2016 NFL Draft: 5 Bad Picks for the 49ers

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Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

CB Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida

I don’t mean to harp on defensive picks; I think either Joey Bosa or DeForest Buckner would make great additions to the 49ers’ franchise. The 49ers’ needs are more pressing on offense, however, and thus, highly-rated defensive players tend to not fit as well.

Vernon Hargreaves might be the best pure cornerback in this year’s draft, considering Jalen Ramsey might project better at safety. Hargreaves didn’t light the world on fire with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the combine, but his explosiveness is better measured with his fantastic numbers in the broad and vertical jumps, while his shuttle times boast of his ability to change direction on a dime. He has great feet, and can handle any sort of coverage the 49ers might choose to run. He’s also a willing tackler, and could even provide value as a returner in special teams. That’s not a bad package to grab.

I’m very concerned about his height—he’s only 5’10”, and I fear he may be overwhelmed against taller wide receivers in the NFL. He also tends to allow big completions when he does give up pass receptions; he averaged 16.5 yards per completion this season. That might have something to do with his average speed—he has that great, explosive burst, but faster receivers may be able to burn him deep. If the 49ers were to go cornerback early, they’d need a true shutdown player, and I’m not sure Hargreaves is that player. With a number of young prospects at the position, albeit none as good as Hargreaves, it feels like the 49ers will be better suited going elsewhere in 2016.

Next: Best and Worst Picks of the Trent Baalke Era

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All video courtesy of Draft Breakdown.