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The 49ers win on Sunday gave them their 2nd of the season, but it also dropped them in the 2018 draft order. They had been holding on to the #2 spot, but the New York Giants now have that spot with the 49ers slated to pick #3. The loss of the #2 pick would have been a blow, but with Jimmy Garoppolo in as the quarterback, the drop doesn’t hurt the 49ers very much. Teams without quarterbacks want to be picking 1st or 2nd in the draft, but the 49ers may have found their quarterback without having to draft him.
With quarterback no longer an area of need in the draft, the 49ers will need to focus on 2 areas on the offense with their picks. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan will need to draft offensive linemen to protect Jimmy for the upcoming seasons. Jimmy is slated to get a big money contract soon, so the 49ers will want to protect him. Stalwart Joe Staley and Trent Brown will be in the 49ers plans, but everywhere else on the line is likely up for grabs.
The 49ers will also look for playmakers in the draft to help Jimmy out. Whether that comes in the form of wide receivers or tight ends, the 49ers are lacking the explosive component in their offense. Jimmy had a great game throwing to the likes of Marquise Goodwin and Trent Taylor, but the 49ers will want to upgrade their weapons. They will welcome Pierre Garcon back since he’s a very reliable receiver. Trent Taylor could make a name for himself with a quarterback like Jimmy, who is accurate with the ball. Trent was able to make plays after the catch on Sunday, which has been rare this season. But neither Pierre or Trent will strike fear in many defenses, so look for the 49ers to make a move to get a receiver that will.
49ers Links
It’s been awhile since there has been excitement | Bringing excitement (Wagoner)
What’s next (Wagoner)
Of course | Staying with Jimmy (Williams)
Trent should have a good 4 games coming up | The 3rd down target (Wagoner)
The main piece may be resolved, now get the pieces to make him successful | Building around Garoppolo (Barrows)
Pay that man | Time make the commitment to Jimmy (Maiocco)
It was bound to happen | Bruce Ellington will not face the 49ers (Barrows)
Bill O’Brien on Garoppolo (Maiocco)
A mainstay | Staley in the team of the week (Monson)
Big step up in rankings (Biderman)
Draft status update (Biderman)
Gould’s Pro Bowl case (Fann)
Jimmy’s 1st start breakdown (Ruiz)
Looking like a very good ILB | Foster “one of the best” (Biderman)
Top spot for Staley (Martin)
Jimmy was clutch when he needed to be (Branch)
Possible Pro Bowlers in a years time (Lynch)
49ers Video
Victory speech (49ers Video)
49ers Audio
Insider podcast (Maiocco)