Why Kiper Jr. mocked Kentucky CB Phillips to 49ers at pick No. 63 – Yahoo

Why Kiper Jr. mocked Kentucky CB Phillips to 49ers at pick No. 63 at the start looked on NBC Sports Bay Set

ESPN senior analyst Mel Kiper believes the 49ers will expend the No. 63 general pick within the 2024 NFL Draft on protection after they bolster the offensive line within the key round.

Kiper shared Thursday his perception that Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips will likely be on hand to San Francisco late within the 2d round and would possibly perchance presumably perchance possess the personnel’s nickel-aid need.

“That’s precisely what he is, what he was once and what he would possibly perchance presumably additionally be. Exterior, slot, nickel,” Kiper stated by draw of video conference. “Dru Phillips did no longer hold any interceptions at Kentucky, but he is a physical corner. He got better and better. He tested undoubtedly effectively, very athletic with a 42-mosey vertical, ran effectively, played effectively. You consistently fancy sorting out the work with the tape, and it did with Dru Philips.”

The 49ers likely will leer defensive backfield additions, even after signing ex-Baltimore Ravens cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to a one-year free-agent contract Thursday, because the susceptible 2d-round pick has minute or no experience on the inner. Ya-Sin lined up factual 35 instances within the slot out of his 1,015 snaps final season.

Deommodore Lenoir and Charvarius Ward are the 49ers’ presumptive starting cornerbacks, and whereas Lenoir can play within the slot, San Francisco’s protection was once susceptible on the exterior final season when he did.

Phillips is ranked 12th in PFF.com’s 2024 defensive backs draft class with more than a few recreation experience, recording 47 complete tackles (14 solo) and 6 cross breakups in 2023. He was once on the field for 709 defensive plays, 223 within the slot, and allowed 39 receptions on 58 targets for 438 yards and four touchdowns. Phillips did no longer allow any TDs in his old two seasons.

“That’s why some hold [Phillips] within the fourth round,” Kiper stated. “I luxuriate in that is capacity too late. I hold him late 2d to the 49ers, and it form of fills that need for the 49ers.

“Getting that offensive tackle at the demolish of the key solidifies that residence of explain there,” Kiper stated. “Then they would possibly perchance presumably consistently serene solidify down the line if they desire and add yet another receiver, but they salvage those two wants defined early, demolish those wants early, salvage it out of the capacity, salvage the corner and salvage the offensive lineman.”

Kiper believes Michigan’s Mike Sainristil additionally would possibly perchance presumably perchance seamlessly possess the 49ers’ need, but he obtained’t be on the board at No. 63, whereas Phillips will.

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