Anthony Treash's last mock draft for Pro Football Focus had the San Francisco 49ers selecting cornerback Martin Emerson of Mississippi State with the No. 61 overall pick. That hasn't changed in his latest mock draft.
Many view cornerback as a significant need for the 49ers as they head into the draft. Is it the biggest need, though? The team did add Charvarius Ward in free agency and has fifth-year cornerback Emmanuel Moseley slated to start on the opposite side. Last year, the 49ers drafted two cornerbacks—Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir.
Gone is starting nickel corner K'Waun Williams, who signed with the Denver Broncos. Josh Norman and Jason Verrett remain unsigned.
"Emerson would fit nicely into San Francisco's defense," wrote Treash. "He isn't the most gifted athlete, but he can give some receivers fits at the line of scrimmage in press zone with his 33.5-inch arms."
Emerson (6' 1 5/8", 201 at the Combine) registered 49 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and three passes defensed through 12 game appearances as a junior in 2021, per Sports Reference. He recorded 152 tackles, six tackles for a loss, 15 passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble through his three collegiate seasons.
The young defensive back recorded a 40-time of 4.53 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"Emerson's length also helps him at the catch point, as his 14 pass breakups since 2020 can attest," added Treash. "While there's some rightful concern about his athletic shortcomings, he understands the game, brings a physical presence and has strong production in college football's most difficult conference. At the end of Round 2, that's worth betting on."
San Francisco lacks a first-round pick after last year's pre-draft trade to move into the No. 3 overall slot to select quarterback Trey Lance.
The 2022 NFL Draft kicks off on April 28 from Las Vegas.
