SANTA CLARA — A day after making two trades in the first round, the San Francisco 49ers made another one with the New Orleans Saints, but not before selecting Ahkello Witherspoon with pick No. 66.
Witherspoon is a 6-foot-3 cornerback from Colorado and will pair nicely with Rashard Robinson. The 49ers opened voluntary minicamp with Dontae Johnson manning the starting cornerback position. It’s expected Witherspoon will compete for the starting job.
The 49ers traded pick No. 67 for a 2018 second-rounder and No. 229 in the seventh-round this year with the Saints. Pick No. 67 was originally obtained last night from the Bears. GM John Lynch now owns an extra second and third rounder in 2018. Not bad for his first-time making decisions on draft day.
Here’s some reaction to the Witherspoon pick.
Witherspoon grew up playing basketball with Arik Armstead. "He's like a big brother."
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) April 29, 2017
Witherspoon said potential is his best trait. He expects to be a "dominant player both in the run game and in the pass game."
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) April 29, 2017
Ahkello Witherspoon allowed just a 31.8% catch rate and a 50.9 QB rating when targeted last season. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) April 29, 2017
Here’s the scouting report on Witherspoon from NFL.com.
STRENGTHS
Exceptional combination of size and speed. Hips are fluid and feet are fast. Opens hips and gets to top speed quickly with long, easy strides to chase receivers down the field. Plus athleticism allows for quick recovery when beaten early off release. Showed marked improvement in his instincts and overall feel for coverage. Is beginning to recognize patterns and play ahead of the routes. Played multiple sports growing up including baseball which helped sharpen hand-eye coordination and ball skills. Takes playmaking angles to the ball and defends the catch point with tremendous timing. His 2016 completion percentage against was just 26.5. Tied for second in nation in passes defensed with 20. Was a long time soccer player and has the foot quickness to mirror match receivers.
WEAKNESSES
Has a gangly frame that is all arms and legs. Will have to add more functional strength to compete against NFL physicality. Keeps weight too far back in his backpedal. Technique somewhat raw and still needs refining. For all his ball skills, ended up with just three interceptions in 143 targets. Had some balance and footwork issues when matching receivers through route breaks. Tape of his run support is not for the weak. Almost always in a state of retreat when run heads his way. Unwilling to step downhill and stick his nose in to help contain the edge. Passivity against the run cost his team two touchdowns against Michigan.