Ji'Ayir Brown aspires to be one of the best safeties in NFL history. This week, he had the opportunity to converse with Richard Sherman, one of the best defensive backs ever to play the game.
Brown was thrust into the San Francisco 49ers' starting lineup after Talanoa Hufanga suffered a torn ACL. Brown's overall Pro Football Focus grade of 86.9 ranks fourth among all safeties with at least 250 snaps and tops all rookie defenders. He is currently the third-highest-graded 49ers defender this season, which is remarkable considering the abundance of talent on the roster.
While he certainly didn't want to witness his All-Pro teammate get injured, Brown has made the most of the opportunity, eager to showcase his abilities since the 49ers selected him as a third-round draft pick.
"I've been waiting for my shot since rookie minicamp," Brown told Sherman, "and just keeping my head in the books, being patient, working with [defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks], getting extra hours in with the coaches, and just waiting for my shot on a great defense.
"And unfortunately, Hufanga got hurt. Prayers to him. But when my name was called, I was ready to go out there and show the coaches what I had. And I get out there, the moment's not too big for me."
Brown attributes his confidence to playing in big collegiate games at Penn State. Upon entering the NFL, the rookie bided his time, waiting for an opportunity, studying hard, and contributing on special teams.
"I think Ji'Ayir, as well as anyone, took the frustration with not playing, not being a part of it, number one, performed very well on special teams," general manager John Lynch recently said. "Number two, [he] found a way to know his job such that when given the opportunity, he was going to shine, and I think he did just that. And so really proud of him."
Brown felt he should have been drafted higher but is content with how everything unfolded. Despite not playing early on, he was grateful to land on arguably the most talented roster in the NFL.
"These guys are some dogs, man," Browns said. "I got an excellent group of guys [around me]. When your best players is also your hardest workers, your most detailed guys, it's crazy watching [LB] Fred [Warner] after every practice in the weight room. [TE George] Kittle along with him. [DE] Nick [Bosa] along with him. And how can you not [want to] be a part of that.
"They're literally laying a blueprint out for you, right in front of you, every day with the consistent work that they do behind the scenes. I just want to follow those guys' footsteps. I believe I have the talent and skill set to be one of the greatest players to play my position, and I have those guys who are one of the greatest players at their position right in front of me."