The San Francisco 49ers elected to take Washington's Ephesians Prysock in the fourth round with the 139th overall pick. The NFL fell in love with his intangibles as he's one of the longest, fastest corners in his class. Yet, there are some questions about his jump to the next level and how he will develop into an NFL player. Well, former 49er star (but mostly known for his time with the Redskins) has a solution: move Prysock to safety.
This is a bit of an out-of-the-box idea, but it's not uncommon for college defensive backs to shift to a safety role when they join the NFL. He checks many of the boxes of an NFL safety, but he's never played it in college. Whitner, on his podcast "Grit Code," went so far as to say that Prysock would "wreak havoc" in the NFL at safety.
Donte Whitner believes #49ers rookie CB Ephesians Prysock should be developed as a safety:
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) May 11, 2026
“Go straight to the safeties room and learn the safety position. Start from the beginning safety position playing 1 on 1.”
Agree or disagree 🤔
H/T: @thegritcode pic.twitter.com/RLPY8iPjAa
Is a move to safety in the cards for Ephesians Prysock?
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It's not a bad idea for a lot of reasons, and Prysock is built like former NFL safety Kam Chancellor (who also moved positions). Prysock has the tools to be an elite safety, but it will also be a learning curve. Yet, if he's already needing to develop as a defensive back before he sees the field, maybe this is the move.
Are the San Francisco 49ers actually thinking about this move? So far, nothing indicates that they are making this part of the plan. In fact, there are some things that have indicated the opposite. Kyle Shannahan has spoken about the frustrating reality of playing the Seattle Seahawks and their "long and physical" corners. It's almost as if he sees Prysock in a similar mold.
However, it's too early to tell; there's only been a rookie mini-camp, and that's more evaluations and install. One video of Prysock did come out of the camp that had 49er fans excited and eager to see how he converts to the NFL level.
First look at #49ers rookie CB Ephesians Prysock 👀
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) May 8, 2026
Via: @49ers pic.twitter.com/t7uqPpzh2d
Whether he goes to safety or stays at the corner, only time will tell, but for now, there's legitimate buzz surrounding him. He has some hype going into the NFL season, even if he's not at the top of the depth chart, fans will be watching for him and looking to see how he impacts the 49er defense.
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