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2017 NFL Draft: Exploring the 49ers Options at No. 2 Overall in Round 1

By Peter Panacy

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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Option 2: 49ers Draft a Safety Like Malik Hooker or Jamal Adams

This option certainly doesn’t seem plausible now that Trent Baalke is no longer general manager of the 49ers.

But what if we speculated the Niners tabbed either Ohio State’s Malik Hooker or LSU’s Jamal Adams to make some serious upgrades within the secondary?

It’s not a new argument. Our own Niner Noise contributor Nicholas McGee broke this down not long ago:

"Adams could be paired with [Eric] Reid for a year and then form a partnership with Ward if he moves from corner to take over the free safety spot from the Niners’ 2013 first-round pick. A Hooker-[Jaquiski] Tartt tandem is also a possibility should the 49ers cut bait with Reid and [Antoine] Bethea a year early, though that would require a strong show of faith in former second-round pick Tartt."

Yes, the 49ers appear to have three safeties capable of starting — Eric Reid, Jaquiski Tartt and Antoine Bethea. The number jumps to four if one counts defensive back Jimmie Ward switching to his natural position.

But McGee’s argument basically states either Hooker or Adams are linchpin pieces to build a defense around. And San Francisco lacks those in a major way.

Still, it’s a remote possibility and nothing more. The No. 2 overall pick is likely used to shore up needs elsewhere.