Golden Nuggets: One Day Away

The 1st round of the NFL Draft starts Thursday night in Chicago. The 49ers will draft #7 unless they trade it. The team holds 12 picks in this draft and will be looking to fill positions that are in need of talent.

On offense, the 49ers will be looking to draft OL help, a QB, and possibly a wide receiver. The offensive line is a positional group that could improve the offense immediately with a good pick. The #7 pick could be used to upgrade that position. The team will draft a quarterback that will fit Chip Kelly's offense, but it will probably be in the later rounds. This pick will likely sit a year to learn the offense while Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert starts. In addition to a QB, Chip will want a physical WR to add to his offense.

On defense, the 1st pick for the 49ers is looking like it will be used to upgrade one of 2 major needs, defensive line or linebacker. A good defensive line pick usually shows on the field quickly. It will also upgrade the defense immediately. The team will also likely use a pick to address the lack of a partner for NaVorro Bowman in the middle. The rotation used after Patrick Willis retired did not work well. Also, look for the team to select cornerback help, which seems to always be a need of the team along with the WR position.

49ers Links

49ers And The Rooney Rule (McManus)

Looking Thin (Inman)

Thin Kap Appears On Instagram (Cohn)

Immediate OL upgrade | Landing Ronnie Stanley (Biderman)

Top 7 Mock Draft (CSN Staff)

Both trenches need help | Addressing The Trenches (Biderman)

A sad day for many 49ers fans | Nolan On Smith/Rodgers (Maiocco)

Obviously. But Rodgers would probably not be as good as he is now | Should Have Drafted Rodgers Over Smith (Biderman)

Defensive Depth Chart (Inman)

Offensive Depth Chart (Inman)

Baalke, Kelly Bonding In The Draft Room (Inman)

Diversified Hiring Practices (49ers Staff)

Be prepared to welcome him | Arik Armstead Would Welcome DeForest Buckner (Barrows)

May heat up on Thursday | Kap Talks Dormant (Biderman)

Draft Outlook (Maiocco)

5 Options (Maiocco)

Mike Nolan Explains QB Picks (Orr)

Another Mock Draft (49ers Staff)

Another great player with injury concerns | Meet Jaylon Smith (Emerick)

Draft Projections (Ludlow)

Women In Business Positions (CSN Staff)

5 QB Options (Biderman)

Offensive/defensive line needs can not be debated | Debating Draft Needs (49ers Staff)

Best news in awhile. Please do not trade for Bradford | Bradford Doesn't Want To Come To San Francisco (Breech)