The 49ers’ cornerback room is in decent shape, but they’re far from set at the position. Drafting another CB would make a ton of sense, and Minnesota CB Terell Smith has upside worth betting on. San Francisco met with Smith formally at the NFL combine per the Draft Network’s Justin Melo.
Smith started his career with the Golden Gophers as a starter during his freshman year, but he only played in 14 games the next two years with no starts. He finally climbed back into a starting role for the 2021 and 2022 seasons and thrived with 54 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, three interceptions, 10 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 23 games with 20 starts.
He blew away the combine as well with a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash while measuring in at a touch over 6-foot and 204 pounds. Melo also reported Smith clocked in with a top speed of 21.37 miles per hour at the Shrine Bowl.
That size-speed combination, combined with improved play over his final two collegiate seasons make Smith a fascinating prospect for a team like the 49ers.
San Francisco needs some depth in their CB room, but they don’t necessarily need a player who will step in and start day one. Smith has all the physical tools to be an NFL starter. He may just need some additional development time and the 49ers could give him that with a strong group of starters already atop the depth chart.
