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San Francisco 49ers: And with the first pick in the 2019 Draft, they select…

By Kevin Saito

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 15: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Xavier McKinney #15 force a fumble on Jordan Ta’amu #10 of the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Safety

Given that Jimmie Ward‘s last two seasons have ended with him on the IR with a broken forearm, and his contract due up following the season – and he’s been inconsistent at best when not injured – it doesn’t seem entirely likely that he’s going to be back in a 49ers uniform in 2019.

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Ward’s likely pending departure, along with Antone Exum not under contract beyond this season, leaves San Francisco in need of a safety. They have Jaquiski Tartt under contract, after giving him an extension that runs through the 2020 season.

It’s more than clear the backline of that defense is in dire need of some help. With some safety talent set to hit the open market this offseason like Tyrann Mathieu and Earl Thomas among others, the 49ers – who are armed with a ton of cap space – may try to address the deficiencies on the back end of their defense via free agency.

However, don’t rule out the possibility that they try to add a young playmaker in the Draft – heck, they could do both – though, it seems unlikely that they’ll use their top pick on a safety if they try to add a free agent, or vice versa.

There are definitely some solid prospects in this year’s draft class, who could add some playmaking depth to San Francisco’s secondary. Guys like Alabama’s Deionte Thompson, Johnathan Abram out of Mississippi State, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from Florida, to name a few.

All three have good size and speed, and could help firm up the back end of a defense that’s struggled to prevent big shots down the field.