SF 49ers: NFL Draft options after potential Deshaun Watson trade
By Robert Smith
SF 49ers Cornerback Options
We begin by looking at the SF 49ers’ first pick of the draft after the hypothetical Deshaun Watson trade at the tail end of the third round.
Corners Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley both are set for some form of free agency, along with the vast majority of the Niners secondary. Assuming the team re-signs Verrett, Moseley, and perhaps nickel back K’Waun Williams, with some of the savings in acquiring Watson, they will still look to the draft to infuse some young talent and competition into this group.
While cornerback is thought to be a solid group, it’s a little thin at the top of the board compared to last year’s draft. With Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II, Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley, and South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn all off the board, along with Ohio State’s Shaun Wade, Georgia’s Eric Stokes, and Tyson Campbell, presumably, the Niners still have some attractive options to choose from.
Stanford’s Paulson Adebo stands 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds. He has the size the SF 49ers covet at cornerback. Even with a change of defensive coordinators from Robert Saleh to DeMeco Ryans, Adebo would be an attractive fit.
Adebo opted out of the Stanford Cardinal’s season to prepare for the draft. Over the course of his college career, Adebo tallied 97 tackles with five for a loss, 27 passes defended, eight interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Sitting out this season may drop Adebo slightly, but he could elevate his draft status with a solid NFL Combine. If he is available in Round 3, John Lynch and Co. would do well to select Adebo.
Other options at corner here or later in the draft include LSU’s Kary Vincent Jr., Asante Samuel Jr. of Florida State, Alabama’s Josh Jobe, Oklahoma State’s Rodarius Williams, Israel Mukuamu of South Carolina, or Cal’s Camryn Bynum to name a few.
Look for the team to address the secondary with multiple picks and/or mid-level free-agent signings.