The San Francisco 49ers selected Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 87th overall.
It's the first pick for the 49ers this year. San Francisco selected Brown after making a trade that sent three draft picks to the Minnesota Vikings as part of the deal.
#Vikings trade 87 to San Francisco for 102, 164 and 222
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 29, 2023
The 49ers, who used their first three picks in 2023 as part of two separate trades to land quarterback Trey Lance and running Christian McCaffrey, boasted the NFL's top-ranked defense last year. San Francisco's safety depth chart includes All-Pro defensive back Talanoa Hufanga and veteran Tashaun Gipson.
Brown started two seasons at Penn State, collecting 147 tackles and 10 interceptions.
Pre-draft profile
All or nothing: That's what the team selecting Brown should expect when he steps onto the field. There's a magnet attracting the Penn State safety to the football - he's got 10 interceptions over the last two seasons - but he probably gave up a big play for each of those picks. Though he's got adequate range, Brown makes his living by reading and reacting to the quarterback. Sometimes this works in his favor, and at other times, he can get burned by his lack of discipline. However, what really makes Brown stand out is his flexibility. Not only did he play center field, but he also thrived in the box and even as a pass-rusher off the edge. Although he's an extreme gamble, there's enough bait to bite on Brown becoming a polished product.
