The 2021 NFL draft could be among the most fascinating in league history. With no guarantee of a college football season and some players beginning to opt out, NFL teams could end up flying relatively blind with prospects going into the draft. That’s an especially tough scenario for the 49ers, who’ll rely heavily on draft picks to help replace some of the players they’ll lose in an offseason where salary cap space is at a premium.
The Draft Wire put together a three-round mock draft ahead of training camp where San Francisco uses their only two picks in the first three rounds to shore up their secondary and their offensive front.
Here’s what happened with each of their selections:
Round 1, Pick 30: Israel Mukuamu | CB | South Carolina
Mukuamu is part of a very good cornerback tandem for the Gamecocks alongside Jaycee Horn. The physical traits with Mukuamu make him a prime candidate for San Francisco’s zone-heavy scheme. He’s listed at 6-4, 205 pounds. That size may make it difficult for him to play straight man coverage against NFL receivers, but he still moves well enough to be an effective pro. In two seasons at South Carolina Mukuamu has five interceptions, 10 pass breakups and four tackles for loss. Given his size and cornerback skill set there’s a chance the 49ers may covet him as a strong safety if they lose Jaquiski Tartt in free agency.
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