The NFC West got even more competitive this offseason with the Arizona Cardinals making a splash move to acquire DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans. Even though they made the Super Bowl in 2019, the San Francisco 49ers can't get content with the roster they currently have.
While the Cardinals landed Hopkins via trade, San Francisco re-signed Arik Armstead to a five-year, $85 million contract. At the same time, they decided to trade DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts. In the trade, the 49ers were able to acquire the No. 13 pick, giving them two first-round picks.
Aside from the moves involving Armstead and Buckner, the 49ers haven't been an active team in free agency. Provided that, it's apparent that San Francisco is focused on addressing the needs in the 2020 NFL Draft.
After the 13th overall pick, the 49ers also possess the 31st overall pick in the first round. Looking at the prospects that San Francisco could have at No. 13, it's possible they add a wide receiver to replace Emmanuel Sanders.
Once the 49ers make their selections in the first round, they don't have another pick until the fifth round. Taking that into consideration, there's a decent chance that San Francisco could make the 31st pick available to compile more picks. But in the event that the 49ers stay put, here is a prediction on who they will select with the No. 31 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Trevon Diggs (CB, Alabama)
Without a doubt, the 49ers boasted one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2019. While Kyle Shanahan managed the offense, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh rallied the defense to be the No. 2 ranked group last season.
The strength of San Francisco's defense was their pass rush with rookie Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, Armstead, and Buckner. As for their weakness, aside from Richard Sherman and Emmanuel Moseley, the 49ers could use another starter at cornerback.
With Ahkello Witherspoon struggling to show consistency, San Francisco could use the draft to find a cornerback. Among the cornerbacks that they'll be able to choose from, Trevon Diggs makes a ton of sense.
Diggs, who arrived at Alabama as a wide receiver, made the transition to cornerback in his final three seasons. Just this past season, Diggs was able to record 37 tackles, eight deflections, and three interceptions.
During his time at Alabama, Diggs excelled when he was given the chance to play in zone coverage. Given that, Diggs would be a perfect fit for Saleh's zone-centric defensive scheme. Though, there's no doubt that Diggs will need to improve as a tackler at the next level.
Also, being that Sherman is entering the final year of his contract, the 49ers need a long-term solution at cornerback. If San Francisco is actually on the clock at No. 31, Diggs would be an ideal addition to their already dominant defense.
Follow Us
Subscribe