49ers 2021 NFL Draft big board: Best-fit prospects for all 7 rounds

4 of 8

Georgia defensive back Eric Stokes (27) Mandatory Credit: USA Today Images /

49ers Round 3 prospects

Team needs

Upgrading the secondary or offensive line must be a priority on day two, so expect to see a pick here if it hasn’t happened already. An upgrade at EDGE isn’t out of the question either.

Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh

A strong EDGE who’s clocked 17.5 sacks in the last few seasons, Patrick Jones II could be an intriguing prospect as a third-round prospect.

Jones needs some development for the next level, and the lack of polish is why he isn’t a first-round prospect, but he should go sometime on day two, hopefully slipping deep into the third round.

Eric Stokes, Cornerback, Georgia

One of the more intriguing cornerback prospects in the NFL Draft, Eric Stokes is an exceptionally gifted corner who can play the 49ers’ zone-coverage system.

His stock is rising, but for now he has a day-two grade on him.

Aaron Banks, Guard, Notre Dame

Talented guards are often available on day two of the draft, and Aaron Banks is a very talented prospect who’s equally adept at run blocking and pass protection.

Banks would be a solid pick who can be a Week 1 starter even though the Niners have their starting O-line largely solidified.

Richie Grant, Central Florida, Safety

I wouldn’t be shocked to see the 49ers take a safety early, as Jaquiski Tartt was only brought back for one year.

Richie Grant could be one of the biggest potential steals in the draft. He has a good understanding of zone coverage and is a good run defender who can hit hard.

Kenny Gainwell, Running Back, Memphis

A running back this early? While it does appear a luxury pick, Kenny Gainwell was electric for Memphis this season both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield, which is a good thing when developing a rookie quarterback. Raheem Mostert, unfortunately, does have durability issues.

Tevin Coleman is already out of the 49ers picture, and Jerick McKinnon has not been re-signed.

Gainwell could fit right into the rotation, as well as being the third-down back for San Francisco.

Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston

A strong EDGE who’s shown steady improvement every season he’s played, Payton Turner looks like a nice sleeper prospect for a team that has the patience to develop him.

Turner is a bit raw, but he can be both an EDGE as well as an interior pass-rusher in a sub package.