Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Far-too-soon mock 2021 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

BERKELEY, CA - DECEMBER 01: Cornerback Paulson Adebo #11 of the Stanford Cardinal intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Vic Wharton III #17 of the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the California Golden Bears 23-13. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA - DECEMBER 01: Cornerback Paulson Adebo #11 of the Stanford Cardinal intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Vic Wharton III #17 of the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the California Golden Bears 23-13. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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Hamsah Nasirildeen #23 of the Florida State Seminoles tackles Amari Rodgers #3 of the Clemson Tigers (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Hamsah Nasirildeen #23 of the Florida State Seminoles tackles Amari Rodgers #3 of the Clemson Tigers (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

804. . Safety. Seminoles . Hamsah Nasirildeen. 63. player

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the 49ers use four of their five picks on offensive players, the only exception being Javon Kinlaw.

One might expect the majority of picks in 2021 to be used on the defensive side of the ball, filling the ever-present need to get both younger and cheaper.

San Francisco’s top selection helped solve some of the team’s potential worries at cornerback, but there are still secondary concerns just beyond the boundary positions. Especially considering strong safety Jaquiski Tartt is entering a contract year, too.

Tartt emerged as a key figure in the Niners’ No. 1 ranked pass defense a season ago. If he continues on that trend, Tartt will likely command a hefty deal on the open market in 2021.

Fortunately, a player like Florida State defensive back Hamsah Nasirildeen can help fill the void.

Nasirildeen is a hybrid-type player, not unlike Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, who went to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2020 draft, although the former doesn’t project anywhere near as high as Simmons.

Still, the ability to play down low in the box, while also offering solid coverage abilities against tight ends and running backs, would help alleviate needs San Francisco would have if Tartt departs.