The annual scouting combine is just around the corner ramping up NFL draft season into high gear.

That means we’ll begin boosting our coverage by parsing through mock drafts, breaking down prospects and diving into all things roster construction in the coming weeks to try determining which route the 49ers will go this spring.

Here, we’ll give fans a primer on the 10 most notable NFL draft prospects who could be in play for San Francisco in Round 1. The 49ers will pick ninth or 10th depending on a coin flip with the Raiders at the combine, which starts Feb. 27.

Bradley Chubb | DE | North Carolina State

(Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports) 

Chubb will likely be first pass rusher off the board, but he could slip. The quarterback market this offseason could create a scenario where an intriguing non-quarterback falls down the board and into San Francisco’s lap. Chubb is a three-down defensive end who impresses more with production than his physical traits. He would solve the 49ers’ most pressing need on defense by upgrading the pass rush off the edge. The team last season ranked 26th in sack rate and 30th on third down, areas where Chubb could help significantly with his ability to get after the quarterback.