Niner Noise
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5 prospects SF 49ers must consider with first pick in 2021 NFL Draft

By Jeremy Wohlfart

Zach Wilson, BYU Cougars (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Zach Wilson, BYU Cougars (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Patrick Surtain II, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

SF 49ers NFL Draft Target No. 1: CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

The SF 49ers have talented cornerbacks with their three starters in Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley and K’Waun Williams who, on their own, are among the best in the NFL.

But with Sherman, his time will soon be up and he’ll either retire or move to safety to finish out his career. A replacement will be needed. Witherspoon is talented but inconsistent, so the team may be looking elsewhere to find the heir apparent to Sherman.

The son of former NFL All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain, Patrick Surtain II looks to be the latest in a long line of touted secondary prospects from Alabama.

Surtain has great instincts in the secondary, and his long 6-foot-2 frame fits what the 49ers look for, physically, in their corners on the outside. He had a good start to the season in 2020, as teams have been generally reluctant to throw in his direction.

Pro quarterbacks wouldn’t shy away from throwing at him, but the fact college teams are scheming away from throwing the ball at him shows the respect they have for his ability.

Surtain could very well be out of the Niners’ range if he continues to have a strong season, but the SF 49ers could still very well find him on the board in Round 1 in the teen picks somewhere.