After publicly stressing their full commitment to Colin Kaepernick for the future, the San Francisco 49ers are now targeting players that can help make him better. They added Torrey Smith to the wide receiver while signing Reggie Bush for a dynamic running back presence. However, thy might not stop there. While exploring options on the free agent market, are the 49ers looking to trade up in the draft for a playmaker?
According to NFL Draft Insider Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, the 49ers are eyeing a move up the daft boards in order to acquire Amari Cooper. San Francisco will make their first pick at No. 15 meaning they would have to make a huge jump in order to get Cooper as a number of teams are pining for the former Alabama wide receiver.
Right now, the biggest threat for Cooper is the Oakland Raiders who failed to acquire any big names at the position in free agency. They draft at No. 4. According to Miller, the 49ers would like to get as high as No. 5, potentially hoping the Raiders take Kevin White instead. As far as teams that draft ahead of San Francisco, the Chicago Bears are also a threat at No. 7. They have no interest in taking Marcus Mariota and are keen on the idea of bringing in Cooper to pair with Alshon Jeffery and replace the traded Brandon Marshall. The Jets have also eyed him along with the Redskins, but both teams are hoping Mariota falls into their laps and could fail to trade up for someone like Cooper.
The 49ers need to replace Michael Crabtree. General manager Trent Baalke told the media via CSN Bay Area, that San Francisco was open to bringing Crabtree back in free agency, but have made no moves to show that is true. Crabtree remains available and the 49ers have not even brought him in for a visit. Despite his low numbers in recent seasons, Crabtree leaves a big hole on the field. The departure of Frank Gore does the same thing. Acquiring Cooper would at least give the 49ers another big playmaker while potentially developing their future No. 1 wide receiver.
With Anquan Boldin and Bush not expected to play for many more years, getting younger at the wide receiver spot is crucial. Smith was a good start, Cooper would be a better move. With Carlos Hyde as the future of the running back position, San Francisco could potentially be building a very lethal offense for years to come.