Now that the activity of the start of a new league year has died down, some clarity has been provided for next month’s draft with the additions and departures that free agency brings.
For the [San Francisco 49ers](https://www.ninersnation.com/), however, that draft board is just as confusing as it was before the start of free agency. While the 49ers brought in a few new names, none were splash moves, and none addressed the front-line needs with which San Francisco entered this offseason.
With that being the case, the draft is wide open for the 49ers, especially at pick 11. San Francisco can go in many directions, but which makes the most sense?
Here’s the post-free agency update of power ranking, which positions the 49ers could go for with their first selection in next month’s draft:
### **1- Defensive line**
The 49ers face a dilemma with the 11th pick and the quality of defensive linemen in this year’s draft. Abdul Carter and Mason Graham are the best two available, with no chance of Carter dropping out of the top ten—or top five, if we are honest — and a slim chance of Graham falling to San Francisco.
If Graham does fall into the 49ers’ lap, he should be the pick. He’s the type of impact player the defensive line could use in its current state. But, in the ever-increasing odds that Graham is not available, the position is left with players who feel better selected in the back half of the first round than the front.
Players like Mykel Williams, Kenneth Grant, James Pearce, and Derrick Harmon (among others) could fit in that area. The 49ers could reach for a few names if they’re so desperate, but if they decide that a defensive lineman is the selection, trading back would be the best option.
If the 49ers are dead set on selecting at 11, and Graham is off the board, they should move to another position and not force a defensive lineman.
### **2 - Offensive line**
Would it be a surprise if I told you that the next position the 49ers need to address is the offensive line? Like the defensive line, the 49ers should select only two offensive linemen at 11: Armand Membou from Missouri and Will Campbell from [LSU](https://www.andthevalleyshook.com).
The after-effects of Memou’s solid combine are still felt, and it doesn’t seem likely he will fall to the 49ers. However, the board can fall in different ways, and maybe a surprise or two allows Membou to drop into the 49ers’ lap.
In what’s become peak draft content, the length of Campbell’s arms has become a point of contention. After his measurements fell short at the combine, he used his go-go gadget arms at LSU’s pro day to get his arm length to the desired 33-inch length for offensive tackles.
While Campbell is likelier to fall than Membou, they’re the only names that make sense at the position where the 49ers will select.
### **3 - Linebacker**
The only reason I put a linebacker higher than a cornerback is that the 49ers already have two capable starters, Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green. At the same time, Fred Warner is the only established starter in the linebacker corps.
Despite a 12th-hour attempt at bringing Dre Greenlaw back, linebacker opted to go to Denver for greener pastures, leaving the 49ers with a need next to Warner. While there are a couple of options already on the roster, if Jihaad Campbell is available when the 49ers are on the clock, he should be the selection.
Campbell offers something to both the pass and run defense, both things the 49ers struggled with last season, especially at the linebacker level with DeVondre Campbell trying his best to replace Greenlaw. There are concerns with his tackling ability – arguably making him an even better fit for the 49ers – but everything else he offers would complement Warner perfectly and might even give San Francisco an upgrade over Greenlaw in a couple of seasons.
With Jalon Walker creeping up draft boards, Campbell might not be the only linebacker worth taking at 11. While Walker is more of an edge rusher, he can play off-ball and did so at Georgia. Walker’s versatility could be a welcome addition to Robert Saleh’s defense, which needs some playmakers.
A linebacker might not be the most pressing need for the 49ers, but a couple of intriguing options could be worth the pick.