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San Francisco 49ers: Complete 7-Round Mock for the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Fabian Moreau (10) defends but is called for pass interfence against Utah Utes wide receiver Tim Patrick (12) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Fabian Moreau (10) defends but is called for pass interfence against Utah Utes wide receiver Tim Patrick (12) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2: Cornerback Fabian Moreau, UCLA

Height/Weight: 6-foot-0, 206 pounds

The 49ers need cornerbacks capable of operating on an island in Robert Saleh’s defense.

Saleh’s scheme can call for eight defenders in the box at times, which means there will be a lot of one-on-one coverage in the secondary.

And that’s where UCLA cornerback Fabian Moreau comes in.

Moreau’s height and weight should match up well against some of the bigger-bodied receivers he’ll face at the next level. And while he’s not quite the ball hawk, Moreau is more than capable of breaking up passes. He had eight last year.

As far as the “being on an island goes,” look at what CBS Sports’ Rob Rang had to say:

"He is well-versed in man coverage, often lining up on an island in UCLA’s scheme. Moreau has a tight, low backpedal and a fluid hip-turn to remain in the back pocket of receivers. He plays with a gambler’s mentality, occasionally allowing space to receivers only to show a nice burst to break up passes once quarterbacks commit. Moreau shows good hand-eye coordination and timing to slap the ball away as it arrives, doing a nice job of keeping his hands free of the receiver so as to not draw the ire of officials."

The only cornerback of worth or potential on the Niners roster right now is Rashard Robinson. Tramaine Brock is aging and gets burned too often. And no one else on the depth chart, aside from K’Waun Williams in the slot, looks promising.

Moreau is, which is why the 49ers would be wise to grab him in Round 2.