The San Francisco 49ers played a great 2023 American football season, and it would have been a perfect one if only they knew how to play in an overtime game last Super Bowl 58.
The Niners were leading heading into the last minute of their national championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, Patrick Mahomes and company forced them to play 15 more minutes by knotting the game at 19 points at the end of regulation.
It was a nightmare for coach Kyle Shanahan's squad in the extra time. They allowed the Chiefs to score six points while they scored only three.
Now, they are heading into the offseason, asking themselves what went wrong and where they
can improve after a dominant 2023 year.
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They failed to complete the campaign, and there must be changes.
What areas can they improve? They can get the best players that fit their needs through trade or draft.
Some players the 49ers should sign to remain a Super Bowl favorite
1. 2024 Draft Pick - Taliese Fuaga of Oregon State
The Niners will pick 31st overall in the 2024 draft happening on April 25, and they should choose Taliese Fuaga, offensive tackle for the Oregon State.
This selection will address two concerns-the departure of experienced OTs and the instilling of young legs in that area.
Tashuan Gipson and Jon Feliciano are not old, but they are not young either. Fuaga can be a good reliever, as many scouts believe he is an NFL-ready prospect who could play instantly.
"Fuaga has the size, power and run-blocking skills to earn a starting role in his first training camp at guard inside a run-first, play-action based system," said Bleacher Report Scouting Department's Brandon Thorn in his profile of the 6'9 player.
"He also has enough quickness to play tackle in a pinch."
2. Free agency - Jonah Jackson
Offensive line is another area that the 49ers need to fortify, and they could instantly achieve that if they get to sign Jonah Jackson from the Detroit Lions.
Jackson is an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign with any team.
He did not have a good end to his 2023 season due to injuries, but he has proven that he can reach Pro Bowl level in the games he has played. He was used many times as a starter on the interior and that went well for him because of other quality teammates.
Jackson can benefit from the likes of Nick Bosa in the 49ers.
3. Defensive support for Nick Bosa
Defensive end Nick Bosa needs help in the passing rush, and Chase Young, whom the Niners acquired during the trade deadline last year, did not live up to the task.
He had a good regular season but went missing in the playoffs. The 24-year-old is expected to stay with the Niners, but the team could use someone already playoff-tested.
Brian Burns is one of the biggest names among edge rushers in the free agency. The 25-year-old is entering his peak years, and expected to get a massive deal by next season.
The Niners could trade for him and sign him into a long-term deal.
He will be worth it as he recorded 16.5 sacks on 1,233 career snaps-a rate of about 11 sacks per 800 snaps.
Related article: 3 Reasons San Francisco 49ers Lost Super Bowl 58
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