With the 180th pick in round six, the 49ers selected Southern Methodist cornerback Kenneth Acker. The SMU product has an intriguing skill set and put a solid year together in 2013. Acker ranked 11th nationally with 16 passes defended to go along with three interceptions. Acker has shown he can compete with top-flight talent, as he handed Texas A&M receiver Mike Evans his worst game of the season (2 receptions 57 yards) when they faced off. Not only does Acker display good potential as a cornerback, he also has proven to be an asset on special teams, as a gunner and punt/kick returner.
The Basics
Name: Kenneth Acker
College: SMU
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'11
Weight: 190 lbs
40 Yard Dash: 4.50
Bench Press: 11
Vertical: 36"
Broad Jump: 9'9"
Pros:
- Versatile: Has experience playing at both cornerback and wide receiver.
- Special Teams: Acker is a solid special teams defender and also has experience as a punt and kick returner
- Good hands and ball skills: Notched three interceptions in 2012, and three again in 2013
- Awareness and recognition: Acker has excellent awareness as to what a receiver's pattern will be. This allows him to bait quarterbacks into throwing the ball his direction and quickly gaining ground to snatch an interception.
- A vertical of 36" indicates Acker has the ability to beat receivers on jump balls
Cons:
- Not much press coverage played by Acker in college
- Average physicality currently, needs to bulk up more
- Middle-of-the-pack speed
Educate Yourself:
What They Are Saying
- Acker is improving and growing more comfortable in the 49ers defensive scheme
- NFL.com calls Acker "A big, short-area, zone corner with intriguing ball skills to stick as a No. 4 or No. 5 corner and special-teams contributor."
- Check out his stats on cfbstats.com
- Read his SMU bio
Conclusion
Acker could wind up being a bargain if he continues to get stronger and learns how to play effective press coverage. He already shows good instincts, fluidity, and recognition at corner and it's reasonable to think he will only get better. Immediately Acker would be looking to secure one of the last corner spots up for grabs, so his likely contribution day one would be on special teams. Acker's experience in all three phases of special teams could bode well for him in securing a roster spot. I don't view Acker as a long-term project; he just needs further development, and with that I could see him becoming a starting cornerback sooner rather than later.