Round 3
CB Ahkello Witherspoon | Pick 66 | 2017
It’s been an up-and-down three seasons for Witherspoon, who showed a lot of promise in Year 1 before disappointing in Year 2, and bounced back in Year 3 until he was derailed by a foot injury. His season ended with benchings in Week 17 of the regular season and in the divisional playoffs. While the jury is still out on Witherspoon’s viability as a long-term starter, he was playing at a Pro Bowl level before his injury, which gives some promise he’ll contend for a starting job in his fourth season.
LB Fred Warner | Pick 70 | 2018
There aren’t a lot of stars rising faster than Warner at the linebacker position. He’s the perfect fit at the position for defending modern offenses, with a combination of size and athleticism that allows him to be effective against the run and pass. He recorded two interceptions and eight pass breakups in his second full season, and looks to be a staple in the heart of the 49ers defense for the foreseeable future.
DB Tarvarius Moore | Pick 95 | 2018
Moore hasn’t gotten many chances to shine, but did show up big in the Super Bowl with a pass breakup on a third down and an interception in the red zone. However, a position change from safety to cornerback in Year 1 kept him from developing quickly enough to hold on to the starting free safety job in his second season. He only moved back to his natural spot after injuries at the position forced him to move back there during the offseason program. There’s a chance he’s the team’s starting free safety going into 2020 if Jimmie Ward leaves in free agency.
Other Round 3 picks by Lynch: QB CJ Beathard (2017), WR Jalen Hurd (2019)