San Francisco 49ers: Previewing the 2019 NFL Draft market at safety
By Peter Panacy
Day 2 Safety Prospects for the 49ers
Anticipating the Niners going after a safety in Round 1 is still a bit far-fetched. At the earliest, John Lynch will likely consider staying put at No. 36 and considering a safety there.
Fortunately, there are even more options in the second round than there are in the first. And it would likely be easier for San Francisco to trade back up from Round 3, should that be a means Lynch would want to take.
Trade down, too. But that’s to be decided on April 26 — day two of the NFL Draft.
Nasir Adderley, Delaware
A small-school prospect, Delaware’s Nasir Adderley is a player who could find himself going on day one of the draft.
More likely, though, he’ll likely wind up having his name called on the second day, albeit early. At 6-foot-0 and 206 pounds, Adderley also has that ideal size for a rangy, single-high safety — a role he enjoyed in college.
San Francisco 49ers
Problems recognizing routes and play direction could be problematic, however, which could cut into his ability to become a quality starter.
Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State
Washington’s Taylor Rapp could be on here, but he’s likely more of a strong safety or best used in a two-high safety set.
But Mississippi State’s Johnathan Abram should be able to handle single-high duties. He’s 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, running a 4.45 40-yard time at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also can play an in-the-box role, although his hard-hitting abilities might be desired at the very back end.
John Lynch had some promising things to say about Abram, so make of that what you wish. It at least gets the Bulldogs defensive back on this list.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
If the 49ers want to wait until later in Round 2, possibly into Round 3, Florida’s Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is a player to watch.
Like Abram, Gardner-Johnson is versatile enough to handle both strong and free safety duties. Although his ballhawking abilities — nine interceptions over three collegiate seasons — might be better deployed on the very back end of San Francisco’s defense.
Gardner-Johnson’s agility is the skill to watch here. He might be a bit more raw than Abram, and he has issues with tackling. But if that’s something the Niners are patient enough to develop, Gardner-Johnson could easily wind up being a late second-round pickup, or possibly slipping into the early phases of Round 3.