San Francisco 49ers enjoy extra first-rounder in 7-round 2020 mock draft

The 49ers got a big win this offseason by retaining Jimmie Ward as he was slated to hit free agency. However, there could still be a use for some upgraded depth at safety moving forward as Jaquiski Tartt has been a fine player but nothing all that spectacular throughout his career.

Subsequently, taking a player like Richie Grant in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft could be in the best interest of San Francisco’s defense. The 6-0, 194-pound defensive back isn’t the most physically imposing figure that you’re ever going to see in the secondary. But while that may be the case, he offers a ton of upside.

At UCF, Grant displayed great instincts and technique in coverage while also being a solid tackler in the open field and down in the box, despite his size limitations. While he needs to clean up his play on occasion, with his hands in particular, he could be valuable to the Niners from a depth perspective.

Even after the DeForest Buckner trade, the 49ers are very much set at the top end of the depth chart on the defensive line. With Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and even Solomon Thomas in the trenches, there’s not need to try and go hunting for the next Buckner. While that may be true, San Francisco might be well served to go after some high-upside depth on the defensive line. Khalil Davis fits that mold.

The Nebraska product does not fit the physical profile of a high-end defensive tackle as he’s a bit undersized at 6-2, 305 pounds with modest length. However, he’s a freak athlete that’s capable of showing incredible explosiveness up the middle to penetrate and disrupt. Bringing him in as a rotational piece on the defensive front could make the 49ers a happy franchise and Davis, if he can learn to combat his limitations, could be striking gold in the sixth round.