Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Ji'Ayir Brown has seen most of his workload come on special teams. Although, the rookie safety has played 13 snaps with the San Francisco 49ers defense over the last two games after playing none in the first two. The coaches appear to be easing the young defender into the thick of things.
Brown is expected to eventually take over for Tashaun Gipson, the 33-year-old veteran who flirted with retirement this offseason. That would mean eventually pairing Brown with young All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga, creating an intriguing tandem in the defensive backfield.
San Francisco made Brown a third-round pick out of Penn State this year, a move that has likely pleased the entire coaching staff.
"Him going through the season with us so far, it feels like we got the right guy," head coach Kyle Shanahan said via a conference call on Monday. "I mean, just the way he carries himself each day on the practice field, he's really owned his role. When he's taking the backup reps at safety, he's getting better in all of it. The special teams stuff, he gets better each week, and he's become a real force out there."
Brown's impact on the defense may be minimal at this point, but his 11 defensive snaps against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday were the most he's had in a single game. While Brown has tallied a modest two tackles this season, everyone sees the potential in the young player.
"I know how much confidence [special teams coordinator Brian] Schneider has in him on our special teams, and when he does get his opportunity, he's going to be ready," Shanahan added. "He does everything the right way, and he's a very good football player, and guy that I'm real glad that we have here."
Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers vs. Rams injury updates: Ji'Ayir Brown questionable to return
By David Bonilla
Dec 12
The San Francisco 49ers entered Thursday night's NFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Rams without key players, most notably left tackle Trent Williams, who is sidelined for the fourth straight game with an ankle injury. On defense, standout rookie safety Malik Mustapha...
Why Kyle Shanahan is confident 49ers rookie Isaac Guerendo can deliver
By David Bonilla
Dec 4
Isaac Guerendo will make his first NFL start on Sunday as the injury-depleted San Francisco 49ers face the Chicago Bears. The rookie running back steps into the spotlight following injuries to Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, the team's top two options at the...
Brock Purdy update: Kyle Shanahan says 49ers QB has been 'great all week'
By David Bonilla
Dec 6
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled during last Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Difficult weather conditions and his recent recovery from a shoulder injury likely contributed to his performance.
This week, Purdy has been a full participant in practice and is...
Kyle Shanahan eager to see how 49ers respond to losing streak
By David Bonilla
Dec 6
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is eager to see how his team responds when they face the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The 49ers are reeling from a three-game losing streak, including two embarrassing defeats to the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, where they were...
