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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting Each Prospect’s Role in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Will Redmond (2) blocks a pass to Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Vince Sanders (10) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Will Redmond (2) blocks a pass to Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Vince Sanders (10) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Redmond-Cornerback

Third Round Selection-No. 68 Overall 

The 49ers were bound to draft at least one cornerback in the 2016 NFL Draft. And they were certainly going to select a player with a bum knee. So, Baalke gets himself a 2-for-1 special and solves both problems by selecting Mississippi State cornerback Will Redmond.

Here’s the deal with Redmond–when he’s healthy, he’s actually really good. I know we’ve said that about too many picks lately but this one feels different. Maybe not and we’re getting excited for nothing but let’s try to remain positive around here.

The athletic ability was apparent prior to Redmond’s injury. The test will be if he can get back completely and continue to make plays.

Redmond will start the offseason program unable to participate. He tore his ACL in October of 2015 and, despite Baalke suggesting he’ll be ready soon, it’s hard to see him up to speed in just nine months.

Pardon me, but I’m a little leery of a guy being able to step on the field that quickly and compete on the edge. That knee has to hold up in coverage and, with receivers fighting for roster spots, it’s dangerous to force Redmond to cover guys if he isn’t fully healed.

He may be able to contribute and that would be fantastic. For my money, expect Redmond to be a possible candidate for the 49ers to test out the new injured reserve rules that go into effect next season.

Redmond isn’t taking anyone’s spot in 2016. At least not immediately. The team may have to do some shuffling to accommodate roster sizes but that won’t come until Redmond is fully-healthy and ready to see the field.

Next: Rashard Robinson