2021 NFL Mock Draft: Trevor Lawrence tank pays off for Jaguars, Trey Lance to Raiders

One of the risers for the 2021 NFL Draft in the 2019 season was South Carolina cornerback Israel Mukuamu. After playing in only five games as a freshman and notching just one interception and one pass defense, the big-bodied corner came out and delivered a fantastic season for the Gamecocks last year.

Including a huge three-interceptions game against one South Carolina’s biggest opponents, the Georgia Bulldogs, Mukuamu had four interceptions and nine pass defenses on the year, including a pick-six to his credit as well. Furthermore, he showed a nice willingness to make plays not on the ball with 59 total tackles on the season as well.

At 6-4, 205 pounds, the frame and length that Mukuamu possesses are rare traits that make him enticing for the NFL. He has the size to match up with No. 1 wide receivers at the pro level and clearly has the tools and technique in coverage to do the same as well.

For as good as Richard Sherman and the 49ers secondary played in the 2019 season, they need some help for the future to make sure that area remains a strength in San Francisco. Using a late first-round pick on the Gamecocks standout would be a great way to ensure that happens.