2020 NFL Draft: 3 under-the-radar prospects 49ers should watch
By Peter Panacy
While not quite as deep as the wide receiver class, there are plenty of good-quality cornerbacks to be had in this year’s NFL Draft.
And the 49ers have needs there, too.
More from SF 49ers Draft
- 49ers 2023 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick news and analysis
- Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
- 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
Veteran corner Richard Sherman is entering the final year of his contract, and it’s anyone’s guess if San Francisco will re-sign him. Younger corners Ahkello Witherspoon and Emmanuel Moseley also haven’t solidified themselves as long-term options. Even if either or both do, the Niners could stand for some depth with eventual starter’s potential.
If the 49ers are considering a Round 5 pick on a cornerback, Notre Dame’s Troy Pride should be a player worth monitoring.
Pride showed some solid speed at the NFL Combine, running his 40-yard dash at 4.40 seconds. And for his smallish 5-foot-11 frame, a 35.5-inch vertical leap isn’t bad, either.
But what should stand out is how well Pride played during the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. While he might not be a pure man-cover cornerback at the next level, putting him in a zone scheme should help take advantage of his excellent responsive instincts.
Next. 2020 NFL Combine: 5 wide receivers who should have impressed 49ers. dark
The 2020 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23 from Las Vegas, Nevada.