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5 players the 49ers should avoid in Round 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 30: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies warms up before the Pac 12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Levi’s Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 30: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies warms up before the Pac 12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Levi’s Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Despite adding oft-injured veteran cornerback Jason Verrett in free agency, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the 49ers target yet another corner to compete with possible starters, Ahkello Witherspoon and Tarvarius Moore, while also providing a long-term option to replace Richard Sherman.

On the surface, Washington cornerback Byron Murphy should be a solid target for a Cover 3 defense like that of San Francisco.

There’s one problem, of course. Murphy comes in undersized for boundary duties, measuring 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds. And his 4.55 40-yard time from the NFL Scouting Combine isn’t exactly indicative of traits one would want for outside duties. True, Sherman never exactly possessed elite-level speed. But he uses his size to jam receivers at the line and reacts well with instincts.

Murphy has those instincts, but he doesn’t have the strength. Plus, Murphy’s best attributes tend to be shown in man coverage.

Not the primarily zone schemes the 49ers run under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

It’s possible Murphy becomes a great cornerback in the league. But he’s not anything close to an ideal scheme fit for San Francisco, which means John Lynch would be wise to look for help at this position elsewhere.