49ers have met with Cal Safety Ashtyn Davis

Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports’ reported that the San Francisco 49ers had had a pre-draft visit with Cal’s speedy safety Ashtyn Davis. The two-time all Pac-12 safety spoke on the phone with Niner’s general manager John Lynch and referred to Lynch as a “cool dude,” per Johnson. Here is what Davis had to say when asked if he envisioned himself in a 49ers jersey running through the tunnel at Levi’s Stadium:

”I’m thinking about money situations, state income taxes in California, and things like that. It’s definitely crossed my mind before, but as you said, I’ll be happy wherever I go. I can’t wait to get settled in wherever my new home is and just get to work.”

Davis was asked about what went on during the phone call or these interviews in general, to which he replied, “they kind of pick apart your mental side and figure out what you know. And fortunately for me, that’s one of my strengths, so I enjoy doing that.” If you haven’t seen the 23-year-old safety play, the first thing you’ll notice is Davis’s speed. He has a track background, and it shows. Davis has the third-fastest 110-meter hurdle time in Cal history. He’s a four-time All-American and a Pac-12 champion in track. Davis is 6’1”, 202 pounds. The senior didn’t run at the NFL Combine, but many expected Davis to run in the 4.3’s.

Sports Info Solutions graded Davis as a “strong starter who plays on all three downs.” Here is their blurb on him:

Davis is a supremely athletic football player whose elite track background has clearly translated to the field, but further development of his instincts and technique will be required to help round out his game into a solid starting NFL safety.

Davis projects as a solid starting deep safety in the NFL, especially if he can improve upon his eye discipline and coverage techniques. His athleticism is superb, but while he doesn’t solely rely on his physical gifts to be successful, he can become more well-rounded with coaching and experience. His mistakes are coachable, and he makes them fast. Additionally, he has shown high-end kick return and coverage abilities through college.

In Johnson’s article, he notes how Davis worked with defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, who is an unreal football mind and teacher. Davis also has only been playing safety for two and a half years and said he feels like his best football is ahead of him, and that’s the best thing he can say about himself.

It’s difficult to project where Davis will go without him having a Pro Day, but somewhere on Day 2 makes sense. Davis is another safety prospect the 49ers have met with, and with his ability to cover in the slot, snagging Davis in a potential third-round would fall under the “best player available.” Davis can play.