49ers depth chart: 5 players who could shockingly start in 2023

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold / Michael Zagaris/GettyImages
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San Francisco 49ers, Darrell Luter Jr.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (28) / Michael Zagaris/GettyImages

No. 2: 49ers CB Darrell Luter Jr.

The Niners have had a recent run of good fortune when it comes to finding "hidden gems" late in the NFL Draft.

This year, looking specifically at Round 5, they're hoping either edge Robert Beal Jr. or cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. can make a dent as a prolific player with a bright future.

Beal lacks run-stopping prowess, so that likely rules him out as a starter at this point. For Luter, though, the small-school prospect out of South Alabama could potentially occupy the No. 2 boundary cornerback role opposite Charvarius Ward.

This would mean beating out older veterans like Deommodore Lenoir and Ambry Thomas, though, but those names aren't exactly convincing in terms of having locked down the position.

Either way, Luter might be one of those names to watch when it comes to finding his way into the starting lineup, simply because there isn't a lot of competition in his way.