San Francisco 49ers: Full 2018 NFL Draft tracker, grades and analysis
By Peter Panacy
Round 5, Pick No. 142 Overall: Cornerback D.J. Reed, Kansas State
Cornerback depth was still a concern for the 49ers, who helped solve some of the backup worries behind nickel corner K’Waun Williams by adding Kansas State’s D.J. Reed early in Round 5.
Reed, a California native, stands at 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds. He was a bit of a ballhawk at Kansas State, though, registering seven interceptions over the last two seasons. San Francisco hasn’t had a true ballhawking defensive back in a while, so this might help out nicely.
Despite his smallish stature, Reed plays bigger than his size would indicate. He’s tough, physical and doesn’t shy away from contact.
And while his man-to-man coverage skills are good enough, he’s also effective against the run too.
In the meantime, San Francisco will look to have Reed contribute on special teams and serve as a backup to Williams with the long-term prognosis of developing into a starter.
Good pick for the Niners here. But that edge rush is still lacking, hence the grade.