San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Outlook Post Free Agency

CORNERBACK

Nov 22, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes (15) stands on the field between plays during the1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback is undoubtedly one of the most important positions for the 49ers to upgrade in the offseason. Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver both left San Francisco in the offseason and signed elsewhere. Deciding to renew his contract, Chris Cook, who played excellent before an injury in 2014, returned to San Francisco.

Tramaine Brock failed to find much playing time due to a lingering toe issue. The 49ers had no choice but to bring in their rookie Dontae Johnson, who should see plenty of playing time in 2015.

Due to injuries, depth took a toll. With the losses of Cox and Culliver, the 49ers currently only have Johnson, Brock, and Cook in the rotation.

Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker, both drafted in 2014, failed to play all season due to their respective injuries as well. Fully healthy now, it is yet to be seen what contribution they can make for the 49ers’ secondary now and for the future.

To be safe, the 49ers may need to look into bringing two more corners.

At pick number 15 in the first round, it does not provide a lot of flexibility. 49ers can stay put and hope a corner falls to them, or they can move back and get a corner they want, plus add additional picks.

One of the most prized cornerbacks in the draft – who may be the first cornerback taken – is Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes.

Not being highly recruited out of high school, Waynes worked his way to becoming a shutdown corner. Waynes is entering the draft one year after fellow Michigan State standout Darqueze Dennard, who was selected in the first round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2014.

Waynes flashed his speed at the combine, posting the fastest 40 time for cornerbacks ,with a 4.31. Waynes has the length and strength to play receivers tough at the line of scrimmage and the speed to keep up downfield. Not known to be a nickel cornerback, Waynes size at the line will help keep receivers away from the 49ers’ safeties. If available at 15, 49ers should not hesitate.

Other cornerbacks the 49ers could address if they decide to move back or select in other rounds include: Jalen Collins, Marcus Peters, Byron Jones, Kevin Johnson, Ronald Darby, P.J. Williams, and Quandre Diggs.

Next: Inside Linebacker