In his last mock draft, Daniel Jeremiah predicted that the San Francisco 49ers would pass on using their first-round pick to address the trenches. In his latest mock draft for NFL.com, the draft analyst once again predicts that general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will not upgrade the offensive or defensive lines with the No. 11 overall pick.
Instead, Jeremiah has the 49ers selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, a player rarely linked to San Francisco in mock drafts.
"The 49ers' defense has seen a lot of departures this offseason, including at cornerback," Jeremiah explained. "Barron is one of the most consistent players on tape among prospects in this year's class and he can take the ball away. He'll be able to match up against some of the talented slot receivers in the division."
Former starting cornerback Charvarius Ward signed with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency, leaving uncertainty over who will start opposite Deommodore Lenoir.
Barron participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, measuring 5'10 3/4" and 194 pounds. He posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds, a 35-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump.
Barron tallied 67 tackles (three for a loss), a sack, 11 passes defensed, and five interceptions through 16 starts as a senior in 2024, per Sports Reference. Over his collegiate career, he recorded 226 tackles (21 for a loss), two sacks, 24 passes defensed, eight interceptions, two touchdowns, and a forced fumble across five seasons.
In 2024, Barron earned first-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC honors while winning the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back. He was named the Peach Bowl Defensive MVP after an 11-tackle performance in a win over Arizona State.
"Big nickelback was in the right place at the right time throughout his impressive 2024 season," Lance Zierlein wrote in his NFL.com scouting report. "Barron played smothering coverage underneath, fueled by route recognition, footwork and play strength. His instincts allow him to pounce on catch points or tackle pass catchers immediately from zone. However, he lacks recovery speed deep and can be a little too grabby at the top of the route in man. Tackle technique in run support is a shade inconsistent but looks easily correctable. The size and tape work in his favor as a physical nickel who can be an early contributor and future starter, with the potential to cross-train as a safety."
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