The San Francisco 49ers had a busy Wednesday, working out three defensive backs, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. The 49ers worked out former Ravens and Giants cornerback Chykie Brown, former CFL cornerback Buddy Jackson, and former Rams and Giants cornerback Brandon McGee.
The 49ers were without three of their cornerbacks last week, with Tramaine Brock, Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser all inactive due to injury. The team promoted Marcus Cromartie and Chris Davis from the practice squad, and they remain on the 53-man roster in the bye week. The team still has two open spots on their practice squad following the promotions, so my guess is at least one of these guys could end up on the practice squad.
Brown was a 2011 fifth round pick of the Baltimore Ravens. He spent three seasons with them before being released in November of 2014. The New York Giants claimed him off waivers, and he spent the rest of the season with them. He was waived during final roster cuts this year. Brown spent the first four seasons of his career at cornerback, but early this offseason there were report he was expected to work at the safety position. The Giants subsequently drafted two safeties, and his opportunities diminished.
Jackson signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Pitt in 2012. He bounced around several rosters including Washington, the Giants, Chiefs, Steelers. He spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons in the CFL, finishing last season on the injured list. This pre-draft scouting report from 2012 points to a guy with a lot of raw skills, but limited experience.
McGee was a 2013 fifth round pick of the St. Louis Rams. He spent two full seasons with the Rams, and was then waived early last month. The Giants signed him to their practice squad two weeks later, and then promoted him to the 53-man roster a few days later due to injuries at the cornerback position. This pre-draft scouting report describes a guy with good speed, but issues turning to find the ball, and some technique issues with his backpedal.