Former Penn State Safety Ji’Ayir Brown Standing Out Early with the 49ers

Back in April, former Penn State safety Ji’Ayir Brown was selected in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL draft 87 overall by the San Fransisco 49ers. Many Penn State fans (including myself) felt that Brown should’ve gone earlier in the draft but either way, he has found the perfect home in San Fransisco.

Over the past several NFL seasons the 49ers have had one of the best defenses in the league but an area that has felt like a weak spot is in the secondary. By selecting Brown in the 2023 NFL draft, the 49ers now have the missing link on their roster.

He truly exploded onto the scene during his first year as a starter at Penn State during the 2021 season. He had 6 interceptions during that season which was tied for #1 in the country among all defensive backs. He ended his Penn State career with 16 total takeaways 10 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. In his final game with the Nittany Lions Brown was named the defensive MVP of the 2022 Rose Bowl game.

Someone who has had a phenomenal college career and is already making a great impression on the 49ers coaching staff with his performance in OTA’s.

He’s already taking first-team reps which is great in terms of Brown’s on-field experience. If he can win the starting job outright, he will put himself in a position to get a bunch of preseason game reps which will help launch his NFL career.

Former Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker is coming off of an explosive rookie season with the Chicago Bears and if Brown can follow that up with making an impact in his rookie campaign it will truly boost Penn State’s recruiting efforts for years to come.

I believe some of the spotlight needs to be on Penn State safeties coach Anthony Poindexter for the job he has done preparing these players for success at the next level.