49ers NFL Draft: 5 prospects who could be Day 1 starters in 2022

49ers prospect No. 2: Cornerback Marcus Jones, Houston

Technically speaking, nickel cornerbacks aren’t starters. At least not when counting base-down formations when only two boundary corners are on the field.

However, if you’ve watched any volume of football over the past decade, you’d know nickel formations have essentially become the new base formations now.

So, yes, nickel cornerbacks are starters these days.

The 49ers lost their longtime nickel back, K’Waun Williams, in NFL free agency to the Denver Broncos this offseason. And while they could feasibly shift some pieces around within the secondary, such as bumping presumed No. 2 boundary cornerback Emmanuel Moseley inside on passing downs, it sure wouldn’t hurt to infuse even more talent into the defensive backfield.

Particularly if the Niners grab University of Houston cornerback Marcus Jones.

Similar to Williams, the 5-foot-8 and 174-pound Jones doesn’t let his lack of size get in the way, and he plays bigger than his body indicates. Plus, with five interceptions and 13 passes broken up his final collegiate season, it’s safe to say the Niners would benefit from some playmaking and ballhawking skills, too.

If Jones winds up being the selection, he’d be a plug-and-play option to cover over the slot.