Subscribe
Follow Us
The San Francisco 49ers know their front office gave up quite a number of assets to take a quarterback third in the upcoming NFL draft. The majority of the football world believes the choice will be Justin Fields from Ohio State.
The rest of San Francisco's draft is less predictable starting with their second-round selection. Below are three players the front office of the 49ers can choose with the number 43 pick.
49ers NFL draft options:
1. Asante Samuel, CB, Jr., FSU
The 49ers are moving on from veteran cornerback Richard Sherman. While he was an impactful defender in the team's 2019 run to the Super Bowl, his 2020 season was derailed by an injury.
One of the bright spots in the 49ers' secondary was the strong play of Jason Verrett. However, Verrett is an extremely injury-prone player, so much so that he never played a full season since entering the league in 2014. To say the team has a need at cornerback is an understatement.
If the name Asante Samuel, Jr. sounds familiar it is because his father, who also played cornerback, last played in 2013 for the Atlanta Falcons. Some front offices put a value on NFL lineage. Samuel has been rising up mock draft boards recently, so there is a chance he will not be available at this spot for the 49ers.
At 5'10, 184 pounds, Samuel is on the smaller side for corners and has similar measurements to Verrett. This is the only knock on him, and the 49ers are aware of this, but it seems almost irrelevant because he plays so much larger than his frame.
He is an intelligent defensive back, especially in zone coverage. Samuel is a fantastic athlete and plays the game so smoothly. He covers ground very quickly and regularly jumps routes. Samuel has an advanced understanding of the game and has great ball skills which the 49ers can use.
Although he is not the biggest guy out there, he is engaged in run defense. Samuel can play both outside and inside for the 49ers. He is a tough defender and just goes after jump balls.
Article Continues Below
2. Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
If Samuel is off the board, the 49ers can turn to Molden. He is listed as a corner, but with his versatility, he can line up as safety and in the slot. He can even be lined up near the line of scrimmage. Molden displays solid coverage skills and is a good athlete.
Like Samuel, Molden does not possess ideal size, but his instincts and intelligence more than compensate for this and can enhance the 49ers on defense. Despite his smaller build, he is a willing tackler in the run game.
3. Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
The left tackle spot is a position of strength for the 49ers after signing Trent Williams to a hefty contract this offseason. The rest of the offensive line, however, has some question marks.
Eichenberg played tackle his whole collegiate career, but he has the versatility to slide inside and man one of the guard spots for the 49ers. He has ideal size at 6'6 and 309 pounds and is a well-rounded prospect. Eichenberg has polished technique and has the athleticism to engage defenders in the second level.
If the tackle position were not so deep, he would be gone by the first round. The 49ers could find a gem here.
