5 players 49ers should avoid in 2020 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Raekwon Davis #DL24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Raekwon Davis #DL24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/027c752076240b63b9713e169cf913d96010c3fa9b2164c06b3340fa652bcd8e.jpg)
player. 888. . Cornerback. Cavaliers . Bryce Hall. 2
Injuries play another role in suggesting Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall should be passed up by the 49ers on draft day.
San Francisco has cornerback needs, yes. Richard Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon and K’Waun Williams are all entering contract years. There’s also the desire to find an upgrade at the No. 2 spot, currently split between Witherspoon and Emmanuel Moseley.
At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, Hall seems to be the perfect fit for the defense’s Cover 3, zone-style system. Hall is long, lanky and productive, particularly when looking at his 21 pass breakups from 2018.
So, why wouldn’t the 49ers be interested?
Hall suffered a serious ankle injury his senior year, which ultimately limited him to just six games. And with COVID-19 concerns preventing pro days and the ability for follow-up workouts, it’s anyone’s guess whether or not Hall will be pro-ready by the time of the NFL Draft.
As a result, Hall’s draft prognosis will be all over the board. He could go as high as Round 2, or it’s possible the injury concerns drop him late into day three.
Maybe as a late-round flier, San Francisco takes a shot. But gambling on injured prospects in the draft hasn’t exactly worked for the 49ers over the years, and there’s no reason to start now.