49ers 7-round mock 2021 NFL Draft with only Big Ten players

49ers Round 5 Pick, No. 180 Overall: Cornerback Ambry Thomas

Late in the draft, teams are looking to fill positions of great need or find players who have either high levels of college production or raw athleticism hoping that the former will carry over into the NFL or the latter will develop into a fully rounded player.

Or, in the case of Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas, it may be taking a guy who might have been a higher draft pick if not for opting out of the 2020 season because of the pandemic, leaving teams to lean into his tape during his first three seasons in Ann Arbor.

That tape looks pretty solid, especially his junior season where Thomas racked up 30 tackles and three interceptions while mostly playing as an outside corner.

But Kyle Crabbs from The Draft Network suggests Thomas’ size (6-foot, 183 pounds) and physicality might lend themselves better to playing in the slot at the next level. And as previously mentioned, the Niners only have that position locked down for 2021. Beyond that, the job may be open for a younger guy like Thomas or the aforementioned Rachad Wildgoose to make his own.

Thomas also brings with him experience returning kicks, albeit only via kickoffs, and was used on three offensive snaps as a sophomore, suggesting good athleticism.

He could certainly present himself as an option on special teams for 2021 and could prove to be a long-term option at slot corner, too.