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2018 NFL Draft: 5 players the 49ers should avoid in Round 1

By Aaron Tan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 15: DeShon Elliott #4 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a defensive stop against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half on October 15, 2016 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 15: DeShon Elliott #4 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a defensive stop against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half on October 15, 2016 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Strong Safety DeShon Elliott, Texas

Given the 49ers’ nice depth at safety with Jaquiski Tartt, Jimmie Ward, Adrian Colbert and possibly Eric Reid — and the two better safeties in Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James that are in the draft — I think that the 49ers should stay away from Texas safety DeShon Elliott.

Elliott lacks the speed required to be able to cover NFL wide receivers, which is actually what scouts say is his biggest strength — coverage. They say that his six interceptions this year are proof of his great coverage skills, but most of his picks actually come from tipped balls or inaccurate throws by the quarterback.

If Minkah Fitzpatrick falls to the 49ers, great. Pick him up.

I would even be fine with Derwin James. Those two safeties are going to be immediate impact players in the league.

Next: 5 players the 49ers should watch in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

However, I do not think that Elliott is worthy of a first-round pick, especially from San Francisco with more than two great safeties already manning the defensive backfield.