2014 NFL mock draft: 49ers select Phillip Gaines

With the 61st pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2014 NFL mock draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Rice cornerback Phillip Gaines. JCruize is serving as the 49ers' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

After going defensive tackle in the first and wideout a few pick ago, I went with a cornerback for the Niners here. Cornerback will be an area of need in the upcoming draft for San Francisco, as Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown have moved on to Oakland, leaving Tramaine Brock and Chris Culliver as the Niners' starters.

Phillip Gaines is a 6'0, 193-pound corner with a solid build and long arms. He gained a lot of attention at the combine by posting a 4.38 40-yard dash. A four-year starter and a two-time team captain, Gaines is known for his hard work ethic and leadership skills.

Last season, Gaines was targeted 40 times and allowed 13 catches while picking off 4 passes. He needs to continue developing his natural on-the-ball instincts, but Phillip has the speed and discipline to be an NFL starter. His most impressive trait is getting to the ball on so many plays. By going to San Francisco, Gaines will be allowed to be the nickelback and develop his game without the pressure of starting on day one. This is more of a pick for the future and will likely not be the only defensive back drafted by the Niners.

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Check out the 2014 POD Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.