Why Lorenzo Jerome will have an impact for the 49ers in 2017

After suffering through a 2-14 season, the San Francisco 49ers have very few roster spots that won’t be open for competition this summer. And while Jimmie Ward and Eric Reid are the presumptive starters at safety, UDFA Lorenzo Jerome will make the 53-man roster and have an impact for the Niners in 2017.

Being overlooked is nothing new for former St. Francis safety Lorenzo Jerome. After all, he stands just 5-foot-11.

But all kidding aside, one thing that can’t be overlooked is his instincts at tracking the ball and ability to make plays in the secondary.

In his time with the Red Flash, Jerome made plenty of plays, racking up 18 interceptions in his four-year career in the Northeast Conference.

San Francisco 49ers

And before you dismiss the numbers as a product of small-school competition, Jerome showed out on the big stage as well. He garnered the MVP of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl by collecting two interceptions in the game, and followed that up with two picks and two forced fumbles in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama the following week.

The 49ers could certainly stand to gain a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, as they ranked 25th in  the NFL in turnover differential at minus-5 last season.

They very well could have found a gem in Jerome, and the match seems to be a perfect fit for both.

In fact, many scouts had originally pegged Jerome as a possible third- or fourth-round talent. But after running slow and underwhelming in his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.70 40-yard dash), Jerome went undrafted.

Even with that, he was still considered one of the top UDFAs available following the draft.

ESPN’s Todd McShay considered Jerome one of the top-10 undrafted players available to teams when the draft concluded, and he wasn’t the only one trumpeting him.

NFL Network’s Mike Mayock was a huge fan as well, as evidenced here:

In new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense, the team is looking for Jimmie Ward to move into the free safety role, with Eric Reid likely starting at strong safety.

However, Reid has suffered three concussions and a biceps tear in his four years in the league. And with the new concussion protocol and new information on CTE, there are no guarantees how much longer Reid can, or will, play.

Ward has also had his share of injuries, including a quad injury and foot injury that has seen him miss 13 games already in his career.

And while both should be ready to go come training camp, the uncertainty could mean Jerome finds a place in the secondary or on special teams.

While at St. Francis, he also returned kicks and punts, scoring a touchdown on each during his collegiate career. With that versatility, he could save the 49ers from using another roster spot for a special teams player.

Any time Jerome has been given an opportunity to shine, he has not disappointed.

Next: What’s on tap for the 49ers during the upcoming NFL ‘dead period?’

And if that opportunity should present itself with San Francisco, expect Jerome to show out once again.