5 Canadian NFL Draft prospects 49ers should select in 2023

No. 4: 49ers fans will love defensive back Harrison Bagayogo

One thing the 49ers Faithful love on defense is a lockdown corner. Harrison Bagayogo would fit in perfectly for what the Niners need.

From Bois-de-Filion, Quebec, Bagayogo comes in at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds. He attended Guelph University and is considered one of Canada’s best lockdown corners.

He’s logged nearly 60 tackles in only 23 games.

Pros

His style of play will certainly have NFL teams’ attention. Bagayogo plays press style, something the 49ers could certainly use more of. San Francisco’s secondary, whether on purpose or not, almost always plays soft coverage.

With a new defensive coordinator in Steve Wilks, maybe taking a shot on the first-team All-Canadian corner would pay dividends.

Cons

Receivers in the NFL are far more physical than in the CFL. Just look at D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. His body structure doesn’t scream wide receiver, but rather a more freakishly athletic linebacker.

With the CFL rules allowing most slotbacks and receivers to move before the snap, it allows the secondary to best prepare for contact at the line of scrimmage. In the NFL, receivers are faster off the line, which is where Bagayogo might have some trouble covering.

The 25-year-old is currently ranked 11th in scouting but is the third-highest defensive back in the draft. He should be taken early by a CFL club and potentially selected in the later rounds when the NFL Draft rolls around.