It's no surprise that the 49ers need a cornerback, a pass-rushing outside linebacker and a quarterback. One school has players that could fit two of those positions for the 49ers - The University of Texas.
Today is the Longhorn's pro day and a couple players made some improvements to their 40-yard dash time, potentially making them appealing picks for the 49ers.
Aaron Williams, a late first/early second round pick, improved his 4.52 combine time to 4.44. Williams is big, aggressive corner and could fit very well into Vic Fangio's attacking defense which often leaves CBs on an island. It's possible that if Miller slips to the 49ers at #7, they could go after Williams in the second round.
Another player who improved his stock during today's pro day is Chykie Brown, a speedy but inconsistent corner who started alongside Williams this season. Brown's season ended in November when he broke his forearm in a game against Kansas. The wrap on Brown is that he is physically gifted, but not always mature enough to handle his duties on and off the field.
Brown also improved his 40-yard dash time from 4.45 seconds at the combine to 4.37 seconds at today's pro day.
Depending on how the draft plays out, (CB and QB anyone?) the 49ers could end up needing OLB help by round 3. Sam Acho might be someone the team targets in the top of the third. Acho is a high-motor player that needs some development to excel in the NFL. His intelligence and character, though, set him apart from his peers. Acho frequently travels to Nigeria with his parents and brother to provide free medical help to impoverished families. He is also the 2010 recipient of the William V. Campbell award for being the nations top student-athlete.
In a nutshell, he is the kind of high-character guy Mile Nolan would have coveted in 2005 and he is the kind of high-intelligence guy Harbaugh covets in 2010.
What do you think? Are any of these players viable picks for the 49ers in this year's draft?
The views within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
Response: I do like Curtis a lot as well. He's not as big as Aaron, but be might be a better pure corner. He didn't improve his stock tremendously at the pro day which is why I didn't include him. But it's possible that the 49ers could trade back into the 2nd and grab him if they go OLB and QB with picks 1 and 2.
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