No cornerback has gone higher than No. 3 overall in a draft since 1970. The 49ers will make history Thursday night if they dare take one with the No. 2 pick.
A caveat: no cornerback may be worthy of that lofty spot.
But hastening the 49ers’ cornerback need was Tramaine Brock’s April 7 release, stemming from a domestic-violence arrest.
Brock’s departure leaves the 49ers cornerback corps strikingly inexperienced and unheralded, especially if Jimmie Ward follows through on the new coaching staff’s attempt at moving him to free safety.
The 49ers have wavered on their plan for Ward, saying he’ll play where it best suits him and the team.