Will the 49ers replace both starters at safety in the NFL draft?
Niners Nation • • sports
Key Points:
- The 49ers have a relatively stable cornerback lineup with Renardo Green, Deommodore Lenoir, and Upton Stout, but questions remain at the safety positions currently held by Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha.
- Both safeties faced challenges in 2025, with Mustapha recovering from an ACL injury and Brown struggling with tackling and coverage, exacerbated by a weak pass rush.
- A potential draft strategy involves trading pick 27 to the Giants for picks 37 and 105, allowing the 49ers to select versatile defensive backs Treydan Stukes and Zakee Wheatley, who could form a strong safety tandem.
- This approach could result in three immediate starters from the first three picks, a rare scenario, and puts pressure on the current safeties as new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris finalizes the lineup during OTAs.
- The possibility of drafting two safeties suggests the 49ers are actively seeking to strengthen their secondary and address coverage weaknesses heading into the 2026 season.
