There has been some rumblings about the San Francisco 49ers switching from the 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense. This potential switch could alter their needs in 2010, but the most glaring one is the holes in the defensive secondary.

This team gave up 3,963 passing yards in 2009, and that is far too many. Likely enough for them with two picks in the first round, and a surplus of top rated safety and corner back prospects, they can use one of their first round picks to address the holes in the secondary.

This is of critical importance since Nate Clemens will be due a hefty rise after 2010, and Dre Bly will be a pending free agent. Expect the Niners to add a DB with one of their two first round draft picks.

The 49er offense could also use an upgrade at the RT position. If they wind up in a position to grad a LT with one of their picks they could move Joe Staley back to the right side, but a better option may be to draft Trent Williams who could come in and start from day one at RT.

We will call those the Niners primary needs. ON a list of secondary needs they need to upgrade their pass rush. Regardless of a potential defensive scheme switch, the Niners could use more pass rush help. This could come in the form of an OLB or a DE.

They could use one of their first round picks at this position, but they may wait until later rounds to address this need. It really depends on how the 2010 draft shakes out. They may find themselves at 13 or 17 with a DE or OLB prospect too good to pass on. However, a move like this seems unlikely since they have signed DE Derek Walker in free agency.

Related Links:

• 2010 NFL Team needs
• San Francisco 49ers news and notes
• 2010 NFL Draft news, notes, and rumors
• 2010 NFL Free Agents
• 2010 NFL Mock Drafts
• MTR Football.com