The San Francisco 49ers are diligently scouting draft-eligible cornerbacks, along with every other position. According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the team formally interviewed Auburn CB D.J. James at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff are not in attendance, so their participation was virtual. However, general manager John Lynch and his staff, including 49ers scouts, are present at the event.
Melo characterizes James as a versatile cornerback with a "physical mentality," praising the young player's football intelligence and instincts.
Auburn CB D.J. James has formal interviews at the #NFLCombine with the #49ers and #Raiders on Tuesday evening, NFL source said.
Coverage versatile CB with a physical mentality. High football I.Q. + instincts. 21 PBUs in two seasons at Auburn. pic.twitter.com/gNA5RgBFwN
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) February 28, 2024
According to Sports Reference, James accumulated 147 tackles, including five for a loss, five interceptions, a touchdown, and 24 passes defensed. He played three seasons at Oregon before transferring to Auburn for his final two seasons.
The 49ers may be seeking a cornerback to challenge Ambry Thomas for the starting role opposite Charvarius Ward, potentially allowing Deommodore Lenoir to maintain his position at nickel.
In 2023, James achieved a career-high Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 88.9. He was targeted 52 times, giving up 32 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns during his final collegiate season. Six hundred and five of his 691 defensive snaps this past season were on the outside.
