Nirmalendu Majumdar-USA TODAY Sports
By David Bonilla
Apr 10, 2024 at 8:49 AM• --
Share this on TwitterShare this on FacebookShare this on ThreadsFlip into FlipboardShare this on RedditShare via SMSShare via Email
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Analyst Steve Palazzolo unveiled a first-round mock draft for Pro Football Focus, attempting to forecast the selections for each NFL team within the top 32 picks. While the San Francisco 49ers concentrated on strengthening the defensive line in free agency, Palazzolo envisions the team continuing to fortify that side of the ball.
In his mock draft, Palazzolo predicts that the 49ers will select former Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa with the No. 31 overall pick.
"Tampa's unique fluidity and size for a cornerback make him worthy of a top-75 pick," reads the analysis from Pro Football Focus' big board. "If he can clean up his footwork, he can be a starting outside cornerback in the NFL with the potential to be an impact player."
While some may question the idea of the 49ers using their first-round selection on anything other than an offensive lineman, strengthening the defensive backfield is not beyond consideration. The team needs a starting cornerback opposite Charvarius Ward. Bringing in a capable defensive back in that position would allow Deommodore Lenoir to assume the slot position permanently.
TJ TAMPA IS THE BEST CB IN THE NATION 🌪 pic.twitter.com/npY0Z7KMeb
— OutCYde the Lines (@OutCYdetheLines) October 14, 2023
Tampa ranks as the sixth cornerback on Pro Football Focus' big board and the No. 35 overall player. He did not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine due to recovery from a hamstring injury. However, he posted times of 4.52 and 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Big 12 pro day.
"Physical cornerback with long arms and an above-average ability to ruin catch tries when he's in the vicinity," wrote Lance Zierlein in the player's NFL.com scouting report. "Tampa has decent closing burst but appears to lack true top-end speed. He can charge up his press punch and does a nice job of staying connected to routes from trail technique."
While Palazzolo believes Tampa is deserving of a first-round selection, Zierlein views the cornerback more as a pick for the second day.
"However, he allows separation windows to open when playing from a backpedal in off-man coverage," Zierlein explained. "Tampa can handle some man matchups, but his last-second pass breakups will turn into completions against pro receivers. His demeanor, instincts and ball skills should make him a Day 2 target and eventual starter for a zone-heavy cover unit."
Tampa recorded 44 tackles, including three for a loss, seven passes defensed, and two interceptions in 12 game appearances as a senior in 2023, per Sports Reference. Throughout his four collegiate seasons, he amassed 107 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss, 19 passes defensed, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic, who sees Tampa as a second or third-round pick, offers this assessment of the cornerback: "Overall, Tampa gets a little sticky with his footwork at the top of routes, but he doesn't lose much separation and plays with the size, range and ball skills to be disruptive. He has the tools and potential to be a starting perimeter cornerback in various schemes."
Related News
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Steve Palazzolo mocks the first round, sending QB Jayden Daniels to the Vikings at No. 3 Pro Football Focus • Apr 10
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article?
Report it.
Share this on TwitterShare this on FacebookShare this on ThreadsFlip into FlipboardShare this on RedditShare via SMSShare via Email
Facebook Comments
Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.
More San Francisco 49ers News
Schrager mock draft has 49ers adding 'universally liked and respected' receiver
By David Bonilla
17 hrs
With only nine days remaining until the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager revealed his first mock draft of the year. While most might expect the San Francisco 49ers to target an offensive lineman, Schrager has the team bolstering its wide receiver corps with an SEC talent.Schrager has the 49ers using the No. 31 overall pick to select former Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey, whose 2023 campaign with the Bulldogs was limited by back and ankle injuries."McConkey in the first round? Yes," Schrager wrote. "Above guys like Troy Franklin and Keon Coleman? Perhaps. I've spoken to a
Read More
PFF high on this cornerback for 49ers in mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
Analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic grades former Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa as a second or third-round draft pick and ranks him 55th overall on his big board. Pro Football Focus, however, holds a higher opinion of the young defensive back. In his latest mock draft, the site's lead analyst, Sam Monson, has the San Francisco 49ers selecting Tampa with the No. 31 overall pick."T.J. Tampa fits the prototype of a 49ers cornerback," Monson explains. "He has had consecutive seasons of very impressive play and allowed just 240 yards on 49 targets last season. The team doesn't necessarily need him to make an immediate impact, but they could
Read More
New Mock Draft from The Athletic has 49ers Addressing the Lines of Scrimmage with Early Picks
By Kraz Greinetz
Apr 8
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic has released his three-round mock draft, complete with trades, as well as commentary on the first-round picks. Like previous mock drafts from writers at The Athletic, Baumgardner's has the Niners taking an offensive lineman in the first round. Baumgardner thinks the Niners will select Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan with the No. 31 overall pick. Morgan, a 6-foot-6, 320-pound Senior, breaks the trend of Athletic
Read More
PFF identifies 49ers draft fits in Day 2 and 3
By David Bonilla
Apr 11
The San Francisco 49ers have experienced success in the latter two days of the draft, discovering hidden gems capable of becoming key contributors. Some examples include tight end George Kittle in the fifth round in 2017, linebacker Fred Warner in the third round in 2018, wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the second round in 2019, and, famously, quarterback Brock Purdy with the final overall pick in 2022.Pro Football Focus recently pinpointed one draft fit for each team on Day 2 and another for Day 3. Contributor Dalton Wasserman handled the duties for Day 2, zeroing in on former Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus, who can excel on the edge or interior in
Read More
