While the San Francisco 49ers sit at home watching the playoffs, they are left trying to figure out what happened during a disappointing 8-8 campaign. They are left doing so without a head coach and with many lingering questions. 

But make no mistake about it, this is still one of the most-talented teams in the NFL. Now comes the transition from the Jim Harbaugh era, which will bring the necessity of having to continue adding young talent. In reality, the 2015 draft could be one of the most important drafts in the recent history of the franchise. 

Here's an early look at the top-five 49ers needs heading into the offseason. 

1. Wide Receiver

If this sounds like a broken record, that's probably because it is. For the better part of the past decade, San Francisco has been attempting to find that true No. 1 wide receiver. And while Anquan Boldin has filled that role in each of the last two seasons, he's likely going to hang it up following the 2015 season. In addition to that, Michael Crabtree is likely going to leave in free agency this upcoming March. With Crabtree's likely departure, that would leave Steve Johnson as the 49ers starter opposite Boldin. First off, that's a tremendous lack of speed. Secondly, that also means that either Quinton Patton or Bruce Ellington (both talented, but raw) would fill in as the third receiver. Needless to say, that's not an ideal scenario for Colin Kaepernick. 

In looking at potential Day 1 receivers that fit a need for speed in San Francisco, West Virgnia's Kevin White seems to fit the bill. White may not have great down-field speed, but he has tremendous short-area burst. This enables him to get quick separation at the line, which is something Kaepernick needs right now. More than that, White is already a refined route runner and should be an immediate-impact performer at the next level. Again, that's something that 49ers are going to be looking for. He might not possess the top-end talent of an Amari Cooper, but White will be a very good top-end No. 2 wide receiver out of the gate. It's a safe pick that would reward the 49ers from Day 1. 

2. Cornerback

Perrish Cox was one of the most surprising players in the NFL this past season. Heck, he was one of the best cover guys in the league. Unfortunately for the 49ers, Cox is set to become a free agent and will look to collect big money after a career season. It remains to be seen if he'll be back. In addition to Cox, Chris Culliver is also set test the open market. Blessed with superior coverage ability, Culliver has the potential to be a lock-down cornerback in the NFL. In reality, the 49ers will likely end up having to choose between one of these two players. If that's the case, the team will need to find another cornerback in the draft. 

Dontae Johnson was incredibly impressive as a rookie and fits the new mold of taller, physical cornerbacks. He's likely going to be a starter down the road. 2015 first-round pick Jimmie Ward, more of a safety by trade, struggled in the first half of the season before being placed on IR in Week 10. He's going to have to up his game to be considered a starter in 2015. As it is, Ward is as slot guy, nothing more. This leaves a tremendous void at one of the outside cornerback positions. 

Trae Waynes from Michigan State has to be considered a first-round talent. At 6'1", he also fits San Francisco's need for a taller outside cornerback. However, the talented defensive back will likely be off the board by the time the 49ers select. Short of trading up, they're likely going to have to look in another direction. If so, LSU's Jalen Collins could very well be a nice Day 2 target. At 6'2" and physical at the line, Collins may in fact fit what the 49ers will be looking to build in the defensive secondary. Then again, we have no idea what their scheme is going to look like until a new head coach is named. 

An intriguing mid-round target could be Ladarius Gunter from Miami (F), who is a bit raw but also possesses a ton of upside. He could be 2015's version of Dontae Johnson. As it is, San Francisco will look to add another cornerback in the early rounds this year. 

3. Five-Tech Defensive End

Even if Justin Smith returns, the 49ers are going to have to find an eventual replacement for the borderline Hall of Famer. Tank Carradine should earn a starting gig next year, especially considering his ability to show flashes of dominance. With Ray McDonald gone, depth also becomes somewhat of a concern here. Quinton Dial, who was impressive in 2014, could move outside. But in reality, that's not an ideal scenario for the team. Outside of adding a five-tech in free agency, which is something Trent Baalke will look to do, the draft is going to be an obvious medium to add a young talent. 

Looking at tape of some of the top 3-4 ends, Baylor's Shawn Oakman jumps out as a fit. The physical speciman may disappear at times during games, but San Francisco has proven it can get the most out of talented college players. Depending on the "new" coaching staff, that likely won't change in 2015. At 6'9" and 280 pounds, Oakman has the looks of a dominating force. Lining him up opposite Carradine with Aaron Lynch and Aldon Smith at outside linebacker would be a scary proposition for opposing NFC West offenses. The biggest hiccup here is that Oakman has recently indicated he's planning on returning to Baylor for his senior season. Outside of what changing, San Francisco will have to look in another direction. 

4. Offensive Line Depth

Mike Iupati is likely leaving in free agency. And while the 49ers have a potential replacement in Brandon Thomas, who the team used as a red-shirt this past season after selecting him in the third round last May, he's somewhat of an unknown. Marcus Martin came in and replaced an injured Daniel Kilgore at center. He figures to be a long-term solution there for years. This also means that Kilgore will take over as the team's top backup along the interior of the offensive line.

However, it's at tackle where San Francisco might be concerned. Anthony Davis was injury plagued all season after great performances in 2012 and 2013. Meanwhile, Pro Bowler Joe Staley is etched in stone at left tackle. Outside of that, there isn't much to see here. Jonathan Martin struggled big time with Davis out of action. He might be relied on to play the backup tackle position, but San Francisco could use a potential upgrade there. Said upgrade wouldn't come until the end of Day 2, at the earliest. Jake Fisher (Oregon) and Daryl Williams (Oklahoma) could be solid targets there. 

5. Quarterback 

No matter San Francisco's head coaching situation next year, Colin Kaepernick will be the guy under center. However, the team MUST find a viable backup quarterback at some point this offseason. Left depending on Blaine Gabbert as the team's No. 2 last year, San Francisco held Kaepernick back a great deal because it was afraid of actually having to line up with Gabbert under center for an extended period of time. That simply can't happen in 2015. 

And while a mid-round pick in the 2015 draft wouldn't necessarily be ready to fill in should Kaepernick go down, it could give San Francisco a long-term option at the backup quarterback position. Colorado State's Garrett Grayson and South Alabama's Brandon Bridge could be decent mid-to-late round options.