In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli doesn't project the 49ers to bolster the trenches. Instead, he has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan adding a starter to the secondary with the 11th overall pick, selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.
"The 49ers have been churning the roster quite a bit lately, and have a need at corner," Fornelli wrote. "Barron is CB2 (behind Travis Hunter) on most boards, and while I'm not as high on him as the majority, this is a pick that would make sense for both sides."
With starter Charvarius Ward departing for the Indianapolis Colts, Deommodore Lenoir and second-year player Renardo Green are currently the top corners. The 49ers also signed former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown in free agency.
Fornelli isn't the only one projecting Barron to San Francisco. NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah also has Barron going to the 49ers in his latest mock draft.
"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."
Barron (5-11, 194) is the second-highest-ranked cornerback on Pro Football Focus' big board. He earned a 90.7 defensive grade last season, tying for second among cornerbacks nationwide, while his 91.1 coverage grade also ranked second.
In 2024, Barron recorded 67 tackles (three for a loss), a sack, 11 passes defensed, and five interceptions through 16 starts as a senior, per Sports Reference. Over his collegiate career, he tallied 226 tackles (21 for a loss), two sacks, 24 passes defensed, eight interceptions, two touchdowns, and a forced fumble.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers address looming Trent Williams dilemma in PFF 2027 mock draft
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams continues to play at a high level at 38 years old. However, he has made it clear that his current contract is likely to be the final one of his NFL career. In recent years, analysts have urged the 49ers to use a premium draft pick... -
49ers vs. Cowboys final injury report: Trent Williams, 4 CBs questionable for Week 10
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 10 contest against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Both teams have released their official injury reports, which are provided below. San Francisco 49ers Out WR Mike Evans... -
49ers add protection for Brock Purdy in 3-round 2027 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers could go in several directions in the 2027 NFL Draft, but one analyst believes the team could prioritize protecting quarterback Brock Purdy. San Francisco has generally refrained from investing significant draft capital in offensive linemen, but that... -
Kyle Shanahan identifies what DeForest Buckner can bring to the 49ers' young defensive line
The San Francisco 49ers didn't bring DeForest Buckner back just to add another talented defensive lineman to their roster. They also brought back a player who understands what it takes to succeed in Kyle Shanahan's system and has the experience to help develop some of the...