Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Friday, March 28th, 2025
Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron could be 49ers’ answer for barren secondary
“Barron is one of the most consistent players on tape among prospects in this year’s class and he can take the ball away,” Jeremiah wrote.
“He’ll be able to match up against some of the talented slot receivers in the division.”
He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, proving he has the speed and versatility to hear his name called early in the draft.
“Barron won the Jim Thorpe Award last season as the best defensive back in the nation, registering five interceptions, breaking up 11 passes and recovering a fumble.
Plus, he brings experience, smarts and versatility to the next level.
“I played dime, corner, safety and nickel,” Barron said at the scouting combine in Indianapolis one month ago. “Having that in my bag and knowing I can be moved around and to benefit anybody’s team, I know that will help.”
Matt Miller’s 7-round mock draft: Does it address the 49ers’ needs?
“What do you get for a team that lost nine starters this offseason? The best player on the board,” Miller explained. “Johnson is that player, a seamless replacement for Charvarius Ward, who would be a true homegrown talent at CB1, something the 49ers haven’t had in ages. Johnson was limited to six games in 2024 with a toe injury but had two interceptions — both of which he returned for touchdowns. His playmaking ability and savvy ball skills in zone coverage remind me of Trevon Diggs.”
Miller acknowledges Johnson’s injury history but believes his talent makes him worth the gamble.
“When healthy, Johnson is one of the best defenders in the nation,” Miller continued. “The 49ers can bet on a bounce-back in health and can bet that Johnson will develop better tackling at the next level.”
Four corners 49ers could target in first two rounds of 2025 draft
“Azareye’h Thomas could sneak into the first round of the NFL draft, but there is just as much of a chance he still will be available when the 49ers select at No. 43 overall.
Thomas moved into the starting lineup last season at Florida State to fill the opening created when Green became a member of the 49ers.
He had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, as he played sticky coverage against some of the top receivers on the field.
Thomas does not generate many takeaways at this point. But he is a fluid athlete who has good height (6-1 1/2) to play press-man coverage and disrupt the timing of a pass play…..If there is a run on cornerbacks at the end of the first round or the top of the second, Trey Amos could hear his name called in that range.
He made the jump from Lafayette of the Sun Belt Conference to the Mississippi of the SEC without missing a step. Amos was selected as a first-team All-SEC performer last season. He had three interceptions and broke up 13 passes.
At 6-foot-1, he demonstrates good short-area quickness and plays consistently in man coverage, which is a must in the 49ers’ defensive scheme.”
“Purdy recently joined the Built 4 More podcast to discuss why Pearsall’s attitude and determination during practice caught his attention.
“This dude went through so much adversity early on, but anytime he was out in the field with us at practice, he’d come up to me and just wouldn’t shut up,” Purdy said. “‘Brock, dude, I’m going to take this many steps here, break out. You can trust me on the side.’ I love that.”
Purdy added, “For me, in the heat of the moment, I need a guy I can trust, and this guy wants to get on the same page with me. So after practice, he’s running routes, I’m throwing to him. And then in the game, boom, we’re hitting on third down and converting. That’s what it takes, time and time again.”