Six cornerbacks 49ers could target in first three rounds of NFL draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers have two top-flight cornerbacks in Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, but the 2023 NFL season showed they lacked a third who could consistently play nickel, with their starters on the outside. Lenoir was extremely effective in the slot when called upon, but that left the outside vulnerable.
General manager John Lynch and the 49ers’ front office added veteran talent in free agency, signing Isaac Yiadom and Rock Ya-Sin to one-year contracts, but both predominantly have played on the outside. Young talent such as Darrell Luter Jr. and Samuel Womack could develop into contributors, but they’re the only cornerbacks signed past 2024, so the 49ers will look very closely at the position in next week’s NFL draft.
Here are six cornerbacks who’d perfectly fit the 49ers’ defense and could be available in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
School: Alabama
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 199 pounds
McKinstry is PFF.com’s fifth-ranked cornerback and No. 26 overall prospect after his great showing in his final two seasons at Alabama. He allowed just 19 receptions on 39 targets for 205 yards, one touchdown and a 73.1 passer rating last season.
McKinstry predominantly lined up on the outside with the Crimson Tide and broke up seven passes. He’s known for his football IQ and athleticism, and would fit the 49ers’ scheme well.
“I feel like I could play in the slot because of the training I had at Bama,” McKinstry said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “You have to know everything and be able to play anywhere. I fell like I’m physical to set the edge, and I can guard whoever is in the slot. My knowledge and understanding leverage as a nickel is at a high level.”
NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah projects McKinstry to the Detroit Lions at No. 29 in his final mock draft, but if he falls past them, the 49ers could pounce at No. 31.
School: Iowa
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 203…
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