Looking back on the 49ers’ final loss in their 2021 season, one of their glaring pitfalls was their porous pass defense against Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. They are two of the premier receivers in the NFL. Still, the 49ers had no answer for them repeatedly on passing downs.
DeMeco Ryans’ defense was top-notch, and they didn’t have a dependable corner opposite of Emmanuel Moseley for the majority of the season. Rookie Ambry Thomas came along as the season went along, but I think the 49ers would ideally like to keep him as the third option in a cornerback room — not the starter on the outside.