2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Allen heads to Browns
By Brad Weiss
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
42. . Defensive Back. Ohio State. Denzel Ward. 9. player
The San Francisco 49ers have been plenty busy this offseason, as they made a solid move to upgrade their cornerback group this last month. The team signed former Seattle Seahawks legend Richard Sherman, upgrading a unit that lacked depth last season. While the addition of Sherman is solid, the team still has work to do back there, and Denzel Ward from Ohio State may be too good to pass up at No. 9 overall.
Ward is the best cornerback in this NFL Draft class, and should hear his name called within the first ten picks. The 49ers have been an interesting team to watch since last year’s trade deadline, when they swung a deal for New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo. All Jimmy G did once inserted in the starting lineup was turn a 1-10 ball club to a 6-10 team, winning the last five regular season games for the 49ers.
As they head into 2018, they are suddenly a favorite to make some noise in the NFC West. The Los Angeles Rams came out of nowhere to win the division last year, and the 49ers could play that kind of role this season. Jimmy G always gives them a chance to win, and with an upgraded secondary, their defense should be tough to score on as well in 2018.