The NFL Draft is just over two weeks away and the San Francisco 49ers will be focusing on replacing some of the roster turnover they've experienced this offseason.
One of the key players to leave San Francisco in free agency was cornerback Charvarius Ward, and general manager John Lynch will have his eye on a few cornerbacks available as a replacement for Ward beginning on April 24 in Green Bay at the NFL Draft.
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. wrote that Lynch will find his guy in the first round later this month with Michigan Wolverines corner Will Johnson at No. 11.
"There's well-documented roster turnover in San Francisco right now, and Charvarius Ward is among the departures. Renardo Green has one of the outside starting spots, but what will the 49ers do at the other? Could slot guy Deommodore Lenoir move outside? Will new signee Tre Brown earn the role (and stay healthy)? Or could this be a golden chance to land a potential shutdown CB1 in Johnson? Johnson missed time last season with a toe injury, and he slid from the top five to No. 12 overall on my Big Board.
"But the talent is undeniable. He's big - 6-2 - and his instincts and ball skills show up in the box scores. He had nine interceptions over his Michigan career, including two pick-sixes last season. The 49ers had 11 total INTs a year ago (tied for 19th)."
Kiper is right about Johnson's talent. And with the No. 11 overall pick, Lynch & Co. will want to find someone who can be an immediate contributor, and that could be Johnson.
Also, Johnson fills one of the biggest needs for the team at the moment at cornerback.
It could be a slam dunk to begin the 2025 season.
