3 NFL Draft prospects who could improve 49ers secondary in 2022

49ers Prospect No. 2: Cornerback Coby Bryant (Cincinnati University)

This year’s Jim Thorpe Award recipient (the nation’s best defensive back), Coby Bryant is one of the safest, most well-rounded defensive picks in all of this year’s NFL Draft.

Bryant’s physicality at 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds, combined with his proficient ball skills, will make him an attractive prospect for the 49ers, who are seeking to improve their secondary.

Last past season, in coverage, Bryant notched three interceptions and 11 passes deflected, all while being the leader of a Cincinnati defense that ranked No. 1 in total pass efficiency for the season.

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Overall, during his time with Cincy, he snagged in a total of 10 interceptions and deflected 35 passes. Nevertheless, coverage isn’t the only thing Bryant did well at Cincinnati. Throughout his collegiate career, he showed a consistent willingness and effort to make tough open-field tackles. Last year alone, Bryant recorded 44 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

Bryant was the only Cincinnati defensive back invited to this year’s Senior Bowl after two consecutive years of earning an AAC’s first-team selection.

Strengths: Size, Motor, High IQ

Weaknesses: Lack of hip flexibility, could improve getting off blocks, doesn’t consistently wrap up on tackles