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5 cornerback prospects SF 49ers should scout for 2021 NFL Draft

By Jeremy Wohlfart

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) Tigers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) Tigers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Surtain II, Alabama Crimson Tide
Patrick Surtain II, Alabama Crimson Tide Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback is a position of need for the SF 49ers heading into the 2021 NFL Draft.

It’s never too early to start talking about the NFL Draft, and the SF 49ers have a few holes they need to plug if they want to get back among the contenders for the Super Bowl in a crowded conference.

The secondary is a position of interest, and the cornerback position is particularly interesting as there is a strong positional class there despite the fractured college season.

Richard Sherman has been a good servant for the Niners in the last few years, but he’s nearing the end of his career and may need to be moved to safety. Emmanuel Moseley is set to be the starter on one side, but the 49ers don’t have a clear successor for Sherman, who is also scheduled for free agency in 2021.

For the SF 49ers scheme, they like athletic cornerbacks on the outside who can keep up with receivers. As San Francisco likes to rush with only four players and keep seven players in coverage, the corners are helped out with linebacker and safety help.

So, what the Niners will look for in an attempt to find the best fit for their system is a player who’s tall, has good length and has the athleticism to keep up with receivers.

And for 2021, there are certainly more than a few candidates who can fulfill those perquisites.

So here are the five NFL Draft prospects at cornerback the SF 49ers would do well to keep an eye on.