While the 49ers secondary ranked in the league's bottom half in passing yards allowed last season, its 20 interceptions tied the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most in the NFL. The unit is expected to remain formidable this season.
Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir are expected to start on the outside, with Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson handling the safety spots—with a little Ji'Ayir Brown mixed in.
Of course, some of the losses might be a cause for concern. The 49ers defense lost its defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans. Longtime Niners defensive back Jimmie Ward followed Ryans to the Houston Texans. Surprisingly, the Detroit Lions paid handsomely to pluck Emmanuel Moseley away from San Francisco. The cornerback appeared in five games last season before suffering a torn ACL.
"The Niners secondary combined to earn an 84.6 coverage grade last season, the fourth-best mark in the league," wrote Kosko. "However, safety Jimmie Ward departed in free agency, and former defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans left for the top job in Houston.
"The nickel corner/third safety role is up for grabs, but this is still a strong unit that was tough to pass on in 2022 and should be solid in 2023."
Free agent acquisition Isaiah Oliver is expected to step in at the nickel spot, a role manned by Ward last season.
"Oliver is someone that I had an opportunity to go against, having been in that division," new 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks shared in May. "And we didn't know exactly what was going to happen in free agency with Jimmie. And when [he didn't stay], we wanted to make sure that we sort of got the best nickel in free agency, and that's what we went out and did.
"So I'm excited about Oliver. He's long, he's physical, can tackle, can cover. He's going to be a good blitzer for us, everything that we do within this defense."
As for the rest of the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks came in at No. 17 within Kosko's ranking. The Arizona Cardinals sit at No. 29, while the Los Angeles Rams landed last on the list at No. 32.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Colts PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 11-4 after a 48-27 win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded 49ers:... -
49ers vs. Bears PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 12-4 after a 42-38 win against the Chicago Bears in Week 17. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded 49ers: Offense Luke... -
49ers add explosiveness to offense in PFF's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver in free agency, especially with Brandon Aiyuk's time in the Bay Area appearing to wind down. But head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may also use the 2026 NFL Draft to add another weapon... -
Could the 49ers take a late-season gamble on Trevon Diggs?
The Dallas Cowboys have released cornerback Trevon Diggs, their 2020 second-round pick, placing him on waivers Tuesday. Given his remaining salary, Diggs is unlikely to be claimed and is expected to reach free agency soon. CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan identified five potential...