We current sit two and a half weeks from the 2014 NFL Draft, and it is not surprising that cornerback remains the position of choice for most 49ers picks in mock drafts. The 49ers have enough cornerbacks to head into the 2014 season with a pretty decent set of options, but most are signed to 1-year deals, and there are just enough question marks that it makes a lot of sense to stock up with some younger options.
Our friends at Mocking the Draft put together their latest 2014 NFL mock draft, and in a 2-round mock, they provided the 49ers with a pair of defensive backs. Matthew Fairburn's latest iteration has the 49ers selecting Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby in the first round, and then LSU wide receiver Jarvis Landry and Florida State defensive back Lamarcus Joyner in the second round.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
The San Francisco 49ers might need to trade up to land one of the top cornerbacks in this class, but in this mock, Bradley Roby is still available at pick No. 30. Many expected a much better season from Roby in 2013, but his talent is tough to ignore, especially this late in the first round.
56. San Francisco 49ers - Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
The 49ers made a run at DeSean Jackson, so they obviously think they could use another wide receiver. Jarvis Landry has been overshadowed a bit by his teammate, Odell Beckham, but he's still capable of getting separation and he may have some of the best hands in the draft.
61. San Francisco 49ers - Lamarcus Joyner, CB/S, Florida State
If the 49ers keep their first three picks, it shouldn't be a surprise to see two of them used on defensive backs. Joyner played safety for much of his Florida State career, but showed last season he can handle covering the slot.
I remain convinced the 49ers move up in the first round, but if they could land Roby at No. 30, it seems like a decent deal. The question is, would they spend one of their second round picks on another cornerback? Joyner offers versatility, with an ability to cover the slot, and also potentially play some safety.
Tramaine Brock is locked in as one of the starting cornerbacks. Right now, Chris Culliver would handle the other starting role. Eric Wright and Perrish Cox would likely be the primary competitors for the slot corner role, with Chris Cook, Darryl Morris and Dax Swanson competing with him for nickel and dime work.
I don't necessarily have a problem with the 49ers adding two cornerbacks they like early on. It would create one heck of a camp competition, with all those 1-year deal players on notice that they could easily be replaced. This would not be a shocking revelation, but it's still worth noting. That being said, I think the 49ers potentially use one of those second round picks to try and add a high 2015 draft pick. I realize this draft is incredibly deep for talent, but I also think that means the 49ers could potentially charge a future premium on their plethora of day 2 picks.
These are just a few of the questions the 49ers face as they head into the 2014 NFL Draft. As some know, with great power comes great responsibility. With six picks in the first 100, the 49ers are in a position of great power. These picks provide an opportunity to do some serious damage and build for the long haul.