49ers and Kentucky DB Phillips will meet in person at the combine

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49ers and Kentucky DB Phillips will meet in person at the combine.

 

On “49ers Talk,” Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss San Francisco’s backup plan in case Dre Greenlaw’s recuperation takes longer than anticipated.

 

The 49ers are searching for a slot cover player, and they have Dru Phillips, a defensive back from Kentucky, in their sights. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Phillips had a formal interview with San Francisco, he revealed to NBC Sports Bay Area on Thursday.

 

After an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, Phillips projects as a potential third- or fourth-round draft pick. Daniel Jeremiah, an NFL draft expert, thinks Phillips will establish himself as a nickel back in his debut campaign.

 

Phillips claimed that his skill set and attitude are a good fit for the role.

 

“Playing nickel felt natural to me when I first started,” he remarked. “In my first two years, I was a cornerback. I’ve never used a nickel. In my third year, they placed me at nickel, and it made sense. I feel like going inside just fit me perfectly, given how I’d been prepping over the previous years.

 

Isaiah Oliver started as the nickel back for the 49ers in the previous campaign. Following the bye week, the 49ers made a change of direction following a run of three straight losses. Ambry Thomas in at cornerback, and starting CB Deommodore Lenoir went inside to cover the slot receiver in passing situations.

 

Because of Thomas’s difficulties, the 49ers decided to start veteran Logan Ryan at nickel back in the Super Bowl.

 

The 49ers visited with a number of defensive backs this week, including Phillips. The in-person meetings are organized by the 49ers personnel department, with coaches participating via video conference from the Bay Area.

 

“The meeting went well,” Phillips remarked. “The coaches are excellent. They appealed to me. They’ve had success with this strategy, which is fantastic. Additionally, they wish to integrate the parts and advance the situation.