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NFL free agency: 5 under-the-radar players 49ers should target in 2019

By Aaron Tan

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is stopped short of the goal line by Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is stopped short of the goal line by Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders breaks up a pass intended for Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders breaks up a pass intended for Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Cornerback Rashaan Melvin

I’m going to double dip here on cornerbacks because it’s just that much of a need for this team. Veteran Rashaan Melvin is a small name that can help this secondary out.

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Melvin was a starting cornerback for the Raiders this year, and truth be told, did not have a great year in Oakland. He graded out as Pro Football Focus‘ 68th-best cornerback in the league, and gradually lost playing time throughout the course of the season.

However, just like Bradley Roby, the talent is there with Melvin. He was just on a poor defense this past season that did not appreciate his worth enough. In fact, Melvin was a stud on the Colts two years ago, having 23.6 percent of his targets defended or intercepted, which ranked third in the league among cornerbacks.

Even this year against the Broncos, Melvin allowed just a 19.2 passer rating, which ranked second best among all cornerbacks that week.

Melvin is another cornerback in dire need of a change in scenery. Plus, since he would not have to move, the incentive is there for Melvin to sign with the 49ers in NFL free agency.