49ers rookie CB Ambry Thomas would love to see Richard Sherman return

Richard Sherman indicated on Friday that he hasn't ruled out a potential return to the San Francisco 49ers, the team with which he spent the last three seasons. The veteran cornerback remains a free agent and doesn't expect his market to heat up until after the draft.

One player who would love to see Sherman back in the Bay Area is former Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas. That's because the incoming rookie got a call from the 49ers on Friday, learning that the team was making him a third-round pick.

After being drafted, Thomas was asked about Sherman, and the inquiring reporter couldn't even finish her question before the excited defender interrupted with his answer.

"It would be awesome to learn from him because I've heard he's really smart, and that's how I play my game," Thomas said. "I look for the tricks within the formations and stuff like that, and I try to read it like he does. And he's a very smart football player."

Thomas added that he admires Sherman's intelligence and seeks to elevate his game to a similar level as the five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro.

General manager John Lynch spoke with reporters after the 49ers were done with Day 2 of the draft and didn't necessarily rule out potentially bringing Sherman back. However, neither he nor head coach Kyle Shanahan sounded overly optimistic that a reunion might happen.

"You never count Sherm out," Lynch said. "Sherm, he was a big part of this culture here. A tremendous leader. I think Kyle and I both consider him a friend. And like I said, you never count him out. ... I think Sherm's being patient and kind of waiting it out for the right situation, and we'll see where that goes."