SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have selected free safety Eric Reid out of LSU with the 18th pick in the NFL draft after trading up to get the selection from the Dallas Cowboys.
Safety was considered a significant need by general manager Trent Baalke for the reigning NFC champions, who lost All-Pro Dashon Goldson to Tampa Bay at the start of the league’s free agency period in March.
Reid played three seasons for LSU and is still considered a raw talent in pass coverage. He could make an immediate impact on kick coverage.
The two-time defending NFC West champion Niners gave up their selection at 31st overall to the Cowboys as well as No. 74 in the third round. San Francisco began the day with 13 picks.
