With speed, versatility, and matchup flexibility becoming priorities across the league, Day 2 workouts helped clarify which prospects are rising into the 49ers' potential target range — and which players may be slipping down draft boards.
Cornerbacks
Risers 📈
Chris Johnson displayed fluid movement skills and strong mirroring ability during positional drills, reinforcing his projection as a potential scheme-versatile corner. His smooth transitions and patience in coverage stood out throughout workouts.
D'Angelo Ponds impressed with elite explosiveness, highlighted by a 43.5-inch vertical jump. His quickness and short-area burst project well to nickel responsibilities at the next level, though size limitations remain a concern against larger receivers.
Malik Muhammed boosted his stock with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, confirming the recovery speed evident on film. His press ability and deep-speed traits give him developmental starter upside.
Faller 📉
Chandler Rivers delivered an average athletic profile in a deep cornerback class. Without standout testing numbers, teams may view him as a depth option rather than an early contributor.
Safeties
Risers 📈
Dillon Thieneman turned in one of the most complete safety workouts of the day, showing balanced athleticism and strong positional instincts. His versatility could appeal to teams utilizing interchangeable safety roles.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren showcased physicality and downhill-play strength, traits that translate well to run support and special-teams contributions.
Bud Clark helped himself with disciplined positional work and strong processing skills, reinforcing his reputation as a high-IQ defender.
Faller 📉
Jakobe Thomas failed to separate athletically from a competitive safety group, limiting momentum entering the next phase of evaluations.
Tight Ends
Risers 📈
Kenyon Sadiq delivered one of the most eye-catching performances of the day, reportedly running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash — elite speed for the position. His athletic profile creates mismatch potential at the receiving tight end position.
Eli Stowers impressed in receiving drills, with smooth route-running and natural hands, showing upside as a pass-catching option.
Sam Roush posted a steady, fundamentally sound workout, highlighting reliability and technical consistency.
Faller 📉
Tanner Koziol struggled to match the athletic testing marks of his peers, raising questions about his overall ceiling in a speed-heavy tight end class.
Why It Matters for San Francisco
Day 2 reinforced league-wide trends toward speed and versatility — two traits central to the 49ers' roster philosophy. Athletic cornerbacks, interchangeable safeties, and dynamic receiving tight ends remain positions to watch as San Francisco builds toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the combine is only one piece of the evaluation process, several prospects likely placed themselves firmly on the 49ers' radar.
Written By:
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown