Unlocking the Mystery: What’s Brewing in the 49ers’ Evolving Defensive Backfield?
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen told the local media Friday, “I just think safeties today and defensive backs today, you need to be versatile. Offenses look to expose you in certain ways, so you have to be versatile. We like when guys have the versatility.”
Sorensen was referring to 2024 draft picks Renardo Green, Malik Mustapha, and Tatum Bethune. Each player will look to carve out a role for themselves on the team in some capacity as a rookie.
Mustapha’s selection shouldn’t come as a surprise. As free agency was getting underway, a report surfaced that safety Talanoa Hufanga’s starting spot wasn’t guaranteed in 2024. It’s difficult to project how quickly Hufanga will regain his previous form after a torn ACL. San Francisco brought in Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon, confirming their seriousness about adding a safety.
Now that we’re past the period when most players sign and the NFL draft, both the safety and cornerback positions are in flux—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Sorensen could elect to use his personnel for different packages. That could mean three safety looks, six cornerbacks, and safeties playing linebacker. The possibilities are endless, and the coaching staff has May, June, July, and August to figure out who can do what at a high level.
Hufanga will play. That’s not up for debate. You’re not going to bench an All-Pro. That’s not to say Talanoa is without deficiencies in his game. Hufanga’s understanding and awareness put him in positions to make plays. We’ve seen that for a season and a half.
Sorensen explained why he’s excited to get Hufanga back in the fold:
For as much talk about the receiver rotations in 2024, the ever-changing secondary will be just as intriguing to monitor.
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