The 49ers didn't address their secondary early in the 2025 NFL Draft, so ESPN feels they'll pivot to that strategy a year from now.
There was a strong argument the San Francisco 49ers would have been better off selecting Michigan cornerback Will Johnson with their first (or even second) pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially in light of a positional need and the fact their biggest need, the defensive line, could be addressed with an awfully deep D-line class.
Yet the Niners went with the standard approach, grabbing defensive linemen Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins with their top two picks.
Sure, the defensive backfield was addressed. But the selections of Upton Stout and Marques Sigle were far later, and the tendency for mid- and late-round corners and safeties to need time to adequately develop and adjust to the NFL level has to be taken into consideration.
Fans and analysts will eventually see whether or not San Francisco's approach of tackling the secondary after the D-line was a correct one.
But, it's safe to say general manager John Lynch and Co. will explore reinforcing that part of the field in the not-so-distant future.
ESPN agrees.
ESPN gives 49ers CB Avieon Terrell in early 2026 mock NFL Draft
A key component to the 49ers' secondary departed via free agency earlier this offseason, cornerbackc Charvarius Ward. While the hope is Stout can slide in at nickel corner while bumping Deommodore Lenoir out to the boundary full time is preferred, there's as real a chance of the first-year pro being nowhere close to starting-caliber ready.
In his first mock draft for 2026, ESPN's Jordan Reid had the Niners solving this for good by grabbing cornerback Avieon Terrell, going at No. 27 overall where Reid has San Francisco selecting.
Of the selection, Reid wrote:
"At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Terrell is smaller than his older brother A.J., who plays corner for the Falcons. But Avieon is a pest for opposing receivers, as his 11 pass breakups tied for the 15th most in the FBS last season. The loaded Clemson defensive front should bring a lot of pressure this season, which could lead to more interceptions for Terrell (two). The 49ers still need their Charvarius Ward replacement."
Sure, the undersized element is still a concern. But, as the smaller-statured Lenoir revealed over the last two years, a small-bodied defensive back doesn't necessarily have to be a liability.
Plus, Terrell is equally adept at playing on the boundary, too.
Should such an approach come to fruition, Stout wouldn't be pressed into a premium role right away, while the 49ers can rely heavily on the trio of Lenoir, Terrell and fellow corner Renardo Green for the foreseeable future.