49ers 2019 NFL Draft: 5 players to target on day three

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LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 17: Zach Dobson #24 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders fumbles the ball while defended by Kash Daniel #56 and Mike Edwards #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

The 49ers unexpectedly passed on signing a big-name safety during free agency, instead preferring to stick with re-signing defensive back Jimmie Ward and safety Antone Exum.

However, it is expected they will pick up a young safety during the draft.

Many are predicting this will occur in the early rounds, likely in either the second or third. But there is, of course, the chance they surprise everyone yet again and let this need slip even further into the draft.

Mike Edwards, a senior from Kentucky, has provided great numbers since his sophomore year. Coming in at 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, Edwards is a tackling machine, combining for 317 tackles across his college career.

2018 saw Edwards with a combined total of 82 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss. He recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, along with six pass deflections, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Edwards is able to accelerate and close on the ball with great short-distance speed. This gives him the ability to contest those shorter passes and compete for the ball with slot receivers.

He brings with him a good foundation in man coverage and has the ability and eye to wait for plays to develop rather than jumping in too eagerly. Edwards displays a solid run defense, with Kentucky utilizing him heavily in this regard.

While man coverage is his strong point, Edwards is capable of defending in zone coverage due to his quick processing aptitude. With the 49ers often struggling in missed assignments and blown coverage, his skill in this area would add value to the secondary.