2021 NFL Draft: 5 Senior Bowl prospects climbing up SF 49ers radar

No. 1: Cornerback Keith Taylor, Washington

While the SF 49ers are going to lose some players at wide receiver, they could potentially lose all their starting cornerbacks — Richard Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon, Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams — to free agency this offseason.

Yes, it’s likely the Niners ink a veteran or at least re-sign one of the above names, it’s strongly likely they also bring aboard a player or two at this position during the draft.

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Historically, San Francisco has preferred long cornerbacks like the 6-foot-2 Sherman, and Washington’s Keith Taylor seems to fit the bill at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds.

Taylor, who never recorded an interception during four years of football with the Huskies, managed to get a pick during the Senior Bowl, which followed a pretty solid week of practices. True, he also allowed a touchdown during the game but offset that with both the pick and another pass breakup. What was impressive was Taylor being fundamentally sound, getting his head around while staying with his receiver.

Right now, Taylor looks to be a good-quality depth piece at the position to start his career, and the SF 49ers have a need for those players, too.

But with some proper development, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Taylor eventually work his way towards a solid starter after a couple of seasons.