2020 NFL Draft: 49ers can target these 3 cornerbacks in Round 1

Jeffrey Okudah at No. 13 would be a steal, but it’s not likely to happen. What is more plausible, however, is Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson falling to the 49ers at No. 13 overall in the NFL Draft.

San Francisco 49ers

Henderson is easily viewed as the No. 2 cornerback prospect behind Okudah in this year’s draft class.

And it’s not hard to envision why he’d be such a fit for San Francisco, either. The Niners’ Cover 3 system prioritizes long, lanky cornerbacks, and Henderson has that frame.

The 6-foot-1, 204-pound Henderson has more functional strength than either Jaylon Johnson or A.J. Terrell, and with his 4.39 40-yard time at the NFL Combine, Henderson is notably faster, too.

Getting over to the on-field abilities, Henderson also showcased ball production in 2019 with 11 pass breakups. And despite recording zero interceptions that year, don’t overlook the four he enjoyed back in 2017.

One of the other positive attributes is his patience, which lessens the risk of being beat or getting too handsy with receivers in deep coverage.

That patience can create some problems at times, of course, especially if he’s locked in on the quarterback in zone coverage and doesn’t recognize the subtle route changes a receiver can make.

Still, one can easily see how a player like Henderson might end up being the 49ers’ top pick in the NFL Draft, potentially solving the long-term needs the Niners have at the position.