The San Francisco 49ers hold the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and analysts are divided on how the team should address its roster needs. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah added fuel to the debate with his latest mock draft, projecting Michigan cornerback Will Johnson as the selection. However, Hall of Fame cornerback Richard Sherman fired back with a counterargument that’s resonating across the league: If the 49ers plan to pay quarterback Brock Purdy “all that money,” they’d better prioritize protecting him first.
The Case for Will Johnson
Jeremiah’s mock draft highlights Johnson as an ideal fit for San Francisco’s physical, scheme-diverse defense. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound cornerback thrived in Michigan’s national championship-winning system, showcasing elite ball skills, fluidity in coverage, and a knack for neutralizing bigger receivers. Over 32 career games, Johnson amassed 68 tackles, 9 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns), and 10 pass breakups. His size and length make him a tantalizing matchup solution in the NFC West, a division featuring towering wideouts like the Seahawks’ DK Metcalf (6-4), the Rams’ Puka Nacua (6-2), and the Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. (6-4, if Arizona drafts him).
“Johnson is a scheme fit, and his size will play well in a division featuring wide receivers built like power forwards,” Jeremiah wrote. The 49ers’ secondary, while improved, still lacks a true shutdown corner to pair with Charvarius Ward. Johnson’s press-man skills and playmaking pedigree could elevate a defense that ranked 14th in pass yards allowed in 2023.
Richard Sherman’s Counterargument
Sherman, a former 49ers standout and current analyst, took to social media to challenge the pick. “IF you’re gonna pay Brock all that money, you’re gonna need to draft O-line to keep him upright!” he posted via Football Forever. His stance reflects a growing concern about San Francisco’s offensive line, which allowed 43 sacks in 2023 (tied for 14th-most). While Purdy’s 1.1millioncaphitin2024isabargain,hiseventualcontractextension—projectedtoexceed1.1millioncaphitin2024isabargain,hiseventualcontractextension—projectedtoexceed50 million annually—will demand a stronger investment in protection.
The 49ers’ O-line struggles were magnified in the Super Bowl LVIII loss to Kansas City, where Chris Jones and the Chiefs’ pass rush consistently disrupted Purdy’s rhythm. Right tackle Colton McKivitz (58.8 PFF grade in 2023) and aging left tackle Trent Williams (36 in July) highlight the need for long-term reinforcements.
Balancing Immediate Needs vs. Future Investments
General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan face a tough calculus. Drafting Johnson would address a critical defensive need, but Sherman’s warning underscores the risk of neglecting Purdy’s protection. The 49ers’ championship window hinges on their quarterback’s health and efficiency, and Purdy’s success relies heavily on play-action and intermediate throws—concepts that collapse under constant pressure.
While this year’s draft class is deep at offensive tackle, elite prospects like Penn State’s Olu Fashanu and Alabama’s JC Latham could be off the board by No. 11. Conversely, Johnson is widely viewed as the draft’s top cornerback, a premium position that rarely sees top-tier talent available outside the top 10.
What’s Next?
The 49ers’ decision may come down to how they evaluate their roster timeline. If they believe their current core—including Williams, Nick Bosa, and Deebo Samuel—can compete for a title in 2024, adding Johnson might provide the defensive edge needed to conquer the NFC. However, if Purdy’s extension looms as a franchise-altering moment, investing in his long-term safety could take precedence.
Conclusion
The debate between drafting Will Johnson or an offensive lineman encapsulates the 49ers’ high-stakes balancing act. Johnson’s talent could fortify a secondary tasked with containing the NFC West’s aerial threats, but Sherman’s blunt critique reminds the front office that even the most electric offenses crumble without protection. As Lynch often says, “The draft is about value and vision.” On April 25, we’ll learn which priority the 49ers value most.