The 49ers’ needs in the defensive backfield might not be as glaring as some of their other positions.
After all, the 49ers’ top three corners appear to be in good shape with Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green and Upton Stout.
And the combination of Malik Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle gives the 49ers some options at safety, too.
Yet, it’s still a possibility the 49ers fall for a defensive back they would consider at No. 27 overall.
The defensive backs hold their on-field workouts Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. And the 49ers — like every team in the league — will look to identify game-changing players.
The assumption is that safeties Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo), and cornerback Mansoor Delane (LSU) already will be off the board.
Here are some players whom the 49ers could consider if they go unclaimed after the first 26 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.:
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
The medical evaluation will be critical for McCoy’s draft status, and that has to resonate with the 49ers, in particular. He did not play in 2025 because of an ACL tear.
He is currently projected in some mocks as a mid-first-round selection. McCoy showed the coverage ability and ball skills to be the top corner selected. But his injury history could impact where he is selected.
CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
The 49ers demand that their cornerbacks get aggressive in the run game, and that will not be an issue with Hood. At 6-foot, 193 pounds, Hood played stronger than he looks.
His press coverage skills would fit well with some of the new looks that defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is expected to bring to the 49ers.
S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Thieneman has the versatility to play a lot of different spots, depending on down and distance. He can play deep safety, nickel and big nickel.
He was a centerpiece of the Oregon defense with nearly 100 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. He has a skill set that fits a lot of NFL teams.
CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
His speed and athleticism allow him to generate tremendous closing speed in coverage.
Cisse’s physical skills make him a good fit for any defensive scheme. And he is good at inserting himself in the run game, too.
CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
At 5-11, 186, he lacks the ideal size of his brother, A.J. Terrell, a first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2020.
Avieon Terrell has position flexibility with his ability to play outside and inside. That might not be an issue to fill for the 49ers because of their confidence in Stout as the nickel back for the next three seasons.
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