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
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.
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.
No. 4: Kameron Kelly – San Diego State
Staying in California, another cornerback the 49ers should keep their eyes on is San Diego State University’s Kameron Kelly.
Despite coming from a smaller school, Kelly had an impressive 2017 campaign. The Aztec cornerback recorded 54 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Kelly was initially a wide receiver coming into college, until he switched as a defensive back during his sophomore year. Kelly’s former background on offense means he would be capable of catching any ball thrown at his direction.
Many analysts project Kelly to be drafted in the third round. Although, Kelly’s draft stock has recently been rising.
San Francisco would then be given a chance to snag Kelly in the later rounds, providing the team with a potential No. 1 cornerback.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Kelly’s sheer size and hard-hitting abilities would be beneficial under Saleh’s defense in 2018.
No. 3: Isaiah Oliver – Colorado
With the 49ers’ preference of lengthy cornerbacks, Colorado’s Isaiah Oliver would be an ideal fit.
The 6-foot-1 and 195-pound cornerback would be a great pickup in terms of size and length. Oliver also has solid movement and man-to-man coverage skills.
However, according to Walter Football, team sources have stated Oliver still needs improvement in his off-man coverage. As a result, Oliver is projected to be drafted within the second and third rounds.
In 2017, Oliver had two interceptions, 26 tackles and 13 passes defended. Oliver’s impressive numbers may be enough to boost his draft stock heading into the 2018 NFL Draft.
If San Francisco addresses a different position in the first round, Oliver would be a safe pick to bolster up the secondary unit.
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.
No. 1: Denzel Ward
Aside from Jackson, Ohio State’s Denzel Ward is another cornerback ranked high in many mock drafts. In particular, ESPN’s Mel Kiper had San Francisco’s take Ward in this year’s NFL draft.
The 5-foot-10 and 191-pound cornerback recorded two interceptions, 15 passes defended and 37 tackles in 2017.
During Ohio State’s season opener against Indiana, Ward recorded an interception and defended five passes, which was one of his top performances.
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Even though Ward is undersized, the Ohio State Buckeye has excellent speed, quickness and athleticism. Ward also has good ballhawking skills and can prevent separation from receivers.
With his incredible ability to blanket receivers, Ward has the potential to be a No. 1 cornerback in any NFL team. Although, being matched up with big receivers such as Julio Jones and Mike Evans could pose a big issue.
Next: 2018 NFL Draft: 5 scenario predictions for the 49ers in Round 1
Despite his size, Ward could be the answer the 49ers have been looking for in their secondary. If he continues to develop his skills toward the professional level, Ward is set to thrive in the NFL.