ESPN analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay published their final mock drafts this morning. Each has the San Francisco 49ers going defensive back with the ninth-overall selection.
Kiper has the 49ers making cornerback Denzel Ward out of Ohio State their first-round selection in his final mock draft. Ward has appeared in 26 games over three seasons with the Buckeyes. During that time, he has 67 combined tackles, two for a loss, two interceptions, and 24 passes defensed, according to Sports Reference. As a junior in 2017, Ward was named first-team All-American by the Associated Press.
"San Francisco also would be a great fit for Roquan Smith, if he makes it here. Ward is the draft's top true corner," wrote Kiper.
McShay has the 49ers selecting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick out of Alabama in his final mock draft. Fitzpatrick registered 171 combined tackles with 16.5 for a loss, five sacks, nine interceptions, 24 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles in three seasons with Alabama, according to Sports Reference. He also returned four of those nine interceptions for touchdowns.
In 2017, Fitzpatrick recorded 60 combined tackles with eight for a loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, seven passes defensed, and a forced fumble.
"Fitzpatrick doesn't fit one defined position, but he's a heck of a football player and could take Eric Reid's spot," wrote McShay. "Ward and Tremaine Edmunds are also considerations here."
Both Ward and Fitzpatrick have visited with the 49ers during the team's pre-draft evaluation process The 49ers hosted Ward at their Santa Clara facility on April 5 while Fitzpatrick visited on April 10.
The 2018 NFL Draft kicks off tonight at 5:00 p.m. Pacific from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.