The San Francisco 49ers have spent much of the 2025 offseason getting younger. Following a disappointing 2024 season, in which the 49ers finished 6-11, GM John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan knew the team had to get younger, faster, and less expensive. So they began moving on from some older players and bringing in some younger ones. And they're counting on those young guys to step up so the 49ers can continue to compete for a championship. Fortunately, San Francisco had a solid 2024 draft, of which five players either started or played a significant role.
On Thursday, David Helman, of Fox Sports, named a potential breakout player for all 32 NFL teams. His choice for the 49ers? Second-year cornerback Renardo Green.
"In a Niners season that was mostly a bummer, Green was one of their few bright spots," Heman wrote. "The second-round pick graded out in the top 25% of all corners as a rookie, according to Pro Football Focus. Granted, there's a difference between being a pleasant surprise as a rookie and being asked to fill the shoes of a Pro Bowler like Charvarius Ward. He'll have every opportunity to be the next young star on Robert Saleh's defense."
Green, indeed, played well as a rookie last season. The 64th overall pick out of Florida State started seven games in 2024. He finished with one interception, 13 passes defended, and 61 tackles. But more importantly than those numbers, Green never seemed overmatched or intimidated. He carries himself with a lot of confidence.
Some believe the 49ers may reach out to former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was recently released by the Green Bay Packers. But many are certain Green is positioned for a breakout season and would still retain his starting spot on the defense even with Alexander. If the 49ers brought in another cornerback, it would not be because they lack confidence in Green, but rather because they lack confidence in the depth of the position. By all accounts, the 49ers believe in Green, and so do others.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) named Green the 49ers' top breakout candidate of 2025. "Green took on a larger role in the latter half of his rookie season, filling in for Charvarius Ward most often, which he'll now have to do on a permanent basis," PFF analyst Jonathon Macri wrote. "Green earned a 74.3 coverage grade and posted a 15.7% forced incompletion rate – both of which were top-20 marks at the position.
"With no significant competition brought in this offseason to help alleviate the Ward loss on the outside, there is at least some perceived confidence that the 2024 second-rounder can continue his strong play on a full-time basis."
Although Green started only seven games and played just 63 percent of the defensive snaps last season, he still broke up 13 passes, which was tied for the 13th most in the NFL.
Green has his defensive coordinator's attention, as well. In May, Saleh spoke with reporters and, while mentioning the talent his defense has, said, "From a talent standpoint, Nick Bosa is here, you've got obviously Fred Warner, Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green. There's a lot of really good talent on this defense..." It's noteworthy that Saleh would mention Green with those other names. Is it because the cupboards are bare in San Francisco, or because Saleh believes Green is ready for a breakout season?
Only time will tell, but heading into his second training camp, Green is on the radar of many who believe he's about to take a leap forward.