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49ers reportedly worked out two young CBs

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Detroit Lions v Cleveland Browns Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Early Monday morning, we mentioned three veteran names that the San Francisco 49ers may be interested in at cornerback. Since then, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows has reported that the 49ers are considering two former SEC cornerbacks as well. Former Alabama CB Savion Smith, and Florida CB Teez Tabor. There is no way for me to sugarcoat this, and I won’t. In two words: Hard pass.

Smith left Alabama early to declare for the NFL Draft in 2018. Here is what I recall from watching him: He’d start the game, and end up getting benched after he was beaten in coverage early in the game. Smith allowed a 61.1 completion percentage and gave up five touchdowns. I would be shocked to see the 49ers sign, Smith, considering he isn’t a “plus” athlete. His vertical jump, 3-cone, and short shuttle were all below average. He ran the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day and was timed between 4.62-4.70.

Tabor was a second-round selection by the Lions in 2017. He was released on August 30, 2019, by Detroit. Tabor is another player that has limited athleticism, and it shows when he plays. He played 276 snaps for Detriot in 2018 and had a grade of 32.2. His completion percentage allowed? 81.5. When I first read that I thought it was his quarterback rating when thrown at and I had to triple-check the number. At the combine, Tabor ran a 4.62, bench pressed 225 nine times and had a 31-inch vertical.

This comes off as harsh, but these aren’t the players you want to trot out against Odell Beckham Jr. and Cooper Kupp the next couple of weeks. It also proves that talent isn’t sitting out there at premium positions a month into the NFL. There’s no replacing an Ahkello Witherspoon. We’ll know in a few hours which the 49ers are bringing in. Hopefully, they lean towards a veteran over the duo mentioned above.


Practice is underway for the 49ers, and Jason Verrett appears to be okay.