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Potential 49ers defensive draft target visiting this week

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated 4/14/24

Last week, it was reported that the San Francisco 49ers planned to host former Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips on a pre-draft visit. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo confirms that the visit will take place during the upcoming week, which marks the final opportunity for such visits to occur.

Phillips will also meet with the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans this week.

Adding a noteworthy tidbit to the social media post, Garafolo mentions, "A likely second-round pick, though some evaluators have first-round grades on him."

#Kentucky CB Andru Phillips visits the #Bears, #Texans and #49ers this week, wrapping up a slate of visits that included the #Steelers, #AZCardinals, #Giants, #Eagles, #Lions and #Bills. A likely second-round pick, though some evaluators have first-round grades on him. pic.twitter.com/SvZnIT5IGx— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 15, 2024

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper recently projected Phillips to the 49ers, albeit as a second-round pick. San Francisco owns the No. 63 overall pick, which is the team's selection after No. 31 overall in the first round.

"He allowed just a single touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage over the past two seasons," Kiper wrote. "He has intriguing physical traits, but he's a little raw as a cover corner."

Phillips recorded 47 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and five passes defensed as a senior in 2023. Over the past two seasons, he has logged 78 tackles, including three for a loss, and 10 passes defensed.

"With his lower-body quickness and agility, Phillips can drive from zone or stay within arm's length downfield in man," The Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote in his analysis of the defensive back. "He prefers to play a physical brand of football, which is refreshing. However, his handsy tactics needs more subtlety, and his tackling requires better finishing control. Overall, Phillips falls short in a few categories, which leads to in-game volatility. He is battled-tested, though, with the athletic instincts and feisty toughness that will translate to any level of football."

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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