5 NFL Draft prospects who'd be too good to pass up if they slip to 49ers

No. 4: LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

Remember the part about drafting the best player available instead of drafting for position?

Should Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper fall to San Francisco at No. 31 overall, that would certainly be the case.

Cooper is the epitome of the modern linebacker, someone who is fearless in run defense but also thrives in pass coverage, boasting a relentless motor with a knack for making plays. He's fast, versatile and is effective in the blitz, too, making him a unique defensive commodity that can provide an immediate impact.

But, why would the 49ers need a linebacker?

True, the Niners already have the best one in the game in All-Pro Fred Warner. They also inked fellow All-Pro De'Vondre Campbell in free agency to alleviate the loss of Dre Greenlaw, who suffered a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl last February.

Speaking of Greenlaw, even if he returns fully healthy from his devastating injury, he'll be a free agent in 2025.

So, by adding someone like Cooper now, San Francisco could retain its hold on boasting the NFL's best linebacker corps without having to worry too much about Greenlaw's immediate and long-term future.