San Francisco 49ers: Grades for every 2021 NFL Draft pick

CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers (R) talks with general manager John Lynch during practice for Super Bowl LIV at the Greentree Practice Fields on the campus of the University of Miami on January 29, 2020 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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San Francisco 49ers 2021 NFL Draft grades: Rounds 5-6

Talanoa Hufanga, S (Round 5, 180th overall) – Grade C-

Talanoa Hufanga is a hard-nosed playing safety that isn’t scared of any action. The 2020 first-team All-American had a run in which he grabbed an interception in four straight games — this in spite of his lack of ability to cover well when defending the pass. His play against the run pops out on film and is occasionally seen making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, however.

Hufanga could see reps at linebacker in a dime formation for the Niners. If Hufanga can’t cover well at the next level, he may even have to change positions to linebacker permanently. We’ve seen players make this transition before, guys in a similar mold to the USC product.

He can be a package-specific linebacker for the 49ers rigth away and then see if that role can be expanded at strong safety. If not, the transition can begin.

Elijah Mitchell, RB (Round 6, 194th overall) – Grade C-

Joining a stacked running back room, Elijah Mitchell will have to fight for playing time in San Francisco. With a career average of 6.2 yards per carry for the Lousiana Ragin’ Cajuns, he could fit well in the wide-zone offense.

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Adding another back doubles down on the fact that Shanahan wants the offense to get better. It’s clear the 49ers want to get back to their 2019 rushing production. Mitchell, like Sermon, will have to prove himself and/or develop as a pass catcher to be a feature back.