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2018 NFL Draft: 5 cornerbacks the 49ers should consider taking

By Florito Maniego

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up the pass to Dede Westbrook #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up the pass to Dede Westbrook #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 11: Joshua Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates an interception returned for a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter of a game at Camp Randall Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 11: Joshua Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates an interception returned for a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter of a game at Camp Randall Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to upgrade their secondary this offseason by adding an elite cornerback to their starting lineup. If the 49ers do not address this need through free agency, here are five players San Francisco should consider in this year’s NFL Draft.

Improving the cornerback position has been one of the 49ers’ most glaring needs heading into the 2018 offseason. Throughout the 2017 season, San Francisco struggled in defending the pass mainly due to a depleted secondary unit.

The 49ers ranked 11th in most yards allowed and tied with the Tennessee Titans at No. 8 for most touchdowns allowed.

Fortunately for San Francisco, then-rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon showed plenty of potential in 2017. Pro Football Focus gave Witherspoon an 81.1 overall grade, which is impressive for a rookie defensive back.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Despite Witherspoon’s development as a starter, the 49ers still need an elite cornerback on the other side of the field.

San Francisco’s No. 2 cornerback, Dontae Johnson, disappointed during the 2017 season. Outside of his pick six during Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Johnson struggled covering wide receivers and suffered from detrimental holding and pass interference penalties.

Johnson was ranked No. 118 of all cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus, with an overall grade of 36.9.

Due to his poor performance, it is unlikely to see Johnson return to the 49ers. Thus, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are looking to upgrade the cornerback position this offseason.

Lynch and Shanahan could sign a free-agent cornerback such as Malcolm Butler and Kyle Fuller. However, if the 49ers’ front office decides to use the NFL Draft route instead, here are five prospects San Francisco should consider drafting in 2018.