Just one place coerced the 49ers to splurge in free company. It needed to be cornerback, and that delivered them Charvarius Ward.
It’s debatable how a lot the 49ers should revisit that place in subsequent week’s draft.
Final yr, Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir have been drafted with third- and fifth-round picks, the primary time this regime has chosen a pair of cornerbacks in 5 drafts.
Accidents and penalty points prompted an unnerving side to the 2021 cornerback corps, a lot in order that including depth stays very important this draft.
Creating additional want was the free company exit of long-time nickel again Ok’Waun Williams.
For now, Ward and Emmanuel Moseley are the projected starters, and with Thomas, Lenoir and Darqueze Dennard within the wings, the 49ers aren’t pressed to instantly discover a starting-caliber nook.
However right here is how the draft seems to be at that place:
SHERMAN’S TOP CORNERS
Richard Sherman isn't a confirmed draft guru however the man is aware of cornerbacks, and the ex- 49ers’ starter (2019-21) shared his scouting studies on his podcast.
Sherman referred to as it a “actually good class” that isn't as excellent on the prime as final yr’s. Right here is Sherman’s scouting report on his prime 5 cornerbacks:
1. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (South Carolina). Sherman thinks Gardner compares favorably to him and is the highest cornerback on this draft, most notably along with his method and confidence. Time in 40-yard sprint: 4.41 seconds.
2. Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU): An All-American as a freshman on LSU’s 2019 nationwide championship staff, Stingley’s foot difficulty restricted his 2021 workload to a few video games and that issues Sherman, who did commend his athleticism and potential. Time in 40-yard sprint: 4.37 seconds.
3. Trent McDuffie (Washington): Sherman raved about McDuffie’s aggressive nature, confidence and talent to play larger than his measurement (5-11, 195). Sherman, a 2011 Stanford product, questioned the competitors degree McDuffie confronted within the Pac-12. Time in 40-yard sprint: 4.44 seconds
4. Roger McCreary (Auburn): Downplaying McCreary’s quick arm size (28 7/8 inches), Sherman praised his fast ft and stated he may very well be the steal of the draft. Time in 40-yard sprint: 4.50 seconds
5. Andrew Sales space (Clemson): The Tigers’ off-coverage model isn’t a turn-off for groups that desire press strategies extra usually, Sherman stated. A quadriceps harm and hernia surgical procedure saved him from a pre-draft 40-yard sprint.
RADAR GUN
Who has the velocity to maintain up with or chase down a receiver — somewhat than relive final season’s abundance of go interference (23) and holding (5) penalties?
Other than the Sherman-heralded quintet, listed here are different extremely regarded candidates with spectacular instances within the 40-yard sprint (per The Athletic):
Kalon Barnes (Baylor) 4.23 seconds
Tariq Woolen (UTSA) 4.26
Zyon McCollum (Sam Houston State) 4.33
Alontae Taylor (Tennessee) 4.36
Cam Taylor-Britt (Nebraska) 4.38
Cobie Durant (South Carolina St.) 4.38
Tariq Castro-Fields (Penn State) 4.38
Kaiir Elam (Florida) 4.39
Jalyn Armour-Davis (Alabama) 4.39
Damarri Mathis (Pittsburgh) 4.39
Coby Bryant (Cincinnati) 4.47
WHO’S HERE
Charvarius Ward, Emmanuel Moseley, Ambry Thomas, Deommodore Lenoir, Darqueze Dennard, Dontae Johnson, Ka’dar Hollman
Evaluation: Upgrades or a minimum of adjustments are wanted after final season’s penalty-prone efficiency, with this unit actually struggling after Jason Verrett’s season-ending ACL tear within the opener. Verrett is a free agent, as is Josh Norman, who was benched in favor of Thomas (and a wholesome Moseley) down the stretch final season. The 49ers trumpeted Williams because the NFL’s premier nickel again (when wholesome), however they let him go to the Broncos. They may name on one of many aforementioned prospects, or maybe Baylor’s Jalen Pitre, who shined on the Senior Bowl and has the flexibility to play security, the place the 49ers might see him as an eventual successor to versatile vet Jimmie Ward.
DRAFT PICKS
Spherical One (none), Two (No. 61 general), Three (Nos. 93, 105), 4 (No. 134), 5 (No. 172), Six (Nos. 187, 220, 221), Seven (No. 262).