5 cornerbacks 49ers can't afford to ignore in the 2025 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers have experienced inconsistent play from their defense for much of 2024, and a good chunk of the blame falls on the defensive backfield.

In particular, one liability has been the secondary's inability to prevent the big play. For instance, in Week 2, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold connected with wide receiver Justin Jefferson on a 97-yard pass that went for a touchdown.

While the run defense has been suspect at times, too, there are a number of strong options at cornerback for the Niners to consider in the first or second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Afterall, top corners Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir are both scheduled to be free agents in 2025 and may not fit San Francisco's budgetary plans in the future.

Let's look at five top prospects the 49ers have to explore adding early.

5 cornerbacks 49ers must target early in 2025 NFL Draft

Will Johnson, the Detroit, Michigan, native is 6-foot-2 and could elect to enter the NFL Draft in 2025 as he is a talented junior. He has already been impressive this year in the Wolverines' first four games.

In the first week against Fresno State, Johnson not only picked off the opposing quarterback in the final quarter of play, but he also ran it back for 86 yards to put points on the scoreboard. Against the USC Trojans, the defensive back made a similar play.

That time in the second quarter, Johnson recorded his second interception and pick-six. He had three interceptions during the regular season last year (one was also for a pick-six).

On college football's grandest stage, Johnson tallied another interception during the national title game last year against the Washington Huskies. He logged in three interceptions for the Wolverines during his freshman year in 2022.

Last season for the 49es, Ward had a team high with five picks. Michigan's Johnson is on pace to snag five interceptions before the season is over with.

Thus, he would make a lucrative investment via the draft for the 49ers to replace Ward, Lenoir or both.