:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66398618/1177489050.jpg.0.jpg)
While wide receiver is fun to talk about, we’re still not sure how pressing of a need that is for the San Francisco 49ers. How free agency shapes out will answer that question. Cornerback is a different story. Richard Sherman has one year left on his contract. Ahkello Witherspoon was benched in the playoffs. Emmanuel Moseley is a promising young player, but he’s not going to prevent you from bringing in someone to challenge as a starter. Ideally, this is a veteran player. That makes the most sense for San Francisco, as the lack of experience at cornerback showed up at the most critical times in the playoffs, including the most important play of the Super Bowl.
NFL.com released their latest Mock Draft this week and had the 49ers taking Cameron Dantzler of Mississippi State.
PICK 31
Cameron Dantzler - CB
School: Mississippi State | Year: Junior (RS)
It’s time to find an eventual successor to Richard Sherman on the island. The Mississippi State product is a perfect fit for the 49ers’ Cover 3 scheme as a long, rangy athlete with a high IQ and good ball skills.
Dantzler would be my dream scenario at No. 31. He measured at 6-foot-2 and 1/4” with over a 72” wingspan. He weighed 188 pounds, but he continually held his own against the top competition in the country. Alabama and LSU’s receivers dominated everyone—everyone but Dantzler. A trade scenario where the 49ers can move back, acquire more picks, and still scoop up Dantzler would be ideal. This clip is a good example of Danztler’s skillset:
“Cameron Dantzler has fantastic length and match-and-mirror ability. He's a fluid athlete that can stick with his opposition despite his narrow build.”@PFF_AustinGayle pic.twitter.com/0ywsx2ni9E
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 20, 2020
He does a great job at the line of scrimmage and winning with his length all season. Most press cornerbacks are good at the line, but struggle the further they get down the field. Tracking the ball and playing the football in the air is a strength for Dantzler. There is a lot to like about his game, and it feels like I’m nitpicking when it comes to talking about areas where Dantzler can improve. That’s the sign of a great player. We’ll see how he tests on Sunday, but, for my money, he’s the second-best cornerback in the draft, and isn’t far off from Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah. The 49ers will be thrilled to land Dantzler. They won’t be the only ones.