49ers: 4 cornerbacks from NFL Draft to pair with Richard Sherman

4 cornerbacks from NFL Draft 49ers could pair with Richard Sherman

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: A.J. Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates a defensive stop against the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

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Jeff Gladney #DB10 of the TCU Horned Frogs (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

. Cornerback. Horned Frogs . Jeff Gladney. 3. player. 872

It’s a bit of a surprise TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney isn’t being discussed more in 49ers NFL Draft circles, because he deserves to at least be in the consideration.

Gladney, a slightly undersized 5-foot-11 defensive back, certainly doesn’t let his stature get in the way of making plays. And while looking solely at his height would suggest he’s more of a nickel defensive back, the reality is he showed prowess both on the outside and inside during his collegiate career.

Speaking of that span, he managed to get in the way of 37 passes over his last four seasons.

The Big 12 is known for heavy passing offenses, and Gladney surely never shied away from the challenge. Towards the end of his tenure with the Horned Frogs, opposing quarterbacks frequently looked elsewhere on the field. In short, Gladney has shutdown potential written all over him.

Speed isn’t a problem. Neither is physicality or an adaptation to more zone-coverage schemes. The only question would be when the 49ers would want to target him.

Unlike Kristian Fulton, Gladney might not slip too deep into Round 2, making the TCU standout a real possibility at No. 31 overall.