The 49ers will have all but two starters returning from last year's near-Super Bowl squad, with wide receiver Josh Morgan and right guard Adam Snyder the lone significant defections. The additions of ex-Giant Mario Manningham and the unretired Randy Moss should offset Morgan's loss. leaving an interior lineman that can offer Snyder's versatility as the most prominent deficiency on the roster. Building some depth on the defensive line will also be a priority in this draft, as All-Pro tackle Justin Smith turns 33 this season, end Ray McDonald has battled knee problems and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga is an impending free agent. The Niners applied the franchise tag to playmaking safety Dashon Goldson, but could look for a successor if unable to sign him long-term, and the team may not be finished tinkering at wide receiver in its effort to help boost an offense that finished 30th in passing yards last season.
2011 Record: 13-3
Top Needs: OG, DL, S
First Three Picks: No. 30, No. 61, No. 92
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2011 - Aldon Smith (OLB, Missouri); 2010 - Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers), Mike Iupati (G, Idaho); 2009 - Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech); 2008 - Kentwan Balmer (DL, North Carolina); 2007 - Patrick Willis (LB, Ole Miss), Joe Staley (T, Central Michigan); 2006 - Vernon Davis (TE, Maryland), Manny Lawson (OLB, North Carolina State); 2005 - Alex Smith (QB, Utah); 2004 - Rashaun Woods (WR, Oklahoma State); 2003 - Kwame Harris (OT, Stanford).
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