49ers have formal meeting with Kentucky DB Phillips at combine

INDIANAPOLIS - After experiencing a season-long need at nickel back in 2023, the 49ers can be expected to address that spot in the upcoming NFL Draft. The 49ers are looking to find someone who can cover the slot, and they have their eye on Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips. San Francisco had a formal interview with Phillips at the NFL Scouting Combine, he told NBC Sports Bay Area on Thursday. Phillips projects as a possible third- or fourth-round draft pick after he had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Phillips will earn a starting role at nickel back during his rookie season. It's a position that Phillips said is a good fit for his skillset and mindset. "For me, when I first started playing nickel, it felt natural to me," he said. "I played corner my first two years. I never played nickel. They put me at nickel in my third year, and it was natural. I feel like how I'd been preparing for the past years, it just fit me perfectly to go inside." The 49ers began last season with Isaiah Oliver as the nickel back. After a three-game losing streak, the 49ers switched things up after the bye week. Starting cornerback...