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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Bold Predictions for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Bold Prediction No. 4: 49ers Draft a Defensive Back with One of Their First Two Picks

No, not another defensive back again, Mr. Baalke. Please, can we avoid going after guys in the secondary?

True, general manager Trent Baalke has a habit of taking defensive backs early in the draft. He’s done so in each of the last three seasons. In 2013, it was safety Eric Reid in Round 1. Defensive back Jimmie Ward found his way to the 49ers in 2014. And Baalke capped this off with the second-round selection of safety Jaquiski Tartt in 2015.

So why would Baalke do something similar in 2016?

Aside from throwing dirt in Baalke’s recent draft history, taking a high-ranking cornerback may not necessarily be a horrible idea.

Yes, San Francisco has plenty of pressing needs elsewhere. And they do have depth at the position. But, aside from veteran cornerback Tramaine Brock, no one has really locked down a starting position within this group.

While developing corners Kenneth Acker, Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser may be better next season, is it entirely impossible to think the 49ers would want to land a potential shutdown cover guy?

Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey, Mackensie Alexander and Vernon Hargreaves III are all high-ranked, first-round prospects. And corners Eli Apple and Kendall Fuller would be steals in Round 2.

Does Baalke pull a repeat of the last three seasons?

Next: Baalke Trades Down in Round 1