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49ers NFL Scouting Combine preview: A draft need filled in every round

The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is not just about the draft.

After all, when all the power brokers of every NFL team mix with each other and player agents in the same Midwest city with its easily accessed downtown scene, everything is on the table.

Trade talks – potentially involving Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham and others – will heat up. Extension talks will result in some deals, and free-agent interest will be gauged as official above-board discussions can legally begin in two weeks.

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But most of the focus will be on the draft prospects. And before the 49ers have an opportunity to add players in free agency, this is how they could look to fill their needs in the draft, which is scheduled to take place April 25-27:

Edge Josh Allen, Kentucky

First round, No. 2 overall
Regardless if the 49ers acquire a veteran edge rusher in free agency – and you can expect the 49ers to be active in that area – it could easily come down to an either/or situation with the No. 2 overall pick.

Nick Bosa or Allen.

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It really could be that simple for the 49ers with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. Sure, the 49ers have other needs, but the addition of an edge rusher in free agency and the best guy they can get in the draft would have a huge impact on every level of the team’s defense.

Bosa is still the player most likely to be chosen No. 1 overall. But the Arizona Cardinals could also go with Allen, Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams or a wild card, such as Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray.

The 49ers need a player whose job is simple: Line up on third downs and get after the quarterback. Allen’s skills and character are a fit for any defensive scheme.

WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina

Second round, No. 36 overall
The 49ers selected a wide receiver, Dante Pettis, in the second round of last year’s draft. And they could already have acquired a proven wide receiver on the trade market by the time the draft rolls around.

Samuel was impressive during the week at the Senior Bowl. His short-area quickness and array of moves enabled him turn around defensive backs who were helpless in their attempts to cover him. He’s got good size and hands. He would be a starter and the red-zone target that coach Kyle Shanahan covets.

OG Michael Deiter, Wisconsin

Third round, No. 67 overall
Veteran guard Mike Person was serviceable as the 16-game starter at right guard. The other four positions along the 49ers’ offensive line are set. This is the spot the 49ers will look to upgrade.

Deiter played every position on the offensive line during his college career. His knowledge, smarts and athleticism would be a good fit for Shanahan’s scheme. Deiter, the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, broke the Wisconsin record with 54 starts.

It would not take him long to adapt to the offense and win the starting job in times for Week 1 of the regular season.

LB Terrill Hanks, New Mexico State

Fourth round, No. 104 overall
Reuben Foster is a distant and forgettable memory for the 49ers, who will be looking to bring in someone to play alongside middle linebacker Fred Warner.

The team has a decision to make on Malcolm Smith, whose best spot is the weakside linebacker spot. He has not been healthy in the two seasons since he signed with the team, so the team could move on from him. Elijah Lee fared OK in five starts.

Hanks is a bit under the radar, mostly because he did not exactly attend a college football power. He was very impressive at the Senior Bowl while being coached by the 49ers’ staff.

CB Saivion Smith, Alabama

Sixth round, No. 176 overall
Smith has good size and ability. He attended three colleges, finishing up for one season at Alabama. In the sixth round, he is worth a look.

If the 49ers do not add anyone in free agency – the veteran crop of cornerbacks is thin – the club could let the team’s past two third-round draft picks, Ahkello Witherspoon and Tarvarious Moore, compete for the job to start opposite of Richard Sherman. Smith comes in as a developmental player and, potentially, for special teams and depth.

TE Drew Sample, Washington

Sixth round, No. 212 overall
Yes, we realize the 49ers have a pretty good starting tight end. He’s a guy named Kittle. Perhaps you’ve heard of him.

But the 49ers could use a young, polished tight end who could serve as a capable backup to give the offense more options in two-TE formations. Sample caught only 25 passes as a senior with three touchdowns. There is a lot of room to develop as a pass-catcher, and he is already a solid blocker.

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