With The First Pick
Fansided

2020 NFL Draft: 5 targets still on the board for the 49ers

By Nicholas McGee

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Cornerback Kristian Fulton #1 of the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Cornerback Kristian Fulton #1 of the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Ashtyn Davis #27 of the California Golden Bears returns an interception for a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Ashtyn Davis #27 of the California Golden Bears returns an interception for a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal

Having had groin surgery in November, concerns over that injury could drop Davis – who was unable to run at the Scouting Combine – down the board.

Had they dropped back from 31 to land day-two selections, the Niners would have been one of the teams potentially in position to profit from such a slide for the former Golden Bear.

Whether the 49ers are compelled to deal into day two to target him will hinge on how long a possible fall lasts, but he should have appeal to a front office run by one of the best safeties in NFL history.

A former track star who has the versatility to potentially play corner as well as safety, the 49ers will love the special teams upside Davis demonstrated in his collegiate career in the Bay Area at Cal.

The 49ers re-signed Jimmie Ward in free agency but have a lack of depth at safety, with Jaquiski Tartt poised to hit the open market next offseason.

San Francisco will also be all too aware of the struggles endured last season when Tartt was off the field with injury last season.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh regularly rotates his safeties between the deep middle and the box. Giving Saleh an extra player with which to do that and protecting against injuries to Ward and Tartt would be an astute move.