Linsey has quarterback Trevor Lawrence of Clemson going No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, as most mock drafts do. There is a little action at the No. 2 spot with the Houston Texans projected to trade quarterback Deshaun Watson to the New York Jets for the selection (and probably more). The Texans go on to select Zach Wilson of BYU.
Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trey Lance of North Dakota State are also off the board by the time the 49ers select at No. 12 overall, setting up the team to bolster its secondary.
"From a technical standpoint, there isn't a better cornerback in the draft class than Surtain," wrote Linsey, "and that technique led to a strong resume after three years as a starter at Alabama. Surtain allowed a passer rating of 68.7 on 156 throws into his coverage across those three seasons, all while earning a 92.9 coverage grade."
The 49ers are slated to lose several cornerbacks to free agency and could use a young stud to pair with whomever the team decides to bring back or sign in free agency for DeMeco Ryans' defense. Surtain is the son of All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain Sr., a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his 11 seasons between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
"A quick look through the cornerbacks on PFF's free agency rankings page quickly tells you that there is a lot of uncertainty at the position for San Francisco," Linsey continues, "with Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett and K'Waun Williams all hitting free agency. Adding Surtain through the draft gives the 49ers flexibility in the case that some of those guys don't return."
Surtain racked up 116 tackles, six tackles for a loss, four interceptions, a touchdown, 24 passes defensed, and four forced fumbles during his three seasons with the Crimson Tide. He was a 2020 Consensus All-American and named the 2020 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers add explosiveness to offense in PFF's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver in free agency, especially with Brandon Aiyuk's time in the Bay Area appearing to wind down. But head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may also use the 2026 NFL Draft to add another weapon... -
49ers add big-play potential in 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers offense has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, led by standout quarterback Brock Purdy. Still, with uncertainty at the wide receiver position, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may look to add some explosive playmakers in... -
"We've earned this": 49ers discuss No. 1 seed opportunity; latest injury updates
The San Francisco 49ers held off the Chicago Bears 42-38 on Sunday night at Levi's Stadium, keeping their push for the NFC's No. 1 seed alive. The win sets up a high-stakes Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, where the NFC West title, the conference's... -
49ers vs. Bears PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 12-4 after a 42-38 win against the Chicago Bears in Week 17. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded 49ers: Offense Luke...