2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold goes to Browns

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Ward (12) lines up on the outside during the Big 10 Championship game between the Wisconsin Badgers and Ohio State Buckeyes on December 2, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

. Defensive Back. Ohio State. Denzel Ward. 9. player. 42

The San Francisco 49ers are suddenly a player in the NFC West, and they could be this season’s Los Angeles Rams. It all started at the trade deadline last season, when they swung a deal with the New England Patriots to get Jimmy Garoppolo. Once inserted in the starting lineup, Jimmy G led the 49ers to five straight wins to finish out the season, giving 49ers fan hope that this is the start of something special.

When it comes to this team next season, they should be a team to beat in the NFC. They have their quarterback in place, and they have done a nice job this offseason bringing in talent on the defensive side of the ball. One position is cornerback, where they signed veteran Richard Sherman, who should lead the group in 2018.

With the ninth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the 49ers should look to add even more talent to their secondary. While Sherman is still a good player, he is getting up there in age, and really his current deal is a one-year contract. Denzel Ward would be a great addition to their defensive backfield, and could take the torch as CB1 when Sherman decides to hang them up.

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