The San Francisco 49ers' defense struggled against the pass in 2025, ranking 25th in yards allowed and recording just six interceptions all season. Only the New York Jets, who had none, finished with fewer.
While much of the issue likely stemmed from an inconsistent pass rush, the need to bolster the secondary was clear as the 2026 NFL Draft approached.
San Francisco addressed that need by using one of its three fourth-round picks on cornerback Ephesians Prysock—a lengthy defender measuring just over 6-foot-3 with arms exceeding 33 inches.
Prysock's 6-foot-8½ wingspan ranks in the 96th percentile among cornerbacks, and he immediately becomes the tallest defensive back on the 49ers' roster. Drafting a player of his size is likely a direct response to the physical wide receivers across the NFC West, giving San Francisco a matchup-specific option on the outside.
His length and frame make him a natural boundary corner, where he can use the sideline to his advantage. Prysock's reach helps shrink passing windows and gives him a better chance to make plays on the football at the catch point.
Although he lacked flashy interception numbers in college, Prysock tallied 20 passes defensed over the past three seasons. He also earned a solid 76.5 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2025.
"I wish he had a little more ball production, but he forced plenty of incompletions without needing to get his hands on the ball," CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner noted.
Prysock also proved effective against the run, posting at least an 81.2 run-defense grade in each of the last two seasons. He enters the NFL with great confidence in his game.
"I feel like I'm a long, versatile guy that can get in and out of breaks and transitions and that has the skillset to be one of the greatest corners," Prysock said after being drafted.
The 49ers remain confident in their current starters—Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green on the outside, with Upton Stout in the slot—and believe improved pressure from the defensive front will help the group excel. The team also added veteran depth by signing Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones to one-year deals.
That depth allows Prysock time to develop and refine his technique while adjusting to the speed of the NFL.
One area to monitor is discipline. Prysock was flagged seven times in 2025, per PFF, highlighting a tendency to get grabby after losing a step. Cleaning that up will be essential, especially with opposing offenses eager to target inexperienced defensive backs.
Early on, Prysock will likely need to carve out a role on special teams. Still, his physical traits give him a strong foundation for becoming a key contributor on defense. It will just take some patience from the coaching staff and a lot of hard work from the player.
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