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2017 NFL Draft: Final Round 1 Mock for All 32 Picks

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

42. . Free Safety. Ohio State. Malik Hooker. 2. player

Like the Browns, the 49ers need a bunch of pieces on both sides of the ball.

Yet the defense seems to be a bit more pressing of a need, with a number of free-agent acquisitions shoring up the offensive group.

A big part of the puzzle will be the secondary, which will be in plenty of man-to-man coverage in coordinator Robert Saleh’s Cover 3 defense.

Someone like Ohio State free safety Malik Hooker fits the bill. He’s rangy and has the coverage skills to make this defensive transition work. Such a move also allows the 49ers to keep defensive back Jimmie Ward at cornerback, where they’re especially thin after releasing veteran Tramaine Brock after an alleged domestic violence incident.

Hip injuries might be a bit of concern with Hooker. But recent medical reports have been positive, which makes this selection a smart move by new general manager John Lynch.