4 winners from the NFL Combine who should be on the 49ers radar

Let’s look at a cornerback, a linebacker, a running back, and a center who will catch the attention of the 49ers

The scouting combine has lost a lot of its lust as more and more of the top draft picks have elected to either not run or wait another month to participate at their Pro Day. These days, the NFL Combine is for the Day 3 prospects to improve their stock, the players who didn’t produce to show they’re worth gambling on thanks to their outrageous athleticism and getting official measurements.

The San Francisco 49ers were the story of the weekend in the league after trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. But we won’t forget about the collegiate kids. Here are five winners from the weekend who the Niners should be interested in.

CB Darien Porter – Iowa State

Last year, the 49ers went the route of drafting players with perceived ceilings that were capped. In the draft community, age matters. It’s why Ricky Pearsall, Renardo Green, Dominck Puni, and Malik Mustapha were afterthoughts a year ago. Porter is 24. He was bound to fall into the same category…until this past weekend.

There were no agility numbers, but a cornerback 6’3 in cleats running a 4.3 flat with arms as long as an edge rusher should catch every NFL team’s attention.

The 49ers need to replace Charvarius Ward. Iowa State’s use of Porter is similar to Ward’s role in San Francisco. They funneled Porter targets that were low-percentage throws that essentially turned into a foot race.

He was only targeted 17 times in 2024, but most were deep throws outside of the numbers that wound up turning into a foot race. Unsurprisingly, Porter had plenty of success. He only allowed five of those 17 targets to be completed. Porter was excellent in zone coverage and a willing tackler against the run.

If an effort to overhaul their woeful special team units in 2024, Porter’s 167 special teams snaps should catch the 49ers’ eye. He covered punts and kicks and even blocked a punt. If Porter is available in the third round, he could be the Puni of the defense this season.

LB Nickolas Martin – Oklahoma State

The Niners found Dre Greenlaw in the fifth round. Dee Winters looked promising last year, and he was a sixth-rounder. Robert Saleh found Jamien Sherwood in the fifth round, and in his first season as a starter, Sherwood had 155 tackles. Day 3 has been the sweet spot for linebackers.

Martin had the highest Next Gen Stats athleticism score, at 84. He ran a 4.53-yard 40-yard dash with a 38” vertical, which is an elite time. During his run, Martin reached 22.3 miles per hour.

Martin measured 5’11 and weighed 221 pounds. Greenlaw is listed at 6’ and 227 pounds for comparison’s sake. Winters is the same weight and one inch shorter.

Martin plays with a similar, aggressive style as those two. He’s a player the 49ers should naturally gravitate toward. Martin only played in five games last season due to a right knee injury, but in 2023, he had over 100 tackles. Saleh will love Martin’s ability as a blitzer. Usage will tell you a lot about a prospect. He rushed the passer over 13 percent of the time last season. PFF gave Martin an 84.4 pass rush grade. On 27 pass rushes, Martin had nine pressures. Plus, he had 25 run stops on only 161 run snaps.

RB Bhayshul Tuten – Virginia Tech

Our own Andrew Pasquini called Tuten to the 49ers before the NFL Combine began. After Tuten, at 209 pounds, ran a 4.32 with a 1.49 10-yard split, Mr. Pasquini might be onto something.

Tuten is best suited in zone schemes. He has an elusive rating and yards after contact per attempt in the 90th percentile. He does a fine job of falling forward, but I believe he “gets what’s blocked for him” and doesn’t create as much on his own. That said, Tuten has two career kickoff returns for touchdowns, and his blinding speed and overall experience in pass protection should pique the 49ers’ interest. They’re taking a running back. It’s just a matter of when.

C Jared Wilson – Georgia

The starting center from a playoff team reached the third-highest speed among any offensive lineman during the past three seasons.

With that type of athleticism, it should be no surprise that Wilson’s strengths include climbing to the second level. I recall watching Ole Miss and Wilson blocking linebacker Chris Paul Jr. out of the screen.

It’s always difficult to project where an offensive lineman will be drafted. Wilson did not allow a sack and only surrendered one quarterback hit in 2024. He’s a Day 2 prospect the Niners should keep a close eye on and a potential Jake Brendel replacement after this season.