Niner Noise
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 11: Joshua Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes intercepts a pass intended for A.J. Taylor #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers and returns it for a touchdown 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 intercepts a pass intended for A.J. Taylor #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers and returns it for a touchdown during the first quarter of a game at Camp Randall Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Joshua Jackson – Iowa

If the 49ers decide to prioritize the cornerback position in the 2018 NFL Draft, Iowa’s Joshua Jackson should be in high consideration.

Jackson is projected as a first-round pick and many scouts have him as the highest-graded cornerback coming into the draft.

The 6-foot-1, 192-pound defensive back had an excellent 2017 season. Jackson totaled 48 tackles, eight interceptions and 18 passes defended.

Jackson’s most impressive performance was against Ohio State on Nov. 4, 2017. Jackson picked off Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett three times, effectively showcasing his ballhawking abilities.

Alongside his coverage skills, Jackson also possesses remarkable physical attributes. With his remarkable size, speed and athleticism, Jackson could be the first cornerback off the draft board.

Jackson’s length is also fitting under Saleh’s defensive scheme and thus, this pick would make sense for the 49ers.