Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Final 7-round mock before the 2018 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissoner Roger Goodell greets Aldon Smith, #7 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissoner Roger Goodell greets Aldon Smith, #7 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 14: Alexander Mattison #22 of the Boise State Broncos is tackled by Kameron Kelly #7 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the 2nd half at SDCCU Stadium on October 14, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 14: Alexander Mattison #22 of the Boise State Broncos is tackled by Kameron Kelly #7 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the 2nd half at SDCCU Stadium on October 14, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

42. . Defensive Back. San Diego State. Kameron Kelly. 134. player

Aside from an edge rusher, cornerback is arguably the 49ers’ top need in the 2018 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Fanspeak didn’t exactly leave us with a good option with great value at the aforementioned picks.

With cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon penciled in as starters this season, it’s a position the Niners may be able to get away with later in the draft.

This means taking a developmental prospect, and San Diego State defensive back Kameron Kelly is the selection here. At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, Kelly fits the mold for the big, lanky frame defensive coordinator Robert Saleh prefers for his scheme.

The thing, though, is Kelly spent only one year, 2017, at cornerback. The previous two seasons were at safety, which is where many scouts feel his skill set is most polished.

Still, his raw abilities are alone worth taking. And his ability to double as a safety also provide depth at that position, which hasn’t been addressed yet.