The 49ers’ list of needs will change pretty dramatically between the opening of free agency in mid-March and the NFL draft in late April. Their ample salary cap space could make them players for multiple top-end free agents. The draft also offers several opportunities to add the talent necessary to fill out the biggest holes on their roster.

Instead of trying to predict which roster weaknesses they’ll strengthen where – we found a draft prospect and free agent to fill each of the 49ers’ biggest needs:

Edge rusher

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Draft pick – Nick Bosa, Ohio State

Bosa is the top edge rusher in the 2019 draft class. He posted 17.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss in 29 games for the Buckeyes. A core muscle injury cut his final season down to just three games, but he showed at the combine there won’t be any lingering effects from surgery on that core muscle. He wasn’t the most athletic edge player at the combine, but he tested well enough to match his tape and cement himself at the top of the class.

Free agent – Justin Houston

The Chiefs are set to release the 30-year-old in an effort to find some cap relief, and the 49ers should take advantage of an available pass rusher he tallied 9.0 sacks in 12 games last season. He’s still a wrecking ball despite turning 30 in January, and the 49ers could use him in a more rotational role that should maximize his effectiveness. Houston will command a good-sized contract on the open market, but he won’t be as expensive as some of the other top edge rushers.