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2018 NFL Scouting Combine: 10 players who should be on 49ers’ radar

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Outside linebacker Jabrill Peppers of Michigan prepares to run the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Outside linebacker Jabrill Peppers of Michigan prepares to run the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Josh Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes returns a kick during the fourth quarter in front of linebacker E.J. Ejiya #22 of the North Texas Mean Green on September 16, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Josh Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes returns a kick during the fourth quarter in front of linebacker E.J. Ejiya #22 of the North Texas Mean Green on September 16, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

No. 6: Cornerback Joshua Jackson, Iowa

6-foot-1, 192 pounds

Collegiate Stats

Speaking of defensive backs, Iowa’s Joshua Jackson might be the best pure fit for the 49ers defense.

Per Chris Trapasso, Jackson is a “stifling man-to-man cornerback with plus ball skills.” And that’s where identifying the team fit comes into play.

The Niners run a 4-3 Under, Cover 3 scheme under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, which calls for a single-high safety and cornerbacks to operate in one-on-one coverages. The problem for San Francisco last year was, aside from Ahkello Witherspoon, no outside corner had the sole-coverage skills to handle these kinds of duties.

Jackson is a solid fit here and is a solid Round 1 grab.

While he might not be a top-10 selection, a strong NFL Scouting Combine performance could boost his stock. Or, should John Lynch trade down, Jackson might be someone to eyeball.