Here are the five positions of need for the 49ers as they approach the NFL draft:

Cornerback

The Falcons and Ravens showed that the 49ers are vulnerable to the pass, with Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown and Chris Culliver exposed far too often

Wide receiver

Randy Moss and Ted Ginn Jr. are eligible for free agency, A.J. Jenkins didn't show anything his rookie season and Kyle Williams isn't an impact player.

Safety

Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson still are in their primes. However, it's incumbent upon the 49ers to have someone ready to play based on the physical approach employed by Whitner and Goldson and their risk of getting injured.

Kicker

David Akers is fresh from a subpar season in which he missed 13 of his 42 field-goal attempts in the regular season. Enough said.

Nose tackle

Isaac Sopoaga turns 32 just before the season starts, and he is eligible for free agency. It's about time for the 49ers to start grooming a replacement.