San Francisco 49ers: Post-scouting combine 2020 mock NFL Draft

This was the pick the 49ers got back in the trade for Emmanuel Sanders. And up to this point, the Niners haven’t addressed the possible departure of veteran safety Jimmie Ward in free agency.

Assuming Ward leaves, San Francisco could either hope third-year pro Tarvarius Moore is ready to assume a full-time starting position, or potentially move strong safety Jaquiski Tartt into Ward’s stead and make backup safety Marcell Harris a full-time starter down towards the line of scrimmage.

Or the 49ers could look to land an under-the-radar defensive back.

Alabama’s Xavier McKinney rightfully commanded most of the attention as college football’s best overall safety prospect. This overshadowed his teammate, Shyheim Carter, who displayed plenty of flexibility within the Crimson Tide’s secondary last season, registering 18 passes defended his final two collegiate seasons.

The 5-foot-10 Carter likely doesn’t have the speed to match up against slot wide receivers at the pro level, but he projects to be a good enough single-high safety.

Like many young defensive backs, Carter might need some development at the pro level before emerging as a regular starter. But the basic traits are there, and he can supply some much-needed depth right away.