In the ever-evolving narrative of the San Francisco 49ers, the past and future often intertwine in compelling ways. This week, that connection was vividly illustrated as a former 49ers cornerback received a prestigious honor, while a newly drafted defensive end began his journey with high expectations.​ But our journey through this story begins with a question…

Are Jason Verrett‘s professional playing days over? It’s been more than a year since the former 49ers CB, who once played under Kyle Shanahan, stepped on the field. The last time he played was in January 2024 during the regular season finale against the Cardinals. Since then, Verrett has missed action due to injuries. So, while Verrett’s playing days might be behind him, his legacy in college football remains celebrated. 

Jason’s football journey began at Angelo Rodriguez High School, where he played both offensive (RB) and defensive (CB) positions. After graduating from high school, Verrett took his talents to Santa Rosa Junior College. The Niners CB then transferred to Texas Christian University (TCU). At TCU, Jason earned first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors in 2012 and 2013. Now, 13 years later, the 33-year-old’s legacy continues to be celebrated, as he has earned a well-deserved spot in the TCU Athletics Hall of Fame. On Wednesday, OurSF49ers shared the exciting news on X. “Former #49ers CB Jason Verrett has been inducted into the TCU Athletics Hall of Fame.👏“

Jason Verrett was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers), ending a 53-year drought for TCU defensive players in the early rounds. Before him, the last was Bob Lilly, selected 13th overall by the Cowboys in 1961. Verrett joined the 49ers in 2019 after spending five seasons with the Chargers. Throughout his career, the talented cornerback has battled a persistent string of injuries. In his first year in San Francisco, Jason suffered an ankle injury during the regular season, causing him to miss Super Bowl LIV, which the 49ers eventually lost.

In his eight-year career, the 33-year-old suffered season-ending injuries six times. The 49ers briefly parted ways with him in 2023 before re-signing him to their practice squad in December that same year. But just a month later, in January 2024, Verrett tore his rotator cuff. An injury that not only ended his season but, likely, his professional career, as he hasn’t played since. 

So, while Verrett’s chapter with the 49ers appears to have quietly closed, the franchise seems ready to turn the page with fresh defensive talent. And someone is already making waves as an early favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Kyle Shanahan’s no. 11 pick as this year’s DROY?

The San Francisco 49ers had 11 picks this season, and as usual, they focused heavily on defense. With their 11th overall pick, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers brass selected Georgia Bulldogs edge rusher Mykel Williams. Standing at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, Williams had an impressive collegiate career. Over his time at Georgia, Mykel recorded 67 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. Now, Coach Kyle Shanahan’s rookie has already entered the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation.

On Wednesday, former Cowboys lineman Brian Baldinger, from NFL Network’s The Insiders, explained why Williams could be the rookie to watch for in the DROY race. Baldinger points out that the Niners are working to strengthen their defensive line. They have their star lineman, Nick Bosa, and to add more power, the team also brought in Alfred Collins. On top of that, they have Mykel Williams. Williams is coming off a high ankle sprain struggle from his college season. But we are hoping that the 20-year-old will enter the NFL healthy.

“He’s an elite talent. And if Bosa’s getting a lot of double teams, Mykel Williams has the ability to beat one-on-ones with [offensive] tackles or slide protections or anything else. Mykel Williams is in that [Defensive Rookie of the Year] conversation,” says Brian. The San Francisco 49ers will likely have Mykel Williams play alongside Bosa on the defensive line, meaning he will get a lot of time on the gridiron.

“Williams played well in two big games against Texas. But an ankle injury in Week 1 lingered all season and carried over to his pre draft testing,” writes ESPN’s Matt Miller. “He was regarded as an elite prospect entering the 2024 season and will get a chance to thrive with All-Pro Nick Bosa drawing attention opposite him. New defensive coordinator Robert Saleh can unlock Williams’ considerable potential.“

With the chance to learn from Bosa and Saleh, Mykel Williams is ready to make a big splash. Do you think he can win DROY?