Indianapolis (new york city) – the 49ers are expected to fill a vacancy at nickel back in 2023 after a season-long shortage.
The 49ers are looking for someone who can cover the slot, and they’re keeping an eye on kentucky defensive back dru phillips. Phillips spoke with san francisco at the nfl scouting combine on thursday, according to nbc sports bay area.
After an excellent week at the senior bowl in mobile, alabama, phillips is considered a third- or fourth-round draft pick.
Phillips will play a starting role at nickel back in his rookie season, according to nfl draft analyst daniel jeremiah.
Phillips said it is a good fit for his knowledge and attitude. “when i first started playing nickel, it felt natural to me,” he said.
“my first two years were spent in the corner,” he said. I never played nickel.
In my third year, they put me at a nickel, and it was natural.
I feel like i’ve been preparing for the past years, it just fit me perfectly to go inside,” the 49ers announced last season. isaiah oliver was the nickel back for the 49ers.
After a three-game losing streak, the 49ers reformed after the bye week.
Deommodore lenoir, the starting cornerback, moved inside to cover the slot receiver in passing situations, with ambry thomas taking over as cornerback.
Due to thomas’ struggles, the 49ers made the decision to use veteran logan ryan as nickel back in the super bowl.
