Analysis
4/29/23
3 min read
San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Grades 2023: Safety Ji'Ayir Brown Can Reinforce 49ers Defense
Despite lacking any first or second-round selections, the San Francisco 49ers made a total of nine NFL draft picks.
The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year’s draft, here’s how the 49ers fared:
San Francisco 49ers 2023 NFL Draft Grades
87. Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
Ji’Ayir Brown (scouting report) brings much of what Talanoa Hufanga has brought to the San Fransisco 49ers defense. He plays with excellent tempo and is quick to trigger. He will bring an attitude and play faster than his timed speed. This is good value and helps them fill in for the loss of Jimmie Ward and prepare for the aging out of Tashaun Gipson.
Grade: B
99. Jake Moody, K, Michigan
Jake Moody is the top kicker in the draft. He has a big leg and is accurate with clean mechanics. The 49ers let Robbie Gould go and needed a kicker.
Grade: C
101. Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
Cameron Latu (scouting report) is a good-looking athlete with solid movement skills, ideal size and thickness for the position but currently lacks the toughness or competitiveness needed for the NFL. For a team that values blocking tight ends, this was a surprising selection.
Grade: D-
155. Darrell Luter Jr., CB, South Alabama
Darrell Luter Jr. (scouting report) has NFL size with above-average athleticism to match. He played extremely well against UCLA this past season. He has skills and is at his best in press-man coverage.
Grade: C+
173. Robert Beal Jr., Edge, Georgia
It’s easy to get lost in a roster of 4- and 5-star prospects at Georgia, and Robert Beal Jr. (scouting report) did just that. While he has excellent length and timed speed, he doesn’t do a lot to separate himself on tape.
Grade: C
216. Dee Winters, LB, TCU
Though undersized at linebacker, Dee Winters (scouting report) brings good athleticism with a motor that runs hot. Once he corrals a carrier, he'll deliver some pop when finishing the tackle. He played a big role in TCU's run to the National Championship.
Grade: B
247. Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
Brayden Wills is an average-sized tight end with average overall athleticism and reliable hands. He has some wiggle at the top of his route but average straight-line speed. He is a wall-and-shield move blocker, not a guy who is going to dominate the line of scrimmage.
Grade: C-
253. Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
Ronnie Bell (scouting report) is a slender built, speedy receiver with good quickness and release. He has the ability to get behind defenders and take the top off the defense. He needs to improve his hands and strength to become a reliable receiving option.
Grade: B-
255. Jalen Graham, LB, Purdue
Jalen Graham had a productive career at Purdue. He has very good length and needs to add some weight. He lacks top-end speed.
Grade: C-
