Matt Miller looks to boost the secondary in his preseason mock draft

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller selects Miami cornerback Michael Jackson to the 49ers in his latest Mock Draft.

The 2018 NFL regular season is a little under a month away, while the 2018 college football season less than ten days away. The 2019 NFL Draft is a ways off, but that won’t stop us from considering where things might shake out a little over eight months from now. And that means mock drafts!

Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller put together his first 2019 NFL mock draft as the college season approaches. Plenty will change in terms of team needs, draft order, and who will be where on draft boards. But this gives us one of several starting points to set a baseline.

In his mock, Miller has our San Francisco 49ers University of Miami (FL) cornerback Michael Jackson. The 49ers have a host of needs, with a No. 1 wide receiver potentially among them. However, Miller’s team sources have told him the front office and head coach Kyle Shanahan believe they don’t need elite wide receivers. Coach Shanahan believes his scheme creates open space and windows for his current receivers.

With all that said, Miller believes the 49ers will continue to build up the defense early in the draft. It seems that one area of concern is at cornerback. Miller believes Richard Sherman is a “short-term solution,” and there are still questions about who the number two corner will be on the team moving forward. Miller believes the 49ers should be investing high value picks at the cornerback position. Lastly, according to Miller, those who might not see cornerback as a pressing need see a “Seattle-style defense” that “doesn’t need elite cornerbacks.”

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Here is what Miller had to say about Michael Jackson: “Michael Jackson was one of the ACC’s best defenders in 2017, grabbing four interceptions and breaking up four more passes. His size (6’1”, 200 lbs) and experience coming out of Miami make Jackson one of the best corners in the upcoming class.”

My Thoughts: Jackson had a productive and positive season for the Miami Hurricanes last season. On tape he has great awareness for where the play is going to occur. I agree with Miller about his size and experience. Two areas that I believe the 49ers seek in a cornerback. As long as Jackson can stay healthy and productive this season, he should receive a first round grade and hear his name called on day one of the 2019 NFL Draft.

What are your thoughts on Matt Miller’s mock selection? At the moment, is cornerback a position of need? What is a more pressing need…cornerback or pass rusher? Please share in the comments below!