With the fifth selection of the third round (68th overall), the San Francisco 49ers selected Mississippi State CB Will Redmond. It was a selection that caused some controversy among the media and fans alike. Redmond suffered an ACL injury during practice on October 22, continuing the trend by 49ers general manager Trent Baalke of drafting injured players. However, Redmond may be a little different. Baalke believes that the cornerback will be ready for training camp when it begins in late July. Redmond feels the same way. "I expect to play in 2016," said Redmond while speaking to the media following being selected.
Redmond, who Baalke envisions as a nickel back for the 49ers, stated that his medical recheck in Indianapolis went well. He had 94 tackles with 5.5 for a loss, five interceptions, and eight passes defended during his college career at Mississippi State. During his junior year in 2014, his last full season, Redmond had 51 tackles with three for a loss, three interceptions, and five passes defended.
What did the "draft experts" think about the selection of Redmond? Here are just a few of the selection grades – in no particular order. Redmond was the 49ers' lone day two selection.
Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus Grade: C+
Redmond is a solid zone defender that can read the quarterback's eyes, but that also gets him into trouble at times with double moves. His +1.3 coverage grade ranked 56th in the class, but he's yet another 6-foot corner that will get a chance to develop.
Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated Grade: B+
This all comes down to the status of Redmond's knee, which he injured in 2015. Assuming he gets all the way to 100% in the near future, he has the instincts and quickness to be a playmaking slot corner, if not a versatile man/zone defender on the outside.
Walter Cherepinsky of WalterFootball.com Grade: B
You know what's funny? Will Redmond would've made more sense as a trade-up target than Joshua Garnett at No. 28. Redmond is a skilled corner, but dropped because of an injury. Cornerback wasn't a huge position of need for San Francisco, but the range is at least right, as Redmond probably would've been a second-round pick had he not sustained a torn ACL.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports Grade: C
There were better options out there. This kid is coming off an ACL injury.
Mike Tanier of Bleacher Report Grade: C+
Will Redmond missed his freshman year because of an NCAA "gotcha." He worked his way into the starting lineup by his senior season, only to tear an ACL in an October practice. He has all the tools but is a little bit of a black box; it's hard to project a player with limited starting experience and a recent major injury into the NFL. Betcha Chip Kelly has found a way.
Tom Downey of Chat Sports Grade: B+
This is the right range for Redmond, who could have gone much higher if not for injury. It also fills a big need.
Dan Kadar of SB Nation Grade: B-
After trading back into the first round, the 49ers had to wait all the way until the No. 68 overall pick to take cornerback Will Redmond. If he can stay healthy, Redmond is the starting cornerback the 49ers needed to find in this draft. Redmond isn't a great tackler, but he can make plays.
Jared Mueller of Scout.com Grade: B+
A quality corner with injury issues. Plays physical and has speed to burn. The Niners have had some struggles in the secondary and get a good one here.
49ers Notebook: Deebo is no longer "awful"; Ronnie Bell makes a splash; J.J. Watt praises Niners; Captain Andrew Luck makes Levi's cameo
By Kirk Larrabee
Sep 22
Thursday night was a fun one at Levi's Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 30-12 victory over the visiting New York Giants. It was a night that saw wide receiver Deebo Samuel declare himself as officially out of "awful" mode, running back Christian McCaffrey reach milestones, wide receiver Ronnie Bell create some lasting memories, and -- of all things -- Andrew Luck making a return to an NFL field (in full Civil War costume) to take part in a game of trivia.
Let's recap all that and more in this version of 49ers Notebook.
Not awful anymore
Back in June, Deebo Samuel caught some attention with his honest description of his 2022 performance
Key stats from the 49ers' 30-12 Week 3 win vs. the Giants
By Site Staff
Sep 22
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 3-0 on the season after a 30-12 Week 3 win over the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Below are several statistics and notes from Thursday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
With The Win...
San Francisco has started the regular season 3-0 for the first time since 2019 and the 9th time in franchise history.
The 49ers have won back-to-back regular season games against the New York Giants [W, 36-9 at NYG (9/27/20)].
San Francisco has won their home opener for the second-consecutive season.
The Niners improved to 22-21 against the Giants,
Kyle Shanahan provides injury updates on Brandon Aiyuk, others after 49ers beat Rams
By David Bonilla
Sep 17
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after the team's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. He provided injury updates from the game.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was in and out of the game due to a left shoulder injury. A reporter asked if the coach was concerned that the injury could be serious.
"I wouldn't think so," Shanahan responded. "I mean, I know he was hurting a little bit, but he was able to play through it, so I think I'll be all right."
The coach mentioned two other players in his post-game injury report.
"[CB Ambry] Thomas, he had a knee," Shanahan said. "He was in and out. After that, [CB Deommodore
Three quick takeaways from 49ers' 30-23 win over Rams
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Sep 17
The San Francisco 49ers are starting off 2-0 after a 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams on the road, where they pulled away in the second half to secure a victory.
The two sides were engaged in a feisty battle throughout the first half, entering halftime with a 17-17 tie, but the 49ers delivered a strong second half performance to pull away for a comfortable win.
Here are three quick takeaways from San Francisco's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Kyle Shanahan cooking
For the second consecutive game, I've been impressed with Kyle Shanahan's
