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

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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) /

Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Fulton still being on the board with the likes of Jeff Gladney and Noah Igbinoghene selected in the first round is one of the surprises of the draft so far.

Corner is unquestionably a need for the Niners. Richard Sherman and Emmanuel Moseley are entering the final years of their respective contracts while Ahkello Witherspoon has battled injury and inconsistency in his three seasons with San Francisco.

LSU standout Fulton would be an ideal successor to Sherman, and plays football in much the same fashion.

Indeed, Fulton excels by playing sticky, physical press and man coverage and has thrived on an island against some of the best receivers in the SEC.

Fulton’s inexperience in zone coverage figures to be a concern for a 49ers team that plays a lot of it, but in Sherman, San Francisco has the perfect mentor.

The same problem remains, however, and the 49ers would have to weigh Fulton’s obvious upside against the cost they would likely have to pay to get into a position to add him to the roster.

If they believe it is a price worth paying, then the Niners should not hesitate to make the move to draft a potential long-term starter at boundary corner.