San Francisco 49ers: Analyzing the 2018 rookie NFL Draft class one year later

No. 4: D.J. Reed, Cornerback

2018 ranking prediction: 5th

What I said:

"D.J. Reed will compete for returning duties and special teams while providing needed depth for the 49ers, but it isn’t out of the question he can develop into a starter opposite Ahkello Witherspoon when Richard Sherman moves on. Reed will need to work his way up to getting meaningful defensive snaps, but don’t rule him out eventually covering speedy receivers in the coming years. For now, Reed will have his chance to contribute to the return game."

2018 production:

Cornerback D.J. Reed did all of that, and so much more.

Reed also did the reverse of Moore, moving in the other direction, as a cornerback being moved to safety.

Reed proved to be adept at the return game and will have the chance to contribute on special teams, but the real surprise was the excellent job he did at the nickel cornerback spot.

Pro Football Focus ranked Reed as above average and the 55th ranked safety (no, that isn’t a mistake, PFF ranked him as a safety and not a cornerback) for 2018. So there’s definitely potential for Reed to improve and be the answer at the nickel spot for the 49ers.

2019 status:

Reed should be considered a favorite for the nickel cornerback role, but there are a few potential caveats here.

Reed underwent surgery for a torn shoulder and won’t be available for a lot of the preseason and possibly beyond, meaning K’Waun Williams (a talented player in his own right) will get the bulk of the preseason reps and a crack at reclaiming the starting role.

Also, as mentioned before with Moore, the safety position is in a state of flux with injuries and both positions being up for grabs.

Reed was envisioned as a safety, and his versatility and his ability to impress on the field could see him moved back. It would make sense if Reed flourishes as a safety as well, as it could create some stability and give both the talented Reed and the veteran Williams a chance to both start.

How Reed recovers from surgery will be key here, as well as how the 49ers envision his future.