San Francisco 49ers: Reevaluating 6 team needs in the 2018 NFL Draft

Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 19: Ahkello Witherspoon #41 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during their game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 19: Ahkello Witherspoon #41 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during their game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Cornerback

So much for former general manager Trent Baalke’s efforts to stockpile cornerbacks.

San Francisco has just one proven corner on its roster this season, Rashard Robinson, and even he hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype generated early in his rookie season.

Thus far, Robinson has posted a 34.9 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus, and an also-lowly 34.6 pass-coverage mark. Those aren’t good numbers by any interpretation, and one might start wondering if he’s actually a long-term answer.

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The 49ers also drafted former Colorado cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in Round 3 of this year’s draft. But after a slow start to training camp, Witherspoon has found himself inactive for all three games the Niners have played.

It’s possible San Francisco is easing its third-round investment into life at the NFL level — we’ve seen rookie defensive backs struggle early before — although the fact Witherspoon hasn’t worked his way into an active spot is a bit concerning.

So, if Robinson and/or Witherspoon continue to struggle, this need suddenly rises to the top of John Lynch’s wish list.