49ers: Round 1 big board for San Francisco in 2020 NFL Draft

San Francisco 49ers: Round 1 big board for the 2020 NFL Draft

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 14: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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Antoine Winfield Jr.. 9. player. 852. . Safety. Golden Gophers

Cornerback is deep in the NFL Draft, as is wide receiver. Safety, on the other hand, is nowhere near as deep.

This means the 49ers could be looking at the very back end of the secondary for help this offseason, particularly if veteran free safety Jimmie Ward ends up departing on the free-agent market.

One of the better NFL Draft prospects to watch this spring is Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield Jr., who flashed plenty of speed at the NFL Combine and has the practical play strength to display aggression and prowess at the last level of the defense.

At 5-foot-9 and 203 pounds, Winfield might not have the size ideal to patrol to back end of the defense. But one shouldn’t let that mislead an opinion on Winfield’s pro-level abilities. Size hasn’t been a problem at all for Winfield during his collegiate career, as he’s used excellent technique and football IQ to overcome whatever shortcomings his stature present him.

If the 49ers are looking to go safety first in the draft, Winfield should be a player to watch early.