SF 49ers NFL Draft: 5 cornerbacks who would fit well in 2021
By Seth Steere
The SF 49ers will have a huge void to fill at cornerback heading into the 2021 NFL Draft with eight of their current corners hitting free agency.
The SF 49ers have a lot to think about heading into the offseason. Is it time to start looking for a new quarterback? What about offensive tackle Trent Williams? How are the Niners going to replace the eight cornerbacks hitting free agency after this season?
It’s hard to picture general manager John Lynch and the Niners parting ways with all eight (Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley, Ahkello Witherspoon, Jason Verrett, K’Wuan Williams, Dontae Jackson, Jamar Taylor, and Ken Webster), but they won’t be able to retain all of them either.
Sherman announced in a press conference last week he probably won’t be returning to the SF 49ers next season due to issues with the salary cap. With Sherman gone, Lynch and the rest of the front office are going to have to be ready to fill that role at No. 1 corner.
Currently, the only name on the roster who could step into that role without much regression would be Verrett, but even then you’re taking a gamble with his injury history. Moseley has proven to be a decent second guy, but if you can replace him with Verrett or a draft pick, that’s the ideal choice.
As for Witherspoon, it’s best for both parties to part ways at this point.
Like Verrett, Williams is a guy the SF 49ers should consider re-signing and even more so. Williams is not only a key player in the passing game, but he also helps to set the edge against the run. Williams will likely come at a smaller price since he tends to play on the inside over the slot (nickel corner).
All that said, let’s take a look at some of the 2021 NFL Draft cornerback prospects who would be a good fit for the SF 49ers.