At just over 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8½ wingspan, Prysock brings rare size to the cornerback room and is now the tallest defensive back on the 49ers roster.
However, one former 49ers defensive back believes Prysock may ultimately be better suited at a different position: safety.
According to Pro Football Focus, Prysock has almost no experience at safety during his college career. Still, former 49ers safety Donte Whitner recently suggested on his podcast, The Grit Code, that San Francisco should consider a full-time transition for the first-year player.
"I don't think that he should ever step foot in the cornerbacks' room," Whitner said. "Ephesians Prysock, go straight to the safeties' room and learn the safety position, start from the beginning."
Whitner believes Prysock's rare combination of size and length could translate well to the safety position, citing the Seattle Seahawks' success in transitioning Coby Bryant from cornerback to safety before he signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Chicago Bears in March.
"This guy has all of those attributes, and you put him at free safety, you're going to have a playmaker," Whitner continued. "I'm telling you, they haven't seen anything like this, if you strictly have somebody work with him and develop him at the safety position."
Prysock showed steady development during his college career, improving his Pro Football Focus coverage grade from 57.3 in 2024 to 76.5 in 2025. He also posted strong metrics in other critical categories, including at least an 81.2 run-defense grade and a 76.1 tackling grade in each of his final two seasons.
If taken seriously, Whitner's recommendation would prompt the 49ers to make an early developmental decision: continue Prysock's development at cornerback or explore a potential transition to safety.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Writer urges 49ers to consider trading one player—at the right price
There was plenty of speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones this offseason. Many believed the team could trade Brock Purdy's backup before or during the 2026 NFL Draft. That never materialized, and Jones appears poised to remain Purdy's primary backup... -
Analyst urges 49ers to sign WR Stefon Diggs
The San Francisco 49ers made a splash in free agency this offseason by signing Mike Evans, a move that headlined the team's efforts to revamp its receiving corps. One ESPN analyst believes the 49ers shouldn't stop there. He thinks San Francisco should add another accomplished... -
Former 49ers safety makes bold prediction about Kyle Shanahan's offense in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers made a major effort this offseason to improve their wide receiver room. The biggest addition was veteran Mike Evans, who gives quarterback Brock Purdy a reliable boundary and red-zone target unlike any receiver he has had during his NFL career. The... -
Ranking the 49ers Position Groups Ahead of Training Camp
Despite the seemingly never-ending Brandon Aiyuk saga, the San Francisco 49ers have had a productive offseason, addressing several positional weaknesses and reshaping key areas of the roster. That said, a few concerns remain, and some spots still feel more unsettled than...