Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Who is defensive back Lorenzo Jerome?

By Peter Panacy

Jan 21, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; American defensive back Lorenzo Jerome of St. Francis (PA) 22 poses with the most valuable trophy during the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at StubHub Center. The National team defeated the American team 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; American defensive back Lorenzo Jerome of St. Francis (PA) 22 poses with the most valuable trophy during the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at StubHub Center. The National team defeated the American team 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Niner Noise’s annual “Who Is?” series on San Francisco 49ers players in 2017 rolls along with a breakdown on undrafted free-agent defensive back Lorenzo Jerome and his potential impact this season.

The San Francisco 49ers may have found a gem in undrafted free-agent defensive back Lorenzo Jerome.

At least according to NFL.com’s Mike Mayock and ESPN’s Todd McShay.

McShay ranked Jerome No. 1 on his list of UDFAs following the 2017 NFL Draft.

And this is what Mayock had to say (h/t @NECralph):

Jerome, a small-school defensive back from St. Francis, managed nine interceptions over four collegiate years. The 5-foot-10, 204-pound prospect probably projects best as an NFL-level safety, given his relative lack of speed.

But his instincts and potential make him an intriguing prospect to possibly crack the 53-man roster for the Niners this season.

Let’s take a deeper look, shall we?

Why He’ll Improve

Jerome doesn’t let his smallish frame get in the way of making hard-hitting plays.

You can see some of the physicality on this DraftBreakdown.com video below:

He has the experience to act as an over-the-top safety as well as drop down in the box, making him a likable fit to back up either starting 49ers safeties Jimmie Ward or Eric Reid this upcoming season.

One of his other attributes is his ability to double on special teams as a returner. Indeed, he returned 45 total kickoffs over three years for 1,225 yards — an average of 27.2 yards per return — for three touchdowns.

Why He’ll Regress

Jerome’s size aside, one of the main issues to watch is his straight-line speed.

He didn’t perform well at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this offseason, logging a 4.70 40-yard time and a 4.68 20-yard shuttle. This unquestionably hurt his draft stock, as NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected him as a fourth- or fifth-round pick.

This lack of speed is apparent in the above video, as there are more than a few plays where Jerome is clearly losing distance on ball-carriers.

As a free safety, especially in a Cover 3 scheme with wide sides of the field on each flank, Jerome’s lack of speed could prove to be a major problem if he winds up being the last line of defense.

What to Expect in 2017

Per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the 49ers are working Jerome as the third-string free safety during OTAs.

More from Niner Noise

But Barrows did break down one of Jerome’s more noteworthy plays earlier during camp, picking off quarterback C.J. Beathard for a nice interception.

San Francisco could use some ballhawking defensive backs this upcoming year, and Jerome may easily provide that. Having one already in OTAs is a good sign of things to come, even if the rookie doesn’t figure into the team’s starting plans right away.

As of now, Jerome is still on the weaker end of the roster bubble. But it wouldn’t be a shock to see him crack the back end of the 53-man roster when final cuts are made prior to Week 1.

Next: 5 key 49ers defensive stats to watch in 2017

If that happens, look for Jerome to be a regular contributor on special teams and a reserve option in the backfield.