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49ers: Ranking Positional Priorities for the 2017 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and chief executive officer Jed York pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and chief executive officer Jed York pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (center) runs upfield with a first quarter interception followed by cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) on a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (not pictured) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (center) runs upfield with a first quarter interception followed by cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) on a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (not pictured) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Cornerback

In a pass-first NFL, the importance of the cornerback position cannot be overstated and, though the Niners have some pieces at the position, reinforcements are a must.

K’Waun Williams figures to take the slot corner role but, with Ward potentially transitioning to safety and Tramaine Brock cut after his domestic violence arrest, there could be vacancies at both starting spots.

Rashard Robinson showed enough flashes and has the length to suggest he can succeed in Robert Saleh’s defense and fill one of those holes, but Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser have not really shown enough consistency to be trusted to be deployed in the other.

Marshon Lattimore has the size, ball skills and athleticism to immediately step in and be a starter, but this class is deep enough that the 49ers can bring in a couple of corners to compete for a role on the outside. One way or another, cornerback figures to be high on the 49ers’ docket in the draft.