2020 NFL mock draft: Two teams trade up for franchise quarterbacks

The 49ers are strong in a lot of areas, so it’s hard to pinpoint weaknesses for them to address. However, Jimmie Ward is a free agent, so if he leaves safety becomes a need.

Xavier McKinney would make for a good replacement for Ward. He has great instincts, he always seems to be around the ball, especially in coverage, and he has good ball skills. He played all over the place, the box, at slot corner, and as a deep safety, but I think he’ll be best at the next level as primarily a deep safety.

The biggest weakness for him is below-average speed. He ran a 4.63 40-yard dash at the combine, which was 16th out of the 20 safeties that ran. This shouldn’t be a big deal because his instincts are good enough to overcome not being the best athlete in the world, but it could give teams that are considering taking him some concern.

The Chiefs defense really improved from last year, going from the 24th ranked defense in 2018, according to NFL.com to the seventh-ranked defense in points allowed in 2019, also according to NFL.com. However, they can still use help at cornerback.

After Okudah, Fulton, Henderson, and Diggs, there are a number of different guys who could go late first or be the first corner off the board on day two. Guys like Virginia’s Bryce Hall, TCU’s Jeff Gladney, Utah’s Jaylon Johnson, and Clemson’s A.J. Terrell are all possibilities, but I’m going with Damon Arnette for now.

Arnette isn’t out of this world athletically or anything, but he is an extremely dependable cornerback. Last season he only allowed one touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. When he does get beat it’s usually not deep.

He was a fifth-year senior, which may be seen as a negative to some, but Chiefs don’t need to try to hit a home run on a guy who may take some time to develop. They need someone who can come in a give them solid play right away. Arnette is their guy in this 2020 NFL mock draft.