The 49ers have an important job at the NFL combine this year in Indianapolis. Their 2019 draft will play an essential role in their long-term contention. A rough 2017 draft class and question marks in the 2018 draft class make 2019 a year where San Francisco has to hit on multiple picks.

Their evaluations of this year’s prospects began a long time ago, but the combine will help them fine-tune their draft board, and give the front office and coaches a chance to chat one-on-one with some prospects for the first time.

Some positions will be more important than others for the 49ers at the combine. Here are the positions they’ll need to watch closest:

Linebacker

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers badly need a playmaker at WILL linebacker next to Fred Warner. They’re unlikely to go that route early, but addressing it on Day 2 is definitely an option. Linebackers in today’s NFL need to have a unique blend of size and agility to play against the run, but also get out and play coverage effectively on tight ends and running backs. While some of those skills show up on tape, the 49ers could move some players up their draft board if they see a linebacker at the combine who moves particularly well in space.