Mock draft projects San Francisco 49ers select Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson

A projection from USA Today Sports identifies Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson as a potential pick for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2027 NFL draft. Analysts suggest the team may use the 19th overall selection to address a need for more playmaking in the secondary. New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris seeks a roving presence similar to the role he previously implemented in Atlanta. Current roster members Ji'Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha combined for three interceptions and 11 passes defensed throughout the 2025 season. While ESPN analyst Jordan Reid previously highlighted Johnson as a top prospect, the player still has the 2026 collegiate season to complete. The mock draft serves as a preliminary evaluation of team needs rather than a firm forecast of future roster additions.

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