For the first time in years, the 49ers have needs all over their roster.
They’re 6-9 and they lack depth on offense and defense. So they could justify spending their first-round pick on any number of positions, including quarterback. But a top-level quarterback most likely won’t be available when the 49ers are on the clock.
Instead, the no. 1 cornerback in the draft, Michigan’s Will Johnson, could fall the 49ers in Round 1.
“San Francisco’s season from hell continued in Week 16, watching critical players on the offensive line go down amid the aging Trent Williams’ injury-mired season,” writes The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs. “But when a player like Will Johnson falls into your lap — never mind the fact that Charvarius Ward is in a contract year this season — you have to take him. Johnson has the size, physicality, and ball instincts to be an NFL star. His stature and coverage versatility would go a long way in helping the 49ers have coverage answers for physical wide receivers in the NFC West, such as Puka Nacua, DK Metcalf, and Marvin Harrison Jr. This is a true best player available selection, but it also just so happens to overlap with a looming need.”
Johnson would be a phenomenal pick for the 49ers — he seems like a generational talent. But it also seems unlikely that he will fall outside of the top 10. The 49ers currently are slotted to pick 11th, although they will draft higher if they lose their two remaining games, which is possible.
Cornerback probably isn’t the 49ers’ biggest need, but they can’t pass up sure-fire Pro Bowlers, especially with their terrible history in Round 1.
