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2020 NFL Combine: 3 sleeper draft picks 49ers must watch

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Defensive back Greedy Williams of LSU runs the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Defensive back Greedy Williams of LSU runs the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Fuller, Julian Blackmon, Washington Huskies, Utah Utes
Aaron Fuller #2 of the Washington Huskies tackled by Julian Blackmon #23 of the Utah Utes (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Defensive Back. Utes . Julian Blackmon. 1. player. 843.

The 49ers enjoyed a career-best year from their 2014 first-round draft pick, defensive back Jimmie Ward, last year. And it’s very possible that career year pushes Ward beyond the team’s budget for 2020.

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Ward hits free agency this offseason, and a history of notable injuries could also influence San Francisco’s decision to get both younger and cheaper.

While there are some on-roster options and potential for a free-agent move, one might expect the Niners to use the NFL Draft to land a solid replacement. Safety isn’t anywhere near as deep in 2020 as the wide receiver and cornerback crops, yet there are some decent prospects participating at the NFL Scouting Combine with upside.

One who’ll likely go on day three is Utah’s Julian Blackmon, a converted cornerback who seems much more fluid and natural at safety after moving there in 2019.

At 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds, Blackmon has ideal size for the position and is good enough in terms of his range despite not possessing elite-level defensive back speed. Blackmon also displayed some ballhawking traits with nine interceptions over four years with the Utes, including four playing at free safety.

Next. 5 early candidates for 49ers' first pick of 2020 NFL Draft. dark

He’ll need to add some strength at the NFL level, but there are enough intangibles there for the 49ers to be interested enough if Blackmon doesn’t bomb at the combine.