Are the 49ers Ruling out Drafting a Cornerback?

A third cornerback was signed by the 49ers on Thursday, which makes drafting one in a couple of weeks less likely.

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) reacts / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

For the third time this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers have signed a cornerback.

Clearly the 49ers view the position as a need and want it solidified going into 2024. Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir are the only two constants the 49ers have, so they will need a third to help them anchor.

The additions of those three cornerbacks also makes it clear that the 49ers desire to have Lenoir in the slot. All of these additions, assuming the 49ers are even done, makes it seem less likely that a cornerback will be drafted in two weeks.

Are the 49ers signaling that they are ruling out drafting a cornerback?

I think so. The 49ers are probably done with going the young and raw route at cornerback. It hasn't panned out for them outside of Lenoir. Ambry Thomas seemed like he got it somewhat together last season, but the 49ers still don't trust him.

Samuel Womack showed promise early, but never got a real chance for whatever reason. And Darrell Luter Jr. is more of a curious prospect if anything. Not to mention the wasted pick on Tariq Castro-Fields. The 49ers seem to want more of a seasoned presence at outside corner.

At this point, I think they are grateful and feel like they hit the jackpot that they were able to hit on Lenoir out of all of their draft picks in the last few years at the position. Plus, Kyle Shanahan never has the patience for young players to play through their mistakes, especially at cornerback.

Don't be surprised if cornerback isn't drafted until late in the draft or even drafted at all.