2023 NFL Draft: Who could 49ers target on defense, special teams?

49ers target: Trey Dean, Safety, Florida

Draft range: 6th-7th round

Similar to cornerback, the Niners will definitely be looking to add to this position and have met with plenty of safeties leading up to the draft. Trey Dean isn’t exactly a huge name with a lot of momentum behind him, but he has some potential as an athletic safety who could eventually be groomed into a starting role.

A good size at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Dean had a strong showing in the NFL Combine to show that while he’s far from the finished article, he has the athleticism for a patient team to mold into a starting safety. Dean ran a 4.75 40-yard time and was strong in the other athletic drills.

He has been versatile in Florida’s scheme, playing outside cornerback, nickel, safety and even linebacker for the Gators, and he’s a strong tackler with good enough speed to play in space.

However, Dean is still a very raw prospect, hence his late draft range. He’s too impulsive on plays, falling for fake reads or overcommitting on runners when he tries to deliver a big hit instead of focusing on wrapping up the tackler.

A team will need to be patient and help him learn discipline in training camp to unlock his potential.