Niner Noise
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49ers 2020 NFL Draft: 3 top needs after start of free agency

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers and teammates celebrate thier second quarter touchdown over the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Levi's Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers and teammates celebrate thier second quarter touchdown over the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Levi's Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Emmanuel Moseley, Tyreek Hill, K'Waun Williams, Chiefs, 49ers
Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackled by Emmanuel Moseley #41 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Cornerback

Projected Starters: Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley, K’Waun Williams (nickel)

There are arguably more short- and long-term question marks at cornerback than any other position on the 49ers roster heading into 2020.

So, why isn’t this the No. 1 need the Niners need to address in the NFL Draft?

Well, those needs aren’t necessarily immediate. Veteran corner Richard Sherman is still under contract for another year. And while he’s on the wrong side of 30 years old, it’s premature to suggest he’ll suffer a notable drop off in play this upcoming season.

Meanwhile, nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams was one of the league’s best at his position last year.

The biggest immediate question is at right cornerback, which saw a platoon between Emmanuel Moseley and Ahkello Witherspoon.

Witherspoon started 2019 off strong before suffering an ankle sprain, which kept him out multiple weeks and led to Moseley’s ascent. Then, late in the regular season, Witherspoon lost his starting job again to Moseley. This was repeated once more in the playoffs, too.

It’s premature for the 49ers to give up on Witherspoon just yet, and it’s also premature to assume Moseley is a lock for starting duties. A strong candidate, yet. But that’s it.

And San Francisco has to think about eventually replacing Sherman as well.

Fortunately, the draft is very deep at cornerback, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Niners use one of its now-owned two first-round draft picks on a corner.