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NFL free agency: 5 under-the-radar free agents 49ers should consider to add depth

By Florito Maniego

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: A view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet during warms up prior to their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: A view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet during warms up prior to their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 05: Tavon Austin #11 of the Los Angeles Rams completes a run as Ross Cockrell #37 of the New York Giants makes the tackle during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 05: Tavon Austin #11 of the Los Angeles Rams completes a run as Ross Cockrell #37 of the New York Giants makes the tackle during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 2: CB Ross Cockrell

The 49ers have finally found their shutdown cornerback in Sherman. However, San Francisco needs to add more depth to this position, especially since Sherman will need some time to fully recover from his injury.

Therefore, Lynch and Shanahan might look deeply into the free-agent market and sign a player who can immediately contribute. Among the cornerbacks set to become free agents, Ross Cockrell should be in high consideration.

Cockrell quietly had his best season in 2017 with the New York Giants after recording three interceptions. With only nine starts, Cockrell also totaled 49 tackles during the same year.

Pro Football Focus ranked Cockrell as the 39th best cornerback in the NFL in 2017, with an overall grade of 81.6.

While his name is not as popular as others, Cockrell has shown his ability to handle some of the league’s top wide receivers. For instance, the 6-foot, 191-pound cornerback intercepted Arizona Cardinals QB Drew Stanton after a forced pass to wideout Larry Fitzgerald.

Although his size may not necessarily fit defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s scheme, Cockrell would still be a great pickup. Cockrell will easily add depth to San Francisco’s secondary, which the team desperately needs heading into the 2018 season.