NFL Draft: 1 cornerback 49ers can target in each round

SF 49ers Round 1 cornerback: Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

While not a cornerback who’ll cover speedy targets, Patrick Surtain II ticks the rest of the boxes you would want for a cornerback of the future.

He has a strong cornerback frame at 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, and played well for Alabama stemming from his freshman season with the Crimson Tide.

Surtain had 37 total tackles for Alabama with 3.5 for a loss, one interception (returned for a touchdown) and nine pass deflections. He’s a strong cover corner who matches up well with large receivers.

Surtain lacks elite speed and agility, but that isn’t his game. He’s there to cover the big guys on the other team, and in a division that boasts wide receivers like D.K. Metcalf, that comes very much in handy.

Teams have learned not to throw at Surtain. His 24 pass deflections in his college career have shown his ability to cover routes and while he is vulnerable to receivers beating him deep, the zone based coverage system employed by the 49ers can hide that weakness.

There are a few different cornerbacks who could be the first one off the board, but Surtain may be the best fit of the lot for the SF 49ers.