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On top of having issues at the cornerback position in the 49ers secondary, the safety positions are bit in limbo as well. It's uncertain as to whether or not Dashon Goldson will return. On top of that, Taylor Mays and Reggie Smith have not proven yet to be solid back there as well.
Although there may be other options available through free agency once it opens up, it's the future is still a bit uncertain back there.
There has also been mention of Nate Clements possibly making the switch to safety as well if the 49ers can find some viable options at the corner position as well.
However, it should not be discounted that the 49ers, with their new coaching staff will be eyeballing some of the fresh talent entering in this year's draft.
Below the jump, we'll take a look at a very talented option out of Clemson in DeAndre McDaniel.
The very first play showcases McDaniel's natural instinct to go after the ball. Christian Ponder by some is considered to be one of the better quarterback options coming out. But as seen here, McDaniel shows that he read Ponder like a book. McDaniel not only has great instinct to jump routes, but he shows great discipline and can hit like a Mack Truck.
Here are his career stats while at Clemson:
Stats Overview
Tackles
Misc
Interceptions
YEAR
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
STF
STFY
FF
BK
INT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
PD
2007
33
19
14
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0.0
0
0
0
2008
69
48
21
0
0
0
3
0
1
1
1.0
1
0
0
2009
98
58
40
2
0
0
1
0
8
182
22.8
77
1
0
2010
75
43
32
0
0
0
0
0
4
33
8.3
33
0
0
2010 Regular Season Game Log
Tackles
Misc
Interceptions
DATE
OPP
RESULT
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
STF
STFY
FF
BK
INT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
PD
9/4
North Texas
W 35-10
7
4
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
9/11
Presbyterian
W 58-21
5
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
1
9/18
@Auburn
L 27-24
6
5
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0.0
0
0
1
10/2
Miami (FL)
L 30-21
9
3
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
1
10/9
@North Carolina
L 21-16
5
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
10/16
Maryland
W 31-7
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
33
33.0
33
0
0
10/23
Georgia Tech
W 27-13
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0.0
0
0
1
10/30
@Boston College
L 16-10
5
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
11/6
North Carolina State
W 14-13
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0.0
0
0
0
11/13
@Florida State
L 16-13
3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
11/20
@Wake Forest
W 30-10
8
4
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
11/27
South Carolina
L 29-7
7
1
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
2010 Postseason Game Log
Tackles
Misc
Interceptions
BOWL
OPP
RESULT
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
STF
STFY
FF
BK
INT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
PD
MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL
South Florida
L 31-26
12
8
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
Summary: Had McDaniel come out in last years draft, he would have been considered among the top three in talent between Eric Berry and Earl Thomas. Some, including myself, had McDaniel ranked above Earl Thomas in talent. However, McDaniel decided to stay for his senior year and opposing teams stopped throwing his way. He was still sound in tackling but the production in interceptions took a dive due to quarterbacks staying away. He still possesses the same talent as his junior year. I believe that McDaniel could very well come at bargain price and make some team very happy. Even if he were to fall to the second round, it's very possible he will produce as first round talent would.
PREDICTION: 1st - 2nd Round