Others believe the 49ers might focus on their defensive line, selecting an interior defender or pass rusher to improve what has become an underperforming front.
However, Pro Football Network writer Derek Tate has a different vision. He projects the 49ers to strengthen their defensive backfield with the 11th overall pick by selecting Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison.
"The potential loss of starting CB Charvarius Ward could turn one of the San Francisco 49ers' strengths into a position of need if the veteran corner hits free agency," Tate wrote. "The Niners saw encouraging things from press coverage savant Renardo Green his rookie year, which would make the addition of another man-coverage specialist in Benjamin Morrison an intriguing pairing on the back end of this defense."
The 49ers also recently secured cornerback Deommodore Lenoir with a massive contract extension, declaring him a key building block for the future.
Morrison (6-0, 190) missed much of the 2024 season due to a hip injury suffered in October. He finished the year with 20 tackles, four pass breakups, and no touchdowns allowed in six starts. According to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks posted a 58.4 NFL passer rating when targeting him.
While the deadline to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft has passed for most players, Morrison has until January 24 due to Notre Dame's participation in the National Championship Game.
"Unfortunately, Morrison suffered a season-ending injury early this college football season," Tate continued. "Assuming he declares, Morrison has all the tools with size, length, and reactive quickness to make a long-term impact for a secondary filled with young, promising prospects."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers find Spencer Burford replacement in 2026 NFL mock draft
Mike Renner released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft for CBS Sports, and he has the San Francisco 49ers addressing the interior of the offensive line in the first round. Specifically, Renner projects head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to target a long-term... -
49ers add big-play potential in 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers offense has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, led by standout quarterback Brock Purdy. Still, with uncertainty at the wide receiver position, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may look to add some explosive playmakers in... -
49ers vs. Eagles: Trent Williams 'definitely more confident' about playing in Wild Card game
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is among seven players listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran offensive lineman has been working his way back from a hamstring injury suffered in Week 17, which... -
San Francisco 49ers opponents for 2026 season announced
The 2026 opponents for the San Francisco 49ers have been announced. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West and will play a third-place schedule next season. The 49ers will have nine home games and will go on the road eight times. Here are the 2026 opponents: Home Las Vegas...