The 49ers added three likely starters in free agency in cornerback Richard Sherman, center Weston Richburg and running back Jerick McKinnon, allowing them the freedom to find the best players available in the NFL draft starting April 26.

They have nine picks, including No. 9 overall, to continue fortifying the roster after bringing in a successful haul in Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch’s first draft last spring. With the calendar turning to April, let’s take a look at the nine areas of need the 49ers’ could address with their nine selections, in no particular order.

Edge pass rusher

The 49ers tied for the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL last season and struggled mightily on third down because of it. They allowed opponents to convert 43 percent of their attempts, the league’s third worst clip. They used first-round picks on Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas in the past three drafts to provide pressure along the interior but lack a solidified option on the edge to compliment those investments.

(Cassius Marsh (54) – Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports)

The team brought back Cassius Marsh on an affordable two-year deal before signing free agent Jeremiah Attaochu on a one-year, “prove it” contract. But that duo has 16 career sacks in eight combined seasons. The team declined the option of veteran Elvis Dumervil after he led the team with 6.5 sacks in 2017.

There’s a chance San Francisco finds its edge pass rusher in Round 1 with Boston College’s Harold Landry and UT San Antonio’s Marcus Davenport as candidates at defensive end. Getting after the quarterback more consistently from the edge could dramatically re-shape the defense.