It’s unclear exactly what the 49ers’ plan is at free safety. They re-signed veteran Tashaun Gipson this offseason to a one-year deal, and then traded up to No. 87 in the draft to select Ji’Ayir Brown out of Penn State.
There’s certainly a question about whether the team intends to start Brown over Gipson. They could go that route depending on how the rookie adapts and how Gipson looks in camp entering his 12th NFL season. However, according to Matt Barrows of the Athletic, 49ers defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks foresees a scenario where both could play in a three-safety look with Talanoa Hufanga.
“He has our DNA that we’re looking for on defense,” Bullocks said via the Athletic. “We’re looking for a guy that’s physical, that’s smart, that can finish. When you look at Ji’Ayir, he’s versatile. He can line up on all three levels of the defense. He can line up on the line of scrimmage. He can rush off the edge. He can drop back a level and play man coverage. He can play zone as well. And he can also drop back into the post and show that range and go get the football.”
Brown in his two seasons as a starter with Penn State was responsible for 16 takeaways. San Francisco knows the value of winning the turnover battle and Brown’s penchant for creating takeaways could force the club to put the rookie on the field.
Last year the 49ers were 13-0 when either winning or tying the turnover battle. They were 0-4 when losing it. Gipson and Hufanga to their credit posted a combined nine interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Part of Brown’s allure as a prospect was his ability to play an adaptable defensive role. He’s effective near the line of scrimmage and lined up deep. The 49ers had success with a chess piece like that in Jimmie Ward, so it makes a ton of sense that they’d try to replicate that with Brown even if it means having three safeties on the field.
