friday. The 49ers have a week to match it,
but likely won't because of their cap constraints and Richey's erratic
2000 season. It's also doubtful they'd waste one of their seven precious
draft picks on this position.
DRAFT PRIORITY:
3
Punter
WHO'S HERE:
Chad Stanley
DRAFT OUTLOOK:
Stanley struggled last season, producing the sixth-worst gross average
among NFL punters (39.5 yards per punt).
DRAFT
PRIORITY: 7

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