The 49ers are looking for more depth in their defensive backfield, as Donald Strickland remains unsigned. Also, veteran Walt Harris is set to enter his 14th NFL season, and the club might be looking to put him in a reduced role.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

Niners regional scout Matt Malaspina attended the pro day workout for Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith. The big question is whether the 49ers would select Smith if he remained on the board when the 49ers go on the clock with the No. 10 overall pick.

Offensive tackle remains an area of need for the 49ers. Joe Staley showed he has a lot of promise at left tackle, but the 49ers would move Staley back to the right side if they can land a better left tackle.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Pass-rusher: This year's draft is deep with hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker types who are well-suited for a 3-4 defense. The 49ers would like to find a pass-rusher to create some pressure from right outside linebacker. It is doubtful they will be able to find someone who fits that description in free agency.

2. Offensive tackle: Right tackle was a weakness for the 49ers last season, as three different players suited up there and struggled. Adam Snyder is penciled into the starting lineup at this point, but the 49ers could address this spot in the draft. There are four quality offensive tackles that would be considered with the No. 10 overall pick. It's just a matter of who is there when it's the 49ers' turn to select.

3. Running back: The 49ers have made it clear they want a big running back to help share some of the load with Frank Gore. The 49ers had no desire to re-sign DeShaun Foster, as they believe they can get a quality backup to Gore with a mid-round draft pick.

MEDICAL WATCH: Quarterback Alex Smith said his shoulder feels better than at any point in the last year. He has been throwing several times a week, and believes he will be ready to participate in the 49ers' minicamp next week. Smith missed last season after being placed on injured reserve with a broken bone in his right shoulder. He underwent arthroscopic surgery during the season to remove a bone chip and the wire sutures that remained from surgery to repair a shoulder separation a year earlier.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--TE Billy Bajema, at the $927,000 salary he made last season, might be getting a little too expensive to retain as a blocking specialist.

--OT Damane Duckett never played in a game after 2007 switch from defensive to offensive line.

--RB DeShaun Foster languished on the sideline for most of the season as Frank Gore's backup. Showed his worth when pressed into action, but the 49ers might be looking to get younger at the backup spot.

--DE Roderick Green had a disappointing season as the third-down pass rusher. Team will be looking to upgrade.

--QB Jamie Martin is 39 and will not be back.

--TE Sean Ryan signed late in season as an H-back/fullback type. He is a low-priority re-signing.

--CB Donald Strickland is a versatile defensive back, who has done everything asked of him. He should be back on the team.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--FB Zak Keasey earned the starting job at the start of the regular season but played in just six games before sustaining season-ending torn biceps tendon.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--KR
Allen Rossum: UFA; terms unknown.

--LB Takeo Spikes: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--DE Demetric Evans: UFA Redskins; $3.8M/2 yrs, guarantees.

--QB Damon Huard: FA Chiefs; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--WR Brandon Jones: UFA Titans; $16.6M/5 yrs, $5.4M guaranteed.

--FB Moran Norris: UFA Lions; $5M/3 yrs, $1.5M SB.

--DB Jimmy Williams: FA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--LB Tully Banta-Cain (released).

--DT Ronald Fields: UFA Broncos; $5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

--WR Bryant Johnson: UFA Lions; $9M/3 yrs, SB unknown.

--S Keith Lewis (released).

--QB J.T. O'Sullivan: UFA Bengals; 2 yrs, terms unknown.