SANTA CLARA -- This year might be the 49ers' best chance to win a Super Bowl, so they can't take any chances on young players who might not be ready for the playoffs.
So this week, the 49ers signed veteran defensive back Logan Ryan, who seems like just a mere backup for the stretch run. But he's backing up rookie safety Ji'Ayir Brown, who's filling in for All Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga, who's out for the season with a torn ACL.
If Brown plays well, Ryan will never see the field. But if Brown struggles, Ryan could slide right in and replace him.
On Thursday, I asked defensive coordinator Steve Wilks about Ryan and Brown. Here's what Wilks said:
ME: What does S Logan Ryan add to your defense?
WILKS: "A lot of experience, two Super Bowls and a wealth of knowledge where he can communicate and talk to these young guys, particularly on the backend. And then also just understanding he's coming into a culture that he's probably used to. These guys know how to work. They go about their business a different way each and every day. So, I think with him coming in, it's going to be a smooth and easy transition for him."
ME: What have you seen from Ji’Ayir Brown as a full-time starter?
WILKS: :I like the word confidence. He's very confident. I love how he's communicating and talking. He has really taken the initiative to be that vocal guy back there. We always say all the time the formation is talking to you, you’ve got to listen with your eyes. It's telling you certain things. He's communicating and verbalizing that with guys out there, which is allowing him to be able to play fast and be in position to make plays."
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