49ers NFL Draft 2022: 5 cornerbacks San Francisco must target
By Peter Panacy
player. 818. . Cornerback. Huskies . Kyler Gordon. 3
49ers NFL Draft Target No. 3: Kyler Gordon, Washington
As is the case with Deommodore Lenoir and should likely be with Jalen Jones, the pass-happy nature of the Pac-12 mandates NFL-caliber cornerbacks be more than sufficient with their pass-coverage skills.
While Jones would be a nice day-three addition, the 49ers potentially going after Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon on day two would be a wise move.
Gordon’s ballhawking skills appear to have come around after failing to register an interception his first three collegiate seasons, now boasting two in 2021 along with two more pass breakups.
Plus, the 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back has the ability to press his receivers and stay with them in man coverage, further suggesting he’d be a quality fit in Niners defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ scheme.
Adding to the versatility and helpfulness, Gordon has been a key contributor on special teams, as shown in the above video.
Gordon would likely be available no later than Round 3, however, and that stock value could rise if he continues to produce as he has early this season.
Still, if San Francisco is eyeing a quality boundary cornerback, going after Gordon early wouldn’t be a bad choice.