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2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers’ Cornerback Big Board

By Akash Anavarathan

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of football fans in the stands during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of football fans in the stands during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive back Cordrea Tankersley speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive back Cordrea Tankersley speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 7: Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson

Coming in at No. 7 on the 49ers’ cornerback big board is none other than Clemson’s Cordrea Tankersley.

The ex-Tigers’ cornerback has a 6-foot-1 frame, to pair with his blazing 4.40 second 40-yard dash time. 

Nicknamed “Tootie,” Tankersley has good length and ability to stay attached to receivers in coverage.

Also, Tankersley primarily played on the outside at Clemson, routinely being asked to shut down the opposing team’s No. 1 wide receiver.

The Clemson defensive back had nine interceptions in the past two seasons. He was paired with 2016 second-round pick Mackensie Alexander during Clemson’s 2015 championship run.

Between Alexander and Tankersley, the latter saw 30 more passes thrown his way, and only allowed a passer rating of 35.1 when in coverage. 

It was no different in 2016, as Tankersley came out as the No. 1 cornerback and backed up his breakout 2015 season.

He still has some room to grow, but has the raw skill set to validate a high second-round pick.