Mel Kiper released his two-round mock draft for ESPN. That's good for San Francisco 49ers fans because Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch's squad lack a first-round pick. Thanks to last year's trade to acquire quarterback Trey Lance, the Niners don't make a selection until pick No. 61 in the second round.
San Francisco could go defensive back, edge rusher, or offensive line with their first selection. Which direction does the ESPN analyst forecast for the 49ers? His projected pick is below.
Round 2, Pick 61
DB Cam Taylor-Britt, Nebraska
"This is the 49ers' debut pick in this draft, but this late in Round 2, they're not going to be guaranteed to get a starter," wrote Kiper. "They can take a need position, sure, but they shouldn't reach to make it happen. Taylor-Britt makes sense because he has some raw tools with which to work and has the skill set to play multiple spots. He had 11 pass breakups last season. San Francisco signed Charvarius Ward but should add corner depth."
The 49ers added Ward in free agency. However, San Francisco lost nickel corner K'Waun Williams, who signed with the Denver Broncos. In addition, Josh Norman, Jason Verrett, and Jaquiski Tartt remain unsigned.
Taylor-Britt registered 51 tackles, three tackles for a loss, a sack, 11 passes defensed, and an interception through 12 game appearances as a junior in 2021, per Sports Reference. He recorded 140 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 22 passes defensed, five interceptions, a touchdown, and four forced fumbles through his four collegiate seasons.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 5' 10 5/8" and 196-pound Taylor-Britt had a 40-time of 4.38 seconds. His other measurables include an arm length of 31 1/2 inches and hands measuring 10 inches.
"Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt is one heck of an impressive player at the cornerback position," wrote Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network. "The Huskers implemented him in a number of coverages but he was most frequently used in zone coverages to allow his feel for attacking the football and triggering in the run game to shine most. Whether he was playing deep-third, clouded flat assignments, quarters, or even the occasional rep in the middle of the field, Taylor-Britt showcased a starting skill set with his eyes in the backfield. But he was also locked into man coverage on the perimeter and showcased sufficient turn-and-run skills for any team looking to get more man coverage reps out of him on the outside."