This will take some time getting used to. NFL Draft Season just feels different when a first-round pick isn't part of the discussion.
That's where the 49ers sit right now.
After trading up to the No. 3 pick in the 2021 draft to take quarterback Trey Lance, the 49ers currently do not own a first-round pick this year or next year. As of now, they still own nine picks in the 2022 draft, and should be busy on Day 2 and Day 3.
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General manager John Lynch is in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, while Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the coaching staff are conducting interviews with prospects via Zoom. Starting with quarterbacks, tight ends and wide receivers, on-field drills and events at the combine begin Thursday -- ramping up the race to the draft.
With the combine back is full swing, here are some areas of need for the 49ers in the draft, which begins April 28.
But April 29 for the 49ers ... for now.
Secondary
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Let's start this thing off by cheating. We're not talking about cornerbacks or safeties. We're talking about both.
At cornerback, Emmanuel Moseley is under contract for one more year. Josh Norman, Jason Verrett and Dontae Johnson all are free agents, as well as nickelback K'Waun Williams. Free safety Jimmie Ward isn't going anywhere but strong safety Jaquiski Tartt is set to hit free agency.
The 49ers did address some of those areas in the draft last year by selecting cornerbacks Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir, as well as safety Talanoa Hufanga. But they saw more than perhaps any team how important depth in the secondary is. Bringing in players like Dre Kirkpatrick and starting Norman isn't exactly ideal.
There still could be some top-end defensive backs available for the 49ers to scoop up, especially with their first pick in the second round.
Offensive Line
More cheating!
Speaking of depth, it always is needed along the offensive line and the 49ers could have several openings.
Left guard Laken Tomlinson is set to hit free agency after being named a Pro Bowl replacement. They've also had a hole at right guard for years now. Restricted free-agent Daniel Brunksill could face a lot of competition along the interior offensive line from Jaylon Moore, Aaron Banks, Colton McKivitz or restricted free-agent Tom Compton.
Center is where things get interesting.
Alex Mack, who also was named a Pro Bowl replacement, doesn't have any guaranteed money left on his contract. He also turns 37 years old next season and hasn't committed to his future on the field. Perhaps the 49ers target a versatile offensive lineman who can play center or guard in the present and the future.
Just look at what Creed Humphrey did for the Kansas City Chiefs as a second-round pick this past season.
Edge/Defensive End
Less cheating, to a degree.
The 49ers firmly believe you can never too many pass-rushers. Luckily for them, they have one of the best in the business with Nick Bosa. Then it gets thin.
Dee Ford can't stay healthy, Arden Key and Jordan Willis are schedule to be free agents and Samson Ebukam and Charles Omenihu are signed for just one more season. Many see defensive line as the deepest position in the draft this year, which the 49ers should take advantage of.
Wide Receiver
Hear me out. The 49ers already have a dynamic duo in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Jauan Jennings looks like a strong No. 3 candidate in the Kendrick Bourne role as someone who is one tough cookie with the ball in his hands.
But this is about to be a different offense, with a completely different quarterback.
Aiyuk already gives Trey Lance one deep threat. He needs another.
RELATED: Weak '22 QB draft class factored into 49ers picking Lance
Instead of the ball coming out of Jimmy Garoppolo's hand as quick as possible, expect it in Lance's right hand much longer as he deciphers the defense and keeps plays alive with his dual-threat ability. The 49ers should have their eyes on the 40-yard dash and target a speedster who can improvise and be a target down the field for Lance.
One who can also handle duties as a punt returner would be ideal.
Wild Card: Punter
The last time the 49ers drafted a punter, they did so all the way in the fourth round for Mitch Wishnowsky in 2019. That came four years after they selected punter Bradley Pinion in the fifth round.
Wishnowsky in his first three seasons has been good but not great. He certainly hasn't been worth a fourth-round pick. The Australia native turns 30 years old on Thursday and has one more year on his contract. Might his competition or possible replacement come from the draft this year?
San Diego State's Matt Araiza had a historic college season in 2021 and entered the draft after his junior year, something rare for most punters. Penn State's Jordan Stout also was one of the top performers at the Senior Bowl, and Georgia's Jake Camarda has made some noise.
Finding a punter isn't at the front of a draft to-do list, though it certainly could be an interesting area of need for the front office to take a look at.