49ers Easily Improve Secondary By Taking Renardo Green at 64

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As the second round ends, the San Francisco 49ers had the last selection after a trade with the Chiefs. While rumors have been circulating that they would be looking to move either Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk, the team focused on addressing needs to make the team better. One such need was in the secondary. With the last pick of the second round, John Lynch and the 49ers pulled the trigger and picked Renardo Green from Florida State.

Although the 49ers defense is one of the better ones in the league, cornerback has been a concern. In Green, the 49ers get an upgrade at the corner that although he may lack the "ideal" size for NFL cornerbacks, has great natural instincts in coverage and uses his hands well to disrupt the passing game of opponents. A converted safety plays physically and can finish the play strong. He had a career season in 2023 with the first sack and interception of his career, he also registered 13 pass breakups.

For the 49ers, Green should start opposite Charvarious Ward as a corner on the boundary. Green has the versatility to attack the line of scrimmage and shut down a receiver for opposing teams. Green strives as a press-man cover corner and plays with the intelligence to read and react to the play correctly. He's a fluid mover and can easily keep pace with opposing receivers and has a solid pop in his hips to change direction and close quickly. He routinely shut down the big play with his closing speed and solid tackling.

In a pass-happy league, having corners that can be left on an island and consistently make plays and eliminate options for opposing offenses is a priority. Green gives the 49ers a formidable secondary as a blanket that will keep pace with the receivers in the NFC with his 4.49 speed.

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Pick Grade - B+. The selection of Green is one where the need meets the best available. While other needs for the 49ers could have been addressed, like linebacker corner was a bigger need for the team. Solid choice and selection as the defending NFC champions get better on defense.