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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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PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 04: Tavares Martin Jr. #8 of the Washington State Cougars attempts to catch a pass against Quenton Meeks #24 of the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Martin Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Stanford 24-21. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 04: Tavares Martin Jr. #8 of the Washington State Cougars attempts to catch a pass against Quenton Meeks #24 of the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Martin Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Stanford 24-21. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Quenton Meeks (Stanford)

If the 49ers address a different positional need in the first round, the front office might decide to look for a cornerback in the later rounds.

As proven by Witherspoon during his rookie year, players can still make an impact despite being drafted late. Witherspoon was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

One cornerback prospect San Francisco should consider is Stanford’s Quenton Meeks. Even though his draft stock is not high, Meeks could potentially be a steal for the 49ers.

The San Diego native is projected to be drafted between the third and fifth rounds.

Meeks recorded 59 total tackles, two interceptions and six passes defended in 2017, excluding the Alamo Bowl.

Although Meeks did not produce eye-popping numbers in 2017, he is still a solid cornerback who possesses incredible strength and athleticism. Meeks is also listed at 6-foot-2, making him a formidable matchup for some of the NFL’s big receivers.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh also likes lengthy defensive backs. And with Meeks’ size and arm length, the Stanford Cardinal would be a good fit with San Francisco.