49ers 4-round mock draft with surprising Trey Lance trade

Round 3, Pick No. 101 Overall: 49ers select S Sydney Brown

Former Safety, Jimmie Ward was an absolute staple on the 49er’s defense for many seasons. His lockdown ability and heavy hitting will certainly be missed.

Starting in his absence is Tashaun Gipson, the front office re-signed him to a one-year deal after a great season operating in the rotation.

Lining up next to him is the future of the secondary, third-year man Talanoa Hufanga. In his first full season as a starter, he turned in a Pro Bowl season to remember. To put it plainly, every game was a highlight reel as he locked down opposing offenses with ease.

The 49ers have their starters, but you can never have enough depth in the league. And, at 32 years of age, Gipson will need a viable replacement when he steps down. That’s if the 49ers re-sign him beyond 2023.

Sydney Brown is the definition of value. He’s a projected third-round pick but certainly does not play like it. He put on a clinic at the combine with an explosive (4.47) 40-yard dash, an 87th percentile ten-yard split, and a 96th percentile vertical.

He covers like a corner and hits like a linebacker. Brown tracks the ball well against the pass and gives up his body freely in run support.

He and Hufanga will be an absolute nightmare in the NFC West. If the former Illinois product is still there at pick number 101, the 49ers must make it their priority to go all in on acquiring him.

He’s the real deal.