Niner Noise
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5 players the 49ers should have targeted in the 2019 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks up a pass next to Terry McLaurin #83 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks up a pass next to Terry McLaurin #83 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Cornerback Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Cornerback Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Like safety, the 49ers would have been smart to add some serious competition to their cornerback crop this offseason and during the NFL Draft.

True, the Niners brought aboard one-time Pro Bowler Jason Verrett. But Verrett has played just five games since 2016. And with a need to replace veteran corner Richard Sherman sooner or later, finding an up-and-coming corner in the middle rounds would have been smart.

It’s anyone’s guess whether or not younger cornerbacks, Ahkello Witherspoon or Tarvarius Moore, will be able to do this.

But going after Michigan State’s Justin Layne might have been the wiser choice, especially considering his availability in Round 3.

Layne, 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, enjoyed a meteoric rise leading up to draft day, and many projections had him going in the second round. Instead, he fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 83 overall.

Layne has good speed and agility. And while he’s not the fastest player out there, his excellent route recognition isn’t unlike what Sherman has used over his career.

It would have been a major boost for the 49ers secondary if Layne was the pick in Round 3 instead of Jalen Hurd.