If I were the GM- San Francisco

The 49ers made some strides this past season.  They had a surprising 3-0 start, which could have been 4-0 without a great play from Brett Favre and Greg Lewis.  I like Mike Singletary coaching the team, but worry if his fiery nature could eventually fall on deaf ears.  I don't think it will, however, especially with leaders like Patrick Willis on the ball club.

This team does have its strengths, and could be up-and-coming in 2010.  The aforementioned Willis is the best linebacker in the game, and is only going to get better.  Arubyo Franklin is a force on the defensive line.  Outside linebacker Manny Lawson is one of the more underrated players in the game.  Defensive end Justin Smith made another Pro Bowl this year.  On offense, I like the move from Shaun Hill to Alex Smith.  Smith needs to improve from under center, but could become the quarterback they drafted number one overall a number of years ago.  Frank Gore is a the least talked about superstar in the league.  Vernon Davis turned a corner at the tight end position.  Michael Crabtree was a steal at the number 10 selection in last season's draft.  Josh Morgan is a solid number two receiver.  Their offensive line is good, but not great.  However, Joe Staley is a terrific left tackle.

San Francisco has needs but they're not glaring.  I mentioned their offensive line was good, but not great.  They could use help at right tackle, or their interior line.  If they continue to utilize the spread offense, they'll need another wide receiver to compliment Crabtree and Morgan- I'd like a speedster to spread the field for Davis, Crabtree, and Morgan.  Also, they could use a young playmaker in the secondary.  They have good hitters, but another cover guy would be useful.  On the front seven, they could use more depth, but no position is a glaring need.

This team is in a good spot, because they don't have many absolute needs and have two top 16 picks.  So they don't have to reach for anybody in the draft, and have the ammunition to trade up into the top ten if there's a player they like that begins to drop, perhaps a Russell Okung.  If they decide to stay put, they should use at least one pick to improve their offensive line.  Maybe a Trent Williams will drop or Mike Iupati- a fast rising guard from Idaho, or take both.  Another player to consider would be Bryan Bulaga if Williams is unavailable.  If they want to use one of the picks at another position, perhaps take cornerback Kyle Wilson.